After experiencing the last public trial, the young wizards are no strangers to trials.
In fact, for most underage wizards, it is obviously more interesting to watch the adults' public trials in advance than the Quidditch match.
After all, only two teams can participate in a Quidditch match at the same time.
For example, when Gryffindor and Slytherin were playing against each other, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were a bit unable to integrate into the atmosphere.
Watching a public trial does not present such a problem.
Even if theoretically speaking, except for the members of the Wizengamot Wizarding Court, all spectators present do not have the right to vote, but all spectators will believe that they are actually an important part of this trial - at least
He is also a witness.
On the other hand, compared to the last public trial of Peter Pettigrew, the number of people from the magical world who came to watch the trial also increased several times.
This morning, before the students woke up from their sleep, reporters from major mainstream newspapers, radio stations, and magazines in the wizarding world had already arrived at the exclusive location of the Quidditch pitch in advance and began to adjust their equipment. And magic
Ministry officials, such as Cornelius Fudge, Amelia Bones and others, appeared in the auditorium in the middle of breakfast and integrated into the meal very naturally.
As time passed, an excitement spread around the Quidditch field like a tangible cloud.
Hundreds of wizards apparated into Hogsmeade Village, and then walked to the Quidditch pitch. Elena originally planned to provide paid magic carriage pick-up service for those visitors, but in Professor McGonagall's
After strong opposition, she finally gave up the idea.
It's not that the magic carriage cannot be used by people outside the school. The main reason is that Elena's idea was originally to use a magic carriage for both passengers and cargo.
after all……
"What are these people here for?" Cornelius Fudge said with a frown.
There were many more people at the scene than he had imagined, and they looked much weirder than he had imagined.
Every few steps there were vendors pushing carts and carrying trays selling strange things.
Some are glowing magic badges, some are various simply cooked dishes, snacks, snacks, and even magic hats of various colors.
In addition, there are telescopes, small statues, various simple toys, magic bubbles... This made Mr. Minister almost think that he had come to the wrong place. This was not the scene of a public trial, but a joyful and relaxing ceremony - such as
Talk - the scene of the Quidditch World Cup match.
"Do they really know that this is a public trial and not a hilarious, casual parkland scene?"
"Well, I think they should know, Mr. Minister."
Amelia Bones said softly and glanced at the nearest stall to them with a strange expression.
In the vendor's cart, there were a bunch of glowing magic badges.
While they were talking, the vendor was introducing his products to other wizards, which seemed to be a magic button that could be controlled:
Press it once and it will turn green, indicating not guilty. Press it again and it will turn red, indicating guilty.
"That's ridiculous. Where are those students? What are they doing?"
Connelly said angrily, turning his head and looking to the other side.
A dozen Gryffindor students were riding broomsticks, whizzing past them.
Everyone held their wands tightly in their hands, looking as if they were going to participate in a war.
They looked seriously at the people below who were entering the Quidditch pitch.
"Oh, they are patrolling their potato fields. The area next to the Quidditch factory is Gryffindor House's own potato field. During the last trial of Peter Pettigrew, several adult wizards spoiled the potatoes.
Did you forget that we almost got into a fight with the potatoes in the field?"
This time it was Professor McGonagall who took the initiative to answer Cornelius Fudge's question.
She raised her head, glanced at the students nervously patrolling the sky, and sighed helplessly.
Compared with the young wizards from other houses, the Gryffindor students are obviously a little clumsy.
For example...
"What are those students over there doing? What are they selling?"
"Oh, Ravenclaw House, this year's orchard has a bumper harvest, and they plan to take this opportunity to use up some inventory.
Professor McGonagall shrugged and explained without thinking, "As for Slytherin and Hufflepuff, they have cooked some special dishes that are only available in their own colleges, and they plan to take this opportunity to make a little money for themselves.
Pocket money, I think this is a good thing."
"...I don't think so. Judgment is a serious matter. This is now..."
Cornelius Fudge frowned heavily, as if he wanted to criticize him.
However, he stopped abruptly in the middle of his words.
Because a group of reporters suddenly appeared in front of him, Cornelius Fudge skillfully smiled at the camera lens.
"Mr. Minister, what do you think of this public trial? Will this become a new trial method for the Ministry of Magic in the future?"
"If necessary, we will consider the next one."
"Compared to the last public trial, the number of participants this time is obviously much larger. What do you think this means?"
"This is a very good phenomenon, which shows that all sectors of society are paying more and more attention to the changes that are taking place in our society."
"Mr. Minister, I also have a question..."
As Cornelius Fudge and his party appeared at the entrance to the Quidditch pitch.
The reporters waiting around rushed forward as if they had smelled bloody sharks.
However, Connelly and others did not panic, because most of the questions had been shown to them in advance before asking, and the questions they answered at this time were all prepared in advance before coming here.
Everything is just an arranged performance.
As for those issues that are not part of the plan, they can pretend not to hear them.
After all, there were too many reporters on site...
…………
At the same time, on the other side.
Elena is in charge of reception and guiding students and parents.
To be more precise, a selected group of important student parents.
"Wait, this is the Quidditch pitch?" Lucius Malfoy raised his head and looked at the huge stadium in front of him in shock.
Judging from the appearance, this was indeed somewhat similar to the Quidditch pitch he remembered, but...
"This should be a simple magic expansion, temporary -"
Mr. Weasley saw the shocked expression on Malfoy's face and explained triumphantly.
"Malfoy, you really should learn about the latest magic knowledge. We often use this technology now."
"The current venue can accommodate up to more than 100,000 people——".
Elena explained casually that he didn't want the two old enemies to quarrel again in front of the Quidditch pitch.
"The venue has been specially reinforced with magic, as well as magical protection from the power of the castle. The space inside is actually about five times the size of the external view - future Quidditch games also plan to use this extended venue, because
The broomstick of the future is flying too fast."
"Flying too fast?" Mr. Granger asked curiously, looking around.
"I heard that some models can break the speed of sound——"
Before Elena could speak, Benitez answered worriedly while flipping the folded pages in his hand.
"Honestly, I don't think this is a good thing. Supersonic flight is somewhat out of line as a campus sport..."
"Those are mostly rumors... flying broomsticks in schools are still normal."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Elena calmly. The only supersonic broomsticks known so far were Elena's Valkyrie armors.
As for the concept models of SUGOYI broomsticks, although the theoretical values can be achieved, due to various reasons, there is no way to solve the problems of "human-machine interaction" and safety performance - after all, supersonic flight is not just a straight line, there are many accidents in the air
of.
While talking, everyone quickly arrived at the top private room that Elena had reserved for everyone in advance.
Three house elves were standing around the room, one at the door, one in the middle, and one by the bleachers.
The air in front has also been treated with special magic, forming a thin film similar to a transparent air barrier.
The picture in the field below can be zoomed in, enlarged, and rotated at any time. At the same time, this film also has a certain degree of magical protection:
This is a new feature that appeared after the "magicization" of Hogwarts Castle. Elena calls it the Hogwarts Shield.
"But speaking of it...oh, thank you——"
Mr. Granger took a glass of iced lemonade from the house-elf tray, feeling a little confused.
"Hogwarts, um, I mean, does the wizarding world have this traditional culture of 'public trials'?"
"I remember it was the same last time - it seems that your government and schools often organize students to watch trials..."
"Actually, this situation is quite rare. The last time it happened, it was because Peter Pettigrew happened to be arrested in the castle."
Elena explained seriously. She glanced at Mr. Aibo, who was also looking over curiously, and nodded politely.
"I heard from the professors that Peter Pettigrew is a very dangerous and cunning dark wizard. The Ministry of Magic and Professor Dumbledore were worried that he would escape during the escort or be silenced by others, so they made an exception and conducted the investigation in Hogwarts Castle.
The trial was held... and the heroes of the past were also paid homage to."
"Then this time——"
"This time, well, it seems to be the result of discussions between the Ministry of Magic and Professor Lockhart."
Elena tried her best to show a trace of confusion, with a somewhat uncertain tone in her voice.
"Professor Lockhart was our grammar teacher before. Perhaps there was some consideration in this regard?"
"Because Gilderoy Lockhart wants to run for Minister of Magic - I guess Fudge wants to eat him alive."
At this moment, Lucius Malfoy said quietly, and he glanced at Mr. Granger.
In the past, he wouldn't have even been in the same room as a Muggle, let alone looked at them or answered any questions.
However, times have changed - Malfoy knows exactly how to serve a demon king.
Maybe he couldn't get close to Muggles, but at least he wouldn't deliberately anger the lady at this time.
"Fudge?"
"Cornelly Fudge, the current Minister of Magic. But he is under impeachment——"
Lucius Malfoy explained casually, looking thoughtfully at the row of gold and red high chair seats below.
"Look, the Wizengamot Court is well prepared. If nothing else happens, they plan to lock Lockhart in prison for the rest of his life."
"Indefinite imprisonment?! What crime did that Professor Lockhart commit?"
Mr. Granger asked curiously. He frowned and looked down at the empty center of the field in confusion.
There was an uncomfortable-looking table surrounded by a fence.
It reminded him of what some customers had heard about a courtroom hearing.
"Did he kill someone? Or...rape?!"
"Oh, it might be ten thousand times more serious than those things——"
Lucius shook his head, glanced at Mr. Granger's exquisitely made woolen coat, and whispered with some playfulness.
"Lockhart tried to let Muggles know about magic and break the law of secrecy. Half a century ago, this would have been a capital crime that could be executed on the spot!"