The Ministry of Magic was being very tight-lipped this time. Amelia and Conolly gave strict orders to every Auror to keep their mouths shut about that evening's events, and there was no word for the ordinary citizens of the wizarding world or for the journalists who had gathered. However, it was evident that the Malfoys were aware of what had transpired. Draco had been under Peter's control with the Impediment Charm for several months, and it would have been curtains for him and his parents if Conolly had not personally given them a heads-up.
In fact, Lucius and Narcissa had known for a long time that Sirius was not the one who killed the Potters. It wasn't just them; many others were aware of this secret as well.
These people were all high-ranking Death Eaters under Voldemort's reign. During the time when Voldemort and Dumbledore were dueling, they all knew who their master's spies were planted in Dumbledore's camp. After Voldemort's fall, it was actually Sirius Black who was accused.
This seemed absurd to them, but since Voldemort had already fallen, they were all publicly declared to have nothing to do with him as wizards. Therefore, for their own safety, no one pointed out Lockhart's mistake.
Last July, when Sirius escaped from Azkaban, the Malfoys discussed in private that Sirius couldn't possibly have gone to kill Harry Potter, but the specific reason for his escape, they also could not guess, because they did not know that their former 'comrade', Wormtail was still alive.
Life is full of surprises; who could have guessed that Draco would be dragged into the feud between Sirius and Wormtail.
Silence often speaks the truth. Amorta pondered for a moment, looking at Lucius with twitching eyes, she unconsciously emitted a sense of uneasy superiority throughout her body.
"Regardless, Draco is a wizard in training at Hogwarts, and under the influence of Peter's control, the school bears an inescapable responsibility. To express our apologies, the medical expenses for Draco, as well as for the two boys from the ward opposite him - Gowers and Crabbe - will be covered by Hogwarts. Prior to coming here, I have already discussed this matter with Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. They will ensure that the Board of Governors approves this resolution."
The Malfoys exchanged a glance, offering no comment.
Amorta didn't expect her words would bring smiles to the Malfoys' faces, of course, because even though hiring the best therapeutic team at St. Mungo's and residing in this luxurious room would cost thousands of Galleons a day, these coins were just a drop in the ocean for the Malfoys, insignificant.
According to Lucius' own wishes, only Dumbledore's resignation could quell his anger.
However, Lucius knew in his heart that the reality was much more complicated. If either Dumbledore or Amorta were to bear the consequences for their negligence, what would happen to the Ministry of Magic, which bore a greater responsibility in this series of events?
Let Conolly Fudge and Barty Crouch resign as well?
Never mind laughter, Lucius knew he didn't have that kind of power. Even Arthur Weasley, who could only be considered well-connected among the Ministry's old employees, could make him look bad when he lost his temper. Let alone the two top officials of the Ministry, they wouldn't let him get away with that, even for his own sake.
However, Lucius and Narcissa didn't care about the compensation being provided by Hogwarts as their own matter. That was one thing, but as the representatives of Hogwarts, Amorta still needed to express the school's stance.
"Apparently, this won't satisfy you..."
Amorta's fingers interlaced on her abdomen, while the Malfoys stood in front of him with their faces as cold as iron. To an outsider, it might seem as if they were apologizing to Amorta.
Amorta spoke calmly,
"If you have any requests, in the reasonable range, don't hesitate to mention."
The Malfoys looked at each other again, and for the first time, there was a ripple in the depth of their intertwined gazes.
"If possible --"
The last time she saw Amorta Briarwood was during the summer holidays last year at the Hagrid's Curry House. At that time, Narcissa was confused about her husband's concealed fear of Amorta and his later strange behavior. However, these few days have finally made her understand why her husband behaved in such a way.
Apart from the great Dark Lord and the aging Dumbledore, who still wields a considerable amount of power, the young wizard before her, with eyes that gleamed with intimidating brilliance, is actually a rare and powerful figure in the entire European magical community.
Narcissa, the wife of Lucius Malfoy, also born into nobility, looked back on her past. She couldn't find a wizard with magical prowess that could match that of Amorta Briarwood, and his ruthless tactics in eliminating the Greyback clan also demonstrated that Amorta is a wizard who disdains the law and is heartless.
So, upon their remeeting, she was clearly more reserved and uncomfortable in Amorta's presence.
"We hope to receive your support, I mean, in the matter of Little Peter Wormtail."
Facing away from Draco, the beautiful Mrs. Malfoy snarled.
Amorta nodded understandingly, then fell silent as well.
Narcissa previously said that she wanted Peter to pay for the harm he caused Draco with his life, but normally, this would be difficult to accomplish.
The cases for capital punishment listed in the wizarding laws are mostly for 'outcasts.' Pushing for the Wizengamot to impose a death sentence on Peter in peacetime would be very difficult, although Narcissa keeps talking about killing Peter, she also knows in her heart that Peter is likely to receive a life sentence only.
Amorta is already a member of the Wizengamot, and his reputation in the wizarding world is on the rise. If he were to publicly support imposing the death penalty on Peter, coupled with the Malfoy family's influence, it would not be impossible to achieve success. However, Amorta does not want to do so because it would consume his 'good reputation.'
"Regarding this matter..."
After a brief silence, to the surprise of the Malfoys, Amorta actually nodded.
"I will do so, but in my own way, understand?"
Amorta's gaze on Lucius made him shiver, and he immediately realized that Amorta probably would not directly push for Peter's death sentence, but he would find a way to make sure Peter dies.
"As long as that damned mongrel is punished..."
Lucius gritted his teeth, speaking in a low voice.
Draco blinked in confusion, not understanding what Professor Briarwood and his parents were saying. Could it be that there was still a possibility of releasing Wormtail?
Before Draco could fully grasp the question, he saw Professor Briarwood rise from his chair, and without thinking, words tumbled out of his mouth.
"May I make a request, Professor?"
After receiving a few surprised looks directed at him, Draco realized it too late that he had been stammering. He tried to say something.
"If it's possible... I... um, I'd like to study magic under you."
Professor Briarwood did not immediately reject him, and his gentle gaze gave him the courage, Draco's tone finally became more fluent.
"The Weasley boy, in the Owl House, managed to control me and Crabbe, Gowers at once. I think if I had the ability to deal with him"
"Draco!"
Narcissa spoke sternly.
"You can't handle Wormtail, you have no idea what kind of monster he is!"
Observing Draco, who dared not speak under his mother's stern gaze, Amorta pondered for a moment before smiling.
"I guess I understand your meaning, Draco. Well, I need some time to think about it. When you return to Hogwarts, I will give you an answer."
"Anyway..."
Lucius escorted Amorta out of the ward, standing at the door. This was the first time in years he had spoken humbly, and he bowed his head, speaking in a low voice.
"Thank you, Mr. Briarwood, I was only hoping for your help in finding the Golden Snake, but I didn't expect you to solve the crisis for the Malfoys from its roots, that is to say, prosecuting the dirty scum of the Greyback clan."
"Huh—"
After a meaningless laugh, Amorta turned and left.
"I will keep an eye on Little Peter Wormtail..."
(Chapter ends)
