At this moment, Dumbledore suddenly felt that Voldemort might not be a significant threat; he was too straightforward and predictable in his actions. But Murphy...
"Professor," Murphy looked at him, his face full of concern, "If you have any difficulties, you can share them. We will understand. We have always trusted you."
"Trusted...?" Dumbledore felt a trace of fear.
Murphy Darkholme, what exactly do you believe in?
Eventually, Dumbledore sighed, "Due to my mistake, a student has died. I should bear the responsibility. I will resign from the position of Headmaster and leave Hogwarts."
After speaking, he prepared to leave, as he had much to investigate.
"Wait, Headmaster," Murphy called out to him, "The Philosopher's Stone... it was gifted to me by the professor. Aren't you going to..."
"Oh, sorry, Murphy." Dumbledore looked at him, "I can't, not for now. I need to investigate these matters; I can't yet confirm the authenticity of that will..."
"Dumbledore," Winston Robinson interjected, clearly dissatisfied, "We have confirmed it. Please return the Philosopher's Stone to Mr. Murphy."
"I'm afraid I can't, everyone," Dumbledore said.
He didn't yet know Murphy's purpose for needing the Philosopher's Stone, but he now regarded Murphy as an enemy. Whatever the enemy wanted, he couldn't easily give.
"Professor," Murphy's expression also cooled, "You can investigate, but at the very least, the Philosopher's Stone should be kept by the Aurors or the Watchers as evidence. You can't take it away!"
As Murphy spoke, several Watchers blocked Dumbledore's path.
"I'm afraid I won't surrender so easily," Dumbledore said.
"Are you defying the law, Professor?"
Dumbledore looked at him, "You are not the law, Murphy."
Murphy frowned and drew his wand, aiming at the ground, "Anchor of Space!"
However, the next instant, a piercing cry of a phoenix sounded above everyone's heads, followed by a blinding flash of light. Dumbledore disappeared.
...
Dumbledore's escape was expected by Murphy. Killing him in front of so many professors was impractical and probably impossible.
Letting him go wasn't too troublesome. However, it was unfortunate about the Philosopher's Stone, but he already had Nicolas Flamel's notes to study and create his own.
Dumbledore's sudden departure shocked many wizards; it was essentially an interference with law enforcement. Though not enough to issue a warrant for his arrest, it eliminated any hesitation from the Board of Governors to dismiss him.
Thus, Albus Dumbledore officially became the "former Headmaster" of Hogwarts. As for his replacement, the Board of Governors had not yet decided, but with Murphy's support, Professor Flitwick temporarily assumed the role.
As for Tom's death, the facts were clear, and with the main culprit Quirrell dead, the Aurors and Watchers unanimously closed the case, not pursuing further action against other professors and students involved.
Days later, the Daily Prophet published an article revealing Voldemort's failed resurrection attempt, informing the public that Voldemort was still alive and lurking in the shadows.
The Ministry of Magic announced plans to expand its enforcement force, recruiting many Aurors and Watchers from recent and past graduates, and conducting training.
Simultaneously, the Ministry began an internal review, forming a "Patrol Unit" from the Watchers to conduct a thorough investigation of its employees, avoiding infiltration by Death Eaters.
In reality, this was Murphy's method to thoroughly reshape the Ministry, transforming it into a puppet government under his control.
With Barty Crouch and Murphy's two main force departments—the Auror Office and Watcher Forces—firmly established, they were ready to execute this purge.
Having taken the Elixir of Life, Murphy's condition improved significantly. According to doctors, one bottle could extend life by about a year, and he had four bottles left, alleviating worries about sudden death for the next few years.
Despite the unresolved genetic disorder, with time on his side, these issues could be addressed gradually.
Thus, Murphy ended his role as "Hogwarts Educational Investigator" and left the school.
...
One July day, a funeral was held in a cemetery.
Murphy watched the coffin being lowered and placed the final bouquet on the grave.
Once the crowd dispersed, Murphy turned to a nearby tree, "Since you're here, won't you say goodbye?"
A figure emerged from the tree's shadow. The white-haired wizard slowly approached, "I didn't want to disturb Nicolas's funeral."
"You wouldn't," Murphy said, "I haven't prepared any traps here yet. At the moment, I don't have the means to kill you."
"Is that so?" Dumbledore smiled, "That's a relief."
He approached and placed a bouquet by the grave, "I thought this day would come later. I know he kept enough Elixir for himself, but it's still a bit regrettable for those of us still alive."
"Yes, that's why I don't want to die," Murphy said, "I'm not sure if there's an afterlife, so I cling to life, by any means necessary. Honestly, I'd appreciate it if you returned the Philosopher's Stone to me."
"Sorry, Murphy," Dumbledore replied, "Even though I know the will is authentic, I can't be sure under what circumstances Nicolas made that decision. I'd rather be a thief than give it to you. Maybe you could tell me, what do you plan to do with it?"
"Conduct some experiments, like I've always done, to explore the Stone's uses, and then use it to become stronger. Something like that."
"Power, is that what you want?" Dumbledore asked.
"Partly," Murphy said, "But power is just one aspect. I want to live comfortably, find like-minded people, and explore interesting things together."
"Even if it exposes the wizarding world? Even if it brings immense trouble to wizards?"
"Utopia is a fairy tale, Professor. Shall we live in a fairy tale forever?"
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