#307 - Chapter 307 End of Semester

Recent days have been eventful, leaving the entire British wizarding world stunned.

First, news outlets began vying to report Sirius Black's innocence, claiming his years in Azkaban were a complete injustice.

The real culprit behind the Potters' deaths was Peter Pettigrew, the very man Sirius supposedly killed.

Through various media reports, the public learned many specific details from that time.

Such as the Potters changing their Secret-Keeper, and Peter Pettigrew using an explosion curse to destroy a Muggle street, leaving behind a finger to frame Sirius.

Alongside these reports was Minister for Magic Fudge's statement: 'We won't wrong an innocent person, nor will we let a bad person go free. The Ministry will give everyone the truth.'

These reports sparked widespread attention among British wizards.

Good heavens!

Someone had spent over a decade in the hellhole that is Azkaban due to the Ministry's incompetence—how utterly tragic!

Public outrage surged, with many protesting the Ministry's lack of evidence, leading to an innocent person's wrongful imprisonment.

Accompanying the numerous media reports, public opinion on Sirius Black was sharply divided.

Some pitied him, others loathed him, some admired him, and still others called him a fool for not seeking justice sooner.

Debates raged, with numerous news commentators vying to publish their views across various media platforms.

Throughout this period, the public eagerly awaited an official statement from the Ministry.

But they waited and waited, and no news from the Ministry arrived.

Frustrated, the public unleashed a barrage of Howlers on the Ministry via owls.

Sebastian hadn't expected Fudge to be so patient, holding the public trial for Sirius and Peter until late May.

With live coverage from numerous media outlets, nearly all wizards witnessed the trial.

Sirius Black was exonerated, regaining his freedom and receiving 1,000 Galleons in compensation from the Ministry.

Peter Pettigrew received his just punishment: the Dementor's Kiss, scheduled for the end of June.

At the moment the verdict was announced, the onlookers erupted in cheers, while Peter wept inconsolably in the dock.

Watching Peter's tearful appearance on the magical television, Snape breathed a quiet sigh.

He didn't continue watching Fudge's performance of taking all the blame for the Ministry's mistakes, but instead went alone to the Black Lake, quietly staring at the water.

Suddenly, a pebble skipped across the water's surface, and Snape turned to see Sebastian, bent over, picking up stones.

"Severus, want to try? Let's see who can skip a stone further!"

"Childish!" Snape's lips slightly curved, then he turned back to the lake.

After a long silence, he asked, "Sebastian, I heard you gave Fudge a lot of ideas that night. Was that necessary? Surely you could have made Fudge listen to you more through other means."

Hearing this, Sebastian chuckled but didn't directly answer.

"Severus, do you know what I admired most about our Head of House, Professor Slughorn, during our school years?"

"What?" Snape slightly turned his head.

"His shrewdness and diplomacy, his ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships with ease."

Before Snape could respond, Sebastian continued, "Do you know what I admired most about Dumbledore?"

He skipped another stone across the water, "His willingness to abide by the rules of the world, despite possessing the power to suppress everything."

"Many people in his position would have long declared 'I don't eat beef!' and become even more insane than the Dark Lord."

"I didn't quite understand his approach when I was in school, but after gaining absolute power, I gradually came to appreciate the joy of playing within the rules."

"After all, if you always think about solving everything with violence, the world will quickly become boring."

"Of course, I'm not as pedantic as Headmaster Dumbledore."

A hint of disdainful smile appeared on Sebastian's lips, and he used his wand to control a large stone, causing it to glide far across the water's surface.

"If someone doesn't play by the rules with me, I'll be happy to show them what cruelty means."

"Remember the life philosophy I set for myself when I was in school?"

Snape raised an eyebrow: "If you can reason with you, you're the second Dumbledore. If you can't reason with you, you're the next Voldemort."

"Haha," Sebastian skipped another stone, "That's right!"

.............................

The warm summer breeze gently caressed the shimmering surface of the lake.

With the end of term exams over, the students of Hogwarts seemed to shed their heavy burdens, becoming lazy and relaxed.

Groups of two and three strolled out of the castle, heading to the lakeside to find coolness and tranquility.

The shadows of the trees danced, the air filled with the fragrance of grass and flowers, and even the sunlight was gentle enough to lull one to sleep.

The lake water sparkled in the sunlight, like gold shards scattered across the surface, reflecting light that danced and shimmered on the soft grass of the shore.

Several seventh-year girls bared their feet, gently dipping their toes into the water, the ripples intertwining with their laughter.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione also came to stroll by the Black Lake, enjoying the last moments before leaving school.

"I didn't expect Wood to be so enthusiastically taking graduation photos," Ron joked, "I thought he'd call you all together for one last Quidditch practice before leaving."

Harry grinned: "We won the Quidditch Cup again this year, and Wood said he has no regrets before leaving school. Plus, he got a recommendation letter from Professor Svan, and all the major Quidditch clubs have opened their doors to him."

"Sigh..." Ron sighed, "With Wood and Marcus graduating, our Quidditch team will be much weaker. I don't know if we'll be able to dominate as we did this year."

"Ron," Hermione smiled, "Think about the good things. Your grades improved a lot this year, and you even got several O's (Outstanding). Your mom will definitely praise you when you get home."

"Of course!" Ron thumped his chest, "I really studied hard at the end. By the way, what are you guys planning to do for the holidays? Want to go see the Quidditch World Cup this year?"

"Hermione, you can come to our house first, then we'll go to the Quidditch stadium together."

Hermione's eyes sparkled, and she immediately accepted Ron's invitation.

"I'm going with Professor Svan and them," Harry said with a smile, "We'll see you there."