This Hogwarts is not normal

Hearings in the wizarding world are very similar to those in the Muggle world. They are usually held during the execution stage of a case. The parties are notified to participate in the hearing due to objections, so most of them are administrative procedures.

Just from Fudge's face, which was so gloomy that it seemed like water was about to drip out, it seemed that he wanted to direct this hearing into a judicial procedure like in a court.

“Dear representatives, participants and observers, welcome to this hearing.”

A middle-aged witch at the edge of the front row picked up a feather pen and took notes.

Fudge paused, and relaxed his expression a little. "The subject of this hearing is to explore whether the recent news of 'Voldemort's return' that has been circulating wildly at home and abroad constitutes a violation of the eleventh law recently issued by the Ministry of Magic, the 'Information Security Law'."

His voice gradually became calmer. "Host: Minister of Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Decision Speaker: Minister of Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Supervisor: Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Susan Bones and the Wizengamot members present."

His calm voice changed slightly when he saw Vincent shrug at him contemptuously.

The moderator and the decision-making spokesperson were the same person, and it was obvious that he was in control of the pace of the entire hearing.

Fudge spoke much faster. "Parties at the hearing: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore; Vincent Edward Vane."

His rhythm seemed to be disrupted, and he hurriedly pulled out a piece of parchment from the documents in front of him.

"The two parties involved in the hearing were suspected of spreading false information to the public on the evening of June 6. Among them, Vincent Edward Wayne clearly violated Article 24 of the Information Security Law: No individual or organization may invade or use——for any reason."

"Pfft——" Vincent couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Sorry." He raised his hand unapologetically to signal Fudge to continue.

Fudge was extremely emotional, his face turned red and blue, "No individual or organization may invade or use any magic base station for any reason. If violated, they will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison."

He moved his eyes away from the parchment and stared at Vincent below, "Vincent Edward Wayne, did you hack into or exploit more than one magical base station on the night of June 6th?"

"No."

There was no intrusion, and there was no exploitation either, as Vincent was using his own private magic base station.

The reason why Fudge asked the question even though he knew the answer was to lead to the second question.

"Vincent Edward Wayne, how did you achieve the live broadcast that night?"

Vincent pretended to be stupid and asked, "Live broadcast? What kind of live broadcast?"

Fudge clenched the parchment in his hand. "Recent rumors at home and abroad are about the so-called duel between the two top wizards. That is, the duel between Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, another party to the hearing, and Voldemort, who was presumed dead 14 years ago."

"Well..." Vincent nodded solemnly, "I'm using the magic base station I set up personally. Is there a problem?"

Fudge's cold voice sounded: "According to Article 10 of the Information Security Law, no individual or organization may privately set up a magic base station without permission. Violators will face a fine of up to gold galleons and confiscation of all related equipment."

He stared at Vincent with eyes full of mockery, "Vincent Edward Wayne, the party at the hearing, do you admit that you have violated the relevant laws?"

This temporary eleventh decree has retroactive effect and is a violation regardless of whether it is recognized or not.

But before Vincent could answer, Ogden, a legal expert and one of the Wizengamot members behind Fudge, raised a question: "Moderator and decision-making spokesperson, I think the retroactive period of the eleventh decree is unreasonable."

Fudge sneered, "The eleventh decree has been approved by the Wizengamot's temporary legislative resolution. If you have any doubts, please raise them separately after the hearing."

Ogden frowned, a trace of anger flashing in his eyes. "The temporary legislative resolution of the eleventh decree did not notify all Wizengamot members to be present, and there were not many legal experts participating in the vote. Its rationality is questionable."

Marchbank also expressed his dissatisfaction. "The passage of the eleventh decree is based on a temporary resolution initiated during the emergency period. I would like to ask the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, what is the basis for your judgment on the emergency period?"

The doubts raised by the two Wizengamot elders made Fudge's face suddenly turn purple.

If normal procedures are followed, the 11th Act would have to undergo years of discussion and research if it is to have retroactive effect.

Temporary resolutions during emergencies were a little trick played by Fudge. After all, the Wizengamot was not the Ministry of Magic, and he could not have the final say.

Marchbank was particularly impatient. "Cornelly Oswald Fudge, please answer my question."

This is a hearing under administrative procedures. If it were a trial under judicial procedures, she would not have the opportunity to raise any questions.

Fudge's eyes were red, and he almost shouted, "My basis is that the two parties involved in the hearing spread rumors and caused panic among the people. I suspect they are trying to divide the British wizarding community!"

The whole audience was in an uproar, and the entire Tenth Courtroom fell into deathly silence.

After a brief moment of surprise, discussions broke out.

Vincent in the dock crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows at Dumbledore beside him.

"Silence!" Fudge gasped. "Based on the actions of the two parties involved in the hearing, I believe that the British wizarding world has entered a state of emergency. It is imperative to issue stricter laws!"

The tenth courtroom fell into deathly silence again.

"Dear host—" Dumbledore's unhurried voice suddenly rang out, "Spreading rumors to create panic and attempt to divide the British wizarding community. This is a very serious accusation. You must produce relevant evidence."

Fudge clenched his fists and took a deep breath, "Of course I have evidence, and it's ironclad evidence!"

Vincent crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and looked like he was ready to watch a good show.

If there was any irrefutable evidence, he and Dumbledore would have been tried long ago, and there would be no need for this hearing.

Fudge raised his hand sternly, "Call the witnesses!"

It turned out to be a witness, which was beyond Vincent's expectation. He originally thought it was a "soft evidence and hard accusation" game.

It took Dawlish a while to leave Courtroom 10, and he didn't know if it was because the witness was unwilling to attend.

After waiting for nearly 10 minutes, the tightly closed door was finally opened.

The first to come in were the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic, a total of 12. After entering, they went straight to the dock and the witness stand.

Next came Dawlish, holding two thick iron chains in his hands.

There were two figures following behind him, and these two should be the witnesses that Fudge mentioned.

When the audience saw the two people's appearance clearly, they were shocked again.

……

……