Draco Malfoy's death was an unresolved nightmare for his family.
Lucius Malfoy used his influence in the Ministry of Magic to have the Ministry assign professional Aurors to investigate Draco Malfoy's death.
The investigation took place under intense public scrutiny. To the students, the uniformed Aurors looked impressive and professional. But to Leonard, they were a bunch of amateurs.
Perhaps it was the convenience of magic, but these Aurors showed significant gaps in basic investigative skills like surveillance and evidence gathering.
That might sound too mild. To be blunt, these people were nothing more than enforcers, and not particularly skilled ones at that.
Watching their attempts to gather clues made Leonard feel like his meticulously crafted plan had been a complete waste. The effort he had made to ensure Draco Malfoy's death left no trace was like trying to catch the attention of a blind man with a flirtatious glance.
Despite their lack of professional ability, they were still bound by a code of conduct as Aurors.
After failing to find any useful leads, these Aurors turned to investigating personal relationships—wondering if anyone held a grudge against Draco Malfoy.
They mistakenly believed Leonard was a prime suspect.
But Leonard had prepared for this. He simply put on a face of regret, "accidentally" mentioned saving Draco Malfoy, and managed to deflect their suspicions.
After all, these straightforward Aurors had equally straightforward minds.
How could Leonard, who had just saved Draco, possibly want to kill him? By comparison, any conflict between them was quickly overlooked.
In sharp contrast to Leonard was Quirinus Quirrell.
He didn't enjoy the same leniency. As the one responsible for bringing the troll into Hogwarts, he had failed to control it, allowing it to escape and injure someone.
And the victim? None other than the future heir of the Malfoy family—Lucius Malfoy's only son!
This series of mistakes was more than enough to see him sent to Azkaban for a long time.
"Master... Master, what should I do?" Quirrell mentally communicated with Voldemort, trembling as he faced the icy stares of the Aurors.
Think of a way out! If he didn't, Azkaban awaited him!
Voldemort fell silent. Honestly, he didn't have any better solutions either. What infuriated him most was that, despite the plan's failure, he had no one else to blame.
This plan had been his own idea. He simply hadn't anticipated such a major flaw—one that not only prevented him from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone but also led to the death of his own Death Eater's child.
It was absurd, and for a moment, even Voldemort was taken aback.
"Master? Master!" Receiving no response, Quirrell screamed frantically in his mind.
"Shut up! Stop making a racket! I'm trying to think!" Voldemort roared.
"...Yes," Quirrell replied meekly, glancing up at the Auror staring at him.
"Mr. Quirrell, please cooperate. Admit your guilt, and you might receive a lighter sentence at the Wizengamot trial." The lead Auror declared haughtily.
Quirrell fell silent, his eyes scanning the surrounding Aurors. He wondered what method Voldemort could possibly use to get him out of this.
Force his way out? Like last time at Gringotts?
But this was Hogwarts, with Dumbledore in charge—completely different from Gringotts.
"Mr. Quirrell, resisting is futile. We know the facts. Whether you admit it or not, the evidence is clear." The Auror spoke impatiently. "Confess."
Quirrell was filled with dread. Suddenly, Voldemort's voice echoed in his mind.
"Tell them you want to see Lucius Malfoy."
"I demand to see Lucius Malfoy," Quirrell declared.
The Auror chuckled. "Mr. Quirrell, please don't be unreasonable."
"Bring Lucius Malfoy to me, or I won't utter a single word," Quirrell stated with the most arrogant words delivered through the most terrified expression. "I know you can't convict me. Otherwise, you would have taken me away already, wouldn't you?"
These were Voldemort's words, Quirrell repeating them verbatim. The only difference was that Voldemort's voice was cold and commanding, while Quirrell's sounded like stubborn defiance.
Even so, after exchanging glances, the Aurors decided to bring Lucius Malfoy in.
Perhaps he would confess after seeing Lucius? That would make things easier for them.
Soon, Lucius Malfoy entered, escorted by several Aurors. His gaze was icy as he looked at Quirrell seated in the chair.
"Speak your mind," Lucius said coldly. "But I assure you, whatever you say won't change my stance."
Quirrell remained silent for a moment, listening to Voldemort's words before speaking. "Have them all leave. I have something to say to you alone."
Lucius gave Quirrell a deep look and nodded.
"Everyone, leave," Lucius said.
"But Mr. Malfoy, this puts you in great danger," an Auror protested.
Lucius Malfoy was a friend of the Minister of Magic. If he were harmed, they would be in a very difficult position.
"Rest assured, I'll be fine," Lucius said. "Leave."
"Very well, Mr. Malfoy, if you insist." The lead Auror nodded, exchanged glances with the others, and they exited the room one by one.
Once the Aurors were gone, the cold expression on Lucius's face grew complex.
"Lucius, it's unfortunate we meet under these circumstances." Voldemort's voice echoed through the room.
Quirrell stood up, reluctantly removing the hood from his head. He turned, revealing a serpentine face growing from the back of his skull.
"Long time no see, Lucius," Voldemort said.
"Yes, Master," Lucius bowed his noble head.
"So you guessed it was me," Voldemort sneered. "Then abandon your revenge."
"But Master..." Lucius lifted his head to protest, only to be silenced by Voldemort's icy glare.
"Lucius, this is my plan. Do you intend to oppose me?" Voldemort sneered. "Quirrell is but a minor servant. Yet his death would leave me vulnerable, forcing me to seek another host..."
"Are you willing to bear this supreme honor?"
Lucius's face was pale, cold sweat pouring down his brow.
"Hmph!" Seeing Lucius's silence, Voldemort showed no surprise and continued.
"No one deliberately killed your child, Lucius. It was an accident. Nothing is too precious to sacrifice for my great cause."
"Yes, Master. Your cause is everything," Lucius muttered, bowing his head and uttering words contrary to his heart, the fire of rage in his eyes gradually concealed.
He did not reveal that he knew of Voldemort's existence because of Dumbledore's hint. Dumbledore had long recognized Voldemort, and his choice not to expose the Dark Lord's disguise surely served some purpose.
Lucius could not let go of the hatred for his son's death, sacrificed for Voldemort's so-called cause, but he knew he was no match for the Dark Lord.
Only Dumbledore could stand against Voldemort!