Harry Potter and the Candy Factory

At the same time, in the Auror Office of the Ministry of Magic, a man with thick, auburn hair and a stern, resolute face stood up and shook hands firmly with Charlie Black in front of him. ♦ ♦     ♦ ♦ He was Rufus Scrimgeour, the current head of the Auror Office.

Feeling the rough texture of the other man's calloused hand, the considerable strength from his knuckles, and the hawk-like sharpness in his eyes,

Charlie could instantly determine that the head of the Auror Office in front of him was likely a true warrior, like Mad-Eye Moody, who had been on the battlefield and killed Death Eaters in the brutal war, and not a clown like Umbridge, who had risen to power through flattery and scheming.

"Hello, Director Rufus Scrimgeour."

Although his mind was racing, Charlie maintained his signature calm smile on the surface, meeting the other man's gaze head-on, their eyes locking together.

Scrimgeour was silent for a moment, then the stern expression on his face finally changed, softening slightly.

He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Hello, Mr. Charlie Black… I never thought we would meet again after more than a decade."

Hearing this, a hint of surprise appeared in Charlie's eyes. He raised his eyebrows and then fell into brief contemplation.

After thinking for a moment, a slightly apologetic expression appeared on Charlie's face, and he slowly shook his head.

"I'm so sorry, Director Scrimgeour… It's been too long, I guess I've forgotten. I wonder if you could give me a hint?"

Scrimgeour released Charlie's hand, not getting angry or feeling humiliated. He simply nodded noncommittally and said,

"Of course… It's normal that you don't remember, because at that time I was just an ordinary Auror. Just like my colleagues, I was active in the war against the Death Eaters, fighting and shedding blood.

But you were already standing at the highest point, looking down on the entire battlefield with an absolute posture."

"I remember, it was probably the second to last battle before the Dark Lord was defeated. At that time, I had just killed a crazed Death Eater, and I was hiding behind a broken stone wall, panting and regaining my strength, waiting for the next opportunity to strike.

And it was at that moment… just as I was about to get up and attack, a thunderous roar caught my attention. I was stunned for a moment, turned my head to look, and then I saw you—"

Scrimgeour paused, then raised his hand and gently patted Charlie on the shoulder.

At this moment, most of the sharpness in his eyes had faded, replaced by reminiscence… In his tone, there was also a simultaneous emergence of amazement, as if what he had seen that year was reappearing before his eyes.

"I dare say, it was the first time I had seen such magnificent magic—a huge, bright red beam of light shot into the sky, scattering at the highest point, turning into streams of light that accurately shot towards every Death Eater.

It was beautiful… but also incredibly dangerous. In just a few seconds, the Death Eaters who had been confronting us were all lying on the ground, unconscious."

Scrimgeour took a deep breath, his expression filled with the shock he had felt when he first saw the scene.

"Originally, I didn't believe in so-called geniuses… It wasn't until I saw that scene that I realized that the world isn't fair to everyone after all…"

From beginning to end, Charlie didn't say anything, just smiled, quietly listening to what happened to Scrimgeour back then.

As he spoke, Scrimgeour couldn't continue, and he also began to laugh.

In this way, in the laughter, the two seemed to have reached a tacit understanding, and at the same time ended the topic and began to talk about business, as if nothing had happened.

"Minister Fudge has already instructed me. Because the people you want to visit this time are all high-security prisoners held in Azkaban, I will accompany you, and I must be present throughout your meeting, hearing every word you say… Is that acceptable to you, Mr. Black?"

"Of course!"

Charlie nodded in agreement without hesitation.

"After all, my good-for-nothing cousin and sister committed such serious crimes. It's already kind enough of Minister Fudge to allow me to see them once before Christmas. What else can I ask for?"

With that, he deliberately put on a grateful look, raising his hand to gently wipe the corner of his eye.

Hearing this, Scrimgeour also nodded slightly, then took a document from his desk, confirming the details written on it while casually sighing,

"I guess you must have been in a lot of pain at the time… Clearly, you are a sworn enemy of the Dark Lord… But your relatives chose to become his followers.

Especially that Sirius Black… I still feel ashamed of what he did."

These words seemed to strike a chord in Charlie's heart, immediately moving him, and the way he looked at Scrimgeour was like seeing a confidant. Without hesitation, he immediately nodded in agreement,

"That's right, that's what I think too!"

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Soon, the two set off. Through a special Portkey, they crossed mountains and oceans. After a very uncomfortable journey, Charlie and Scrimgeour arrived at an outpost on a small island in the middle of the North Sea.

This was the first checkpoint to enter Azkaban. Usually, there weren't many people here. Only a few Aurors would be stationed here on a rotating basis. The work wasn't hard. Generally, they would receive prisoners, send them into Azkaban, or accompany people who came to visit, to prevent them from being attacked by Dementors.

Since Charlie was with Scrimgeour, the Head of the Auror Office, not too many twists and turns occurred. After simply checking their belongings and wands, they were hastily let through, taking less than five minutes in total.

"Mr. Black, shall we go?"

Scrimgeour's expression was normal, looking at Charlie, who had put his wand back in his coat pocket, and gestured forward.

"Of course, Director Scrimgeour."

Charlie replied with a smile, and then walked forward with the other man.

As the gate of the outpost was slowly pushed open—the notorious prison, filled with countless terrifying legends, finally appeared before the two men, accompanied by a salty sea breeze.