Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 377 Full of Confidence and Anticipation for Tomorrow
As the door to the minister's office closed behind Weasley, Fudge's concern and anxiety quickly faded, replaced by a kind and friendly smile.

"Alright, now we can have a proper talk, Mr. Blake."

After saying this, he shifted his gaze from Sirius Black and then glanced at Sherlock beside him.

Fudge's smile vanished again, replaced by a serious expression.

His ability to change his expression so quickly is almost indistinguishable from that of Ochumelov.

"Mr. Holmes."

Fudge's tone was polite, but the implication couldn't be clearer.

"We need to discuss some highly sensitive operational details and coordination of some internal procedures within the department."

As a third-grade student, these are things you shouldn't know.

So, you should understand what I mean, right?

Although he didn't finish his sentence, his gaze was fixed on the doorway.

Harry frowned immediately after hearing Fudge's hint that Sherlock should leave.

Is this Minister of Magic simply forgetful, or what?

Wasn't the lesson learned in the principal's office last time enough?

He had already told him that Sherlock was the key figure who discovered the truth from twelve years ago!

I thought he had taken my words to heart, but I didn't expect him to be so stubborn!

With that in mind, Harry prepared to step forward and stand up for Sherlock.

This is one of the few opportunities he can help Sherlock, and he must not let it slip by.

However, this time someone was faster than him.

Dumbledore, who had been sitting in his high-backed armchair observing the situation, shifted slightly.

His deep blue eyes, behind his half-moon spectacles, rippled slightly like the surface of a calm lake. His gaze seemed to casually sweep over Sherlock before settling on Fudge.

"Connelly".

The voice was calm and gentle, yet it decisively cut off Fudge's impending dismissal.

"As I just told you, although Mr. Holmes is attending this meeting as an observer, he is essentially the mastermind behind this case."

Of course, you may not believe me, but since I have vouched for him and Harry to attend this trial together, neither of them should be absent from any conversation.

Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Fudge's expression changed.

“If you want Sherlock to leave, then I’ll go with him,” Sirius Black said after Dumbledore.

“Me too,” Harry promptly followed.

Professor Snape let out a distinct sneer.

Fudge's facial muscles twitched again.

The polite smile he had been maintaining froze completely, and a glint of surprise and anger flashed in his eyes.

He glanced quickly at Dumbledore, then at Sirius and Harry, and immediately sensed their determination.

Normally, he wouldn't mind letting people stay.

However, what he was about to say would damage the prestige of the Ministry of Magic and himself as Minister, so naturally, the fewer people who knew about it, the better.

They had originally planned to take them by surprise and seize the initiative, using the momentum of driving away Arthur Weasley to also send Sherlock away.

I never expected that this student would have such a strong guarantor.

Fudge still wouldn't give up, and turned to Sherlock again, speaking in a clearly suggestive tone:
"How about this, if Holmes himself is willing..."

In his view, Sherlock was just a student after all. Even outstanding student representatives like Percy, the student council president, would be trembling with fear when they saw him. A mere third-year student was easy to capture.

To everyone's surprise, Sherlock completely ignored Fudge's gaze and said with a smile:

“Of course I would like to stay, Your Excellency Minister.”

Sherlock was well aware of Fudge's thoughts.

The other person's naiveté even made him find it somewhat amusing.

All I can say is that someone like him is incredibly lucky to have become Minister of Magic.

"Okay, fine, but you have to promise that you won't tell anyone anything that happened in this office today once you leave this office!"

Seeing that his plan to distract Sherlock had failed, Fudge's voice was a little dry, and he could only force a consolation.

Seeing that things were not going to work, he immediately changed course.

On the one hand, he avoided Dumbledore's direct gaze, as if the abrupt suggestion had never happened.

On the other hand, he quickly refocused his attention on Sirius Black, stating unequivocally:
“Black! I was just talking to some professors about how Peter Pettigrew’s crimes are too numerous to count!”
The evidence is irrefutable; only one fate awaits him—a Dementor's kiss!

Seeing that Sirius didn't give the expected answer, Fudge coughed awkwardly and continued:

"Given the current situation, the public needs a strong signal!"
The Ministry of Magic also needs a stable image!

You know, it's about your cooperation with the Ministry of Magic to leave Azkaban..."

He took a deep breath, pondered for a moment, and then succinctly stated the core issue:
"Blake, actually I need a little bit of your cooperation."

When you testify in the dock later, I hope you will properly mention how you bravely and fearlessly evacuated from Azkaban and subsequently found Peter Pettigrew.

The key point is to point out that all your actions are in line with a secret order from the higher-ups at the Ministry of Magic—to investigate Peter's whereabouts.

That way, we can perfectly explain that report!

Fudge stared intently at Sirius and spoke rapidly:

"This not only demonstrates your heroic courage and proves your innocence, but also proves that Azkaban's defenses are under our precise strategic control."

What was previously mistaken for a prison break was actually a cooperative operation authorized by the authorities!

This would greatly enhance the prestige of the Ministry of Magic!
This is a good thing for all of us!

After Fudge finished speaking, the office fell silent.

Harry now understood why Fudge had wanted Sherlock to leave.

Clearly, in his eyes, the fewer people who know about this, the better.

However, Fudge never expected that the person who put pressure on the Ministry of Magic and brought about this situation was none other than Sherlock's brother, Mycroft.

If he knew about this, he probably wouldn't have the same attitude now.

Harry looked at the Hogwarts professors. Dumbledore's expression remained calm, and no emotion could be seen behind his half-moon spectacles.

Professor McGonagall's face tightened, Lupin's eyes were filled with worry, and Snape let out another very low, disdainful snort.

As for Sherlock, he stood there, seemingly casually looking around Fudge's office, as if he hadn't heard Fudge's words at all.

However, Fudge couldn't care less about the third-year student he had just wanted to kick out.

He stared intently at Sirius, awaiting his reply.

Then look at Sirius; he listened quietly the whole time Fudge was speaking.

This was precisely why Fudge had mustered the courage to tell the whole story. He sensed that there was hope!

However, when Fudge finished speaking and looked at him with hopeful eyes, he suddenly erupted:
"You mean, to save your pathetic face and your lying report, I should swear an oath to everyone?"

Do you want me to tell everyone that the twelve years I spent in that damned Azkaban were part of a carefully orchestrated plan by you and the Ministry of Magic?

If that's the case, then I must tell you, Mr. Minister, you're utterly naive—"

broken!

Upon hearing this, Fudge's expression changed drastically.

Just then, Dumbledore spoke up, interrupting Sirius Black's impending scathing rebuke:
"Sirius, we need to consider not only the present, but also the future."

At such a critical juncture, a stable and authoritative Ministry of Magic is essential for combating the forces of darkness.

When Dumbledore saw Sirius looking at him, he smiled slightly:
"Sometimes, the form of cooperation can be... more flexible."

Be more flexible...

Sirius took a deep breath upon hearing this.

He remembered the letter he had received the previous night.

Dumbledore had already mentioned this in his letter.

Fighting Voldemort requires strength, and it requires uniting everyone who can be united.

This includes compromises reached with abhorrent authorities.

If we don't do this, it's tantamount to pushing that force to the other side.

Sirius Black may be reckless, but he's not stupid.

So when he received the letter last night, although he didn't reply, he had already decided to agree to Dumbledore's request.

After discussing this matter with Sherlock today and hearing his answer, I am even more convinced of this idea.

However, upon seeing Fudge's face, he suddenly became furious and completely forgot about the matter.

Fortunately, Dumbledore spoke up in time, preventing him from saying anything too extreme and avoiding an irreparable situation.

Thinking of this, he suddenly turned back and looked at Fudge again.

He looked tense, as if he was waiting for me to speak.

His contempt deepened, but he still slowly spoke:
“When I testify, I will mention that the prison break was carried out with the knowledge of the Ministry of Magic.”

Sirius's reply was simple, and regarding Fudge's earlier use of words that disgusted him, such as instructions, directives, and cooperation, he only said that the Ministry of Magic was aware of the matter.

Upon hearing this, Fudge's face instantly went from pale to flushed, and his eyes flashed with immense relief and the triumph of his plan succeeding.

He selectively ignored the reservations in Sirius's words.

This explanation is sufficient for the Ministry of Magic to use to mislead the public and explain the investigation report.

"Oh! Blake! I knew you were a smart guy! A smart guy!"

Fudge almost cheered, patting Sirius on the shoulder as if they were truly close comrades-in-arms.

"The Ministry of Magic will never forget your contributions!"
In recognition of your extraordinary courage in exposing Peter Pettigrew, a major event threatening the safety of the wizarding world, and for the crucial assistance you provided to the Ministry of Magic.

I, Cornelius Fudge, will, in the name of the Minister of Magic, award you the Order of Merlin after this public trial concludes!

Fudge's face was plastered with insincere gratitude.

He continued to emphasize selfless cooperation, striving to package the deal as a perfect triumphant return and a harmonious combination of official recognition.

This behavior plunged the office into silence once again.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips tightly, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Lupin looked at Sirius with a gaze filled with sympathy and a hint of helplessness.

Snape's lips curled into an extremely sarcastic and cold smile in the shadows, as if he were witnessing the most absurd comedy.

Harry felt a strong sense of unease, finding Fudge's smile as glaringly ironic.

Dumbledore watched this scene calmly, his face expressionless.

Sherlock remained calm, just like him.

Fudge's various actions once again confirmed one thing for Sherlock.

Even after serving as Minister of Magic for several years, Cornelius Fudge's abilities were still far from impressive.

Having been in this position for a long time and hearing so much flattery, one might actually start to believe that they are exceptionally capable.

He mistakenly took everything the platform and position gave him as his own abilities.

Take the Order of Merlin medal, for example.

They wouldn't bring it up until Sirius agreed to cooperate.

It has a petty, narrow-minded feel to it.

The phrase "virtue does not match one's position" best describes this person.

Fudge was unaware of the attitudes of those present towards him. He breathed a sigh of relief, his face once again plastered with a slick smile, as if he had accomplished a major diplomatic mission.

"That was a wise choice, Sirius!"
This is the best arrangement for all of us!

So……"

Fudge turned to the crowd, his tone regaining its authoritative urgency, "There's no time to lose, we can't delay any longer in the interrogation room! Everyone, please come this way!"

He walked to the door first, opened the gleaming wooden door himself, made an inviting gesture, and looked at Dumbledore with eager eyes.

With the outcome decided, Fudge is now filled with confidence and looking forward to tomorrow.

It is believed that after this trial, news of Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge's wisdom and prowess in revealing the truth will spread throughout the entire wizarding world.

Dumbledore stood up at that moment and said slowly, "Indeed, the time is almost up."

He walked out the door first, followed closely by the others.

As soon as he stepped out of the office, a young wizard immediately ran over.

“This is my assistant, Rufus,” Fudge said, looking at him and asking, “Where is this?”

The latter immediately said:
"The Tenth Trial Chamber, those trial chambers haven't been used for many years—except for the trials of those Death Eaters who followed the Mystic back then..."

"Just ask where you are; there's no need to mention anything unrelated to that."

Fudge interrupted Rufus because he suddenly remembered that Sirius Black had been sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban without trial.

“Minister Fookie, I’m not such a petty person.”

Sirius said calmly, "Since I've already agreed to cooperate, I won't care about things that are in the past."

"Yes, yes, that's for the best!"

Seeing how polite Fudge was to Sirius, Rufus couldn't help but glance at Sirius a few more times.

He didn't notice that Sherlock also glanced at him a couple more times.

(End of this chapter)