Chapter 18: There Are People on Both Black and White Paths, Wizengamot

Cole smiled but said nothing. Of course, he approved of John and the others' actions.

Everything in the wizarding world belonged to him. Although Fudge was an Auror in name, he was a money-grubbing person.

It was common for Shacklebolt to have opinions. What no one knew was that most Death Eaters were purebloods. How many purebloods were there in the wizarding world in England?

It wasn't just the prominent families that emerged; they were all from pureblood families.

Now that Voldemort had fallen, the Ministry of Magic had its eye on these people, hoping to hold them accountable.

This was why Shacklebolt was determined to capture these Death Eaters alive.

As long as they were apprehended and put on trial, the pureblood families would have leverage. With no Death Eater in the Shacklebolt family, he wasn't afraid of others using this against him.

But with John and the others appearing, not only was the power of the Auror Office divided, but he also couldn't gain any benefits.

Shakur was at a loss.

"It's our duty, the Black family's duty, to maintain the stability of the wizarding world."

Before LeVert could say anything, Cole's proclamation rang out.

Lucius felt embarrassed beside him, struggling to maintain his aristocratic demeanor and suppress his laughter.

"Mr. Black is indeed a noble man."

Cole shamelessly declared, "Of course, in the entire English wizarding community, who doesn't know that I, Cole, am the most concerned about magic and its welfare?"

"I'm afraid Mr. LeVert doesn't have enough Aurors. I still have a few members of the Black family who can be of use. Mr. LeVert, please don't hesitate to ask for their assistance. It's our duty."

LeVille's smile froze on his face, and he sighed inwardly. These Black family members were shameless, trying to take advantage even now.

"Excuse me, someone is calling for me. Let's talk another time," LeVille hastily excused himself, fearing Cole's persistence.

Cole didn't say anything; everyone understood what was happening.

"Lucius, you must be wondering what he meant, aren't you? He simply wants my team of wizards back, and I won't agree to it."

Cole rolled his eyes at Lucius. This pretense of confusion was typical of him.

"How is that possible? Cole, we trust you to handle things. We just need to ensure that no one gets caught."

Lucius put away his smile and spoke cautiously.

Cole nodded. In fact, this matter was straightforward. He had accepted a commission from the pureblood families to clean up the escaped Death Eaters in exchange for a share of the benefits, thus preventing them from being blackmailed by Fudge and Ministry of Magic officials.

They were also wary of Ministry officials learning secrets through Legilimency or from their family members.

After all, the Ministry of Magic had a greater appetite than what they handed over to the Black family.

Cole wasn't interested in their affairs; he just wanted to develop his own family peacefully. After all, what pureblood family didn't have its secrets?

He had heard that John and the others had become Aurors, but they were the ones who had approached Cole.

How could Cole refuse such an opportunity to make money? It was lucrative to don the garb of an Auror.

Of course, what Cole had said earlier wasn't a joke; he was testing the Aurors. Only by having people on both sides could the Black family maintain stability.

"Oh, by the way, what about that thing I mentioned earlier?"

Lucius straightened his crooked bow tie before speaking.

"Don't worry; there's no problem anymore. The heir of the Black family will soon have a seat in the Wizengamot. Sirius wasn't interested before."

Cole nodded; they were discussing Sirius joining the Wizengamot.

The Wizengamot, the highest court and parliamentary organization in the wizarding world, belonged to the Legal Department of the Ministry of Magic. It was established earlier than the Ministry, and its judicial power was superior.

It comprised about fifty members, all wearing purple wizard robes with a delicate 'W' embroidered on the left chest during trials.

Initially, Wizengamot members were purebloods or high-status wizards, but later, Ministry officials and mixed-race wizards joined.

However, it was agreed that heirs of pureblood families would naturally have a place in the Wizengamot.

As the Supreme Court, Cole wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Sirius, as a prodigal son, had refused to join the Wizengamot when he came of age, relinquishing the Black family's position.

This decision was puzzling. Did Sirius think he didn't need to join with Dumbledore as the chief magician of the Wizengamot backing him?

How foolish. Outsiders could never be relied upon; only one's own power mattered.

Cole nodded, "That's good. I've been busy lately, but I need to take a break. Meera is pregnant, and I have to take care of her."

Cole valued his unborn child. In a prestigious family like the Blacks, continuing the bloodline was crucial. Fortunately, Meera appeared; otherwise, Cole wouldn't have found a suitable match.

According to Black family tradition, he was supposed to marry his cousin, which disgusted him. Lyra was insane, Sirius and Regulus were paranoid.

Thankfully, Meera was different. Cole hoped his son would find happiness and contribute to the Black family's prosperity.

Cole was lost in thoughts of his future daughter-in-law, forgetting whether Meera was willing or not.