Hogwarts: I'm Truly a Model Wizard

After promising Fred and George he'd take them to the suitcase after lunch, Kyle finally managed to get some peace and quiet. Not wanting to risk Kyle sneaking off, the twins opted to stay close, forgoing the Gryffindor table to sit with him at Hufflepuff instead.

Having been at the Hufflepuff table many times before, Fred and George casually took seats on either side of Kyle, greeting everyone nearby with familiar ease. They felt confident that their plan was foolproof, but plans, as it turned out, could change.

Just as Kyle finished his last bite of tortilla, Dumbledore appeared unexpectedly in the Great Hall and headed straight for the Hufflepuff table.

"Kyle, could you come with me for a moment... if you're done eating," he said.

"Certainly, Professor," Kyle replied, waving goodbye to the stunned Weasley twins before following Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.

"I've just received some news," Dumbledore said as they strode briskly toward the doors. "Sirius's retrial has been set for one o'clock, and Cornelius has invited us to attend. We can go together, if that's agreeable to you."

"Of course I'll go, Professor, but... can I actually attend?" Kyle asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Dumbledore assured him. "Fudge specifically mentioned you. He said that as the one who first uncovered the evidence, you have every right to be there. He also noted that today's date was chosen because Hogwarts is closed for the weekend."

Kyle shrugged, unconvinced. He doubted Fudge would go out of his way for such a trivial reason. If timing were the concern, wouldn't it be more convenient to hold the retrial over the holidays?

"He probably wants a witness," Kyle muttered, "to add legitimacy."

"Cornelius is very thorough," Dumbledore replied, neither confirming nor denying Kyle's suspicion. "After all, we have you to thank for this discovery, and your presence will make the proceedings less controversial. Furthermore, as a second-class Order of Merlin recipient, you hold a place in the Wizengamot, even though you've yet to graduate."

"The Wizengamot?" Kyle said, surprised. "Does that mean I get a vote, too?"

Dumbledore didn't answer directly, offering only a polite smile.

"Right, I get it," Kyle said. Apparently, his "say" was quite literal... as in, being able to greet the others, but little more.

Dumbledore didn't head for the school entrance but instead stopped in a field near the edge of the Black Lake. Extending his arm, he said, "There's less than ten minutes until the retrial begins, so I think we'd better hurry."

Kyle took his arm, and in a dizzying whirl, he opened his eyes to find himself standing in a grand hall.

Kyle didn't bother asking Dumbledore how he was able to Apparate within Hogwarts grounds. It wasn't necessary. For wizards of Dumbledore's caliber, such limitations had little effect. And as headmaster, he could easily grant himself temporary permissions when needed.

"Oh, Professor Dumbledore, you're finally here," said a tall figure approaching from across the hall.

"I can hardly believe it. Black might actually be innocent. It's been twelve years since his case was settled."

"I was as surprised as you were when I heard the news, Kingsley," Dumbledore replied, shaking his hand. "So, what happens now? Are we on time?"

"No, the retrial will start promptly at one o'clock. We're just in time," Kingsley confirmed, casting a glance at Kyle. He didn't question why Dumbledore had brought a student, clearly having been informed ahead of time.

"Come with me. The retrial will be in Courtroom Three..."

Kingsley led the way, with Kyle following close behind. Exiting the hall, they entered another grand chamber packed with wizards, likely a few hundred, all moving hurriedly.

"This way," Kingsley said, as they merged into the crowd. With Dumbledore behind them, the throng parted politely, many stepping aside to make room.

They soon passed a table labeled "Security Check," where wands were being inspected, and a long queue had formed. However, Kingsley walked right past it without stopping, and the wizard inspecting wands pretended not to notice, turning instead to handle the wand of the next person in line.

"Oh… why are they allowed through without inspection?" asked a man with a thick accent from the middle of the line, pointing to Kyle. "That child... it's obvious he's not an employee..."

The previously quiet line erupted with murmurs, and people craned their necks to get a look at the speaker, speculating on which distant corner of the world he must be from to ask such an oblivious question.

Couldn't he see who was with the boy?

The wand inspector looked up with a smirk and replied lazily, "If your name is Albus Dumbledore, feel free to go through now…"

A burst of laughter followed.

By this time, Kyle and Dumbledore had crossed the hall and entered an elevator. It was already crowded, but the occupants greeted Dumbledore warmly.

"Long time no see, Albus. I suppose you're here because of Black?" said a bald wizard holding a cardboard box.

"Yes, Ackerley," Dumbledore responded.

"It's incredible," said the wizard, whose name was apparently Ackerley. "Everyone in the Ministry eligible to attend is here, and I'd bet it'll be on The Daily Prophet's front page for the next month. If Black's conviction is overturned, it'll stay there even longer."

At that moment, a cold female voice announced:

"Level 7, Department of Magical Games and Sports, including the headquarters of the British and Irish Quidditch Leagues, the Official Gobstones Club, and the Ludicrous Patents Office."

The elevator doors opened to a cluttered corridor lined with various Quidditch posters.

"Oh, this is me," said Ackerley, stepping out. "See you next time, Albus."

"Until next time," Dumbledore replied as the doors slid shut again.

The elevator continued, passing the Department of Magical Transportation and the Department of International Magical Cooperation. After that floor, they were the only three passengers left in the lift.

They went on past the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, nearing their destination.

Finally, the voice announced: "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Office for the Prevention of Misuse of Magic, Auror Headquarters, and the Wizengamot."

"We're here," said Dumbledore.

Following Kingsley, they stepped out of the lift and entered a hallway lined with doors.

"Come quickly. We need to hurry," Kingsley said, turning left and leading them down another corridor. They passed Auror Headquarters, its walls covered with portraits, before finally stopping at a heavy wooden door.

"This is Courtroom Three," Kingsley said. "Someone suggested using Courtroom Ten, but thankfully the Minister didn't agree. It's been abandoned for ages, and it's so far down that even the lift doesn't reach it. This room is much better—at least it's brighter and doesn't smell musty... You can go in now."

Kyle approached the door, and even through the thick wood, he could hear the rumble of voices inside.