Chapter 74: Loyalty

Wiltshire County, outskirts of Chippenham town.

Murphy and Lucius stood by a lake, watching the nearly completed construction of the new Malfoy Manor.

On the other side, Narcissa and the house-elf Blinky were carefully helping Draco onto a flying broom.

"Poor old Rufus, he really should learn from you how to win people over," Lucius said. "When Draco saw that Six-Star Sweeper, I dare say he forgot all about his grudge against you for burning down the house."

"I've always been good at fulfilling others' desires," Murphy replied.

"The department is considering candidates to succeed Scrimgeour. Who do you think it will be?" Malfoy asked.

"How would I guess? I don't have as many friends in the department as you do, tell me instead."

"Normally, it should be Godwin Robards. Candidates usually serve as the Prime Minister's secretary for a while to understand some Muggle-related matters and to establish connections with the Prime Minister, facilitating handling of cases involving the Muggle world."

Murphy nodded. In fact, he knew about this. After Umbrella Corporation was summoned, Murphy had been keeping an eye on the Prime Minister's secretary.

And Mr. Godwin, clearly a bureaucrat, had immediately requested a transfer back to the Auror Headquarters after hearing that Scrimgeour might resign, eagerly eyeing the position of Head of the Auror Office.

Thanks to his hasty departure, MI5 didn't continue to pressure Umbrella Corporation. With Patrick's lobbying, the so-called "national security threat" investigation soon fizzled out.

"So, you're saying it might not be him this time?"

Malfoy nodded, "Godwin Robards is nothing special, just an old-timer. Originally, Kingsley Shacklebolt had more competitive power. But now with Kingsley's reputation plummeting, he naturally has no chance of competing."

Murphy thought for a moment and asked, "Do you have a candidate?"

Malfoy hesitated, then said, "I have a friend, Rasim Selwyn, also an Auror captain with notable achievements. However, he's a bit unconventional in some matters, so he's not favored by Scrimgeour and Crouch. But with our support..."

"Okay, bring him to meet me sometime."

Malfoy was stunned, "Rasim is somewhat reclusive; he doesn't like meeting strangers much..."

"Oh?" Murphy looked at Malfoy, "Are you sure it's him who doesn't like meeting strangers, or is it that you don't want him to meet me?"

Malfoy was taken aback.

Murphy snorted, but was not surprised. Lucius Malfoy was never a loyal fellow, nor did he have any reverence for him, thinking of using Murphy's money to develop his own power was expected.

"Also, am I a stranger?" Murphy chuckled at Lucius, "Wanting to rise with my money, yet not willing to meet me, your benefactor, seems a bit inept at socializing, doesn't it?"

Lucius's mind was read, and he felt somewhat embarrassed, "Yes, alright, I'll bring him tomorrow to meet."

Murphy nodded and took out a small golden key from his pocket, "This is the key to Vault 9654. From now on, I will deposit our operation funds in this vault, and you can take them as needed."

Lucius reached out to take it, but Murphy retracted his hand slightly, "However, only my friends deserve my support, don't forget that."

After saying that, he placed the key on the table and pushed it towards Lucius.

"The position of Head of the Auror Office can be vied for Rasim as much as possible, but Crouch is unlikely to let go of this position to someone else, he must have his own candidate," Murphy said. "However, the next Auror to become the Prime Minister's secretary, no matter the cost, must be one of our own, understand?"

An Auror Office Head could cause some trouble for Murphy, but it was generally controllable.

But a Prime Minister's secretary with the power to mobilize national resources was something Umbrella Corporation could not afford, the person in this position must be reliable.

"I understand."

Lucius also knew that Murphy's gold came from the Muggle society, which was critical and must not be lost.

If Scrimgeour hadn't used the Prime Minister's secretary tactic last time, Murphy's reaction might not have been so great.

But conversely, if that leverage is secured, could Murphy's lifeline be grasped?

Thinking this, Lucius subconsciously looked at Murphy's face, but the latter was also watching him, his eyes calm as a lake, deep as the sea, causing Lucius to feel a chill down his spine.

Legilimency?

Was he reading my thoughts? Has he learned to use Legilimency without a wand?

He instinctively guarded his mind.

"Huh." Murphy chuckled, even without Legilimency, he knew what Lucius was thinking.

He stood up, not wanting to waste more energy on this man.

A completely loyal force still needed to be formed. These former Death Eaters were unreliable.

He wondered if Serika had found the village and the Heartseed.

"Oh, by the way, is your house-elf still alive?" Thinking of loyalty, Murphy remembered a creature suffering because of him.

Lucius was stunned, "Hm? Dobby? He's still alive..."

"Give him to me."

Just a disloyal house-elf. Although Lucius was a bit upset that Dobby hadn't executed his order to punish himself to death, he didn't go against Murphy's wish.

He dragged out the nearly dying house-elf, chained with an iron chain, and brought him to Murphy.

Dobby was already skin and bones, now more skeletal, and perhaps due to long-term self-punishment, there was a large, dirty, rotting wound on his forehead.

Now, like a dead dog, Lucius dragged him, barely able to stand.

"He's almost dead, are you sure you still want him?"

Murphy frowned slightly.

This was indeed a bit tragic.

"It's okay, I'm actually curious about the anatomy of house-elves. If he dies, I can dissect him to see."

Lucius was speechless. Surely, only a Dark Lord would have such abnormal mentality.

"Dobby, you've betrayed the Malfoy family. From today, you are no longer a Malfoy house-elf. You're dismissed. This man, Murphy Darkholme, is your new master. Go with him."

Lucius announced the transfer of ownership in front of Dobby, then handed the other end of the chain to Murphy, "He's yours now, do as you please."

Dobby's glassy, large eyes were now dim. Murphy doubted if he had heard Lucius's words.

But he didn't care, picking up the dirty old pillowcase of the house-elf, lifting him easily, lighter than lifting a puppy.

Say goodbye to this place, Dobby.

I'll take you home.

___________________

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT