"Following Barty Crouch, the second high-ranking official of the Ministry of Magic, Arthur Weasley, has died!"
The Daily Prophet released the most significant news of the entire summer holiday.
Since no Death Eater's Dark Mark was found at the scene, the Ministry of Magic classified the event as an accident. Yet again, another accident.
A senior official of the Ministry, an adult wizard, beaten to death by a group of thugs due to some accident.
Could there be a more absurd explanation? Does the Ministry of Magic have no shame left? What does the Auror Office have to say about this?
Questions and criticisms poured in, but no matter how many there were, the Ministry did not change its stance. However, inside the Ministry, many changes began to take place.
First came the matter of senior officials' commutes. The Auror Office deployed large numbers of wizards to escort high-ranking officials to and from work in shifts. But some officials simply went on strike, hiding at home, reasoning that staying in one place reduced the chance of being targeted.
Some cast the Fidelius Charm on themselves, making themselves their own Secret Keeper. Not even Aurors, let alone those wishing them harm, could find their homes.
Nearly half the Ministry's senior officials took leave—sick leave, personal leave, all with unique excuses, none overlapping.
"Regulus! What a surprise, you still came to the Ministry today. That's truly commendable."
After the Daily Prophet announced the death, Lucius Malfoy began lobbying for office. This was expected. No position remains vacant after the predecessor's death for long. Anyone ambitious enough, no matter how many problems awaited, would immediately strive for the post.
Lucius Malfoy had long been a familiar presence at the Ministry. Yet, the higher offices were reserved for ministers and directors, and he disdained lower positions. Since no one had ever recommended him directly when others resigned, despite his considerable influence, he remained an idle figure—too lofty for minor roles, yet unfit for the top.
Now, with a senior official dead, no designated successor, and no competitors, few had the courage to vie for the post. For Lucius, this was a rare chance, a chance given to him by Regulus Black.
Without Regulus's plan and encouragement, Lucius would never have thought he could secure such a high position.
Of course, the price was steep. Lucius would have to return to the ranks of the Death Eaters as an undercover agent, like Snape. The thought alone was dangerous.
"To be honest, I didn't want to come either. But the Minister strongly urged me to continue, even if just to put up appearances. It's a way of showing support for the Ministry and stabilizing morale."
Regulus Black wore an expression of helplessness, as though he had no choice but to obey.
"But I'm fortunate. The Minister only requires me to show up regularly, not daily. Besides, I still have classes at Hogwarts, so my visits to the Ministry are irregular. That makes things a little safer."
His reasoning was irrefutable. Unpredictable hours meant enemies could not track his movements.
"Hearing you say that makes me wish I had a position at Hogwarts as well," Lucius Malfoy said with envy.
"Enough about me. How are things going for you? Any progress?" Regulus suddenly lowered his voice. Only the two of them knew exactly what he referred to.
"I'm working on securing the vacant post. If you can lend some support, it would mean a great deal to me. Once I obtain it, my influence will rise accordingly."
Lucius gave Regulus a knowing look. If he became a Ministry official, his standing with the Dark Lord would naturally increase. With that identity, he could serve the Dark Lord well—and also himself.
"In that case, let me congratulate you in advance. From what I know, you're the only applicant for this position," Regulus said as he reached his office, while Lucius continued toward the Minister's.
They parted ways, but observant eyes caught sight of their interaction, drawing conclusions of their own.
Lucius Malfoy was about to become head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement's Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, with the backing of Director Black.
It was blatant cronyism.
Meanwhile, Dolores Umbridge sat in her office, shredding papers like a cat tearing at scraps, leaving confetti all over the floor. Yet this did nothing to change the fact that she was still a toad—and not even a fat cat.
Arthur Weasley was dead. As someone close to the Weasley family, Regulus Black naturally attended the funeral.
"Regulus! Father is gone! Ginny has no father anymore!"
The moment he arrived at the Burrow, Ginny threw herself into his arms. But there was no affection in it, only grief.
Regulus had orchestrated everything, yet he would never reveal his involvement. Only Lucius Malfoy knew of his role, and since Lucius himself had suggested the attack, he would never shift the blame onto Regulus.
"Cry if you must, but don't drown in sorrow. Your mother still needs you. Molly must be grieving even more."
Regulus hugged Ginny gently, then let the little girl go.
"Mr. Black, you've come!""Thank you for being here, Mr. Black."
The Weasley children had all returned for the funeral—even Bill and Charlie. Percy, now working as secretary to the Minister, attended both in his official capacity and as family.
Fred and George had somehow acquired bagpipes, charming them with magic to play mournful funeral music on their own.
The scene was deeply sorrowful. With such a large family, one person's tears set off the rest. Comfort one, another would break down, and soon the wailing filled the air without end.
Words were useless. Eventually, Regulus gave up trying to console them and turned instead to others.
"How is the Ministry's investigation going? This is the second senior official. If there's a third, I'll have no choice but to take extended leave," he said to Judy Fawkes, head of the Auror Office, who was present as representative. One hand, unseen by others, rested on her hip.
Judy turned to him with a flirtatious glance. It was hardly the right time, but the thrill was undeniable.
"The Aurors investigated the scene. There were signs of magic used—protection spells and a Muggle-Repelling Charm. But it's possible Arthur himself cast those. Given why he went there, we know he went of his own accord."
She endured the strange sensation of his hand while reporting her findings.
"But that still doesn't explain how Arthur could be killed by Muggles! If the Muggle-Repelling Charm failed, it would endanger the entire Ministry, exposing the wizarding world to Muggle eyes."
Regulus's hand began channeling a trace of magic. Magic was wondrous—it could create any effect desired, not only spells but also sensations.
A tingling wave surged from Judy's hip up her spine to her head. She nearly cried out from the sudden rush of pleasure.
She turned to Regulus, her eyes wet—whether with grief or excitement, it was unclear.
She pulled away, but the lingering thrill still clouded her mind. All she wanted now was to find somewhere private and give herself to him.
"Am I useless?" she whispered, feeling overwhelmed. Then, in tears, Judy fled.
"She only just took the position. The pressure is too much for her. I'll go check on her," Regulus explained to the Weasley family before hurrying off in her direction.
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