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Chapter 2: Fighting Fudge Head-On, Meeting The White Wizard For The First Time
Dumbledore's slightly cloudy eyes, under his glasses, looked at the person in front of him. "Cottrell?"
After searching through his memories, Dumbledore remembered Black. However, the low self-esteem and helpless young man in his memory seemed inconsistent with the high-spirited man now standing before him.
Cole was also sizing up this legendary wizard of the British wizarding world, unconcerned that Dumbledore might use Legilimency on him. Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, Cole knew the secret channel system rewarded good people, reminding himself that no one in the world could read his memories.
"Minister Fudge, I, Black, should be the one to take charge of the Black family's affairs, so I won't bother the Ministry of Magic."
Turning to look at Fudge, who was still angry, Cole smiled. "Sir, you say you are from the Black family? Why haven't I heard of you?" Fudge asked suspiciously, feeling unwilling to comply.
Cole recognized a few people around him from his memories. These were attendees of Black family banquets. As pure-blood aristocrats, the Black family used to host banquets that all the pure-blood nobles in the British wizarding world would attend. Even top officials at the Ministry of Magic rushed to these gatherings, while some mixed-blood wizards weren't invited, despite holding official positions in the Ministry. It was known that while pure blood was deemed noble, nobility was not necessarily pure-blooded. The chain of contempt ran deep.
Cole glanced at the surprised Lucius and Narcissa in the corner. Seeing neither move, he gave up hope. "Dear principal, you don't recognize me anymore, do you?" Dumbledore said calmly, "Cole, I didn't expect you to be alive. It's Merlin's blessing."
Cole, with a familiar London accent, scoffed internally at the notion that Merlin would bless someone unrelated like him.
With Dumbledore's words, the nobles present finally remembered who Cottrell Black was. It wasn't a secret, but it had been so long that they had forgotten about the third son of the Black family.
Sirius Black, despite entering Gryffindor and being considered a special case among pure-blood families, was also recognized as a genius, with magical talent ranked among the best in Black family history. Regulus Black was renowned during his time in Slytherin, bringing further glory to the Black family.
As for Cottrell Black, he was difficult to describe. Not only was his magical awakening late, nearly bringing fame to his family, but he also had a cowardly character lacking any aristocratic demeanor. Even at Black family banquets, he would only briefly appear and then leave, not favored by the Black couple.
What surprised the nobles, however, was that Cottrell Black had run away from home many years ago. The Black family had long presumed him dead, never expecting him to return today entirely changed from his former timid self.
"Mr. Black, what else can prove your bloodline? You must know, in the magical world, there are items like transformation potions," Fudge said fiercely, still unwilling to relinquish the Black family's vast wealth.
"Minister Fudge," Cole replied, "with Principal Dumbledore here, do you think anyone would be so bold? Besides, the transformation potion has a time limit. How about I stay at the Ministry of Magic for a few more days?"
Cole was unperturbed. Facing a fool like Fudge was no concern to him. The future encroachment by the pure-blood nobles was the challenge he knew he had to face.
The most important thing now is to prioritize the Black family's belongings. These are all his properties, marking the first step in the system's mission. "Fudge, he is indeed a member of the Black family," Dumbledore's words acknowledged him. Don't underestimate the white wizard's words, as you must know that the mysterious man has just fallen. The principal's status in the magical world cannot be underestimated.
"Cottrell Black, what do you think of Sirius' crime?" Although Fudge had no way to refute Dumbledore's words, he still hoped to take advantage of the Black family. Many pure-blood nobles compromised with the Ministry of Magic to protect themselves, handing over a lot of gold Galleons.
"Minister Fudge, I have no objection to the Ministry of Magic's punishment of my brother. I, Cottrell Black, declare this as the only pure bloodline of the Black family. Remove Sirius Black from the family tree and firmly uphold the Ministry of Magic's verdict." Cole said decisively that he would not pay the Ministry of Magic to absolve Sirius of his guilt.
Although he could indeed do it, with the current connections of the Black family, he could definitely help Sirius escape the crime. One reason is that there is no direct evidence that Sirius told Voldemort where the Potters lived. Secondly, Sirius is also a member of the Order of the Phoenix and has made many contributions in the fight against Voldemort. Thirdly, it could be argued that Sirius was controlled by the Imperius Curse by Voldemort and couldn't help himself. Anyway, to put it simply, pure-blood nobles have always found a way when it comes to privileges.
Sirius was imprisoned because he felt guilty for the death of the Potters. He willingly wanted to atone for his sins, thus allowing himself to be tortured. Cole's words shocked everyone, and they did not expect Cole to give up Sirius so decisively.
"It seems that Mr. Black is really cruel. Today's trial ends here." Fudge left angrily, leaving only one sentence. The wizards also stood up and left, looking at Cole before leaving. Today's occasion did not allow them to continue talking; they could only make plans for the future. Their issues were not yet resolved.
Cole felt relieved. Today's goal was achieved. As long as he returned to Black's old house, he would be rewarded and no longer have to be as cautious as he was today. Dumbledore walked up and said with a smile, "Cole, long time no see, you seem to have changed a lot." "Principal, people always grow up, don't they?" Dumbledore's cloudy eyes were slightly sharp, as if he wanted to see Cole's soul in front of him.
"Principal, you don't think of me as a Death Eater, do you? You know, this is my first time back," Cole responded with a smile. Of course, he knew what was wrong with Dumbledore. He did a lot of bad things when he was in school.
"Cole, you shouldn't hate Sirius. After all, he is your blood relative." "Principal, I didn't see you standing up and speaking out when I was bullied. My brother's matter can be revealed with just one word from you. What are you thinking about?" Cole looked directly at Dumbledore, unfazed.
"It's my fault. Maybe if I could have cared more about the students, you wouldn't have gone down the wrong path." Cole knew that this sentence was not directed at him, but at Mr. Tom, the one who worked against the evil forces in the Ministry of Magic.