Of course, Harry didn't know about Sirius's ordeal, nor did he know that Vivi was plotting against his godfather.
Now he was following Professor Dumbledore and Mr. Weasley, heading towards the judgement room.
The judgement room was quite retro, at least that's what Harry thought. The surrounding walls were made of dark stones, and the torchlight was dim and eerie.
He really couldn't understand why torches were still used for lighting—because the judgement room wasn't lit by torches at all, but by a sphere on the ceiling emitting silver-white light.
Harry followed Mr. Weasley, arriving at the side of those gradually raised benches, finding two vacant seats to sit down.
And Dumbledore went over to the highest seats, sitting among many shadowy figures.
Since before they entered the judgement room, the people on the high seats had been whispering, and when the heavy door closed, a solemn and grave atmosphere descended.
This was the atmosphere a judgement court should have, at least that's what Harry thought.
But soon, someone came to fetch Harry again, seating him next to the highest chairs.
Because he was an important figure, also an important party.
On those high chairs, there sat about fifty people, though Harry hadn't bothered to count; they wore crimson robes, with a delicate silver "W" stitched on the left chest, short for Wizengamot.
They all lowered their eyes looking at him, some wearing kindly expressions, while others were showing unrestrained concern.
In the middle of that row of seats sat the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge.
Fudge wore the dark green round-topped hat he often donned atop his head, looking kindly at Harry, as though gazing upon his own son.
Dumbledore sat beside Fudge, and Harry didn't know the order of the seats, anyway... he couldn't find any pattern.
According to Dumbledore's status, he was the President of the International Wizarding Union, also the Chief Great Mage of Wizengamot, logically he should be sitting in Fudge's position.
But he just didn't know why the seating arrangement was like this.
"Very well," Fudge cleared his throat and said, "The jury is finally all present, let's begin—are you ready?"
He loudly asked towards the end of the bench.
"Yes, sir." A young man nearby replied, holding a feather pen, seemingly recording something.
"The trial on October thirteenth," Fudge's voice rang through, and that young man hurriedly began recording, "Re-examining the case from twelve years ago—the murder of the Potters, and the explosion caused by Sirius Black, killing dozens of Muggles along with Peter Pettigrew."
"Inquisitors: Minister of Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge; Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia 'Susan' Bones."
At this, Fudge cleared his throat again and said, "Bring up the defendant, Peter Pediru—"
With Fudge's voice falling, the door burst open, several Aurors holding Little Dwarf Star Peter's arms, bringing him into the judgement room.
Seeing Little Dwarf Star Peter's figure, the Wizengamot members all whispered among themselves, their eyes fixated on Little Dwarf Star Peter, some displaying shock, shocked that it was indeed true—while others sighed, lamenting that the recipient of the Merlin Order First-class Medal, Little Dwarf Star Peter, actually orchestrated such a tragic play...
Little Dwarf Star Peter was brought by the Aurors to the chair in the center and sat down, immediately, a series of clicking sounds from the cameras echoed around.
Some of the wizards in the Wizengamot Council frowned, but none said anything.
Allowing reporters into the Wizengamot judgement room was a special privilege granted by the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, even if they opposed it, it was useless, so they might as well remain silent.
This was also part of Fudge's plan, to shape the image that he pursues truth objectively.
"Defendant, Peter Pediru." Fudge said loudly, "Yes, indeed, the Ministry of Magic was deceived by this so-called 'hero,' while another hero wrongfully languished in prison—but now, the opportunity to set things right has come, we must uncover the truth and give justice back to the innocent—"
The clicking sounds of the reporters' cameras echoed once again.
"Firstly, verify the identities of the parties involved, plaintiff."
Fudge looked towards Harry.
"Introduce yourself," the wizard beside him gently reminded.
Harry acknowledged, stood up and introduced himself, "Harry Potter, born on July 31, 1980, residing at 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, London, currently in third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Gryffindor College."
After Fudge finished, he spoke again, "Defendant."
"Peter Pediru," Peter said weakly, "Formerly attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, now... now has no address."
"Do either party have any objections to the identities and qualifications of the opposing party appearing in court?" Fudge asked again.
"No objections," the two said.
"Do either party request recusal for any personnel, including the judges, clerks, and others involved in this trial?" Fudge asked.
"No request for recusal," the two answered.
"Now the rights and obligations of both parties in the litigation will be informed."
Fudge said, reaching for a document on the table, carefully reading it to them both.