บท 8: Chapter 8: Invading Knockturn Alley, What Happened to the Ministry of Magic?
A heavy blanket of dark clouds hung in the sky, and today, Cottrell Black's name would shine across England.
A group of Aurors from the Ministry of Magic rushed over at this juncture. With such a significant disturbance, they suspected Voldemort's return.
Barty Crouch, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, led a team, among them Mad-Eye Moody, whose magical eyes were fixed on Cole as he hovered in the air.
Wright led the Black family to stand against them. Both groups brandished their wands, ready to confront each other, and the Aurors hesitated to act recklessly.
Old Barty appeared tense. The situation involving Barty Jr. and the Death Eaters was already a headache, and now there was Black.
Finally, when Fudge and Dumbledore arrived, the scene came to a halt, and Cole descended.
With Dumbledore's support, Fudge spoke without reservation.
"Cole Black, this is a massacre. What are your intentions? It appears you're aligned with the Death Eaters."
Cole smiled. Fudge was quick to label him. How could he admit to such accusations?
"Minister, you cannot overlook the fact that this group of Death Eaters attacked my family's store, and I merely defended it."
"For ridding us of so many Ministry remnants, shouldn't the Minister consider awarding me the Order of Merlin?"
Fudge was momentarily speechless. He now understood the scene before him. These Death Eaters were causing trouble in a corner of the city. If Dumbledore hadn't been present, he wouldn't have intervened.
"I, on behalf of the Black family, volunteer our services to the Ministry of Magic. You're welcome, Minister Fudge."
Cole's handsome, yet smug face irked Fudge.
"Cole, your abilities are formidable, but be cautious of magical surveillance and stay on the right path."
Dumbledore's voice carried a hint of concern as he scrutinized Cole. Though uncertain of Cole's newfound power source, Dumbledore felt a sense of responsibility.
"Headmaster, I always heed your teachings. The Black family is merely protecting its property."
Cole had no interest in Voldemort's pursuit of immortality or the Death Eaters' obsession with pure-blood supremacy. He was leveraging his reputation to eliminate dissent.
Voldemort sought immortality, and his Death Eaters pursued personal gain. By inciting such chaos, these pure-bloods sought to secure their status and interests.
Dumbledore regarded Cole with a hint of suspicion. Could he be another Dark Lord in the making?
The wizarding world could not endure further harm. Dumbledore resolved to keep a close eye on Cole.
"Cole has proven quite helpful, wouldn't you agree, Minister Fudge?"
Fudge's expression twitched as he replied, "These Death Eaters deserve punishment, but Master Black's methods are extreme. Look at Knockturn Alley."
All eyes turned to Knockturn Alley, now littered with corpses and ruins, a testament to Cole's power.
"This falls outside the Minister's jurisdiction. The Black family will provide compensation. However, if any establishments are willing to sell, the Black family will gladly acquire them."
Cole's motive for clearing out Knockturn Alley was to claim the territory. In the wizarding world, where there is light, there is also darkness. Cole eyed the lucrative opportunities in Knockturn Alley.
Without familial ties, Cole would have seized the territory outright. As for the pure-blood establishments, Cole trusted they would understand.
Cole was adept at persuasion through perceived virtue.
"Do you have time to join me for a chat? Consider it an opportunity to converse with an old man."
Dumbledore extended an invitation to Cole to visit Hogwarts, hoping to ascertain Cole's true intentions toward the wizarding world.
"Headmaster, family matters remain unresolved. I will visit you once everything is settled."
Cole declined politely. He had no desire to engage in fruitless debates with Dumbledore. His priority was his family and the revival of the Black name.
With a nod, Dumbledore departed, and Fudge, along with the Aurors, followed suit.
As Cole watched the retreating figures, his gaze lingered on the one-eyed Auror, sensing his animosity.
"Kreacher, instruct Wright and the others to clean up Knockturn Alley. From now on, only one voice shall reign in this place."
Trembling with excitement, Kreacher replied, "As you command, Master Cole."
With a flicker, Cole vanished, leaving Kreacher to carry out his orders with unwavering devotion.
Meanwhile, at Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire...
Lucius sat alone in his study, having just received a report from his wizards, a cup of steaming black tea before him.
Narcissa entered, cradling Draco in her arms, and joined Lucius.
"Cole has just eliminated Richie and the others in Knockturn Alley, nearly decimating the entire area," she reported, disbelief evident in her tone.
"How could he wield such power?" Narcissa wondered aloud.
Indeed, Lucius and Narcissa couldn't fathom how the once frail boy had become so formidable.
"Dumbledore was present, yet Cole emerged unscathed," Lucius added, hinting at the implications.
Narcissa understood. If Dumbledore couldn't contain Cole, he posed a significant threat.
Just like Voldemort, Dumbledore's power surpassed his, yet he had never managed to defeat him, perhaps burdened by guilt.
Lucius still found it incredulous that Voldemort had been vanquished by the Potters, a fate sealed by a mere child.
"Exercise caution in dealings with the Black family. They're not to be underestimated. I'm unsure of Cole's intentions," Lucius cautioned.
Narcissa, comforting Draco, remarked, "It seems those who crossed him have met their match."
"Yes, the likes of the Lestrange lunatics and Bella have been apprehended, yet they remain defiant," Lucius acknowledged.
He pondered whether Cole would pursue further action. After all, Bellatrix was his cousin.
"He showed no regard for Sirius; it's doubtful he'd extend mercy to the Lestrange family," Narcissa remarked with disdain.
Lucius, too, harbored doubts regarding Cole's allegiances.
"Ignore them. My priority is ensuring your safety and Draco's," Lucius affirmed, embracing Narcissa and their son.
With Draco nestled in Narcissa's arms, they found solace in each other amidst the uncertainty that now loomed over their world.
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