Lucius quickly sensed the problem but couldn't stop it. He could only watch helplessly as the elderly wizard made his decision.
After the elderly wizard made his decision, the members of the Committee for the Regulation and Control of Dangerous Creatures stirred briefly but quickly reached a consensus and decided to comply with the committee president's decision.
"Mafalda, do I have any more plans for today?" Seeing that Hagrid's case was taking an unusual turn, Amelia Bones also became intrigued. So, she called her secretary and inquired about her schedule for the day.
"You have no plans before lunch." Mafalda had been instructed to give Amelia the morning off.
"Then, I'll observe as well." Amelia took the opportunity and decided to accompany the jury to Hogwarts.
Compared to Fudge, Amelia frequently visited Hogwarts.
Without further ado, perhaps due to the presence of the Minister, Ministry of Magic officials showed surprising efficiency, a remarkable uniformity both in the magical and non-magical worlds. Is a government really reliable that lets things fall apart in front of national leaders? For example, when a country's president goes on inspection and the high-ranking military officers suddenly break the handle of the jeep's door. Unless it's a pre-arranged comedic video, that only indicates that the military facilities of that country are in decline.
Fortunately, the Ministry of Magic was reliable. After about fifteen minutes, the members of the Committee for the Regulation and Control of Dangerous Creatures, along with Minister Bones, Lucius Malfoy, and others, were already inside Hogwarts.
Hagrid had brought Buckbeak to the paddock near the Forbidden Forest. It was the place where Hagrid had taught his first Care of Magical Creatures class.
Buckbeak seemed very happy to be back in the same spot, flapping and beating his wings and emitting joyful cries.
"All right, Hagrid, we've arrived. Can we start the test now?" Lucius was already impatient.
"Just wait a moment!"
Upon hearing those words, Lucius's chest suddenly expanded, but when he realized it was Minister of Magic Amelia Bones speaking, he felt like a deflated balloon, suppressing his anger.
Frustration. That was the only feeling in Lucius's mind. When had he, as the Patriarch of the pure-blood Malfoy clan, been subjected to such humiliation? During the reign of the Dark Lord... Well, that wasn't much better. When he was studying at Hogwarts, it was a time of great splendor and pride. Perhaps the return to Hogwarts stirred up memories of the past in Lucius, beautiful memories sprouting in his mind, forming a vivid contrast with the sad reality. This only worsened his mood.
Amelia's call for a pause wasn't just for annoyance, but someone special had arrived. Albus Dumbledore had brought his talented student Newt Scamander along with a group of young wizards.
"Professor Dumbledore, good morning." Amelia greeted Dumbledore enthusiastically. Hagrid was busy brushing Buckbeak's fur while trying to calm him down. When he heard Dumbledore's name, he turned his head quickly, so forcefully that his neck cracked.
Dumbledore approached calmly with his "entourage" and greeted the attendees kindly. Many of the committee members returned the greeting, some even greeted Newt, though only a few. Some seemed afraid, and others even showed some dissatisfaction. But all eyes were on Dumbledore.
He approached Amelia and stopped.
"Hello," Dumbledore greeted the crowd amiably, and they responded in kind. They greeted Dumbledore. They talked for a while; Lucius was anxious but could only endure for a while.
"Lucius." Finally, Dumbledore just shook Lucius Malfoy's hand and turned to Hagrid. "Have I heard correctly that you are going to conduct an experiment here at Hogwarts?"
"Yes," said Hagrid with an indelible smile on his face. Returning to the familiar Hogwarts from the strange Ministry of Magic gave him a sense of being in his element, as if he were fighting on his home turf.
"Oh, really? Then please begin; I'd like to see it too," said Dumbledore with curiosity, apparently having no idea what was about to happen.
What a good actor! Many murmured to themselves. How is it possible that the headmaster of Hogwarts has no clue about what's happening here? Hagrid is here now; isn't Dumbledore guiding him?
That's a misunderstanding on Dumbledore's part. Tom only mentioned the matter to Dumbledore but took it upon himself to resolve it.
There's no other choice, after all, who wants Dumbledore to lose this case? Plus, Miss Granger has developed sympathy for Hagrid and Buckbeak. He has no other option and can't afford the consequences of a loss.
After losing the case, Dumbledore's skin will be exposed, and Hermione will have to focus on the trial's appeal. If the appeal also fails, they might even have to use a Time-Turner to save Buckbeak. Instead of going through so much trouble, it's better to resolve it once and for all.
As for the dispute between Hagrid, Buckbeak, and Malfoy, Tom didn't bother to get involved. In this matter, each side has their own truth, and it entirely depends on their personal stance. Tom's position is on Dumbledore's side, so he would naturally choose to help Hagrid.
"Start right away," Lucius urged after Dumbledore spoke. Lucius felt that things were getting worse and worse, but he still thought that a dog can't change its nature, and that animal still had a violent temperament.
"Very well," said Hagrid, looking at Lucius Malfoy. "Lucius, do you dare to volunteer for this experiment?"
Lucius: ???
What?
Lucius was completely baffled.
"Yes, are you willing to volunteer for this experiment? Buckbeak isn't actually dangerous," Hagrid said with an innocent smile while stroking Buckbeak's beak.
Lucius: ...
He looked at Buckbeak, who at that moment extended its claws very cooperatively and passed them through the ground, leaving deep marks like furrows in the soil.
Lucius felt his skin crawl.