These words from Regulus Black were ones he never would have spoken when he had just come back to life.
In the original Harry Potter books, killing someone in the wizarding world was portrayed as an unimaginably terrifying crime, one that meant automatic imprisonment in Azkaban.
Even Death Eaters who committed countless murders received nothing more than life sentences. If it weren't for the presence of Dementors, it would almost feel like these killers were on holiday in prison.
Among all the things Regulus Black had done over the years, the Pregnancy Curse was undoubtedly the one that most challenged the values of the wizarding world.
Leave behind heirs for the family, or continue to suffer under the torment of Dementors in Azkaban? This became a cruel dilemma.
But after Jupiter was born healthy and carrying wizard blood, this result shook the wizarding world. Except for a few diehards, every prisoner joined the plan, and the Ministry of Magic even strongly promoted it.
As for lying, under Regulus Black's orchestration, even those stiff-faced and completely lacking in acting talent, when their testimonies were cross-verified, managed to present to the public an airtight case—one in which many individuals and departments bore responsibility, while Sirius was clearly wronged.
No department had to shoulder the blame, Sirius was freed, the truth was revealed, and even Peter Pettigrew's escape neatly shifted all remaining suspicion onto that rat.
It could be said that everyone in the Ministry of Magic who had dealt with Regulus Black ended up corrupted by him.
"Killing the fugitive Barty Crouch Jr. is, of course, wrong. It even violates many Ministry regulations. But whoever strikes the blow can never escape responsibility entirely, and no one is willing to take that risk."
"But if this is made public, whether Barty Crouch Jr. remains at large or is captured and put on trial, countless departments would be implicated. Who will take the fall? Is it worth it for a diehard Death Eater?"
"In the end, the public would only see the Auror Office as incompetent and the Ministry as full of bureaucrats shirking blame. So, a man who is already dead should just stay dead."
Cornelius Fudge fell silent. No matter how the matter was deflected, things would turn out just as Regulus Black had said. If it was mishandled, someone still had to be sacrificed as the scapegoat.
Was it worth it for a diehard Death Eater?
Rufus Scrimgeour thought for a long time but could find no better solution. In fact, during battles with Death Eaters, the Aurors were never actually forbidden from using Unforgivable Curses. Demanding such restraint in the middle of all-out combat would only get them killed faster.
Was it worth it for a diehard Death Eater?
"Do you want me to kill Barty Crouch Jr. myself?"
Judy Fox's expression was firm, like that of a soldier heading to the battlefield.
"No, my dear. Of course Barty Crouch Jr. must die, but how he dies is another matter. You don't need to dirty your own hands. I'll take care of it. All you need to do is claim the credit."
Letting his own woman face a Death Eater like Barty Crouch Jr.? What a joke.
"This matter absolutely cannot be made public. But Miss Judy Fox certainly has the strength to hold her position as Head of the Auror Office. The Ministry will fully support her work."
Fudge glanced at Scrimgeour, who still hadn't spoken. Though his face looked pained with thought, he had not come up with any alternative. Since Regulus Black's solution was the best, they would proceed with it.
"Gentlemen, I still have lessons at Hogwarts, so I'll take my leave. Congratulations on your new positions and promotions. I'll send gifts later."
With elegance, Regulus Black rose and departed, leaving the three of them in the Minister's office.
"Congratulations, Judy! Regulus clearly holds you in very high regard."
Fudge extended his hand to Judy Fox. This young witch was about to become one of the Ministry's senior officials, and she was also someone the Minister needed to win over, since they both shared close ties to Regulus. They stood on the same side, and mutual support would be inevitable in the future.
"I congratulate you too, Miss Fox! I think I can hand over the Auror Office matters to you first. I have to prepare to take charge of a brand-new department, which will keep me too busy."
Scrimgeour had finally understood. He was already aboard Regulus Black's ship, so handing over Auror Office business early was a show of goodwill.
Small details could reveal a great deal. Regulus Black would understand.
After all, Barty Crouch Jr. wasn't dead yet.
If they didn't follow Regulus Black's plan, who knew what trouble he might stir up using this "dead man."
A rumor spread through the Ministry, one that could not be confirmed: a successor had already been chosen for the post of Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
The candidate was Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office.
And the now-vacant Auror Office headship would be filled by Judy Fox, recommended by her predecessor.
All three were connected to Regulus Black. It was said they had shared afternoon tea, and the matter was decided then.
Minister Fudge made no comment on the rumor, nor did Rufus Scrimgeour.
As for Judy Fox, she went to Azkaban on an official inspection.
Azkaban soon returned to calm.
"Dobby! Find Barty Crouch Jr."
As soon as Regulus Black left the Ministry, he gave the quiet order.
House-elves were peculiar magical creatures. They were ideal as wizards' servants because they were born from wizards' cauldrons themselves. Their magical power was not weaker than that of wizards, but it was of a different kind, another system altogether. Like Regulus Black's golden finger, their magic differed from wizardry, drawing its strength largely from a wizard's will.
"Dobby has heard Master Regulus. Dobby will go find Master Barty now."
With a pop, Dobby appeared before Regulus, then vanished again in a blink.
In the original story, Harry Potter had commanded Kreacher in the same way, telling him to find the thief who stole Slytherin's locket, even though he had no idea where the thief was. Relying only on intuition and magic, Kreacher had tracked the person down.
Sending Dobby to find Barty Crouch Jr. was far more convenient than with most elves. Once familiar with someone, they could always locate them.
"Master Regulus! Dobby is back. Dobby has found Barty Crouch Jr. Master Barty is at Barty Crouch Sr.'s grave."
Only a house-elf could say something so tangled and still make it sound natural.
But Regulus understood. Barty Crouch Jr. had gone to his father's grave—perhaps to pay his respects.
Silver flames blazed, and Regulus Black appeared instantly at the cemetery he had visited before. There, a well-built young man stood before the grave, staring at Barty Crouch Sr.'s tombstone, lost in thought.
"Was it you who killed your father?"
Regulus approached from behind, unleashing a surge of power that bound Barty Crouch Jr. in place.
"So what if I did? That useless coward sent me to Azkaban."
Barty Jr. licked his lips. His limbs were completely paralyzed, and only his facial expressions could move.
"You were imprisoned because someone pointed you out. In truth, your father hid you well—before you were identified, and even after he helped you escape."
There are some things parents do without explanation. The outcome may not be good, but the intent is always the same: for their children, even if it means doing things their children will hate them for.
"Our relationship as father and son is none of your concern."
After struggling fruitlessly, Barty Jr. finally relaxed. It seemed there was no escaping his fate today.
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