Chapter 354: Sirius Black's Love-Hate Relationship
Chapter 354: Sirius Black's Love-Hate Relationship
Having boarded the train just before departure, there were barely any empty compartments available... but they didn't need one.
After walking forward for a while, they encountered Cedric, who had just stepped out of a nearby compartment and was heading towards the front of the train.
"Oh, Mr. Cedric," Fred said, taking a few quick steps forward and bowing politely. "It's an honor to see you here."
"Indeed, it's a great honor," George chimed in, following closely behind.
Cedric took a cautious step backward, his guard up. Over the years, he had come to know the mischievous twins all too well.
In fact, from the subtle smile that had flashed across Fred's face upon seeing him, Cedric could tell that their joy at their reunion was more of a pretense than genuine warmth.
And the answer was obvious—the latter.
Their over-the-top politeness was a clear sign that something was amiss.
"How our friendship has faded," Fred sighed. "You used to run over and hug us, but now you actually took a step back."
"It's heartbreaking," George added, feigning sorrow. "Before you became a prefect, you weren't like this."
"Is there even a need to mention it, George?" Fred said. "Prefect Cedric should probably be more interested in befriending Percy now."
"Befriend Percy?" Fred exclaimed, his eyes widening in mock horror. "Does that mean you'll also have to carry around that book, 'A Prefect's Guide to Power' from now on?"
"I'm afraid that's the case," George nodded solemnly.
"Kyle, you must never become a prefect," Fred said, turning to Kyle.
"Because it will make your life so dull," George finished.
Kyle, who had been happily enjoying the show, suddenly found himself unable to keep a straight face... He hadn't said a word, yet here he was, being unfairly dragged into their teasing.
He was only in his fourth year, and already the twins were considering his future as a prefect? Just what did these two have against prefects!
"What are you lot on about?" Cedric frowned, his annoyance evident as he glared at them. "And how did you know I became a prefect? I don't recall telling you."
As always, after years of friendship, Cedric knew these two inside out.
And this wasn't the first time they had mocked Percy either.
So, from the start, he had no intention of sharing this news with them, hoping to delay it as long as possible. He hadn't even been wearing his prefect badge when he came out of his compartment.
"Do you even need to ask?" Fred rolled his eyes. "Four consecutive years of being top of the year, who else could be the prefect but you?"
"I think you must not have visited the Ministry of Magic lately," George said, a smile breaking through, "because there are two pieces of news that are being talked about the most there at the moment."
"The escape of Sirius Black..."
"...and the fact that you've become the new prefect."
"Mr. Diggory sure knows how to spread the word," Fred said. "His publicity skills are almost on par with the Daily Prophet."
Cedric's face turned red. "He specifically promised me he wouldn't go around telling everyone."
Kyle shook his head beside him.
Cedric was still too naive; it was like asking Percy not to flaunt his badge as the Head Boy—impossible!
"So, are you off to the prefects' compartment now?" Kyle asked.
"I didn't want to go," Cedric admitted. "But Percy reminded me three times in five minutes that I should head over."
"Then you should go," George said, patting him on the shoulder. "Oh, and by the way, when you see him, do ask if the previous Head Boy also told others about his ridiculously large head."
"And if he wore it on his chest..." George continued, "...because I personally think that's quite comical."
"What are you lot up to?"
Percy's sudden appearance startled them.
"You were just saying something about comical..." Percy began.
"Nothing," Fred and George replied in unison.
"I'm warning you, you had better behave, or else..."
"You'll take house points?"
"Or put us in detention?"
"We were just talking in the corridor," Fred said. "Surely that's not against the rules?"
"I'll be watching you..."
Percy's expression soured, and he turned away from the twins to address Cedric. "Come along, I need to make an announcement on behalf of the professors, and I'm waiting for you."
Cedric spread his hands helplessly and followed Percy toward the front of the train.
Afterward, Kyle and the others returned to the compartment that Cedric had come out of.
Kona and Autumn were already inside, along with Ginny and Luna.
The four girls sat together, looking at a copy of 'The Quibbler', though aside from Luna, the other three didn't seem particularly interested.
Autumn even yawned as Kyle and the others entered.
"What are you reading?" Kyle asked.
"Some... interesting speculations," Kona replied softly. "This article claims that Sirius Black was actually released by Fudge to secretly eliminate those who opposed him."
"Perhaps that's the truth," Luna said, lifting her head. "Otherwise, why hasn't the Ministry found anything after searching for him for a month?"
"And what about this..." Ginny craned her neck to read. "'There may be a hidden relationship between Sirius Black and Fudge.
Fudge has been constrained and unpopular since he took office, so Black voluntarily gave up his freedom and entered Azkaban, determined to win over the criminals for Fudge.
After more than a decade, he may have built a secret army to clear obstacles for Fudge, controlling all those who opposed him with poison.
But Fudge couldn't bear to let Black stay in that dark place any longer, so he secretly released him... Their relationship is deeper than we imagined.'"
Kyle clicked his tongue.
"What nonsense," he said. "This is quite a story they've cooked up about Black and Fudge."
He wondered what Black's expression would be if he read this.
It was a shame that 'The Quibbler' didn't have high sales; it would be great if this was published in the 'Daily Prophet'.
"But everyone knows that Sirius Black is a Death Eater," Ginny said in confusion. "How could he be working for Fudge?"
"That's just a cover," Luna said. "The contributor mentioned that Black is the only Death Eater who wasn't put on trial, and it's likely that Fudge used his privileges to make that happen."
"But Fudge wasn't the Minister back then, was he?"
"He is now," Luna said. "And there's no competition for the position."
The compartment fell silent.
It somehow... almost made sense at first glance. If they hadn't already known about Black's exploits, they might have believed it.
Kyle shook his head. He also remembered an issue of 'The Quibbler' from a few years ago.
There had been an article claiming that Fudge had the Department of Mysteries develop a poison to control his opponents.
That had infuriated Diana; she'd almost gone to confront Mr. Lovegood with her wand in hand.
Unbeknownst to them, the content would be connected years later... So, the poison Black used was developed by the Department of Mysteries, huh?
No wonder Chris had mentioned that foreign wizards might enjoy this magazine. These exposes about the love-hate relationships and gossip involving the Minister of Magic were quite entertaining, and the fun would double if it were about a minister from another country.
After all, they didn't know much about other nations, so reading about them without having to think too deeply would be enjoyable.
(End of Chapter)
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