Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 36: A Tangled Web

Amelia Bones stood outside the ornately carved door of Minister Fudge's office, her sharp eyes scanning the corridor for any lingering ears before she entered. She adjusted her robes and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the conversation ahead. As Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she had faced countless challenges, but this meeting was bound to be one of the most frustrating.

With a nod from Fudge's secretary, she pushed open the door and stepped inside. Minister Cornelius Fudge, a portly man with thinning hair and an ever-present bowler hat, sat behind his massive oak desk, fidgeting with a stack of parchment. His eyes lit up with a forced enthusiasm when he saw her.

"Ah, Amelia! Do come in, please. Have a seat," Fudge said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Amelia sat, crossing her legs and clasping her hands in her lap. "Minister, thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I wanted to update you on the investigation into Dolores Umbridge's... demise."

Fudge's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it with a look of feigned concern. "Ah, yes. Terrible business, that. What have you found?"

Amelia leaned forward, her tone measured and professional. "After two months of intensive investigation, with our best Aurors—James Potter and Sirius Black—leading the case, we have found no trace of the person responsible. The scene was meticulously cleaned of any magical signatures, and the only evidence left behind was the blood quill she used to write her crimes."

Fudge's shoulders visibly relaxed, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Amelia's keen eyes didn't miss the subtle shift in his demeanor. She pressed on, curious to see his reaction.

"We've exhausted all leads," she continued, "and it seems whoever orchestrated this knew exactly how to cover their tracks. Given the nature of the crimes Umbridge confessed to and the political implications, the case is... sensitive."

Fudge nodded, his fingers tapping nervously on the desk. "Indeed, indeed. A most delicate situation. The last thing we want is for the public to panic. You know how they are, always quick to jump to conclusions."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Minister, if I may be frank, there's no need for conclusions when the facts are so clear. Umbridge's actions, especially those involving her misuse of power and the blood quill, were despicable. It's only natural that someone might seek retribution."

Fudge's face flushed slightly, and he waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, well, be that as it may, we must prioritize stability. I think it would be best to close the case and... announce that Dolores Umbridge has moved away. Perhaps to the continent, for a bit of a sabbatical."

Amelia's lips thinned, but she gave a curt nod. "As you wish, Minister. I'll see to it that the investigation is officially closed and the appropriate statement is prepared."

Fudge smiled, visibly relieved. "Excellent, excellent. I knew I could count on you, Amelia. Always the professional."

Amelia stood, her back straight and her expression neutral. "Thank you, Minister. I'll take my leave now."

She exited the office with a composed stride, but as soon as the door closed behind her, she allowed herself a small sigh. The corruption within the Ministry was a tangled web, and Fudge was at its center, spinning lies and cover-ups to protect himself.

Returning to her office, she found Sirius Black already waiting for her, leaning casually against her desk. His roguish grin lit up his face, and his dark hair fell into his eyes as he greeted her.

"Amelia, always a pleasure to see you," he said, his tone light and teasing. "How was your little chat with our esteemed Minister?"

Amelia rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Sirius, you know as well as I do that the Minister has his priorities firmly set on self-preservation."

Sirius chuckled, moving to sit in the chair across from her desk. "Let me guess—he wants the case closed? Sweep it under the rug, make it disappear?"

"Exactly," Amelia replied, sitting down and folding her hands on the desk. "He suggested we announce that Umbridge has moved away. It's a convenient lie to avoid any further scrutiny."

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, as much as it pains me to admit, he's not wrong about keeping the peace. We've got no leads, no evidence, and the culprit is long gone. All we'd be doing is chasing shadows."

Amelia nodded, though the frustration was evident in her eyes. "I just hate that she won't face justice for what she did. She hurt so many people, and now she's gone, her crimes unresolved."

Sirius reached across the desk, placing a hand over hers. His usual playful demeanor softened, replaced by genuine empathy. "I know, Amelia. But sometimes, justice isn't about catching the bad guy. Sometimes it's about making sure their victims are safe, that they can move on without fear."

Amelia met his gaze, appreciating his words even as the weight of the situation pressed on her. "You're right, Sirius. We'll close the case, but we won't forget. And if any new information comes to light, we'll be ready."

Sirius grinned, his usual charm returning. "That's the spirit. And hey, if you ever need a distraction from all this... you know where to find me."

Amelia chuckled, shaking her head. "Ever the flirt, Sirius."

"Can't help it," he replied with a wink. "It's one of my many talents."

As he stood to leave, Amelia watched him go, a small smile playing on her lips. The world was a complicated place, filled with gray areas and moral ambiguities. But with allies like Sirius, she knew she could navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.