The walls around the courtroom were made of dark stone.

The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows as one walked from the entrance inward, where rows of empty benches rose gradually on either side.

Ahead of the accused, on the highest tiers of benches, loomed numerous shadowy figures. These individuals had been whispering among themselves before the trial began, but the moment the three main suspects were brought in, all noise ceased abruptly, leaving only the heavy thud of the doors closing behind them.

Sanguini and Worple were visibly unsettled.

One was a vampire who had never seen much of the world, scraping by through petty theft and cowering like a mouse at the sight of Aurors. The other was a mild-mannered wizard who rarely left his home, spending most of his days holed up writing manuscripts.

Faced with such an intimidating spectacle, it was only natural for them to feel a surge of fear.

However, when that tall, composed figure strode past them, moving as casually as if he were attending a Wizarding Wireless Network program rather than standing trial, Sanguini and Worple instinctively straightened their backs. Their unease and tension eased slightly as they followed him into the courtroom.

"Severus Snape, Sanguini Brujah, Eldred Worple."

"As requested by the wizarding public, this trial will be broadcast live on the Wizarding Wireless Network. Do you have any objections to this?"

A cold, emotionless male voice suddenly rang out, echoing through the dim chamber.

Severus turned his gaze toward a wizard stationed in a corner of the courtroom. He is wearing headphones and fiddling with a bunch of magical or technological equipment in front of him. He is obviously a staff member of Wizarding Wireless Network.

He shrugged.

"Will we need an Amplifying Charm? Or perhaps a microphone?"

"Neither is necessary." The same detached voice replied.

"Tch. A bit rudimentary, but I have no objections."

After Severus shook his head, Sanguini and Worple, now seemingly emboldened by his relaxed demeanor, responded loudly as well.

"No objection."

"No objection."

Another round of hushed murmurs arose from the shadowy figures on the high benches, until the cold voice spoke again.

"Then take your seats."

In the middle of the room, there are three chairs, and on the armrests of each chair, there is a chain on the left and right.

Severus took the middle seat without hesitation, drawing every eye in the room, while Sanguini and Worple sat to his left and right.

The chains on the armrests clinked faintly, but did not shackle them as they would a high-security prisoner.

After sitting down, they finally got a clear look at the figures on the elevated platform.

There were about 50 wizards sitting there, all wearing purple robes with an exquisite 'W' embroidered on the left chest.

Most of these wizards were staring at Severus, some frowning, some curious, others openly astonished.

Severus met their scrutinizing gazes without flinching, even nodding politely at the familiar faces among them.

Then his eyes landed on a familiar elderly witch seated at the center of the front row.

It was Millicent Bagnold, the current Minister for Magic, with just one year left in her term!

And at the very top of the platform, in the middle, sat a white-bearded old man Severus knew all too well… Albus Dumbledore!

As Severus locked eyes with him, Dumbledore was chuckling at some joke a witch beside him had just shared.

"If all is in order, let the court scribe prepare to record for this trial on July 21st."

Minister Bagnold's voice echoed throughout the courtroom.

"Concerning the charges against Sanguini Brujah and Eldred Worple for the attempted poisoning of the Muggle, Patty Somerset, as well as Severus Snape's abduction of said Muggle, aiding and abetting Brujah and Worple in their escape, and violating the International Statute of Secrecy, the Prohibition of Harming Muggles Act, and the Anti-Obstruction of Auror Law."

She proceeded to read out a long list of names responsible for overseeing the trial, following protocol, until she announced the appearance of the witness.

A female Auror pushed a young woman in a wheelchair into the courtroom.

Sanguini subconsciously turned his head and looked into Patty's eyes, which were obviously a little panicked by the unfamiliar environment around her.

The moment their gazes locked, Patty calmed down, and she even gave Sanguini a radiant, blooming smile.

When Sanguini saw her, he started smiling too.

For an instant, this dark courtroom seemed to be illuminated by sunlight, and there was no longer any gloom.

Sitting in a corner, the Wizarding Wireless Network's host, who had been unilaterally silenced with an Imperturbable Charm, was now gesturing wildly into his microphone. While his words can't be heard here, his excitement was palpable.

His eyes were fixed on the exchanged glances between Sanguini and Patty, like a starving wolf spotting prey!

"Sanguini Brujah, on the afternoon of June 5th, at precisely 3:21 p.m., you performed magic, a Mending Charm, in front of the Muggle, Patty Somerset, is that correct?"

Sanguini, who had always been timid and nervous in high-pressure situations, now looked at Minister Bagnold with unwavering resolve.

"Yes."

"Do you admit that this act violates Article Thirteen of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy?"

"No, I do not! Patty is my wife. According to the exemption clause in the Statute, immediate family members of witches and wizards are not subject to its restrictions!"

A murmur of surprise rippled through the witches and wizards on the high benches.

Many witches even applauded Sanguini, as if expressing their approval and appreciation for his bold declaration.

"Order! I must remind everyone to maintain courtroom decorum!"

Bagnold maintained her stern expression as she restored order, and then she turned to look at Patty.

"Patty Somerset, we have already conducted prior examinations confirming that you have not been administered any Love Potion nor placed under the Imperius Curse. Do you now affirm, without any coercion or threat, that you have willingly and sincerely entered into marriage with Sanguini Brujah as his wife?"

Patty didn't hesitate at all, and nodded firmly in response.

"I do! He is my husband!"

The applause from the benches grew louder, and there was even a cheer.

Not just within the courtroom, but even through the heavy doors, those inside could faintly hear the roaring approval and celebration from outside!

The Wizarding Wireless Network was broadcasting the trial live, ensuring that every witch and wizard listening by their radios could hear every word of their testimony!

This makes those wizards and witches, who have read the book [Blood Love: The Vampire and The Muggle] particularly excited and enthusiastic.

Fiction had become reality and it was unfolding in real time. Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Bagnold seemed to give up on enforcing order entirely. She just proceeded mechanically, asking whether Patty had willingly consumed the Draught of Living Death. Upon receiving yet another resounding confirmation, it became clear.

Sanguini and Worple were completely cleared of any charges or suspicion!

If the events in the book were true, then they had committed no crime at all!

And Patty's testimony alone was more than enough to prove the story's authenticity.

Now, before the entire Wizengamotand the live broadcast of the entire British Wizarding World, Patty has admitted everything so clearly and firmly. That is the best proof!

For a moment, both inside and outside the courtroom, jubilation reigned.

Until Bagnold's voice sounded again.

"Then we turn now to Severus Snape."

The moment she called out this name and it was transmitted through radios across the country, the originally jubilant people immediately became quiet!

Because in that second, everyone remembered one thing:

If the book's story was confirmed to be true… then what did that mean for the parts about Snape?