What's Past Is Past / The Dark Mark Can Be Removed

"I want to use this opportunity to strike at you, and at the same time, at Dumbledore. Ideally, after sending you to Azkaban, I want to make him lose all his positions at Hogwarts, Wizengamot, and the International Confederation of Wizards... That way, I can regain control of the entire Britain Wizarding World..."

After listening to Akinbad and Fudge's confessions, the people in the room who knew the truth couldn't help but look solemn and were filled with lingering fear.

If it weren't for those Spectrespecs blocking Akinbad's Legilimency, and if someone hadn't left a message for Harry so he could move Norberta ahead of time, the situation could have completely collapsed!

However, what impressed Harry even more was Fudge's attitude.

This guy showed absolutely no remorse. Although he mechanically confessed under the influence of the Veritaserum, his words were filled with resentment and hatred.

It's as if Harry caused all of this, and that Harry was always the one actively opposing him. He's supposed to be a corrupt, scheming, cowardly, and incompetent Minister for Magic, and he's completely blameless!

He's clearly not very bright, but he loves to scheme and always thinks everyone in the world is dumber than him;

Despite being in cahoots with others, he never shares all his schemes with his accomplices; a single 'divine move' can wipe out his entire team.

He partnered with Akinbad, then, thinking he had gained the upper hand, kicked him aside. When the situation turned dire, he rushed back to cling to him. Albus Dumbledore helped him in his time of need, but all he could think about was how to completely overthrow him...

This speed at which they contradict themselves is comparable to a C-17 transport plane!

For profit, he can abandon all shame and even all principles!

This is pretty much what a politician's shameless face looks like.

(P. S. It is entirely feasible to inject Veritaserum. In a certain fan-made movie, 'Voldemort: Origins of the Mankind,' the wizards in Russia used intravenous Veritaserum for interrogation.)

As for this movie, there are many things that are hard to describe. It's okay to watch it as a nostalgia trip, since Warner Bros.., the owner of the HP copyright, agreed to release it, which means it can indeed serve as a supplementary series.

Above~)

Chapter 709 What's past will eventually pass.

After using Veritaserum to interrogate the two 'paper tigers,' Harry processed their memories, gave each of them a Petrifying Gaze, and tossed them into the suitcase, entrusting them to Zouwu for close guard...

Uh, the so-called Petrifying Gaze is the gaze emitted through the Eye of the Basilisk on the ring. Have you almost forgotten he had that trick up his sleeve?

Harry himself actually forgot by accident...-_-||

The commotion at school hadn't stopped; Sirius was still taking the dragon trainer around everywhere... This was Harry's order; they had to 'search' every place outside the Forbidden Forest, even searching the old people's home wouldn't hurt.

After the people from the Romanian Dragon Reserve are also lured over to 'assist in the investigation,' Harry will interrogate them again to try and eliminate all clues related to Charles Weasley.

Although Cornelius Fudge was unaware of the specifics of the Romanian Dragon Reserve, the person he mentioned who wanted to help Harry apply for dragon ownership must have been Charles Weasley.

Therefore, the second Weasley family didn't intentionally frame Harry; he simply meant well but things went wrong, and he was unwittingly manipulated by someone with ulterior motives...

Harry was still a little confused. Charles Weasley seemed like a smart man, so why would he do something so idiotic and brainless?

The biggest help he could give me is simply keeping quiet about my illegal dragon-breeding activities.

But it didn't matter anyway; Harry hadn't planned to pursue it in the first place.

What's more, it's actually the Weasley family's three children who are struggling in this predicament.

The twin brothers have been in a state of anxiety ever since the competition ended, but they dare not come to Harry, unsure of how Harry will deal with their older brother.

Then, when most of the dragon trainers from the Romanian Dragon Reserve arrived at Hogwarts and were immediately subdued by Harry and his men, the Weasley at the school all panicked.

Because, coincidentally, Charles Weasley was among those being controlled!

They heard that Harry had turned an underground classroom into an interrogation room and was preparing to interrogate these people, so they rushed over immediately. They even called Percy, who worked at the magazine, but they were stopped at the door by Snape, who was guarding the place.

Meanwhile, it wasn't just the Weasley family who were paying attention to this; wizards throughout Europe almost all knew about it... Harry had detained the Minister of Ministry of Magic of Britain, the Vice President of the International Confederation of Wizards, and a large group of dragon trainers from the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary.

For a time, his reputation became completely polarized across Europe.

Because it happened in Britain, the French Ministry of Magic, always eager for drama, naturally didn't mind taking a jab at its old rival. The most influential France newspaper, Gargoyle's Roar, even issued a public statement claiming that the Britain Ministry of Magic was a fraudulent organization composed of a shameless politician and a group of treacherous villains, who, besides being adept at abusing their power and engaging in internal strife, were utterly incapable of guaranteeing the safety and rights of their country's wizards.

Meanwhile, the newspapers also published other rumors, such as that the French Ministry of Magic was preparing to negotiate with the Britain Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts, together with Beauxbatons, to discuss the matter of bringing Nicolas Flamel and his wife and their students back to France.

Beauxbatons also stated that they could immediately arrange a special graduation exam for Mr. Granger. Harry Granger and subsequently offer him a professorship at Beauxbatons, with a choice of positions and excellent compensation... However, this news has not been confirmed by Olympe Maxime herself.

Besides France, many other countries have also voiced their support for Harry. For example, the Minister of Bulgarian Ministry of Magic recently gave a personal speech, arguing that Britain, as a country seriously threatened by the forces of Dark Magic, should put a fighting hero like Harry Granger in the forefront so that he can lead the country's wizards in the fight.

Cornelius Fudge's previous foolish actions were tantamount to paving the way for the You-Know-Who's return!

Of course, where there are those who praise, there will be those who criticize. Harry's recent incident has caused a huge uproar, with the remaining Britain Ministry of Magic, as well as the Romanian Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards, constantly lodging various protests against Harry.

They accused Harry of trampling on human rights and laws, abusing his power without cause, and even detaining prominent figures in the Wizarding World such as Cornelius Fudge. Warnings and ultimatums poured into Hogwarts like snowflakes.

Ironically, none of these guys who kept barking and howling were willing to come to Hogwarts and talk to Harry directly.

This commotion lasted for nearly ten days. Harry basically went through everyone in the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, using Veritaserum, Memory Charm, and Legilimency countless times, finally erasing all traces related to Charles Weasley.

During this time, members of the Weasley family also waited outside the interrogation room every day; even Arthur, Molly Weasley, and their eldest son Bill came.

They waited anxiously for the door to open, but time and again they couldn't see that familiar figure.

The number of dragon trainers being imprisoned is decreasing. According to those who have been released, Harry did not make things difficult for them; he was merely gathering information. Anyone who had not been involved was allowed to leave and was arranged to stay temporarily at the Hog's Head Inn off campus.

The very few who were found to have participated in this frame-up were taken to the Hogwarts dungeons and imprisoned with the other captured Auror.

Finally, after the last group of dragon trainers were released, the Weasley family finally met the people they had been waiting for at the interrogation room door.

Almost the entire family rushed over to him, surrounding him and weeping with joy.

The nearly ten-day wait, filled with constant anxiety, was an immense ordeal for them.

However, while Charles tried to comfort them in a good-natured manner, while simultaneously acting as if he knew nothing about Harry raising dragons, many in the Weasley family had already guessed that Harry must have had his memories altered.

It was only then that they fully understood... that Harry had made such a big fuss not to relentlessly pursue this matter, but rather to protect Charles!

Protecting one person may very well also harm them...

Charles Weasley's reunion with his family didn't last long before he was driven away by Snape, who was also a dragon trainer and was supposed to go to the Hog's Head Inn with his companions before heading back to Romania.

Harry was the last to come out; the Weasley family were still there.

Upon seeing him, Ron Weasley's face immediately showed obvious anger, but before he could even utter a word of accusation, he was dragged away by his father and older brother.

After shaking her head, Molly Weasley also chose to leave, unsure of what to say.

Only the twin brothers, Percy, and Ginny remained at the scene.

"Harry, about this..." "We..."

"Never mind..." Harry shook his head, stopping Percy was about to say something as well. "It's all in the past, you don't need to think about it too much anymore."

He silently walked past the three Weasley family brothers without saying much to them.

But after he left, Ginny suddenly heard a telepathic message in her ear.

"Miss Weasley, please refrain from making decisions on your own and from interfering in my affairs ever again! If possible, just pretend you've never known me!!"

"Harry, I... uh!"

The next second, Ginny crouched on the ground in anguish, covering her face and sobbing uncontrollably...

Chapter 710 The Dark Mark, Can It Be Removed?

From Akinbad to Fudge, then to Charles, and finally even Ginny Weasley...

To be honest, when Harry learned the real origin of this incident from Charles, he was almost shocked to the point of vomiting blood.

Can you believe that all of this was caused by a third-grade girl?!

Let's see who dares to use children as a pretext again. If they start acting up, the whole continent will be thrown into chaos!

However, Harry really needs to do some serious self-reflection this time.

He always asked others to keep his secrets, but this time, it was he who leaked them.

Ginny Weasley knew about his secret dragon-keeping two years ago, yet he was completely unaware—that's incredibly lax.

Of course, Harry was also a little confused. If she already knew back then, why did she suddenly start causing trouble recently, wanting Charles to help her get the legal qualifications?

Furthermore, Luna Lovegood only started getting inexplicably jealous of Ginny Weasley recently after having Divination... Could these two things be connected in some way?

However, matters concerning Ginny Weasley can wait; the aftermath of this incident hasn't been resolved yet, and Harry will be busy for a while longer.

Of course, when he said he was busy, he didn't mean arguing with the politicians who were criticizing him. He just needed to have "The Quibbler" release all the evidence and let the outside world make a ruckus.

Someone will eventually clean up the mess, but it certainly won't be him.

Now, he wants to meet someone who made a great contribution in this incident.

A few days after Charles Weasley was released, Harry met Snape and Headmaster Durmstrang, who had been brought by Severus Snape, in the drawing room of the old people's home.

"Professor Karkaroff, welcome."

Harry took the initiative to shake hands with the other person, which made Igor Karkaroff look quite flattered.

"No, I wouldn't dare call myself a professor in front of Mr. Granger," Igor Karkaroff said, bowing and scraping to Harry. "And I am especially honored to have the opportunity to visit you."

Igor Karkaroff was a very shrewd man, or rather, cunning. He knew that this nursing home was to Harry what Hogwarts was to Dumbledore, or Durmstrang was to himself.

Although some outsiders also live here, this place is essentially Harry's base of operations.

"Please have a seat. I invited you here mainly to express my gratitude." After the guests and host were seated, Harry said politely with a smile, "If it weren't for your reminder, I might have really been tricked by those guys."

The writing on the back of Luna Lovegood's collar was actually left by Igor Karkaroff, though it was Severus Snape who instructed him to do so.

Igor Karkaroff was simply faithfully carrying out the order from the Severus Snape to 'record everything that happened.' He didn't know why Akinbad would Legilimency on Luna Lovegood, but it was Karkaroff's reminder that prompted Harry to investigate Luna Lovegood's memories and thus hide Norberta in advance.

It should be said that luck played a large part in thwarting the enemy's plot this time, but Igor Karkaroff certainly deserves our gratitude.

"Please don't say that, it's all I should do," Igor Karkaroff hurriedly waved his hands and replied. "I had a private talk with Severus at the last Yule Ball, and I finally figured it out. You are definitely capable of defeating the You-Know-Who, so as long as I wholeheartedly assist you, my safety is also... Anyway, please accept this~"

He tapped his temple with his wand, drawing out a thread-like memory, which he respectfully presented to Harry: "This is about that incident from before; I can forget it all!"

Igor Karkaroff is now quite afraid of Harry, and of course, he's equally afraid of Snape.

The conversation Snape had with Igor Karkaroff at the Yule Ball wasn't as 'gentle' as he described.

The exact words spoken by the Severus Snape at the time were... if Igor Karkaroff dared not help Harry, he would secretly poison him, or simply knock him out and dump him with the Death Eater!

Given Igor Karkaroff's cunning and cowardice, although he knew that the Severus Snape was probably just threatening him, he ultimately decided to completely side with Harry.

Especially after witnessing Harry's tough stance this time, he became even more determined to surrender.

Make way or knock him down... Harry actually dared to confront Dumbledore so forcefully. Even if his strength is exaggerated, how weak could it be?

So Igor Karkaroff was quite content lying down.

However, Harry, who was opposite him, shook his head and did not accept this memory.

"Mr. Igor Karkaroff, I think you should know very well... given your past and character, no matter how much you try to please me or pledge your loyalty, I can never fully trust you."

"Huh?!"

Igor Karkaroff jumped to his feet, his hair standing on end in fear, terrified that Harry might suddenly attack and kill him at the slightest provocation.

But after catching his breath in a panic, he found that the other person's expression remained calm, so he slumped back onto the sofa, his muscles still tense.

"You don't need to be so nervous. I'm saying this so you understand... you're just someone seeking refuge with me." Harry glanced at Igor Karkaroff indifferently. "So you don't need to think about me trusting you or anything like that. Just do what you're supposed to do."

"Yes, yes! I understand..." Igor Karkaroff nodded as if he had been granted a pardon, while wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

He was genuinely startled, but he also figured things out.

Harry never intended to treat him as a subordinate, so there was no need for him to rush to show loyalty.

As long as he keeps things to himself, does his own thing, and never opposes Harry, he can continue to enjoy Harry's protection.

To put it bluntly, it's just about being a mute, lazy bum; that's no problem for him at all.

"Mr. Igor Karkaroff, could you lend me your left arm?" Harry said, extending his hand to Igor Karkaroff. "You helped me this time, I have to do something in return."

"Okay..."

Igor Karkaroff stretched out his arm with some skepticism, letting Harry lift his sleeve to reveal the twisted skull and snake mark.

Because of Voldemort's return, Igor Karkaroff's Dark Mark was now extremely prominent, and its bright red color made it look as if it might catch fire at any moment.

That's why he sensed something was wrong and decided to seek protection from Harry.

"I'll get rid of this long-criticized thing for you."

A faint light shone from the tip of Harry's wand as it gently grazed Igor Karkaroff's arm, and the hideous Dark Mark melted away like snow, leaving only tender new skin.