Chapter 135: Trial, Aftermath, And Azkaban
Regarding the doubt that the witness, who had been hit by the Obliviation spell, was healed, it was not absent.
It’s just that at the time, everyone thought Dumbledore had intervened.
After all, everyone knew that Dumbledore was a master of Memory Magic and the biggest supporter of Vaughn Weasley.
But the answer Vaughn gave at this moment clearly shocked them. A 12-year-old young wizard not only had profound attainments in Potions but also dabbled in Memory Magic.
This…
However, Fudge’s focus was not here. Ever since Vaughn had played him once, he no longer regarded the other party as an ordinary person.
He stared at Vaughn with piercing eyes, “So, you accuse Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart of abusing the Obliviation spell, and at the same time, you use Memory Magic to heal the victims and have them testify in court… Then Mr. Vaughn Weasley, who can prove that you haven’t tampered with those poor people’s minds?”
Speaking, without waiting for Vaughn to reply, he turned to Amelia, “Ms. Bones, I’d like to ask, is there any law in the Wizengamot that supports a prosecutor acting in such a manner?”
Amelia’s expression was stern, and she shook her head, “No!”
But she immediately added, “Nor is there any law prohibiting such actions.”
Bang!
Fudge clapped his hands heavily, his expression becoming even more delighted, “Very good, Ms. Bones, I admire your honesty. So the question is, is it really appropriate for Mr. Vaughn Weasley to be both the prosecutor and the doctor testifying?”
“No one can prove that he didn’t tamper with the witnesses’ minds, and similarly, whether the witnesses’ testimony is true is doubtful.”
“Since there is no law that can support or prohibit Mr. Weasley’s actions, may I assume that the laws of our Wizarding World are still flawed, and it is inappropriate to try an internationally renowned figure, a famous writer, using flawed laws?”
Amelia Bones frowned, “Minister Fudge, what exactly do you want?”
“It’s not what I want,” Fudge spread his hands innocently, pursing his lips, several layers of fat appearing on his chin, “I am safeguarding the international image of the English Wizarding World. Don’t you want the flaws in our laws to cause this case to spread internationally, making the English Wizarding World a laughingstock to the world?”
“Therefore, I propose that the trial of Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart should be temporarily postponed until the Wizengamot discusses appropriate legal clauses and clarifies whether Mr. Vaughn Weasley’s actions have violated the law, and then Mr. Lockhart can be tried.”
“Esteemed members of the Wizengamot, what do you think?”
This is sophistry!
In the corner, watching Fudge, who was slightly overweight, spout nonsense that sounded surprisingly reasonable, Hermione was so angry her hair was about to stand on end.
In fact, as far as Hermione knew, there were similar clauses in the Wizarding World.
When evidence submitted by the prosecution might be magically altered or destroyed, the law permitted a third party to examine the evidence to determine its admissibility.
But Fudge didn’t bring this up at all. Instead, he seized on whether Vaughn’s actions were legal, expanding the problem of the trial to a flaw in the law.
Even though everyone knew Fudge was engaging in sophistry.
But the problem he raised did exist, and he was the Minister for Magic. He had the duty and the right to offer opinions and suggestions on issues that the Wizengamot indeed had, and the Wizengamot was obligated to accept them.
Not because of the Minister’s authority, but as a necessary consequence of power checks and balances under legal regulations.
Hermione clearly saw that many of the purple-robed individuals’ expressions wavered. The Wizengamot was not an institution belonging to any single person; it didn’t belong to the Minister for Magic, nor to Amelia or Dumbledore.
The Wizengamot had its own independence, which was closely related to every member.
They had supported the trial of Lockhart because Vaughn had presented sufficient evidence. Now that the evidence was in doubt, they naturally hesitated, rather than being completely biased towards Vaughn.
Seeing Fudge’s smug expression, and the smile appearing on Lockhart’s detestable face, Hermione couldn’t help but exclaim:
“Why not give him Veritaserum? If he takes Veritaserum, won’t the truth be clear?”
“Ah—” Fudge glanced sideways, “A… young witch? Ms. Bones, if my memory serves me correctly, spectators are not allowed to speak in the gallery, are they?”
Hermione knew she had been impulsive, but she was always quick-witted and immediately apologized, “Ms. Bones, it was wrong of me to speak out rashly, but as a member of the Wizarding World, I truly cannot bear to see a criminal easily escape trial… Minister Fudge, even a child like me knows Lockhart is guilty and must not be let go. And you, who are so esteemed, why…”
“Tsk tsk—”
Fudge interrupted Hermione with a sigh, maliciously saying, “Have certain people’s privileges in the Wizengamot reached such a point? The people they bring dare to openly disregard the rules of the court?”
“Fine, I won’t argue with a child like you. And by the way, I’ll answer your ignorant question. Veritaserum can only be used with the approval and supervision of the Ministry of Magic. And I, the Minister for Magic, believe that the poor Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart is innocent and do not intend to approve its use. Do you understand?”
He raised his head smugly and looked around, “Aurors? Why aren’t you taking this young witch who is disrupting the order of the court away?”
Fudge was feeling great now.
Since the beginning of the year, he had had enough of being suppressed.
The young Vaughn Weasley, relying on Dumbledore’s support, had toyed with him like a fool, making him a laughingstock of the entire Wizarding World.
For months, he had thought of revenge constantly, thinking of retaliating.
But unfortunately, that damned redhead, so cunning like a rabbit despite his young age, he had never managed to catch him in a bind.
Until today!
In fact, Fudge had noticed Gilderoy Lockhart’s case a month ago. After all, the Wizengamot had no subordinate agencies, and Amelia needed manpower from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to investigate and collect evidence.
And in the two years since Fudge took office, he had been subtly inserting his people into various departments.
Especially the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This institution concentrated the Ministry’s most powerful forces. Any minister would feel uneasy facing it, especially when the head of this institution was on bad terms with oneself.
Although Amelia commanded great respect, Fudge was the Minister, and over two years, he had successfully recruited a few lackeys.
It was through them that the news of Gilderoy Lockhart’s case was passed to Fudge.
But Fudge had taken no action, not even notifying Lockhart—
This was only natural. A mere best-selling author, what was he? Did he deserve a personal message from the Minister?
The esteemed Mr. Fudge never cared about Lockhart’s life or death. He just needed a tool to humiliate Vaughn Weasley and take revenge for being toyed with half a year ago!
Now, the revenge was successful!
Weasley hated Lockhart so much that he wished him dead, and he, Minister Fudge, had successfully thwarted Weasley’s “scheme” and saved this piece of garbage, Lockhart.
Wouldn’t that redhead be disgusted to the point of wanting to vomit?
Just thinking about it made Fudge feel refreshed all over!
Political struggles rarely see life-and-death confrontations. That requires strength, luck, and so on. More often than not, so-called struggles are actually about disgusting your opponent. If you can make him so angry that he can’t eat or sleep,
that would be even better!
Fudge, while calling out, “Where are the Aurors?”, couldn’t help but look at Vaughn.
That damn redhead must be furious, right?
But…
No!
Vaughn’s calm face appeared in Fudge’s vision, with no anger, no sense of suppression, as if he had anticipated his actions.
For some reason, Fudge suddenly felt a bit uneasy.
Then, he saw Vaughn speak.
The first sentence was an apology.
Vaughn bowed slightly to Amelia and the other Wizengamot members, “My apologies, everyone. It was all my oversight. I was too eager to convict Lockhart and neglected the necessity of procedure.”
Seeing his attitude was so good, the others found it difficult to be harsh.
They all said:
“This was also our oversight. The law is still not perfect enough.”
“Yes, if there were clear laws, this would never have happened.”
“You meant well!”
Nodding to everyone, Vaughn then looked at Hermione, “My dear, would you wait for me outside first?”
“Okay!”
Hermione had no objection. She knew she had indeed violated the court’s rules. This was the Wizengamot, not the Slytherin Common Room.
Vaughn also needed to consider the opinions of other colleagues.
She didn’t want to make things difficult for Vaughn, so she agreed and got up to leave.
But as soon as she reached the side door, she knew Vaughn was never one to suffer a loss—
“Mr. Cornelius Fudge, please leave as well!”
“…What?” Fudge was stunned.
Sitting on the high tribunal, Vaughn looked down at him expressionlessly, “Although you are the Minister for Magic, you are not a member of the Wizengamot, nor has the Wizengamot invited you to testify. According to regulations, you also have no right to speak. Now, please leave!”
“You—”
Fudge, who had never been driven out like this before, was furious and raised his finger, about to say something.
Then he saw Vaughn draw his wand!
Bang!
Under the Silencing Charm, a surging magical power blasted the dear Minister out of the courtroom. The residual magical effect of the Evanesco spell pinned him tightly to the corridor wall opposite the main door, like a plump frog!
Vaughn, who had “invited” the Minister for Magic to leave, calmly put away his wand under the dumbfounded gazes of many wizards:
“My apologies. To maintain the court’s regulations, I had to do this. But don’t worry, everyone, the Evanesco spell is a very gentle magic and will not cause any harm to the Minister. I guarantee he won’t lose a single hair.”
“…”
Is that the point?
Who cares if your magic has no killing power? The point is that you, in full view of everyone, blasted the Minister out with a single spell!
Not just the Wizengamot, but also the staff of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement outside.
Everyone could see the Minister’s dignity being trampled.
The wizards exchanged glances. They couldn’t imagine what kind of gossip would spread from the Ministry of Magic today. They only knew one thing: Fudge had lost even more face!
The entire courtroom fell into an awkward silence.
Amelia finally coughed a few times and said, “According to regulations, the Wizengamot members have the obligation to use non-harmful magic to expel onlookers who disrupt the court’s order… But Mr. Weasley, I hope there won’t be a next time!”
“Yes, Madam.”
Vaughn replied humbly.
Seeing that Amelia had no further instructions, he stood up again and surveyed the room, “Let’s continue the previous topic. Although Minister Fudge disrupted the court’s order, we still need to consider his opinion. I suggest that the Wizengamot continue to improve the law in the following time regarding the Minister’s opinion.”
Hearing him get down to business, the others finally came back to their senses.
An old wizard asked, “Then what about Gilderoy Lockhart’s case?”
Vaughn said seriously, “Until the law is perfected, it is indeed not advisable to proceed with the trial. Since Mr. Fudge asked us to act according to the law, then I suggest that according to the relevant laws, the suspect Gilderoy Lockhart be placed in a holding cell!”
As soon as this was said.
Not only did the Wizengamot members gasp, but Lockhart himself rolled his eyes and fainted on the spot.
As everyone knew, there was only one holding cell in the entire English Wizarding World.
It was both a holding cell and the only prison—
Azkaban!
Amelia glanced at the fainted Mr. Lockhart and couldn’t help but pity him.
Vaughn originally just wanted you to face the law, but Fudge’s commotion was practically trying to kill you…
In his heart, Vaughn didn’t care whether Lockhart was tried or not.
His initial thought was just to strip the other party of his Order of Merlin, and not have this liar in his sight.
The trial was merely a formality since the other party’s crimes had already been discovered, and the outcome, under normal procedures, wouldn’t have been too severe.
After all, in the mainstream understanding of the Wizarding World, the Obliviation spell was not an irreversible poison curse or Dark Arts. It could at most be categorized as an Evil Curse. Even if there was abuse for profit, the maximum penalty would be exile, and the usual handling would be confiscation of illegal gains and a fine.
With existing precedents, Vaughn wasn’t intent on putting a liar to death.
Unfortunately, Lockhart had bad luck and inexplicably became a tool in the power struggle. Fudge used him to try and disgust Vaughn, so Vaughn had no choice but to throw him into Azkaban.
In this regard, some Wizengamot members had some reservations: “The holding cell system has been abolished for a long time. Since the Wizarding Wars over ten years ago, it has not been used again. Is it making a mountain out of a molehill to suddenly send Gilderoy Lockhart to Azkaban, and to hold only him?”
Here’s a simple explanation of the difference between a holding cell and a prison: in the English Wizarding World, holding cells are used to detain unconvicted prisoners （ suspects awaiting trial ）, under the jurisdiction of the Wizengamot.
Prisons are used to detain convicted criminals and are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Magic.
The reason the holding cell was no longer used is simple—it was a cost-saving measure!
The First Wizarding War was a huge quagmire. Voldemort’s “ideology” dictated that only those who were afraid of chaos would gather around him.
Socket Man perfectly played the role of a rogue’s siphon. By the end of the First Wizarding War, these gathered rogues and social destabilizing elements were immediately liquidated.
In other words, old Voldemort, by his own efforts, caused all the criminals and potential criminals of that time to lose everything. Those who were guilty after the war were caught, those who could run had run, and those who couldn’t were busy whitewashing themselves and behaving honestly.
The English Wizarding World was momentarily peaceful and tranquil. While not to the extent that people could leave their doors unlocked at night, the public safety environment did improve significantly.
Seeing this situation, the Wizengamot at the time decided to shut down the holding cell, ostensibly claiming that the Wizarding World had achieved great order.
This reason was no different from the Ministry of Magic’s later excuse for the difficulty of managing Death Eaters, and their “outsourcing” of Azkaban entirely to Dementors!
Vaughn heard the meaning of the objectors. They felt that restarting the holding cell would cost money. He smiled slightly, “Entrust it to the Dementors, it won’t make much difference if there’s one more.”
Thus, the first type of objector said no more.
The second type of objector was concerned about public opinion: “Gilderoy Lockhart is just a fraud. His crimes don’t warrant being sent to Azkaban Island. Will the public think we are being too harsh?”
Vaughn was quite surprised by this, “We haven’t judged him yet. Sending him to Azkaban Island is simply because the holding cell happens to be there. It doesn’t mean we have already judged his guilt. This can be explained in the newspapers, and I believe the public will understand.”
The second type of objector nodded and said no more.
The third… there was no third type. Gilderoy Lockhart’s despicable methods would elicit sympathy from almost no normal person—
Even setting aside moral issues, the Obliviation spell has harmful side effects, usually lethargy and mental confusion, making it impossible to live a normal life.
If Vaughn hadn’t investigated and treated those unfortunate wizards who had been hit by the Obliviation spell, who knows if some of them might have died in an accident due to the after-effects?
Therefore, the relevant decision was quickly implemented.
Not long after, the 《 Daily Prophet 》, which had already been delivered to customers, suddenly broadcast a news item:
【Renowned best-selling author Gilderoy Lockhart has been accused by Wizengamot member Vaughn Weasley of abusing the Obliviation spell, fraud, illegal profiteering, and other crimes. Multiple victims have appeared to testify, and the Wizengamot has announced the revocation of Gilderoy Lockhart’s Order of Merlin, Level 3…】
People were instantly in an uproar.
It should be said that Lockhart was very good at promoting and packaging himself. Perhaps his behavior would annoy many people, but at least his reputation had spread.
Of the tens of thousands of wizards in England, at least two-thirds knew of this great writer.
That day, tens of thousands of readers saw the breaking news, and letters poured in to the newspaper office from all over England via owl post.
But the newspaper, which understood the art of hype, remained calm, letting various opinions ferment. It wasn’t until dawn the next day that the new 《 Daily Prophet 》 published the details of the incident.
Written by renowned reporter Rita Skeeter:
【For many years, Gilderoy Lockhart has used deceitful means and the Obliviation spell to claim the experiences of other wizards as his own. Apart from 《Wandering with Werewolves》, all of Lockhart’s best-selling books are involved, which is shocking. And 《Wandering with Werewolves》 is also fabricated. It is said that Mr. Vaughn Weasley became suspicious of its content, which led him to suspect Lockhart…】
【According to the Wizengamot announcement, there are as many as 7 victims in the Lockhart case. Their experiences were stolen and written by Lockhart into 7 of his most popular series. The earliest victim has been suffering from the effects of the Obliviation spell for 8 years. That poor wizard, who wishes to remain anonymous, even contracted Dragon Pox due to the after-effects of the Obliviation spell, and he has no memory of how he contracted it…】
【…Mr. Vaughn Weasley said in an interview that Gilderoy Lockhart had already been convicted, but the dear Minister for Magic, Mr. Cornelius Fudge, believed that the evidence collection and trial were not in accordance with procedure and demanded that the Wizengamot must first perfect the law before trying the innocent Mr. Lockhart… Ha, innocent! It seems our dear Minister has never experienced the taste of being hit by an Obliviation spell…】
Undoubtedly, the 《 Daily Prophet 》 sold very well.
The Lockhart case had too many elements that people loved to talk about.
A famous author’s downfall.
The Wizengamot was suspected of backroom dealings and framing an innocent person.
Then there was a twist: it turned out the Minister for Magic had interfered. According to Rita Skeeter’s revelation in the article, Minister Fudge had always been on bad terms with Vaughn Weasley, and therefore used the Lockhart case to pressure Weasley.
Regardless of whether it was the Wizarding World or Muggle Society, the common people were always most interested in such “secrets” of the elite and gossip.
Therefore, observing and “eating melons” (gossiping) is a shared human trait, even between Muggles and wizards.
Of course, as a best-selling author for many years, Lockhart still had a group of loyal fans who were very displeased that the Wizengamot had thrown Lockhart into Azkaban without a trial.
Many of them also attacked Vaughn.
But who would care about them?
The Wizengamot issued a perfunctory statement, explaining the difference between a holding cell and a prison, and that was that.
As for Vaughn, he didn’t even respond.
He had too many things to do!
The popularity of the Lockhart case lasted for several days without waning.
Wizards of all kinds, brandishing their quills, exchanged opinions on various newspapers and magazines—some supported, some opposed, some were clueless, and some spoke nonsense.
For a time, it was like a chaotic dance, dazzling the vast majority of wizarding citizens and keeping them happily entertained with gossip.
But all this had nothing to do with Vaughn.
On July 16th, the Granger family, after staying at The Burrow for half a month and experiencing the real wizarding society, left. Hermione didn’t want to go, but her Father, who thought she was as stubborn and old-fashioned as a Yankee, was uncharacteristically firm.
Their daughter was only 13 years old, and she already wanted to live at a boy’s house all the time. Was that proper? No!
If this was not addressed now, what would happen when she grew older?
Therefore, under his firm insistence, Hermione reluctantly went home with her Father and Mother. Then, on July 17th, Vaughn appeared at the Grangers’ doorstep.
He politely greeted the person who opened the door, who was surprised and then frowned upon seeing him, as if his facial expression was changing rapidly. Mr. Granger said, “Sir, I have some matters to attend to in London recently. May I ask for temporary lodging?”
Mr. Granger really wanted to say no.
But his assertiveness on the 16th had caused his domestic standing to plummet in the past two days, almost below the floor. In the past, when he was “bullied” by his wife, his daughter was at least his little comforter.
Now, even his daughter wasn’t on his side, so his opinion was invalid.
Mrs. Granger, however, warmly welcomed Vaughn, “Dear, you can stay as long as you like. You can stay in the guest room next to Hermione’s. In fact, I was planning to have Hermione contact you in a couple of days. I bought some cosmetics for your mother…”
After half a month together, Mrs. Granger and Molly had become friends.
Molly had been very reluctant when the Granger family left.
She had even discussed with Vaughn when they could invite them to stay again.
Hermione was happy about Vaughn’s arrival, and also a little resentful, “Why didn’t you tell me when you left? You made me sad at home!”
“It was a surprise.”
“I don’t want this kind of surprise,” the girl said, but her joyful expression showed otherwise.
From that day on, Vaughn lived at the Grangers’.
The situation Mr. Granger feared, of Vaughn constantly bothering his daughter, did not occur because Vaughn did indeed have business to attend to in London.
And quite a lot of it.
On the night he temporarily stayed at the Grangers’, his figure appeared in Diagon Alley, accompanied by William White and James Brown.
“Sir, the shops in Diagon Alley are very popular, especially the straight path from the Leaky Cauldron to Gringotts, which is the necessary route for all wizards entering Diagon Alley. The foot traffic is immense. The owners of those shops are not afraid of not being able to rent them out. I spoke with a few wizards, and they wouldn’t even talk.”
Entering from the Leaky Cauldron, Vaughn listened to James’s report while scanning the spacious straight path and the crooked buildings on both sides.
Vaughn frowned, “Is there no possibility at all?”
James shook his head, “No. I suspect they have colluded privately to monopolize the business in the prime locations!”
Vaughn’s gaze was fixed on the end of the straight path, where Gringotts was located. Because of its existence, this straight path had become the prime location of Diagon Alley.
And the small alleys that branched off from in front of Gringotts, extending to the left and right, were much worse. The right alley eventually led to Ollivanders.
There, apart from Ollivanders, which had a history of over 2,000 years, most other shops had very little business, as dining, entertainment, and everything else were already available in the prime location.
As for the left alley, it was even more dismal. Not only did it lack a thousand-year-old shop like Ollivanders, but it also branched off to Knockturn Alley… Who would go to such a ghastly place, an ordinary wizard?
“Tsk!”
At this moment, Vaughn suddenly missed the Alchemical Marvel—the Great Hall—that Fudge had borrowed from the Ministry of Magic when he was awarded his medal at the beginning of the year, before he fell out with Fudge.
At that time, the Ministry of Magic had simply created an open space between Gringotts and Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions using the Undetectable Extension Charm. They placed that Alchemical Marvel on the ground, and a luxurious, Baroque-style Great Hall stood in Diagon Alley.
Unfortunately, only the Ministry of Magic had the authority to use such a method temporarily.
Even so, it was said that the goblins complained for a long time afterwards—the Great Hall had caused Gringotts to shift by 10 feet, forcing the goblins to temporarily halt their underground vault business.
Seeing Vaughn’s displeased expression, William White asked, “Sir, why do you want to buy a shop?”
William White had been brought in on short notice. He had originally come to see Vaughn for something else but was roped into this task.
“Of course, to do business. I plan to use Alchemy to transform some Muggle technological products into magical creations and sell them in the Wizarding World…”
Vaughn said, “Of course, that’s still a long way off. Currently, I only have the magical projectors modified by my older brothers. I was thinking of buying a shop first and converting it into a cinema to popularize movies as a form of entertainment to wizards. Unfortunately…”
He sighed, feeling a bit misguided. He hadn’t expected that one day even Gold Galleons couldn’t buy a house…
After listening to Vaughn, William White thought for a moment, “Are you not considering the other two alleys because you’re worried about insufficient foot traffic, which would affect promotion efficiency?”
“Yes,” Vaughn nodded.
William White smiled, “Sir, I don’t understand the rules of business in the Wizarding World, but in Muggle society, when we encounter difficulties in promoting products and cannot enter a local area, we usually choose to cooperate with the local powers. Mutual interests will easily dissolve resistance!”
In his past and present lives, Vaughn had never done business. Some things he only thought of due to inertia. At this moment, William’s suggestion made him immediately understand:
“You mean, let those wizards who own shops invest in my company by leasing their shops in exchange for their agreement to lease?”
“Yes, sir. Anyway, your current need is to promote as quickly as possible, not for profit. Sharing some doesn’t make much difference. Moreover, from what you said, the main income from movies in the future will likely be from selling projectors and video tapes, right?”
“That’s right. I plan to establish an equipment manufacturing company once the technology matures.”
“Then there will be no problem. You can first establish a cinema company and offer half or more of the shares to break the collusion of the shop owners. As for the future, once the Weasley brand becomes famous, you won’t need them anymore.”
Vaughn nodded repeatedly, “Thank you for your suggestion, William.”
“You flatter me, sir. You are considering major matters. These small tricks were just not thought of at the moment,” William White said humbly.
Vaughn didn’t commit. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. He never expected to excel at everything.
He preferred to leave professional matters to professionals.
“William, then I’ll leave this matter to you. Before the end-of-month meeting, I want to see movies and cinemas become a topic of discussion among wizards!”
In theory, William White was not Vaughn’s private subordinate, and Vaughn had no right to order him to do anything other than WAC business.
But in this world, theoretical rules were usually just theories.
William White happily agreed, “As you command, sir!”
Vaughn had little interest in money.
This was not an act of pretentiousness or hypocrisy, but rather that with his own power, wealth was easily obtainable, so it was naturally not something to be valued.
Therefore, his desire to do business was more to serve his other purposes.
For example, to stimulate a consumer revolution in the Wizarding World.
The increase in productivity brought about by magic, while making wizards wealthy, inevitably weakened their drive.
A very typical example—the Weasley family!
