Chapter 182 – Trial (2)
The trial of the captured Death Eaters happened in the old ministry building in the heart of the muggles’ city. Since the fall of Voldemort, the Order’s number one enforcer, Mad-Eye Moody, has either been overseeing Azkaban or was in the Ministry, destroying the curses and traps that were left behind.
By now, the institute was usable again, although I knew there were talks about relocating it. Too many bad things happened inside, and nobody felt that it was right to remain there and continue governing from a tainted place. However, until the new location is selected, there is no choice but to use it. What I was surprised about was that people were being let in for the trial, including us.
We didn’t come alone because Lockhart did come with us this time, enjoying his pardoned existence and the fame he was gradually racking up. No joke, since we arrived, multiple people came to ask for his and our autographs. I was a bit taken aback, but he was in his element, retelling tales that didn’t even happen, being the type of propagandist you would want with you if you were in our shoes.
"Honestly... He is a natural. He was wasted in Hogwarts." Quincy whispered into my ears, making me nod.
"Yeah, if Voldemort would have used him as his mouthpiece, oh boy... He would have been able to sway public opinion towards so many things! I do believe that his bullshittery is above his proficiency in mind magic."
"You can say that again."
"Conrad?"
I was about to break out from the ring of people who stopped us the moment we got into the lobby when I heard my name being called. Tiptoing to see above the heads of others, I quickly found the owner, whom I had already recognized. He wasn’t better off because he was sandwiched between even more people, trying to catch my attention.
"Neville!" I shouted back, and after both of us managed to break free, we finally met in the middle before hugging it out.