Peter's unusual behavior quickly caught the attention of those around him; mainly because his current state was extremely abnormal.
If not for Scrimgeour having already confirmed his identity earlier, some might even have suspected that he was conjured by Dumbledore using Transfiguration Technique.
Or perhaps under the control of Imperio... Although this thought was somewhat absurd, it wasn't entirely impossible.
Soon, Scrimgeour walked over again.
But after all, he was just an Auror, not a Healer from St Mungo's Hospital, and faced with such a situation, he didn't know precisely what to do; he could only perform some standard charm tests.
"No issues," Scrimgeour shook his head and said, "I think he might have been subjected to some shock, unable to accept it temporarily, which made him like this."
Fudge breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, what he feared most hadn't happened.
"I suggest we pause the re-examination!" Crouch suddenly said, "His current condition clearly makes him unfit for questioning. I believe he should be sent to St Mungo's first, and once he can communicate normally, the re-examination can proceed."
On the steps behind him, several people immediately raised their hands in agreement.
"I agree..."
"Agree..."
"Send him to St Mungo's first."
There were a lot of supporters.
Fudge narrowed his eyes tightly and said, "Barty, I don't think it's necessary."
His sudden decision for a re-examination was precisely to catch Crouch off guard; he certainly would not agree to pause the re-examination.
"Amelia..." He looked at a bespectacled witch beside him and asked, "I remember in such situations, Veritaserum can be used, isn't that right?"
Minister of the Ministry of Magic Law Enforcement Department, Amelia Bones, was silent for a moment and nodded, "Yes."
Although Veritaserum isn't a regular trial method, it can be used if the person on trial refuses to cooperate or is unable to do so.
Or in cases with significant impact, it can be used directly.
Both of these... Peter Pettigrew seems to meet.
"I object!" Crouch said angrily, "I do not deny Minister Bones' familiarity with the Wizengamot Trial Law, but I think you are overlooking something, Minister, which is that more than half of the judges must agree to use Veritaserum.
"Then let's proceed to voting. I believe Peter Pettigrew should be sent to St Mungo's."
As he spoke, he raised his hand first.
On the high platform behind him, people gradually raised their hands to agree with his view, but the number was small, only about a third.
"Don't forget..." someone sitting behind Crouch suddenly said: "Veritaserum also has its drawbacks. If Peter Pettigrew's memory has been tampered with, then his words will be completely unreliable. Sending him to St Mungo's could also check his memory."
After a moment, more people raised their hands.
No statistics were needed; it was clear at a glance that the number of opponents to using Veritaserum was greater.
Seeing this, Fudge panicked a little, frequently glancing at Dumbledore.
But neither Dumbledore nor Sirius Black spoke; they were merely watching quietly.
Soon, the results were in.
Out of the hundred judges present, fifty-nine opposed using Veritaserum.
"Opposition is over half." Amelia said, "Proposal to use Veritaserum is dismissed, trial continues."
Fudge panicked further, unable to understand; he had thought everything was planned... first to publicly expose Peter Pettigrew's faked death, then use Veritaserum to restore the truth from years ago, and finally hit Crouch hard.
But why would such a perfect plan go awry?
Now Veritaserum couldn't be used, and once Peter Pettigrew was sent to St Mungo's, who knew when he would recover? If it was drawn out for a year or so... no, even if only a few days, giving Crouch time to prepare, then his good hand would be completely wasted.
He glanced at Dumbledore again, seeking help.
But Dumbledore still didn't look at him.
"Also..." after the turn of events, the person spoke with a hint of triumph, "have you forgotten about Blake's escape from prison?"
"But he did it to clear his name." An older witch said, "Dumbledore has explained that he recognized Peter Pettigrew's Animagus in a newspaper and wanted to..."
The witch's words were rudely interrupted, with the person coldly saying:
"Regardless of his intent, this matter itself severely impacts the Ministry of Magic's credibility; we receive at least three Howlers every week because of him.
"During Peter Pettigrew's treatment at St Mungo's, our priority should be getting him to reveal how he escaped.
Moreover, to be cautious... he must return to Azkaban, under tight watch by Dementors!"
Though unspoken, everyone present realized that this person was just short of outright accusing Dumbledore of perjury.
It seemed to him that Peter Pettigrew was indeed innocent.
Hinting Dumbledore altered memories and committed perjury... how dared he.
Some people's faces turned grim.
Even Crouch furrowed his brows, seeming to find the behavior inappropriate but ultimately remained silent, calmly saying:
"Then let's proceed to the second round of voting, whether to pause the re-examination and send Peter Pettigrew to St Mungo's, to check his memory first..."
"Oh, sorry, please wait a moment."
Just then, Dumbledore, who had been silent, finally spoke.
He stepped forward, positioning himself before everyone.
"Mr. Barty, I understand your concern."
"Of course, you are right; before undergoing the most authoritative checks, I myself have no proof to show that I haven't tampered with Peter's memory."
When Barty saw Dumbledore standing forward, his heart was somewhat anxious, but hearing these words now, he breathed a sigh of relief, settling his mind.
No matter what, as long as there's no proof that Peter's memories are intact, this trial couldn't proceed.
Even Dumbledore couldn't push through, or he would break the authority of Wizengamot, which he wouldn't, and couldn't do.
Barty was quite confident in this, because standing there was Dumbledore, the greatest White Wizard.
Fudge felt his heart sink.
But just as everyone assumed this trial would end hastily...
"However, we do not absolutely need Veritaserum."
Dumbledore said calmly: "There is always a trace in all magic, especially with magic like Fidelius Charm that involves the soul.
When a wizard decides to hide a secret within his soul, it will accompany him for life, impossible to erase."
"What do you mean?" Barty looked distracted, "If you wish to teach, I suggest you take that student back to Hogwarts…"
"Oh, you misunderstand."
Dumbledore said, "I only want to tell you, no matter how deeply hidden magic is, it's never absolutely safe; there are always ways to find traces, and Fidelius Charm is no exception."
"That's impossible!" Crouch said: "In my knowledge, there is no way to break the protection of Fidelius Charm."
"In normal circumstances, yes."
Dumbledore said, "But when the Secret-Keeper voluntarily breaks his original intention, causing the secret to no longer need protection, then the charm becomes less solid.
"Fortunately, before coming to the Ministry of Magic, I happened to meet a good friend, and she agreed to help me a little."
He looked at Fudge, his tone cheerful as he said: "Cornelius, could you bring her in, I think she is just outside the door now."
"Oh, certainly, no problem." Fudge hurriedly said.
The heavy door opened once again.
A person dressed in a black robe stepped in, with gold magic patterns encircling the cuffs and hood edges of her black robe.
"That attire... is an Unspeakable!" someone exclaimed.
Kai widened his eyes, only feeling his head buzzing.
He never imagined that the person Dumbledore mentioned was Diana!
"I'm glad you could come." Dumbledore said with a smile, "I leave it to you now."
"Alright." Diana nodded, simultaneously glancing at Kai intentionally or unintentionally.
Kai withdrew his neck.
Strictly speaking, his presence here was due to truancy.
Though he was there brought by the headmaster, being caught by his own mother made his heart inevitably anxious.
...