https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-552-The-Outrageous-Proposal-of-the-Deputy-Minister/12538892/
Chapter 551: The End of Bartemius Crouch's Investigation
Chapter 551: The End of Bartemius Crouch's Investigation
Bartemius "Barty" Crouch?
Kyle hadn't heard that name in over half a year.
Ever since the start of the school year when Sirius Black was proven innocent, Bartemius Crouch had been publicly criticized for his decision to send Black directly to Azkaban without a trial.
To be fair, such actions weren't uncommon at the time, and even Sirius himself didn't hold it against Crouch... Kyle recalled that he had even spoken positively of him.
Even before Voldemort's downfall, Crouch had advocated for harsh measures, granting the Aurors new powers.
They were no longer limited to capturing but were authorized to kill and use Unforgivable Curses against Death Eaters... and Sirius wasn't the first to be handed over to the Dementors without a trial.
While the approach of fighting violence with violence, turning Aurors into individuals as ruthless and merciless as many Death Eaters, might not sit well now, it had undeniably kept many people alive during those chaotic times.
And it was because of this strategy that the Ministry of Magic was able to hold its ground against the Death Eaters for several years.
If it weren't for his son, Bartemius "Barty" Crouch Jr. being unmasked as a Death Eater, the current Minister of Magic would still be Cornelius Fudge.
So, Sirius didn't hold a grudge against Crouch. He only wanted his freedom back so he could take care of Harry. He wasn't interested in pursuing blame.
Nevertheless, Crouch was investigated for allegedly helping Sirius Black cover up his crimes and damaging the reputation of the Ministry.
And this investigation dragged on for half a year.
Kyle looked at the photo in the newspaper.
In just six months, Barty Crouch looked like a different person. His once neatly trimmed beard was now disheveled, and he appeared utterly dispirited.
In stark contrast, the photo of Fudge beside him exuded self-satisfaction.
"He must be pleased," Kyle thought. "No one's left to compete with him for the Minister's position..."
But Kyle didn't particularly care about any of this.
He continued reading the newspaper.
There was nothing substantial in the investigation that linked Crouch to the Death Eaters.
So, after the investigation concluded, Crouch could still work at the Ministry and retained his position as a director.
The only difference was that he had been transferred from the Department of International Magical Cooperation to the Department of Magical Transportation.
This was probably one of the most peripheral departments in the Ministry, only slightly better than the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
Of course, the Department of Magical Transportation wasn't unimportant, but it depended on the comparison.
If given a choice between the two departments, no one in their right mind would choose the latter.
Apart from Crouch, the others who were investigated had also been removed from their original positions and reassigned to more peripheral departments, such as the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
Ludovic Bagman was probably thrilled, as this was the first time so many people had been transferred to his department.
However, the Ministry didn't seem keen on publicizing this matter. Such significant news should have been on the front page, but it was tucked away on the back, in an inconspicuous corner, with most of the content merely glossed over, providing only the outcome.
...
"This has Fudge's fingerprints all over it," Sirius muttered to Kyle during their first Dark Arts class of the day.
Due to circumstances involving Professor Moody—perhaps related to Crouch's situation—Sirius had been asked to fill in for him until he returned, which gave him an opportunity to chat with Kyle about the newspaper article during class.
"While there were many others involved in different departments who supported Crouch, they were left untouched," he added.
"Of course," Kyle replied. "Aside from the Minister of Magic himself, no one else would have the authority to orchestrate such a large-scale transfer of personnel, no matter the reason."
"I don't like Fudge," Sirius said, glancing around before lowering his voice further. "Even though it was because of him that I regained my freedom, I can't bring myself to like the man. He's too obsessed with power.
"And, he's hinted more than once that I should agree to more interviews with the Prophet, emphasizing the story of my wrongful imprisonment and subsequent exoneration."
"He clearly wants to promote himself as a fair and just figure," Kyle said, "As the interrogator in your retrial, any mention of that event will inevitably bring him into the spotlight."
"Exactly," Sirius said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I've already done three interviews, but he keeps sending owls with requests... as if he wants me to recount my tragic tale in the Prophet every day."
"That's what you get for being portrayed as a tragic hero," Kyle said with a smile. "He's just using the opportunity to boost his own image."
"You're telling me," Sirius said, shaking his head. "I'm sick of repeating the same old story. I just want to find an excuse to lay low for a while, which is why I came to Hogwarts.
"I never expected Dumbledore to agree to let me teach here... Honestly, I should thank Fudge as well. It was his nagging that gave me the chance to mentor Harry personally."
Kyle looked at the cheerful Sirius, unsure of what to say. To be honest, he felt that Dumbledore was the one most grateful to Fudge.
Dumbledore's annual headache was finding a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and when someone volunteered, he certainly wasn't going to refuse.
However, from Sirius' demeanor, it seemed like he didn't really mind.
To avoid drawing too much attention, Sirius soon moved on to help those who were still struggling with the Iron Armor spell.
After a few months of no practice, some students had almost forgotten the spell.
Sirius made his way around the room, only returning to Kyle's side as the class was about to end.
"Who knows what will become of the Ministry now," Sirius said, gazing out the window. "Fudge is cunning, but his character... well, never mind. I shouldn't complain since he's the reason I'm free."
He sighed, "Without Crouch to keep him in check, Fudge no longer has to worry about anyone threatening his position as Minister. Honestly, this isn't a good thing for the Ministry."
"What about the headmaster?" Connie asked from nearby. "People say he's highly trusted by Professor Dumbledore, and the Minister often seeks his advice when faced with difficult problems."
"Yes... there's still Dumbledore," Sirius said, but his tone lacked conviction.
He wasn't sure about the previous years, but ever since he became a professor, Fudge had not once sought Dumbledore's counsel.
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
