Chapter 240: Minister Fudge Doesn't Count for Anything—He Simply Doesn't Understand Justice!
"Hehe."
Ethan's eyes curved upward as he revealed a smile of incomparable brilliance, the kind that made even extraordinary creature guardians tremble. Set against the splendid radiance, it was like that of a six-winged angel covered entirely in eyes.
Ethan's eyes gleamed with cunning thought. "Having obtained such wonderful things, how could I not test them out on my brother? That wouldn't be right at all. I'm sure Pettigrew would be willing to dedicate himself to great art."
There was no need to worry about waste either, because the guardian's remains were so massive. The materials it dropped could be used multiple times over.
Just then, a soft sound echoed. The withered branch in hand that had already completed its mission suddenly crumbled apart, leaving only a palm-sized fragment behind.
[The "Momentary Sunrise" has reverted to "Remnant of the Arrogant Sun"]
[When you collect all three fragments of the scattered Arrogant Sun, you will obtain omnipotent power]
[Even to the extent of slaying gods!]
Seeing those two words, Ethan's pupils contracted. In his mind, phantom images of the eyeball bubbles from the silver key surfaced.
Hmm, surely gods must also enjoy appreciating art. When that time comes, the entire world will be enveloped in the aura of great art.
Just imagining that beautiful future vision, Ethan couldn't help but laugh. He put away the Remnant of the Arrogant Sun.
Ethan had reached his limit. Exhaustion flooded over him like a deluge. Like an infant cradled in a warm cradle, Ethan slowly closed his eyes, falling into sweet slumber and dreaming of the joy of a great harvest.
As Ethan's figure gradually disappeared from the secret location, the guardian lay on the ground in the fading light. In its eyes was reflected the rising sun—faint and vanishing in an instant, yet lingering long in its retinas.
[Ah...]
[Is the next era the age of the sun? Is it the age of the long-silent "Lamp"?]
[Ahhh...]
It continued sighing, rolling yellow copper teardrops from its eyes again—for that "legend" who had stepped upon its head to advance, one it could never reach again.
Hogwarts, the Hospital Wing.
Dawlish stared into the mirror, touching his broken nose bridge, his heart torn and anguished to the extreme. On the ground, scattered everywhere were fragments of a torn Howler from Minister Cornelius Fudge of the Ministry of Magic.
[Do you have a brain?! Why did you tip off Ethan and provoke him deliberately?! Wasn't I only asking you to observe him?!]
The Minister's roar still echoed in his ears.
[What's more, you didn't even catch Sirius Black! You let him escape instead!]
[Useless!!]
[You're suspended! Don't do anything else! Go reflect on yourself properly!]
Dawlish dejectedly lowered his hand, his face ashen and lifeless. He muttered from his mouth, "Why must I compromise with that evil brat Ethan? I was clearly led into a trap by that little devil!"
Dawlish clenched his fists, his heart burning with rage. Who could have guessed that the exit of the Shrieking Shack was precisely the Whomping Willow? Twice! I've already been sent to the Hospital Wing by Ethan twice! And nearly destroyed my future in the process—it's absolute humiliation!
"Damn it," Dawlish muttered bitterly. "As one of justice's side, must I really just watch evil run rampant like this? Just because there's no conclusive evidence..."
Just then, an owl swooped through and dropped a letter directly on Dawlish's face.
"Whoa!" Dawlish startled with a panicked shout, his heart pounding wildly.
My nerves have completely deteriorated.
"Rita Skeeter from the Prophet?" Dawlish stared at the signature on the envelope, murmuring in confusion. "That Rita who dares write anything? What does she want with me?"
He opened the letter. Who would have guessed that the very first line would deeply capture his attention?
[I have heard of your recent ordeals and am writing to you in indignation! For one such as you—a hero of the Ministry of Magic's justice—to fall into such circumstances is truly heartbreaking!]
Dawlish's breath caught, his eyes widening. Within his heart surged a wave of being recognized. He hastily continued reading.
[I can provide you assistance, letting your voice be heard. Surely Minister Fudge also wishes to expose the true face of evil, yes?]
Dawlish gripped the parchment tightly. After a moment of hesitation, his gaze grew determined.
Return to School Day.
Ethan boarded the Hogwarts Express with two massive dark circles under his eyes, yawning and stumbling forward. The entire Christmas vacation, I've been busy preparing a "surprise" for Pettigrew. Utilizing the inspiration from "Lily—A Moment of History," incorporating fascinating elements of judgment.
If Dumbledore knew what I'm preparing, he'd certainly be shocked into paralysis on the ground. Making Hogwarts become history again!
Ethan's eyes blazed with determination.
Just then, a reckless lower-year student came running and crashed headlong into him. When the student looked up, eager to apologize, he saw Ethan and immediately let out a shriek like a pig being slaughtered.
"D-don't kill me!!!"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, suddenly breaking into a smile. "Thanks for the reminder."
The student's eyes went wide as saucers, looking completely terrified.
Ethan turned his head and looked around. Every student his gaze swept across hurriedly averted their eyes and lowered their heads. None dared move.
I wonder who so kindly gave me publicity during Christmas vacation? I hadn't even bought any press releases.
It wasn't until roommate Michael burst into the compartment he shared with Luna that Ethan understood what was happening.
"Apparently, the Prophet ran a front-page headline," Michael said breathlessly. "Implicitly and explicitly suggesting that you were the one hiding Sirius Black—an evil accomplice."
Ethan was astonished. "Does the Prophet have such talented people? I've never heard of them."
Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "The Prophet? I shouldn't think even dogs would read such drivel."
Michael: "Come on, don't joke around! This is serious!"
Michael wanted to squeeze into the seat next to Ethan. However, under Luna's blue-eyed gaze, he quietly sat down across from them instead. He snapped the Prophet open and began reading with great emotion.
["Is It the Corruption of Human Nature or the Degradation of Morality? The Ministry Can't Catch Sirius Black—Could 'He' Be Responsible?!"]
["Shocking Exposé! Inside Information from Ministry Auror D—! See How a Third-Year Student at Hogwarts Single-Handedly Orchestrated Sirius Black's Prison Escape—and Attempted to Revive the Unspeakable Dark Lord!"]
Originally, Ethan was listening quite well. He even nodded appreciatively from time to time, impressed by this excellent prose and fabrication ability. But upon hearing the final sentence, Ethan's face darkened immediately.
"Plotting with Sirius Black to resurrect Voldemort? Idiots! Does he even need people to resurrect him?"
As he spoke, a terrifying aura erupted from Ethan. His black hair swayed slightly, and within his pair of cobalt-blue pupils, a brilliant golden light was revealed.
Michael was instantly frozen. His body's instinctive human response made him suddenly stiffen. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if he wasn't facing another human like himself, but rather a higher-level existence. As if even Voldemort—whom the world feared and didn't dare speak of by name—was merely a toy that could be crushed with one hand.
How did Ethan spend one Christmas vacation and change species?!
Michael began trembling slightly. Goosebumps erupted across his skin. His knees went weak. He collapsed to the ground with a bang, wrapped his arms around Ethan's shins, and bellowed, "Master, please accept this servant's worship!"
The word "Master" echoed through half the train car, causing Penelope, who had been trying to find Ethan for a chat outside the compartment, to freeze in stunned silence. After a long moment, she silently withdrew her hand.
Well, it seems Ethan was completely unaffected by the newspaper. Just what is Ravenclaw going to become? Somehow, I feel like we might become an academy that even Slytherin would have to bow down to.