Chapter 323: Eulogy
Chapter 323: Eulogy
More and more people arrived, not just the relatives of the Black Family, but also some officials from the Ministry of Magic, and some of Felix's friends. He even spotted the figure of Rita Skeeter, who stood quietly to one side. Since her Animagus form was exposed, she had become one of the least popular journalists.
Sirius Black didn't know much about this woman, but Harry was quietly informing him.
The funeral ceremony officially began.
The green grass was lush, and Regulus's coffin was surrounded by flowers. He lay quietly inside, his sharp-featured face serene, as if he were merely asleep. He wore a green robe embroidered with the Black Family crest, and at one corner of the coffin, the Black Family motto was inscribed in French: Toujours Pur.
Sirius looked at the solemn faces in the audience and knew that today would be a tough battle, though the main character might not be him. He took a deep breath and calmly began the eulogy.
"Thank you all for coming. Among you are old friends and in-laws of the Black Family, my friends, mentors, and wizards of repute from various fields."
"I once heard that a person's lifespan is not just measured by the days they lived, but also by the time they remain in people's memories. But I think we must add one more point: the image they leave behind is also important. From a courteous young nobleman to a follower of the dark lord who sparked war... if that were the only image, it would be grossly unfair. I am honored to stand here today, at the funeral of my brother, Regulus Arcturus Black, to personally announce his achievements. He dedicated his life to the great cause of fighting the Dark Lord, showing extraordinary courage and perseverance on a long and lonely path."
He ignored the murmurs from the audience and continued without pause—
"His deeds have been witnessed by Albus Dumbledore and Felix Hep, who will speak after me... At school, Regulus was an outstanding Seeker, bringing honor to his house. He was sincere, upright, passionate, and courteous..."
Sirius finished the eulogy and stepped down from the podium. Harry whispered words of comfort, but he shook his head and looked at Dumbledore.
The guests were abuzz with discussion, shocked by Sirius's words. Some sneered, "Is he trying to rehabilitate his brother's image?" But most eyes were on Dumbledore. If Sirius was speaking only for himself, Dumbledore's subsequent words would carry significant weight.
Dumbledore nodded slightly and stepped forward, delivering his own thoughts. "Regulus Arcturus Black showed us the process of a young man's growth. In his childhood, he was most influenced by his family and parents, carrying those impressions into school and forming friendships..."
"As he encountered new ideas, he learned to think, perhaps immaturely, perhaps naively, but we should not overlook his growth during this process and the potential he displayed. When he left school and saw the world with his own eyes, reality and idealism clashed in his mind. At that point, we saw the workings of a noble soul: doing the right thing and doing so without hesitation. He had to struggle against deeply ingrained ideas, fighting alone, and ultimately triumphing."
"He recognized Voldemort's true nature and struck a blow against him. He died in obscurity, but we will not forget this young, passionate soul who was only 18."
"War is never far from us. Perhaps one day it will erupt in ways we cannot imagine, but as long as we have breath, we will not cease to fight. When we hold our wands, those who have sacrificed themselves for love and the welfare of all will provide us with an endless source of spiritual wealth."
Dumbledore's words caused even greater waves. Rita Skeeter, hiding in a corner, pulled out a Quill and Parchment from her pocket, her nose beaded with sweat as the Quill danced rapidly.
Felix walked over. "Rita, heroes should not be defamed."
Rita Skeeter stiffened, then smiled. "Of course, Mr. Hep. Do you plan to reveal more inside information?" She casually crumpled the Parchment.
"Spinning tales is your specialty, as long as you don't defame Regulus, I have no objections."
Rita Skeeter put the tip of the Quill in her mouth and sucked on it. In a few seconds, she had an idea, her eyes lighting up. "I plan to write about Regulus's perspective on the Dark Lord, from adoration to disillusionment. What do you think?"
Felix gave her a surprised look. "Aren't you afraid of retaliation?"
"Sir, the Dark Lord's true fanatics are all in Azkaban", Rita Skeeter said disdainfully. "The ones outside are just cowards. A bunch of turncoats, you won’t find a better word to describe them."
"I look forward to reading your article", Felix said.
Meanwhile, doubts about Dumbledore were already surfacing.
"Dumbledore, is what you're saying true?" Barty Crouch frowned. Regulus joining the Death Eaters had once been a widely accepted fact, as his parents had never hidden it. However, after the war, the Ministry of Magic did not put Regulus on trial because he had already gone missing. Even the captured Death Eaters didn't know what had happened to him—perhaps he died during one of their crimes, or perhaps he was killed by the Dark Lord himself.
"I swear it on my honor", Dumbledore said with a gentle smile.
"Do you have any evidence?" Barty Crouch asked. "Without evidence, the Ministry of Magic will not acknowledge it—"
Sirius Black said coldly, "My brother didn't fight Voldemort to gain your approval."
Barty Crouch's face twitched. It was he who, without a trial, had approved Sirius Black's life sentence in Azkaban, and it had taken thirteen years for Sirius to be proven innocent.
Tonks leaned over and whispered to Lupin, "There are a lot of rumors going around in the department lately, revisiting old stories. They say Mr. Crouch's rise to power was fueled by a cruel heart. Besides the illegal trial of Sirius Black, he also locked his own son in Azkaban without evidence, all for the sake of the Minister of Magic position."
"The Wizengamot is considering revoking his membership."
Lupin moved slightly to the side, feeling a bit uncomfortable with such intimate conversation.
Soon, Felix stood before the crowd. He scanned the room, and when the murmurs quieted, he began, "I agree with what Sirius and Headmaster Dumbledore have said, no need to repeat it. Today, I happened to hear a phrase that I'd like to share with you all..."
"Someone told me that people need to look forward, not dwell on the past, because the world must move forward", he said softly. "It's very wise..."
"We always make decisions based on our judgment of the future, believing that only we can see clearly and far ahead. But the question is, if we all look forward, whose vision of the future will come true?"
His gaze swept over Lucius Malfoy, who was standing expressionless with his wife and son, still pondering Felix's words.
"I haven't experienced war, but I've been deeply affected by it. To me, every war is a clash of different wills—sincere, passionate, selfless, and also cruel, despicable, and greedy..."
Felix spoke softly, yet his eyes were like knives, piercing through a select few.
"From past experiences, when faced with choices, some people calculate every move for profit; some flatter their way to high positions; some keep to themselves, and some hide..."
"But fortunately, there are those who, when danger strikes, choose to stand up and fight, risking everything to protect what they hold dear."
Everyone's eyes were fixed on his, trying to glimpse his deepest thoughts. Felix, however, spoke calmly, "I'm curious, friends, when the choice comes again, are you prepared? Which side will you choose?"
"Felix Hep! What are you advocating!"
A fat wizard roared, his voice distorted by fear. "Are you trying to command us! And that old fool, spewing lies, I shouldn't have attended this cursed—"
His words were cut short as his fat body trembled, making a "huffing" sound. He then convulsed and fell over. In just a few seconds, Felix had dragged him into the Mind Chamber seven times, searing his surface consciousness with intense fire. Although it was just a projection of his true mind, the pain was very real. He would be bedridden for at least two weeks.
"... I have seen the future I believe in and have decided to commit to it. No matter what obstacles I face, I am prepared."
(End of Chapter)
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