"Then what do you think should be done next? I can fully cooperate."
Alan actually wanted to get a list of the Wizengamot members from Bagnold and visit them one by one. Whether through subtle threats or overt control, he could achieve his goals more conveniently. However, that would only turn the entire establishment against him, and he might even provoke Dumbledore. He wasn't prepared to do such a thing—at least, not too often.
"I will find Dumbledore first and discuss a strategy with him. His influence is a great asset. At the same time, I plan to ask him to personally extract evidence from Sirius's memory. We'll start with the simpler parts first. I will seek the support of the Order of Merlin, and then deal with the more stubborn members of the Wizengamot."
After speaking, Bagnold looked specifically at Alan. "As for you, there are two things you can do. Whichever one you accomplish, clearing Sirius's name will become very simple."
"Oh? What are they?" Alan immediately perked up, looking earnestly at Bagnold.
"The first is to find Peter Pettigrew. He is the culprit who indirectly caused the deaths of James and Lily, and it is because of him that Sirius was imprisoned. Arresting him will prove Black's innocence. This is irrefutable evidence. No matter how unwilling the Wizengamot or those pure-blood families are, they cannot refute it," Bagnold said unhurriedly.
"Understood, but Peter Pettigrew could be anywhere now. Finding him will be quite difficult," Alan said with a hint of melancholy.
"I know that, which is why there is another way," Bagnold said with a slight smile.
"Another one?" He raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled. "What is it?"
"Assisting Scamander in finding the lair of the Silver Spears." Bagnold spoke solemnly. "Mr. Scamander mentioned this to me. The Order of Merlin knows that you might be able to track that lost Thunderbird. If we can truly follow that lead and find those Silver Spears, it will be of immense significance to us."
"But what does this have to do with Sirius?" Alan was confused. How did this get linked back to the Silver Spears?
"If you can accomplish this, you can use the achievement to make a deal with the Wizengamot for Sirius's release. The Order of Merlin will fully support your decision," Bagnold declared.
Alan was startled. *Is the headquarters of the Silver Spears, or rather its leader, so appealing?* Does the group possess such weight that the Wizengamot and the Order of Merlin are willing to overturn a past judgment just to find them?
"Are you sure?" Alan asked, somewhat incredulously. He was already planning to deal with the Silver Spears anyway, so this was a way to kill two birds with one stone.
"Yes, I am very sure. If you can achieve this, the Wizengamot will certainly agree immediately. Of course, we will try our best to resolve Sirius's case through conventional channels first, and only resort to this deal if absolutely necessary. However, even if the case is overturned through other efforts, we still hope you can help. I am aware of the dangers involved. Besides Mr. Scamander's assistance, the Ministry of Magic will also provide you with support. Because it involves overseas activities, I can even issue you a special Unlimited Self-Defense Certificate."
"Unlimited Self-Defense Certificate? What is that?" Alan asked. He knew the Ministry fairly well, but he had never heard of such a thing.
"The Unlimited Self-Defense Certificate..." Minister Bagnold looked at Alan with a peculiar gaze, "is a document. Holding this certificate means your identity is that of a law enforcement officer specially approved by the British Ministry of Magic. When facing someone who poses a threat of force against you, you can retaliate without limit—including killing the other party. In the international wizarding world, holding this certificate allows you to avoid arrest by local authorities, because all your actions are permitted and supported by the British Ministry."
Alan nodded in understanding. In plain terms, it was a "license to kill." Even if he killed someone abroad, the Ministry of Magic would back him up. This was a valuable asset.
"Of course, the issuance process for such a document is very strict and carries significant implications. I will also bear considerable pressure. You need to think carefully," Bagnold warned, seeming to realize the weight of the promise she had just made.
"I understand what you mean," Alan nodded solemnly. "I can promise you that no matter how Sirius's case progresses, I will do my best to complete this task. I have no positive feelings toward the Silver Spears myself."
"That's good. Of course, you don't need to rush. Establishing a mental connection with magical creatures is not easy, and this is just a conjecture." Bagnold's expression brightened after receiving Alan's assurance.
"No, I have a premonition that this will succeed." Alan's face wore an unreadable expression. "As long as you give me about another year, I will have a way to find the traces of the Silver Spears."
"Really?" Although Bagnold had confidence in Alan, his certainty made her a bit nervous.
Alan did not elaborate, his lips merely curving into a meaningful smile. He naturally had a way to find the organization. Even if the mental link with the Thunderbird failed, he had other plans. He had been preparing for a long time to deal with the Silver Spears.
After ending his conversation with Minister Bagnold, Alan left the Ministry. Bagnold immediately summoned Amelia and Moody and briefed them on the situation.
"What? You mean... Sirius is really innocent? Are you sure? You weren't tricked, were you?!" Amelia had known about the Minister's dealings with Alan, but she had always been pessimistic about Sirius, never imagining he could be innocent.
"I knew it. Sirius's character was excellent originally; how could he suddenly become a completely different person? As for acting, I don't think so. Black isn't someone who knows how to hide his emotions," Moody said. Based on his understanding of Sirius, he was the first to accept the outcome.
"That's right. I was there and I could tell what was false and what was true," Bagnold affirmed.