68 Chapter 68 - The Path

Nearly two weeks had passed since the city council meeting. Asmodeus sat in his new office, contemplating the document in his hand. It detailed the reactions of non-magical folk to the announcement of magic's existence in the world. Surprisingly, most European countries had a relatively calm response. In Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other post-Soviet nations, it even garnered a positive reception. Understandable, given the challenges they faced – the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of criminals in power, and the struggle for survival. The people of Eastern Europe welcomed the prospect of wizards and their innovative agricultural methods. Asmodeus dispatched a squad of wizards to clear the remnants of the Soviet government, firmly establishing control over these lands.

In Germany, the situation mirrored the past division of the country. Many were uncertain about the future, but wizards intervened, guiding them forward. Grindelwald now oversees Germany and Austria, ensuring Asmodeus is confident in dealing with potential issues or aggressive non-magical individuals.

Southern European countries and France, on the other hand, clung tightly to their religious beliefs, viewing magic as heresy. The Council of Wizards had to deploy considerable forces to suppress resistance. After the Vatican burned to the ground, leaving no local clergy alive, the fervor of the religious fanatics diminished.

In Europe, things progressed smoothly for Asmodeus and the Council of Wizards, aided by almost complete information isolation. Only a select few among the non-magical elites knew about the events in Rome, specifically in the Vatican, and only those deemed useful.

The situation in the Middle East proved more complex. Religious fanatics were the majority, and outright destruction of the ruling elite wouldn't suffice. Therefore, the revelation of magic to the public was withheld in these countries. Asmodeus tasked a former squad of squibs with gradually absorbing the government and redirecting values. Replacing religion with magic, in Asmodeus' view, was a more strategic approach.

As for Asia, Japan seamlessly adapted, similar to Europe. A nation relying on technology exports and food imports in a magic-infused world found itself adept at suppression and assimilation. Globally, Japan seemed to weather the changes exceptionally well.

In China and North Korea, the story mirrored Russia's. Socialist and communist regimes embraced magic if they had access to it. Chinese interest in magic reached unprecedented levels, with many magical knights adopting the title of "cultivators" and delving into swordsmanship, attempting to make their swords fly. Asmodeus remained indifferent, even slightly intrigued.

The remaining Asian countries in this century were too underdeveloped to warrant mention in the report.

As for England, Asmodeus' presence eliminated any need for discussion. Any opposition faced swift and fiery consequences.

The only country where wizards encountered real resistance was the United States. Remnants of the "Purifiers," descendants of squibs opposing all wizards and magic, posed a challenge. However, with Dumbledore and Nicholas now there, Asmodeus asked Nicholas to keep a watchful eye on the compassionate Dumbledore. In short, Asmodeus believed that within a month, this world would fully transition to magical development and the exploration of "unusual powers." Who knows, the persistent influence of magic on people might lead to the gradual emergence of individuals with psychic abilities and more.

Setting aside reports, Asmodeus stood up and walked over to the window. He was currently in the Elysium Academy, and the construction team had done an outstanding job. As a token of appreciation, Asmodeus designated a space on one of the academy's walls where each member of the construction team could leave their name. It wasn't their sole reward; the construction brigade received a generous monetary compensation and became the first construction team approved by the Council of Wizards.

Approval from the Council of Wizards now functions as a kind of quality mark. The Council sends a representative to assess the products, services, or businesses of those seeking approval, conducting a thorough evaluation. While it doesn't provide direct financial benefits, it serves as a prestigious recognition in the magical world, akin to a Michelin star. People are more likely to turn to those endorsed by the Council. Furthermore, for each quality assessment, the Council assigns a new representative, obligated to undergo monthly evaluations to ensure continued alignment with the Council's standards. This approach minimizes human factors and corruption.

Asmodeus' contemplations were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," he said, and the room was soon filled with a crowd of people—his friends from Hogwarts.

"Hey, Asmodeus, why didn't you tell us you were leaving Hogwarts and becoming the director of a new academy!?"

"Are you abandoning us!?"

"What about our alchemy classes?!"

The twins were the first to speak, rising from the floor. "Fred, George, you must understand that Hogwarts has nothing more to teach me, and who said I'm abandoning you?"

Asmodeus said, revealing seven letters in his hands—two for the twins and one each for Cedric, Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Chang.

"What's this?"

"Open them and find out," Asmodeus replied.

Opening the letters, everyone realized what it was.

"You have been successfully enrolled in the Elysium School of Magic, Class S. Classes begin on September 1st; please do not be late."

"Wow! Asmodeus, this is amazing! We've been sneaking out of Hogwarts on weekends and nights, but you've outdone us. You practically allow us to skip Hogwarts all the time."

"Fred, George, I've already spoken to Dumbledore. If you agree, he'll approve the transfer for either of you."

Hermione chimed in, "Asmodeus, isn't Class S for the elite?"

"Exactly, and what did you think, Hermione? Let me tell you. Each of you is worthy of entering Class S. The twins are outstanding alchemists working with Nicolas Flamel on mass-producing flying cars. Hermione, one of the most diligent Hogwarts students of all time. Harry is exceptionally talented, and with proper education, he can compete with the best wizards in the world. Luna has a peculiar ability, almost like a natural Legilimens. Chang is also one of the best students at Hogwarts in this century. I wouldn't let you into Class S if you didn't deserve it."

"Alright..."

Seeing that Hermione had finally stopped worrying about her connections, Asmodeus turned his gaze to Harry, who now looked much happier than a year ago. He had not only two friends, Ron and Hermione, but a whole bunch now.

Looking at Harry, Asmodeus asked, "Harry, I see you want to ask something."

"Yes, I was waiting for you to finish. So, you said that all of us can join Class S, but I don't understand how both Cedric, the twins, and I can study in the same class, given our age differences."

"Oh, don't worry about that. You'll find out when classes start," Asmodeus said with a smile.

"Uh-huh."

"By the way, Harry, I want to talk to you. Guys, this might be a bit personal for Harry, so..."

"Let them stay; everyone here is my best friend."

"Alright, as you wish. Harry, did you know that you have a godfather?"

"WHAT!?" The exclamation came not only from Harry but the entire group.

"Don't shout like that! Yes, Harry has a godfather... Sirius Black!"

"What! Sirius Black is Harry's godfather?!"

This time, Hermione and the twins were the first to exclaim.

"I've told you not to shout!"

With a snap of Asmodeus' fingers, everyone's mouths, except for Harry's and Asmodeus', were sealed shut. Hermione tried to say something, but as soon as she attempted to open her mouth, her lips, seemingly glued together, couldn't part.

"Um, Asmodeus, why is their reaction to Sirius's name like this?"

"Because he's considered a deranged murderer."

"You mean…...?"

"Yes, he's falsely accused."

"Hush!"

Hermione and the twins hissed, unable to utter a word.

"I've actually noticed this for a while; there just wasn't time to address it. Harry, you may not know, but your father had a group of friends. Three individuals—Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. The last one is presumed dead."

"But I have reliable information that Peter Pettigrew is not dead and is currently hiding in Hogwarts. In reality, he framed Sirius Black... and made the whole world believe Black was a criminal."

"But why didn't Sirius tell the Ministry of Magic or Dumbledore about this?"

"Because the Ministry of Magic threw Sirius into Azkaban without trial or investigation. Dumbledore had no chance to help at that moment, and even he might have believed the Ministry's story..."

"Then, we need to catch Peter Pettigrew and kill him!"

"Yes and no. We need to catch him, bring him to the Ministry of Magic, and hand him over to the Aurors. My people will take it from there."

"Alright! Where is Pettigrew now?"

Hearing Harry's words, Asmodeus snapped his fingers again, and the crowd could speak once more.

"For this, we need George and Fred..."

"Um, in what sense? We don't know where Pettigrew is."

"Oh? Are you sure? What's that interesting map poking out of your pocket?"

"Darn it, Fred, I told you to hide it in the inner pocket!"

"Yeah, yeah, George, when I hid it in the inner pocket, you said to move it because it took too long to get it out!"

"Alright, enough joking."

Hearing Asmodeus' words, the twins handed over the Marauder's Map. They had been joking about the best way to hide it, but they were willing to give it up if it could help.

"Follow me."

With the map in hand, Asmodeus stepped into the fireplace and traveled to the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts.

Flames flickered eight times, and the group was now in Dumbledore's office. Fortunately, he wasn't in England at the moment.

Asmodeus gave the group a couple of minutes to examine Dumbledore's office and then said,

"Now, find Ron."

Opening the map, Asmodeus let everyone take a look.

"Huh? Why?"

The twins were surprised, but they continued. When they finally found Ron, they almost freaked out.

"P-peter Pettigrew. He's right next to Ron! We urgently need to save him!"

"Wait, don't worry, Ron is not in danger. Think about how Peter Pettigrew can be right next to Ronald and go unnoticed?"

The twins pondered, and Hermione looked up at Asmodeus. "He's an Animagus! Ron's pet rat!"

"Bingo!"

"Scabbers?"

The twins didn't get it at first, but then they thought. This rat has been living in their family for 12 years... What does it take to feed a rat to make it live for 12 years?

"Hehe, if we tell Ron that he's been cuddling and sleeping with an adult man all this time..."

The whole group fell silent. It was an unexpected moment of silence for Ron.

"Okay, let's go. We need to catch someone."

Harry was the most impatient and immediately ran out of the office toward Gryffindor dormitory. Except for Asmodeus and Cedric, everyone else hurriedly followed.

Cedric and Asmodeus walked behind at a leisurely pace.

"Why aren't you catching up with them?"

"They'll manage, and besides, I wanted to ask you about your plans for the future. You know, you're now the most important person in the world, and sometimes it seems like you've achieved all the goals one could dream of. But you don't stop, and every time you do something new, like with Muggles this time... So I wanted to ask, what will you do after the magical world and the Muggle world merge? I don't believe you'll just sit in the academy like Dumbledore…"

"Ha-ha-ha, you're right. That old bee likes to stay put. As for me... First, I'll need to go somewhere and finish certain matters. And then... I don't think the merging of the Muggle and magical worlds is the end of my journey. It's just the beginning. Who knows... In short, I'm not sure yet."

"Well, anyway, just don't forget about your friends. You know, lately, you haven't been communicating much with us. We thought you forgot we exist..."

"I know, I need to apologize to all of you, but you also have to understand..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, affairs, affairs, and more affairs. Okay, forget it. Anyway, if you hadn't introduced me to the Ents, I would still be just a good wizard. Now, I'm one of the first Druids, an apprentice of one of the members of the Wizard's Council, and, overall, I've become very powerful... In short, thank you."

"You're welcome, just don't stop eating meat."

"I've told you, we're not monks! We respect nature, but that doesn't mean we can't eat meat."

"Haha, okay, I'm kidding."

In this manner, Cedric and Asmodeus arrived at the scene. Opening the door to Harry and Ron's room, they witnessed a scene: Harry holding his wand at the neck of a chubby man resembling a rat, Ron being comforted by the twins, and Hermione and Chang attempting to prevent Harry from killing Peter.

"Harry, Peter needs to stay alive; that's the only way Sirius can prove his innocence!"

"Listen to Hermione, Harry!"

Asmodeus intervened, "Alright, Harry. If you still want to kill Peter after we free Sirius, I can arrange that."

"Yes, I want to be the one who kills him!"

"Good, let's go to the Ministry of Magic in England."

With these words, Asmodeus struck Peter on the back of the head, causing him to lose consciousness, and levitated him out, carrying Peter with him.

----------------------------------------------

Fifteen minutes later, judges were already gathering at the Wizengamot, urgently summoned.

"Knock, knock."

"Quiet, everyone. The trial is now in session!"

"The defendant, Peter Pettigrew, once considered a hero, is charged with faking his death, cooperating with the Death Eaters, and murdering 12 Muggles!"

"The court decrees the defendant to be executed by the Dementor's Kiss!"

"No, no! I... I'm not... The Dark Lord, he forced me. I was under the Imperius Curse! Please, don't execute me!"

Peter, chained and squealing like a pig before slaughter, couldn't comprehend how he was discovered.

"I declare the voting open!"

"Majority in favor. Execute the sentence immediately!"

"Cough, cough."

"Mr. Morningstar, do you have something to say?"

"Yes, my friend Fudge. I believe Mr. Potter has the right to personally execute the murderer of his parents. Don't you think?"

"Of course, I don't see a problem with that. If Mr. Potter is up for it, he can act as the executioner this time."

"Excellent. I think Mr. Potter can be given a separate room."

"Yes, yes, of course."

With these words, "Fudge" waved his hand, and Peter was led into a separate room where he would be held until the execution.

"As you all know, we have gathered today not only to punish a real criminal but also to clear Sirius Black's good name. Without further discussion, let's move to the vote. Please raise your hands if you agree to drop all charges against Sirius Black and compensate him on behalf of the Ministry of Magic."

"Unanimously. The session is closed. Sirius Black will be immediately released from Azkaban, and all the Black family's assets will be returned to him. Additionally, the Black family will be compensated with 24,000 galleons."

In reality, this scene was only for show. While everyone knows that Asmodeus fully controls the English Ministry of Magic, he tries not to appear ignorant to the public – a dictator. Moreover, he doesn't want his friends to become too arrogant. He's ready to help them, but he doesn't want them flying around Astra's village on a carpet plane, knowing they won't face consequences. Though unlikely, it's still a possibility...

Having finished his business at the ministry, Asmodeus returned to the academy. He couldn't afford much distraction now, so he didn't wait for Sirius to be released from prison. In any case, he had done what needed to be done.

Back in his office, Asmodeus looked at the calendar on his desk. "Heh, almost a year has passed. I wonder what's happening on the other side." Asmodeus still reminisces about the Avatar's world. After all, he lived there for 20 years, and even though he spent 5 of them wandering the world, those were still the best moments of his three lives. It was the first time he encountered extraordinary powers. Honestly, his second life means much more to him than the first...

"Perhaps, someday, I'll be able to return there, even if only for a short while…"

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Ahem, ahem. Hey, everybody. You guys may have noticed that the updates have been less frequent. This is because I'm trying to find a balance between chapter length and frequency of updates. If you write 2.5k word chapters, it takes longer. If the chapters are 1000 words I can update more often, please write in the comments how you prefer.

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