Chapter 211: The Truth

"Arthur, did you go too hard today?"

Hermione asked anxiously as they entered.

When Arthur agreed to the duel at first, the girls were worried about his safety and the risk of revealing his true identity.

However, after Arthur easily won the duel, they worried that he might have been too rough, which made it hard to explain to Dumbledore what had happened.

"Even if Dumbledore himself were here, he wouldn't refuse Scrimgeour's challenge. It's a matter of his pride," Arthur reassured them.

"Besides, I showed some restraint, and those people will recover by tomorrow morning."

Hearing his confident reply, the girls felt a bit relieved and then discussed the spells Arthur had used.

Luna was curious about the magic Arthur used, but unfortunately, it was a talent from his Thunderbird Bloodline that he couldn't teach her.

However, he could teach them some simple lightning spells.

The next day came, and Scrimgeour and his followers returned to normal.

In the Great Hall, they looked embarrassed and nervous, and the other students looked at them like they were watching circus clowns.

They were clearly talking about yesterday's duel.

Scrimgeour regretted not announcing the Ministry of Magic's decision before challenging Albus.

Actually, he shouldn't have challenged him at all!

He cursed Dumbledore in his heart, thinking the old man was tricking him by pretending to be weak.

Scrimgeour quickly told everyone what the Ministry had decided and left two of his followers to carry it out. He was also getting ready to leave.

Today, there were fewer audience members than last night, as many pure-blood from Slytherin had run after seeing Dumbledore's strength.

They didn't want to stay because they were afraid Dumbledore would challenge them.

Also, the Daily Prophet reporter faithfully recorded yesterday's whole process and Scrimgeour's embarrassing expression just now.

"Wait, I have something to announce!"

Arthur interrupted, causing Scrimgeour's face to change.

What did this mean? Was Dumbledore going to hold him accountable?

Arthur exchanged a look with Snape, who nodded and left the teacher's seat, heading to his office.

"Dumbledore, don't we have everything covered? I have to take care of other important business at the Ministry,"

Scrimgeour said with a forced smile.

"Don't worry, Scrimgeour. What I'm about to say concerns Sirius Black,"

Arthur replied.

Scrimgeour's face eased a bit as he wondered if Dumbledore had captured Black and wanted to hand him over to him.

"However, before that, let me tell you a story that starts from Voldemort's time..."

As Dumbledore mentioned that name, everyone shuddered and turned pale, but they forced themselves to listen.

When they learned that Harry's parents were heroes who fought Voldemort and escaped from him three times, they all showed admiration.

As the story went on, and they heard that Harry's father had used the powerful Fidelius Charm to protect their home, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"Professor, if that's the case, how were Harry's parents found by You-Know-Who?"

Fred blurted out, playing the role of perfect funny relief.

"It must be Black!"

Some clever young wizards immediately connected it to the recent fugitive Sirius Black and angrily accused him of being the traitor.

"Yes!"

Arthur raised his voice and shut out everyone else's talking.

"This is also the reason why Sirius was imprisoned. Everyone believed he betrayed justice and his best friend!"

"But what I want to say today is that all these years, the Ministry of Magic has been wrongfully accusing an innocent man. The true culprit is Peter Pettigrew, the small and short guy who disappeared thirteen years ago!"

The noisy Great Hall fell silent as all the young wizards were surprised, unable to speak.

Even the professors on stage were surprised by what happened.

"Dumbledore, you must be responsible for your words!"

Scrimgeour couldn't sit still and stood up angrily.

"This matter has been settled long ago. Peter Pettigrew was killed by Black in the explosion, along with over ten innocent Muggles!"

Arthur ignored him and continued at his own pace.

"I know this sounds ridiculous, and you might not believe it, but I had Professor Snape bring both involved parties from that year."

At that moment, Snape had control of Sirius and Peter and led them into the Great Hall.

Harry excitedly greeted Sirius with a warm hug and gave Peter a disgusted look.

Peter Pettigrew looked miserable, with lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling, emitting a foul smell.

Some nearby girls got scared and hid behind their friends.

Arthur noticed it and saw how pitiful Peter looked. He must have been tortured by Snape for the past few days.

The close interaction between Harry and Sirius made many people doubt whether Black was really the murderer.

Arthur pointed to Peter and spoke, "This man is Peter Pettigrew. He is an illegal Animagus. For over ten years, he transformed into a rat and hid in the Weasley family."

Ron's face turned pale when he heard this, but he still stood up to show that Dumbledore was telling the truth.

Fred and George were also terrified.

They had enjoyed teasing Scabbers along with Ron in the past. Percy had a similar expression, looking as if he had just eaten a dead rat.

After all, Scabbers was Percy's pet before he was given to Ron!

...

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