Snape, the Sunshine of Hogwarts.

Chapter 63 Minister's Office

The moment Dumbledore finished speaking, the wizards on the platform began their final vote.

The jurors, dressed in purple robes and uniforms, did not look at anyone's face, but either raised their arms or remained seated.

Apart from Severus, whose expression remained calm, both Bloodny and Volpe couldn't help but nervously look up at the wizards who had raised their hands.

However, there were many arms that rose up, and before they could count them carefully, Dumbledore's voice rang out again.

"Raise your hand if you agree that the charges are valid."

This time, all the arms that were originally raised were lowered, leaving only three or four arms raised!

Among them was the expressionless Barty Crouch.

Both Bloodny and Volpe showed excited surprise on their faces.

The radio host over there was spitting everywhere into the microphone, excitedly announcing the final voting results to the listeners!

"The majority votes in favor of the charges being dropped; Severus Snape, Sanjini Bruch, and Elder Wolpe are innocent!"

Dumbledore's final pronouncement echoed in the courtroom.

Someone stood up and started clapping, and then more jurors rose from their seats and applauded enthusiastically!
Severus's gaze, however, remained fixed on Minister of Magic Bagno.

The female minister, with whom he had never interacted before, had already raised her hand in the vote against it.

And Severus could clearly see that she was the one who took the initiative to stand up and applaud first!
Severus was not surprised by the final vote. He knew that Dumbledore would not put him in Azkaban, and even if the vote was completely reversed, he would certainly have other ways to exonerate himself.

Bagno's statement, on the contrary, left Severus somewhat uncertain.

His actions of using public opinion to create momentum are essentially a slap in the face to the Ministry of Magic.

Especially Scringer, Crouch, and the Minister Bagno in front of them, because they were the ones who decided to issue the most wanted warrant.

This left Bagno, who could have peacefully awaited retirement, with a minor stain on her record before she left. In the future, if any wizards mention her as minister, they might bring up her foolish act of not investigating the matter properly and mistakenly issuing the most wanted warrant.

So, logically speaking, even if Bagno didn't hold a grudge against him, he shouldn't have been very fond of him. What does his current attitude mean?
Just as Severus was pondering, the voice of Minister Bagno rang out again.

"We just heard a truly heartfelt speech. Severus Snape proved with his actions and words that he was genuinely determined to make a change!"

Bagno delivered his concluding speech in an appreciative and praising tone.

"Albus Dumbledore vouched for him during the trial eight years ago, and today, he has saved himself!"

"This is enough to show that since the end of that long period of chaos, the Ministry of Magic has completely eliminated the negative influence left by the mysterious man! It also proves the decisions and choices we made during that Great Trial!"

"The most heinous villains are sent to Azkaban, while the reformed and repentant are given new opportunities!"

"We have every reason to believe that the future of the British magical community will be even brighter, and the future of wizards is very promising!"

The applause grew even louder and more enthusiastic.

Her voice was transmitted to every household in the magical world via radio.

Even Severus was somewhat stunned at this moment.

His nearly 10 years as minister was no small feat, especially considering he took over the dilapidated Ministry of Magic during Voldemort's most powerful period.

With just a few words after the court verdict, she almost completely reversed the negative impact of signing the maximum arrest warrant! Afterwards, if she could just shift the blame a little and say that the application was issued by Scrimgeour and Crouch and that she was only responsible for signing it, the impact of this incident on her could be minimized.

Sure enough, you can say that British civil servants are inactive, but you can't say they lack the means!

Severus gave the minister a deep look, patted the still excited and unresponsive Bloody Volpe with both hands, and led them to bow to the judges on the platform to express their gratitude and respect.

This brought a very fitting end to the trial, which ended happily for all.

Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, Lucius had already used every word he could think of to describe Severus as cunning and treacherous.

The Weasleys cheered; though shocked by Severus's change, they were happy to see this outcome.

Most of the other British wizards who were also concerned about this matter were satisfied with and approved of the outcome.

Only a small number of people had some prejudice against Severus Snape (actually, it wasn't really prejudice), and no matter what he said or did, they didn't believe he could really become like that!
But regardless of public opinion, the verdict is already set in stone.

When the court session in Wizengamo ended and was dismissed, Severus chatted briefly with the now completely relaxed Henney Volpe, then told them to take Patty with them and left, while he turned and walked to a corner outside the courtroom.

Dumbledore was right there waiting for him.

After the two faced each other, Dumbledore smiled and praised them.

"A brilliant speech, and an unexpected change, Severus. Many people will remember what you said in court today for the rest of their lives."

"That way, my every move will be watched by others, to see if what I said today was sincere or a complete lie, right?" Severus shrugged.

Dumbledore simply looked at him calmly.

"People always have to be responsible for what they say. It's just that some people feel that lies spoken easily will not bring them any consequences, while others carefully consider every word they say."

Severus smiled too.

"Then I'm definitely the latter, you believe me, right?"

Dumbledore did not answer; he simply turned away and said something.

“At least Harry Potter believed it. I gave the boy a choice, allowing him to go back to his aunt’s house, but he still chose to follow you. He said you taught him a lot.”

Severus followed the old man on his own initiative. He knew that Dumbledore had deliberately waited for him here, and it certainly wasn't just to say some polite words.

"This shows that Harry is smart and didn't go astray in that kind of family environment."

“Horace sent me a letter before today’s trial began, in which he agreed to teach at Hogwarts in your place, but your last words clearly gave him exactly what he wanted,” Dumbledore continued.

"It's about saving face, Professor Slughorn likes that."

“You’ve gained the Dursleys’ trust, your position has been filled, and Mr. Potter has no objections, so there’s nothing wrong with your initial request to me. However, besides the court hearing today, there’s someone else who wants to meet with you privately.”

Dumbledore led Severus into the Ministry of Magic's elevator and to the top floor.

As he stepped out of the elevator, Severus felt a slight unease; he knew perfectly well which department's office was on the top floor.

It does not belong to any particular office, but belongs solely to one person; all the wizards working on this floor are serving that one person.

This is—the Minister's office!

(End of this chapter)