Chapter 374

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Trying not to inadvertently look at the rest of those present, which can be regarded as a search for support, I put a serious expression on my face.

"This seemingly rather ordinary incident, apart from the location, is the key one. A turning point. If the ministry now goes along with the influence of the old families, covering their desire to protect their children, it will discredit all authority. These oldest families will finally be convinced of their impunity if they cover their tracks a little better. They will continue to carry out their propaganda about the revival of the Dark Lord, thereby mocking the minister and his cabinet. It is in this case, at this moment, gathering the will in a fist, the Ministry and Minister Fudge will show that the government is strong and united as never before."

Umbridge stared at me silently for several seconds.

"The small group of the Wizengamot will not vote in your favor."

"Small? You see, Professor, Miss Granger is my ward under a mentoring contract, and I myself am a member of the Wizengamot representing the interests of the House of Black, and I take full responsibility for Miss Granger's actions in this incident."

"How incredible the twists and turns of life can sometimes be!" Umbridge smiled again, not even doubting my words. It is understandable — such a lie is easy to check, and the punishment can be severe. "In order to have some more specific opinion on the situation, I would like to look at the memories."

" I can help you with that," Dumbledore got up from his chair. "Please, Professor, I happen to have the Pensieve lying around..."

Then Madame Bones expressed a desire to get acquainted with the memoirs, and Mr. Guber made another copy and immediately notarized the document of their authenticity. The authenticity of the copies, but the quality check and the authenticity of the memories themselves will be confirmed by the ministry's Legilimens if I order such a service. It is rarely ordered because they don't have any legal force, which means that they are useless.

When everyone in the person of three people plunged into the Pensieve, Moody, banging his staff and prosthesis on the floor, came up to me.

"You owe me a bottle of good firewhisky, lad," he grinned. "I learned too much about myself and my preferences today from the mouth of that bitch Bones. This needs to be filled with excellent swill."

"No problem. Where should I send it to you?"

"Take it to headquarters. And make sure there are no additives in it. I know you..."

Moody trudged to his corner, and I couldn't resist and, without any wands and verbal formulas, without even moving my hand, sent a Stinging Jinx into him. An inaudible and almost invisible fast beam of the spell that was about to sting the retired auror in one place suddenly came across the tip of the staff that seemed to flash by accidentally.

"Such a genius, and yet such a rookie," grinned Alastor, not turning around and continuing to move. "Constant vigilance!"

It took fifteen minutes for the ladies and Dumbledore himself, who was interested in the events, to review the memories provided, after which they all returned to their empty seats. There was no place for smiles anymore.

" I can say with confidence," Umbridge looked us over ""that the minister will be interested in what happened. But the final decision is his."

"It's okay," I smiled. "Even if a decision is made not in my favor, I will use the right of a representative of the House in the Wizengamot to resolve issues of encroachments on the honor of my ward."

"What kind, may I ask? Umbridge smiled again. "As far as I remember, a duel of honor is allowed only between equals in status or achievements, or a wizard of the corresponding status must be placed."

I simply showed my hand with the Ouroboros ring.

"Master of Transfiguration, at your service. As far as I know, there are no Grandmasters in the Wizengamot and among the Houses of those involved in the case, so..."

Actually, I wasn't planning on revealing this nuance just yet. Still, perhaps it could affect the final decision of Umbridge and the Minister, which means that the members of the Wizengamot who support him will already be on our side. So will the neutrals and, so to speak, the Dumbledore's supporters - most of them, as well as some of the pure-bloods, because today are Greengrass and tomorrow are their children. Everyone understands that, so should Amelia Bones, whose niece is in the same year with us but at Hufflepuff.

"Amazing!" exclaimed Umbridge in amazement, and the others almost dropped their jaws. Only Dumbledore and Moody were grinning at something. "Since when does Hogwarts produce masters?"

"Apparently," the Headmaster grinned into his beard, "right from now."

On this note, our impromptu and unpredictable meeting came to an end, and I went to bed with a clear conscience. I still need to come up with a way to protect the Greengrass girls, or at least have an emergency, fast and effective communication with them.