Chapter 159

The Daily Prophet published a report on its front page titled "Belated Innocence, We All Owe Sirius Black an Apology," and placed a photo of Sirius Black in tears in the center.

This report sparked widespread sympathy, especially among the members of the Phoenix Society who had once fought as Black's comrades, all of whom felt deep self-reproach.

Arthur Weasley said in an interview: "I misunderstood my friend. Although there are many reasons, we indeed owe Black an apology. I'm sorry, Sirius, you have suffered for so many years."

And while Sirius Black was proven innocent, another trial began.

Next to that "Belated Innocence" article, Rita Skeeter posted Barty Crouch's gloomy face on the sub-page, specifically using a low-angle shot that highlighted his arrogant expression and that little mustache.

The article's title was just two huge words: "Justice?"

In contrast, the fact that Barty Crouch had overstepped his authority to intervene in judicial procedures and abused his power to dispose of others without trial became self-evident.

Immediately after, Rita Skeeter posted photos of several wanted notices, which prominently featured Sirius Black and Murphy Darkholm.

"Without a trial, who gave the Aurors the power to put wizards on wanted lists?"

"If an innocent person is wanted, who is responsible for the damage to their reputation?"

Then Rita listed the various misunderstandings people had about Sirius Black and described in detail the suffering he had endured, pointing out that it was precisely because these wanted notices led people to believe the judgment of the authoritative Aurors that they were blinded and slandered Sirius Black.

The main point was: the reason everyone misunderstood Sirius Black, and the reason we owe Sirius Black an apology, was all because the Aurors did the wrong thing.

We don't need to feel too guilty; the ones who should be ashamed are the Aurors, and Barty Crouch.

Subsequently, in another report about Jishi Wizard Hospital, Rita detailed the connection between Murphy and this best hospital in the wizarding world (I, Rita Skeeter, dare to guarantee it with my personal reputation and that of the Daily Prophet).

And pointed out that the Aurors' reasons for wanting Murphy Darkholm were completely untenable.

And subjective assumptions, framing the loyal and good, had almost become a bad habit of the Aurors, and someone must take responsibility for this!

Just as public sentiment was surging, the final straw that broke Barty Crouch appeared.

"What did you say?" In the office of the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Barty Crouch's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at Gawain Robards in shock. "Say that again?!"

"Pe-Peter Pettigrew... was hijacked during the transport to Azkaban..."

Barty Crouch collapsed into his chair.

It was over; he was finished.

First Sirius Black escaped, then werewolves ran rampant, and not only did the Aurors achieve nothing, but now, even a captured dark wizard could escape from them. What else could the Aurors do? How incompetent was he as the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?

An incompetent director, who had also been firmly caught with evidence of abusing his power—who would still be willing to listen to his excuses?

Things had reached such a point that even he felt it would be inexcusable not to resign and leave.

Barty Crouch returned home in a daze, but as soon as he entered the door, he caught sight of a young man sitting in the room waiting for him.

And what made Barty Crouch's heart skip a beat was that behind the other man was that cupboard—the cupboard where he usually hid Barty Crouch Jr.!

"Murphy Darkholm!"

How could he be here?

Had he discovered Barty Jr.?

Old Barty glanced at the house-elf Winky, who was trembling nervously and almost crying, and scolded sternly: "What is going on! Who allowed him in!"

Winky immediately burst into tears. "I-I'm sorry, Master, I'm sorry, Winky, Winky couldn't disobey his words..."

As she spoke, Winky picked up a rolling pin and smashed it against her own head.

"Enough!" Murphy said. "Get out, Winky, there's nothing for you here anymore."

Murphy's voice fell into Winky's ears with an incredible, grand tremor that shook her soul, making her unable to help but want to obey the other man. So she nodded and left the room on her own.

Earlier, with Kingsley, Murphy had already tried using this method to order Kingsley to clear the way.

Later, after multiple Animagus enhancements, Murphy discovered that the "goat" type creature had a unique boost in "charm," allowing him to arbitrarily add his own will into his voice to control the behavior of creatures.

And this kind of magic that didn't require a wand, Murphy called "Commanding Charm."

Not only was it very easy to use, but the feeling of his words becoming law also made him very addicted.

"You, what did you do to my house-elf?!" Old Barty looked at this scene in shock. The loyalty of a house-elf was beyond doubt, but just now, this man had made Winky obey his order with just one sentence?

He didn't even use a wand!

"Do you know that you are trespassing in another wizard's home? I can have the Aurors arrest you immediately!"

"Oh?" Murphy smiled. "And then let everyone know what secrets you are hiding in your house? Mr. Barty Crouch?"

He knew!

He really knew!

Old Barty felt his whole body go limp, almost collapsing to the floor.

"What, what do you want to do?" he asked weakly.

"Actually, believe it or not, I'm here to talk about cooperation," Murphy said.

"Cooperation?" Barty Crouch found it absurd. "With me? You did so many things just to drive me away? You want to talk about cooperation with me? Now?"

"Lucius was once my enemy, isn't he a friend now?" Murphy said. "I'm a person who has never liked destroying enemies too brutally. Uniting everyone who can be united is what I enjoy doing."

And to be honest, he really didn't have that many usable people on hand.

Otherwise, why not just unite enemies, wipe out all opponents, and then let his own people take over?

But with no cards in hand, he could only grab his opponent's and use them first.

And that Lucius, damn it, still dared to be a fence-sitter; he'd add a loyalty contract to him when he got back.

"I will not cooperate with a dark wizard!" Barty Crouch said.

Huh?

Things had reached this point and he still dared to be so arrogant? Did he think he wouldn't wipe him out right now?

"What did you say?"

"I will not..."

"Bang!"

Murphy punched Crouch in the face, knocking Old Barty to the ground, then went up and kicked him a few more times.

"You say I'm a dark wizard?" Murphy laughed in anger, grabbed Old Barty by the collar, and hauled him up. "Come, come, tell me, how the hell am I a dark wizard? You say I broke the law? You have the nerve to say that to me? I infiltrated the Ministry of Magic? Did you do less of that than I did?"

We are both ambitious people; could your hands be cleaner than mine?

Still calling me a dark wizard? Giving you too much face?

Dark wizard, dark wizard, dark wizard—damn, it's like saying that makes you very righteous.

Not following your rules makes me a dark wizard, right?!

Screw you!

"Fine, you say I'm a dark wizard, right."

Murphy pulled out a spare wand. "Since you've said so, I'd be letting you down if I didn't do it. Crucio!"

The torture lasted for a full three minutes.

Until Murphy grew impatient, pulled open the cupboard door, and dragged out Barty Crouch Jr., who was wearing an invisibility cloak inside.

"Forget it, you chose this path yourself. You father and son can meet again in Azkaban."

Barty Crouch was helpful for the next plan, but he wasn't that indispensable. Murphy suddenly felt unwilling to play with this group of hypocrites anymore.

Since they hated him so much, they might as well hate him to death.

After saying this, Murphy prepared to Apparate, but suddenly a hand grabbed his foot.

"Wait, wait... what, what exactly do you want me to do?"

(End of chapter)