Chapter One Hundred Forty-Seven
Interest
Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes, I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls
(Poor Unfortunate Souls - Pat Carroll)January 18th, 1999It had taken a short time to explain to the Wizengamot what had happened to
Umbridge's face and, despite having suffered through the Crimson Liar Curse herself,
Elora Zabini remained perfectly silent when everyone began asking if there happened to
be a cure.
Mia talked to Kingsley, Arthur, and Hyperion about the potion that she had created
at Hogwarts, and two of the three men laughed at the story about a Great Hall filled with
screaming teenage girls covered in the red stain.
Hyperion, needing to remain unbiased, asked Damocles to investigate the potion
that Mia had created and swallowed herself, afterward touching Umbridge and delivering
the incantation to activate it. Once the famous Potioneer gave his judgment on the brew—
and accompanying curse—members began whispering to one another about implementing
the Crimson Liar instead of Veritaserum in future court proceedings.
Umbridge was led away by Aurors to await a proper investigation into all
accusations against her, but Mia knew the Pensieve memories alone would have her rotting
in Azkaban for decades.
When the chamber floor had been cleaned of blood and scorch marks, the
Wizengamot members retook their seats, some moving either further away from Mia in
mild fear or closer in awe and respect.
Kingsley sat back, allowing Hyperion and Arthur each to take turns discussing laws
and legislation up for review, most of which were ridiculous and had to do with cauldron
thickness, broom exports, and whether or not flying carpets should be legalised in Britain.