It was clear there were rogue elements within the Ministry, possibly more than one, and they couldn't continue to hold high positions.
The so-called suspension was really just a polite way of saying they'd be sidelined, almost like being in jail without the bars.
The investigation could last weeks, months, or even years, but the suspicion had to be cleared.
Given the gravity of the case against Pete and the others, it wasn't going to be a quick review.
This suspension could easily drag on for three, five, or even seven years.
At that moment, Pete didn't fully grasp what Andre meant by "review."
But he knew one thing for sure: if he got caught in this mess, he'd be treated like a serious criminal and locked away immediately.
His face darkened as he glanced helplessly at Michelle sitting across from him.
Michelle, who had caught Pete's signal, was just as heartbroken, yet she never expected to resort to such a desperate move.
Still, despite her reluctance, she clenched her teeth, stood up, and shouted at everyone, "Stop embarrassing Minister Pete! I'm the one responsible for all of this, I'll take the blame!"
Her sudden outburst sent the courtroom into chaos.
Even Andre stared at her in disbelief.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"Don't you get it? I'm saying I did all of this. I conspired with the silver wand, stirred up civil society groups to manipulate public opinion, and even used the Ministry of Magic's name to buy tactical gear, all by myself!" Michelle's voice trembled with emotion.
Andre fixed her with a serious look.
"Do you realize what you're admitting? This is treason, a grave crime. If you confess, it means a lifetime in prison. There's no way out."
"Think carefully. If someone forced you into this, you can still repent. Don't make a mistake," he advised, his tone softening a bit.
"No one forced me," Michelle shot back.
"As director of the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters, no one can make me do anything against my will. I did all this, and I'm ready to accept whatever punishment comes my way."
"But what I want to say is that my actions weren't about betraying the country. They came from a deep conviction. The problems in Germany right now aren't caused by civil society groups. The real conflict is the unresolvable tension between East and West Germany, and this mess is the fault of you high-ranking officials who sit around eating vegetarian meals while the country suffers. Instead of trying to keep this broken nation together, maybe it's better to just separate it once and for all," she continued, her eyes blazing red.
Before she could say more, Andre cut her off sharply.
"Cuff her and take her away!"
He called for the Aurors, who quickly moved in and restrained Michelle.
The courtroom was stunned into silence by the spectacle.
Many wizards were shocked that Michelle had been the one pulling strings behind the scenes, but just as many refused to believe a word of her accusations against Pete, keeping their eyes firmly on him.
They figured she must've been ordered by Pete to stand up and take the fall.
At the same time, they were clearly shocked by Pete's determination to cut off his own arm.
What surprised them even more was Michelle's loyalty; you have to remember, she's the head of the First Department!
What could've possibly convinced her to risk everything and stand up against charges of treason?
Despite everyone's doubts, once Michelle stepped forward to take the blame, Pete was cleared of any suspicion because there was no solid evidence linking him to the whole thing.
Andre, standing not far from Pete, shot him a nasty glare.
"You really pulled a fast one," he said.
"Honestly, I'm curious, how did you convince Michelle to go along with this? It's a real black mark."
Pete sighed, looking lonely.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Director Andre. I'm just as sorry as anyone that Michelle got involved like this. After working with her so long, I didn't notice anything unusual, that's on me."
Andre sneered, clearly not buying it.
Only a fool would believe that explanation.
Still, he hadn't expected Pete to use this kind of tactic to clear his name.
Clearly, they had underestimated each other.
What kind of situation could push the head of the First Department to risk her freedom and reputation by taking the fall like that?
What no one knew was how much Pete had sacrificed to make sure he could get out today.
To win Michelle's full commitment, Pete had given her the elixir ahead of time and promised to do everything he could to help her later.
Agreeing to this meant Pete would have to keep supplying the medicine, otherwise Michelle would turn on him and fight to the death.
In other words, Pete had effectively handed over control to Michelle, but with no better options, he had to play this risky move.
Fortunately, it worked.
The charge of colluding with clubs and stirring up trouble was pinned on someone else, and for now, Pete's position remained secure.
Although Pete knew his schemes couldn't fool everyone, especially the Wizengamot, he believed that with enough money, he could still win their support later.
Despite feeling like he was near death from the stress, he managed to keep a calm expression and urged Andre, "Director Andre, we're not done with today's interrogation, right? Please, continue!"
Seeing that Pete still had the energy for sarcastic remarks, Andre couldn't help but sneer.
"Don't worry, the next person won't disappoint you."
"Silence! Even though Michelle has been punished, the hearing isn't over yet. Next, please bring in the next witness, the former owner of Claremont Magic Supplies, Milan Claremont!" Andre shouted, raising his voice to restore order.
The wizards around had thought the farce was over, since the main culprits had already confessed.
But hearing that familiar
The name suddenly sparked new interest among them. Nearly every local wizard in Germany knew Claremont and his magic shop well.
When Pete heard the name Claremont, he immediately tensed up, wondering if even Claremont was about to betray him.
He hadn't expected Claremont to show up for questioning.
But then, thinking it over, Pete realized Claremont probably wasn't much of a threat.
After all, his mind had been sealed with a powerful secrecy spell, so the information he could reveal might not be as damaging as what Matthew could provide.
Pete figured Andre was just using Claremont to intimidate him.
This thought calmed Pete down, and his expression settled back to one of composure.