Chapter 218: The Funeral and Fudge

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Number 12 Morige Square, the old Black family mansion, welcomed its first real guests in decades.

Even though these people came only for a funeral, their presence brought a breath of life to the long-abandoned mansion.

Green flames flickered in the fireplace, constantly illuminating the arrival of new guests through the Floo Network.

The sky was gray, seemingly laden with endless sorrow. The low-hanging clouds pressed down on everyone's spirits.

In this solemn and heavy atmosphere, everyone gathered to attend Regulus's funeral.

In the backyard of the Black family mansion, black flags fluttered in the wind, making a rustling sound as if whispering the name of the deceased.

Dumbledore stood silently in front of the coffin, clutching a eulogy.

The Weasley family stood among the crowd, their faces filled with grief. Arthur Weasley tightly held his wife Molly's hand, as if giving her strength.

Their children, Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny, stood silently and solemnly.

Lupin stood alone in the distance. Unlike the others, he had a genuine fondness for Regulus, who had never looked at him differently after learning of his werewolf status.

The Malfoy family also attended the funeral. After all, theoretically, Regulus was Draco's uncle by blood.

Funerals are always heavy topics.

During the funeral, unless necessary, no one spoke.

Talking among the living is disrespectful to the dead.

Ino, dressed in a black silk robe, stood quietly in a corner. He exchanged glances with many familiar faces, nodding to each in acknowledgment.

As time passed, Fudge and several Ministry of Magic officials arrived. Although many were not invited, England's wizarding community is small, and word gets around quickly.

Whether these officials came to pay their final respects or to expand their networks was unclear.

However, one thing was certain: each wore a mournful expression, showing respect and remembrance for the deceased. No one could find fault with them.

At three o'clock, tiny snowflakes began to fall from the gray sky.

The delicate snowflakes silently landed on the black coffin, making a soft rustling sound.

As the snow fell, Ino slowly released the wand hidden in his sleeve.

As Dumbledore stepped forward, the gathered crowd grew silent, all eyes on him. His deep, powerful voice resonated through the somber air.

"Regulus Arcturus Black," Dumbledore began, his tone solemn and respectful, "was a young man of remarkable courage and intelligence. His life, though short, was filled with acts of bravery that many of us can only aspire to."

The attendees listened intently, each word striking a chord of reflection and reverence.

"He possessed a wisdom beyond his years," Dumbledore continued, his eyes scanning the faces of those present. "In the face of great danger, he made choices that spoke of his deep moral conviction. Choices that ultimately led to his self-sacrifice for a greater good.

"Regulus's actions remind us that true bravery is not the absence of fear, but the determination to act despite it. His sacrifice was a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are those who will stand up for what is right.

"And today," Dumbledore concluded, his voice filled with emotion, "we honor Regulus's memory not just by mourning his loss, but by celebrating the light he brought into the world. May we all strive to live with the same bravery, wisdom, and selflessness that he exemplified."

The attendees showed the complexity of human nature. Some were genuinely immersed in grief and memories, while others listened silently.

But no matter what, everything had already passed.

As the eulogy ended, people stepped forward one by one, placing flowers on the grave.

Each flower represented a thought of sorrow and blessing, forming a sea of flowers that beautifully adorned Regulus's grave.

The sky remained gray, but in that sea of flowers, Ino felt as if he saw the silhouette of that young boy through the tombstone.

But in a fleeting glance, it vanished.

He did not dwell on it, gently placing a white cosmos flower to express his condolences.

The deceased had passed, becoming part of the past; the living continued with their lives.

The fireplace in the Black family mansion flickered again as many people left, such as Regulus's sister Andromeda and her daughter Nymphadora Tonks, and the Malfoy couple.

But many stayed behind.

Draco sneaked over after informing his parents.

"Why didn't you go home? This isn't your territory," Ino slightly turned his head.

"Territory?" Draco looked puzzled, but soon realized the problem: seven or eight red-haired people were hard to miss.

"It's fine. With you here, they won't dare do anything."

Hearing this somewhat proud response, Ino shook his head helplessly.

Draco's presence surprised him because he had planned to chat with the Weasley twins about the interesting Christmas gift they sent this year.

But now, he had to abandon that idea.

Taking a Malfoy to see the Weasleys would be beyond a bad idea.

Although he couldn't visit the Weasleys, there was another place he could go.

In the spacious living room of the Black family mansion, Fudge was talking to people with a face full of sorrow.

That expression could make one think the person in the coffin was his brother.

However, the sorrow didn't last long. Upon noticing someone approaching, Fudge quickly switched to a look of care and praise for young talent.

"Sorry to interrupt, Minister," Ino said calmly.

This was his first time meeting Fudge, but he had no particular feelings toward this nearly villainous Minister of Magic from the original story.

It's simple: the world is never black and white.

Even if all colors disappeared, leaving only black and white, they would blend to create a new color—gray.

Many things are not about right or wrong but about perspective.

Seeing the promising young wizard and Draco Malfoy's presence, Fudge's face was full of praise.

Sometimes, a glimpse can reveal the whole picture.

"It's so fortunate! Whenever I see you, I feel hopeful for the future of the wizarding community in England! Truly hopeful!"

Fudge's voice sounded hoarse, but with impeccable expressions and body language, he always seemed sincere.

"Thank you for the compliment, Minister," Ino shook his head slightly. "I'm here to clarify something regarding Regulus. This is his handwriting…"

He handed over a piece of yellowed parchment, aged but preserved by magic.

Seeing Fudge at the funeral, Ino knew some things were settled.

Fudge's attendance was a silent statement and an acknowledgment of Regulus.

However, Ino still intended to make Regulus's story known, ensuring more people understood that hidden chapter.

The best way to do this was through an official announcement by the Ministry of Magic, authoritative and indisputable.

Fudge took the note and saw the youthful handwriting.

After a moment, he nodded seriously.

"Leave it to me. No one will forget Regulus's contributions."

Fudge's statement allowed Ino to see a rare moment of sincerity in a politician.