Lakeside Villa.
Murphy and his over three-year-old son Ares played a game of "telekinetic catch" with Patrick looking on in amazement. The two did not use their hands but rather their minds to toss a baseball back and forth to each other.
However, this type of play seemed to drain a lot of mental energy, and it wasn't long before Ares became sleepy and was taken to rest by his mother.
"Training in the use of magic during childhood can enhance one's control over magic," Murphy told Patrick. "Ares's progress is a testament to this. If he continues with targeted training, I suspect Ares might become a natural wandless spellcaster."
"My son is not your experiment," Patrick retorted. "Audrey has been nearly furious these past few days. She's always worried you'll take Ares to the wizarding world, and we'll never see him again."
"That won't happen," Murphy chuckled. "By the time Ares is of age to go to school, he might well be able to study magic in a regular elementary school."
"I hope so," said Patrick.
"That depends on you," Murphy said. "How has the Civilian Party been doing lately?"
"We've gained quite a few followers," Patrick said. "You were right, the gap between rich and poor in England is severe, and many of us, myself included, in the so-called 'elite' or middle class, were never aware of the issue. The voices of those at the bottom have never been heard."
"It's not surprising given the current stage of social development," Murphy said. "But remember, you need to attract as many people as possible without creating class antagonism or hatred. That might quickly draw a crowd, but anything built on hatred is very fragile and meaningless for our purposes."
"Of course, I understand," Patrick nodded. "By the way, the Americans have been putting pressure on the Prime Minister lately, and Parliament has been in an uproar. The sanctions from America are increasing, extending beyond the 'umbrella' to other areas. They even sent warships to the English Channel recently, claiming it was just for port calls, but even a primary student could smell the warning in it."
"Oh?" Murphy, whose recent focus had been on the magical side, hadn't heard about this. "How many ships?"
"Two missile destroyers," Patrick said. "But their Enterprise aircraft carrier is also nearby."
The Americans had sent warships; they were seriously alarmed this time.
"Interesting," Murphy smiled. "Patrick, as one of the founders of the umbrella, you can't show weakness to them. You must continue to stand firm."
Patrick nodded, "Of course. But being tough on America isn't popular among the people. The British have long lost their spirit, and despite the current dissent, give it half a year, and everyone will be scrambling to cling to America's coattails again."
"Don't worry, we'll see results soon," Murphy said.
Patrick looked puzzled, "Why? Unless there's an actual localized war, Britain can't afford to be tough on America for long. Parliament doesn't have the guts for it, and neither do the people."
Murphy smiled, "A war, well, that's not entirely impossible."
---
Mid-May, Lake District.
On a hilltop covered by Muggle-Repelling Charms, Murphy unfolded a map and examined it.
"This is the place."
The Muggle engineer surveyed the area and nodded, "Nice spot, open view with almost no obstructions, the signal could travel very far. Placing the radar here should allow scanning from one thousand to two thousand kilometers. One sweep, and we've covered all of England."
"Let's place a marker here," Murphy ordered, his gaze suddenly catching a glimpse of a black cloth on a rock not far away.
"Delacour," Murphy called out to a nearby Auror, "Didn't you notice you were being followed when you came out?"
"What?" The Auror was startled, only to see Murphy suddenly turn into a streak of lightning and vanish, reappearing in the next instant with a person in hand amidst crackling electric light.
"Damn!" The Auror kicked the person Murphy had captured. "These spies are like flies, impossible to get rid of! Sir, should we kill him?"
Murphy shook his head, "We've killed enough. Kill one, and another appears. The Wizards' Union is clearly set against us. Let's keep this one; he might be useful for gathering information to see what they're planning."
---
France, Loire Valley.
In an ancient castle, hundreds of wizards gathered, engaged in fierce debate.
"Does anyone still believe that Murphy Darkholme is just a minor problem for England?" a French wizard with a large mustache shouted. "He has already killed six of our envoys, and the previous investigation team has been detained. This man has completely disregarded the law; he has become a major threat to wizards worldwide!"
"Mr. Gaston, are you sure your accusations against Murphy Darkholme stem from concern for the wizarding world and not because you covet his vast gold-mining industry in the Muggle world?"
Another dark-skinned wizard unapologetically exposed him, "We heard you've also found a Muggle representative to emulate Murphy, planning to sell potions to Muggles?"
"Nonsense! Utter rubbish!" Gaston, the French wizard, exclaimed. "Murphy has threatened the security of the French Ministry of Magic. The love potion perfume he sells has caused a lot of trouble in Muggle society! This year, the Muggle president told me their birthrate has increased by a fifth compared to before! And we still don't know the problems these children born under the influence of small doses of love potion might have."
"To investigate incidents like this, we made contact with Muggles, not what you're accusing us of!"
"Why bring up investigations now!" someone else yelled. "Haven't you seen the dead wizards?! Murphy has openly slaughtered the Union's envoys! What won't he dare to do? I propose that Murphy Darkholme be declared an international criminal, along with his accomplices, enemies of all wizards. Anyone who sees them can kill them on sight without question!"
"Murphy has control over the British Ministry of Magic, and the British Aurors and Watchers can be considered his followers. Are you suggesting we wage war against the British Ministry of Magic?!" someone countered.
"At the very least, we should help British wizards overthrow that puppet government and restore freedom to the British wizarding community!"
"Hah, as if a Frenchman helping the British isn't laughable!"
"Enough, this is the Union, not a place for promoting national conflicts! Quiet down! Let's hear what the President has to say." A bespectacled wizard spoke up.
Everyone then turned their attention to the wizard at the podium.
"Dumbledore, I heard you fought him and didn't win. Is that true?"
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