The courtroom was abuzz with a renewed sense of urgency as Arthur Weasley prepared to take the stand. The testimonies of previous witnesses had painted a complex picture, and the crowd was eager to hear more details about the capture of Peter Pettigrew. Rufus Scrimgeour presided over the proceedings with his usual gravitas, while Dolores Umbridge maintained her role as Sirius Black’s defender, her eyes flickering with calculated interest.
“Mr. Arthur Weasley, you may now give your testimony,” Rufus announced, gesturing towards the witness stand.
Arthur Weasley made his way to the stand, his demeanor calm but resolute. As he took his seat, he glanced briefly at his family, who were seated in the gallery, their expressions a mix of concern and anticipation.
“Mr. Weasley,” Rufus began, “please recount the details of how Peter Pettigrew was apprehended.”
Arthur cleared his throat and nodded. “Certainly. The capture of Peter Pettigrew was a crucial moment. The information we had about his whereabouts came through a combination of diligent investigation and a series of unexpected events.”
Arthur’s gaze shifted to the members of the Wizengamot as he continued. “As you know, Pettigrew had been hiding for many years under the guise of a rat named Scabbers. The rat had been living with my family, specifically with my son, Ron Weasley, for over a decade. We had no reason to suspect that Scabbers was anything other than a normal pet rat.”
The courtroom was silent as Arthur spoke, every word carrying weight. “The breakthrough came during a visit to our home. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Alastor Moody arrived under the pretense of discussing a new magical law. Their presence caused an unusual sense of unease among us, though we were initially unaware of the cause.”
Arthur’s voice grew more animated as he recalled the details. “During the dinner, Moody’s keen eye caught something peculiar about Scabbers. The rat’s behavior was erratic and seemed out of place. Moody suspected that the rat might be an unregistered Animagus, which led to further scrutiny.”
He paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in. “Moody used a magical binding net to restrain the rat, and Rufus Scrimgeour decided to perform a spell to confirm the rat’s true nature. The spell, Homunculus Revelio, revealed that the rat was indeed Peter Pettigrew.”
A collective gasp spread through the courtroom at this revelation. Arthur continued, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words. “The revelation was startling. The Weasley family was shocked, as was the wider magical community. Pettigrew was apprehended immediately, and the full implications of his betrayal became clear.”
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Dolores Umbridge, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. “Mr. Weasley, can you confirm the specifics of the spell used and its reliability?”
Arthur nodded. “Yes, the spell used was Homunculus Revelio, which is designed to reveal the true nature of a being, whether human or otherwise. It’s a reliable method, particularly in cases involving Animagi. The results were clear, and Pettigrew was identified without doubt.”
Rufus Scrimgeour took a moment before speaking. “Thank you, Mr. Weasley. Your testimony provides important context for the events surrounding Peter Pettigrew’s capture.”
Arthur Weasley rose from the stand, his role in the proceedings complete. As he left, the courtroom buzzed with conversations, the revelation of Pettigrew’s identity adding a new layer to the ongoing trial.
Sirius Black, who had been following the proceedings closely, felt a surge of mixed emotions. The testimony had strengthened his case, but there was still much left to resolve. His eyes darted towards Dolores Umbridge, who seemed to be preparing for the next phase of the trial.
Dolores rose to address the court once more. “As we have heard from Mr. Weasley, the capture of Peter Pettigrew was a result of vigilant investigation and a crucial magical revelation. This testimony underscores the importance of the evidence being presented and supports Sirius Black’s claims of innocence.”
Rufus Scrimgeour nodded in agreement. “Indeed. The court will continue to weigh the evidence carefully. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
As the courtroom prepared for the next round of testimonies, Sirius sat in his seat, a mixture of hope and anxiety evident on his face. The trial was progressing, and each testimony was a step towards revealing the full truth. Yet, with each passing moment, the weight of the proceedings seemed to grow heavier, and the outcome remained uncertain.
Dolores Umbridge, ever the strategist, was already preparing for the next phase of the trial. Her gaze shifted to Sirius, a hint of determination in her eyes. The trial was far from over, and the path to justice would require more than just revelations; it would require unwavering resolve and a careful examination of the facts.