NOVEL WEB Chapter 12: Chapter 12
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Chapter 12: Auror Team, Meet Dumbledore
When he saw that the time was almost up, Cole revealed the reason for his visit. "Minister Fudge, I'm afraid we don't have enough manpower to rebuild the Ministry of Magic. Do we need help from the Black family?" The Ministry of Magic was unable to supervise Knockturn Alley, a breeding ground for darkness. Instead, Cole found the opportunity to occupy it. There is white and black in the world, and no one from the Black family works in the Ministry of Magic.
The Wizengamot, the highest court in the wizarding world, is composed of about fifty wizards, including the Minister of Magic and other senior officials, and Dumbledore is also one of them. Pure-blood families, regardless of ability, will all have a place in it. Cole inherited the Black family and would naturally become one of them in the future, but this was still not enough.
Fudge was not shocked when he heard the news. Although he was promoted to the position by Dumbledore, he also knew that if the Ministry of Magic wanted to operate normally, it could not do without the support of pure-blood families. "Is that what Master Cole thinks? I can't decide this matter alone." Fudge was not willing to let go easily. Although the current Ministry of Magic was not his own, he still had certain privileges.
"The Black family is willing to donate 50,000 gold galleons to help the Ministry of Magic complete its reconstruction. They can also send a team of wizards to become Aurors to help the Ministry of Magic capture Death Eaters. After all, they are experienced, right?" Cole smiled. The people under him were, of course, experienced. The people who had just solved the Wrightsledge family had already shown their combat execution ability for all to see.
Fudge heard what Cole said, and he was eager to accept the benefits. Galleons were hard currency. As for Aurors, they had suffered heavy casualties, and it was hard work that no one was willing to do, and the pay was low. "Of course, I will pay the Auror salary of the Black family, so the Ministry of Magic will not have to worry about it," Cole added, fueling the idea.
Fudge thought since outsiders weren't aware of this, he could take advantage of it. "Hahaha, thank you, Mr. Cole, for your efforts. The Ministry of Magic will always remember the Black family's help." Without waiting for the secretary to serve black tea, Cole concluded the meeting and walked out under Fudge's gaze.
Back home, Cole discussed the matter with John. While Wright was more reliable, John was more suitable for this position. In this way, John and his pair of wizards from the Black family became working Aurors in the Ministry of Magic. As for the reaction from the outside world, not everyone was as foolish as Fudge, but no one dared to say anything.
For half a month, Cole focused on the reconstruction of Knockturn Alley, while Meira, aside from joining Cole at night, stayed in the basement during the day to study potions. After integrating the resources of the Black family, Cole realized how many businesses Sirius had lost. The family's dragon farm, three potion manors, and shops in Hogsmeade town were all run by outsiders. This outsider turned out to be none other than Hogwarts, and the person handling it was none other than the famous white wizard Dumbledore.
Cole was so angry that he really wanted to rush into Azkaban and kill Sirius. Outside Hogwarts, Cole stood wearing black wizard robes with gold trim. This wizarding school in England stood beside the Black Lake. Looking at the school from his memories, Cole couldn't help but sigh. The four legendary wizards were truly powerful to have found such a place.
"Mr. Black, long time no see," said Professor McGonagall, who was looking at him gently despite her stern reputation.
"Professor McGonagall, I haven't seen you in many years, but you are still the same as before," Cole replied. Earlier, Cole had sent a letter to Dumbledore asking for a visit, but he was unexpectedly greeted by Professor McGonagall.
"Come with me, Dumbledore is waiting for you," she instructed. Hogwarts was not on vacation yet, and students could be seen playing and quarreling along the way. This group of young wizards was experiencing their best time in the ivory tower.
As they passed the moving stairs, Cole looked at the portraits on the wall. Many ghosts were flying around, joking with the young wizards. When they arrived at Dumbledore's office, Professor McGonagall tapped her wand on the statue at the door and said, "Pile of cockroaches." She glanced at Cole helplessly, implying that Cole also knew Dumbledore's unusual preferences.
Cole went in alone, as Professor McGonagall left directly. As soon as he entered, he saw Dumbledore sitting at his desk eating snacks. "Oh Cole, come and taste the delicious food. This is my favorite snack, but I can't eat much now. As you know, the old man's teeth are not as good as before."
"Principal, you still like sweets so much," Cole remarked. Cole came to the table and sat down, glancing at Fawkes the Phoenix not far away. Fawkes was preening his feathers, indifferent to everything else.
"I still remember how you were in Slytherin. Time flies so fast, Cole," Dumbledore reminisced with a smile. Cole smiled internally, knowing Dumbledore remembered a timid and helpless Cole, not the man he had become.
"My time at Hogwarts was my happiest moment," Cole admitted. Dumbledore, standing with a smile, knew Cole well. He was just a principal and couldn't possibly care for every student amid the chaos with Riddle.
"Cole, now that you're back, forget about the past and move on, right?" Dumbledore advised.
"You're right," Cole nodded, suppressing his gaze and refusing to look at the group of cockroaches struggling on the plate.
"You've done a lot during this time, Cole. With you in the Black family, Sirius will feel relieved," Dumbledore acknowledged. Cole knew that Dumbledore had been monitoring events in the wizarding world, aware of Cole's actions.
"I just want to make the Black family stronger. As for anything else, I'm not interested. My senior is on the wrong path," Cole stated clearly, referring to having no interest in following Voldemort, who had ruined himself by splitting his soul.
"That's good. I'll have to rely on you young people from now on. I'm already old. I might go see Merlin that day," Dumbledore joked. Cole didn't believe it. What does "old" mean? Dumbledore could live for several more decades, given his abilities and the longevity in the wizarding world.
"Principal, I came today to trouble you with something," Cole revealed.
"Oh, I know. It's a pity that no young man is willing to listen to an old man like me talking about the past," Dumbledore responded, his slightly cloudy eyes under his glasses staring at Cole, as an inexplicable pressure filled the room.