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Chapter 200: Why Don't You Believe Him?!
A cold sweat broke out across Fudge's forehead.
He wiped his face nervously with a handkerchief and said in a strained voice, "Darren Porter… think carefully. If you admit to this crime, your reputation will be ruined. From now on, everyone will know that you did something like this, that you had dealings with Death Eaters. Are you really willing to accept that?"
He tried to threaten the boy.
But Darren didn't flinch. He didn't even take Fudge's words seriously. All he wanted was for Fudge to let him speak the truth. Forcing him to court in such a rush had been pointless—he would not be intimidated.
He sat there, expressionless, guilt written thickly across his face, no trace of fear or regret, only self-blame.
"Minister," he said quietly, "I've already decided to confess to this crime. Do whatever you must to me… just release them… just… no, I can accept anything…"
His words slipped out naturally, the panic in his eyes replaced by quiet resolve.
The Wizengamot members, who had been speculating silently, immediately realized something.
Fudge has gone too far this time.
Here was a child—innocent, kind—and Fudge had threatened him to protect his own interests. Who else would be willing to endure this?
Many members of the Wizengamot exchanged looks of contempt. They understood Fudge's fear of Dumbledore, but threatening a child to harm Dumbledore's reputation was cruel beyond measure. Fudge was effectively blaming Darren for the Death Eaters' attack.
They glanced at Dumbledore. His expression was grave, his blue eyes full of restrained anger. None of them had ever seen the headmaster look this furious. Fudge was in deep trouble.
Yet Fudge himself remained unaware of the full scope. He had never directly threatened Darren—at least not in a way he would consciously admit. He only wanted to gather evidence to counter Dumbledore, but he had been too impatient.
Darren's refusal to back down left Fudge unsettled.
What should I do now? he thought. The trial is in Umbridge's hands, and I have no control.
Wiping the sweat from his brow again, he suddenly asked, "Why not… use the truth serum?"
"No, Minister! Haven't you forgotten your promise?" one of the students called out immediately.
"You promised that the truth serum would not be used. It has already been banned as contraband!"
The six students nearby panicked. They remembered the bribes Fudge had taken from their families and knew the consequences if he went back on his word.
"Quiet!" Fudge barked, turning his anger on them.
Then he fixed his gaze on one of the students—Conte, the very boy who had accused Darren of deliberately letting the Death Eaters escape.
"Conte," Fudge said sharply, "is there anything false in your previous accusations against Darren?"
He hoped for a simple answer: that Conte would admit lying. That would absolve Darren, and no scandal would reach the Daily Prophet.
But Conte didn't respond. He looked to his peers, each of whom had deliberately spread false accusations to make Darren seem guilty. They had carefully memorized every word, making sure no single voice would undermine the others.
"No, Minister Fudge," Conte said stubbornly. "I didn't lie… Besides, Darren Porter himself did not deny it. Why do you refuse to believe him?"
Fudge felt as if he might choke. He wanted to believe Darren, but the confessions the boy had made were so absurd that they seemed impossible. These students had manipulated events so that Darren would appear guilty—but now the boy had spoken for himself, using a phantom transfiguration spell nobody could understand.
Fudge's anger and frustration peaked. He realized he had never allowed anyone near Darren, had immediately taken him after waking, and now was confronted with a pile of accusations—including intentional homicide. Darren had allegedly stood by while others died and then cast spells over them.
Before Fudge, these claims had been laughable. No sane person would admit such crimes. But Darren… Darren had confessed. His kindness and sense of justice had led him to take responsibility in a way that seemed almost impossible.
This boy is so good, it's infuriating, Fudge thought.
"In this state, Darren Porter is obviously… beyond my control," he muttered, realizing that his influence over the trial was limited.
"Therefore, this session of the trial is adjourned. We will reconvene tomorrow, and I expect everyone to be present!"
Fudge stood abruptly, glancing at Dumbledore with a pleading look. Take care of your student… please handle this child carefully.
Dumbledore smiled calmly and shook Fudge's hand, a silent agreement to his concern. He would ensure Darren received proper psychological care, and that, whatever happened, Darren would be allowed to speak his truth.
As they prepared to leave, a swarm of reporters suddenly appeared outside the courtroom, followed closely by wizarding parents. They pressed forward, eager to question the Ministry.
"Headmaster Dumbledore… regarding Darren Porter, a second-year student at Hogwarts who was attacked and tortured… how do you respond?"
"Yes, Headmaster, surely you must have known about this?"
"Minister Fudge, when you authorized the harshest possible trial against Darren Porter, did you truly believe the victim was guilty?"
"Dumbledore…"
"Minister…"
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