"Professor Brian, do you really not consider taking a position at the Ministry of Magic?"
Percy fell into a long silence, stunned by Amortasta's account of the whole matter. After a while, recovering his senses, Percy gazed at Professor Brian in admiration and spoke with great respect.
"Staying at Hogwarts would only squander your intellect, Professor Brian. The Ministry of Magic is a broader stage. I dare say, professor, if you were to take a position at the Ministry, the position of Minister will undoubtedly be yours in time!"
Professor Brian's wisdom was truly awe-inspiring. This thought flashed across Percy's mind, making his heart tremble.
Just by listening to a few sentences of Goldstein's conversation with himself, he was able to roughly restore the truth of the whole matter and provide a solution to get himself out of the situation where he had to 'take the blame', this kind of skill and wisdom gave him a shock. Percy had to admit that even Crouch couldn't give him.
"Each person has their own aspirations, Percy..."
Amortasta stood up from the sofa and walked through Bathe Crouch's office, taking a casual look around.
"You must understand that there are many forms of power, and it's not just the rights in the hands of the Minister for Magic that count as power--"
Amortasta turned his head to look at Percy, who was sitting stiffly on the other side of the sofa, as if he were in a classroom, and at the young man's eyes, which were brimming with desire. Amortasta's gaze darkened slightly.
"As a reminder, Percy," Amortasta said, "if you are determined to pursue a career in politics, you must always remember this one thing."
"What is it, professor!" Percy asked eagerly.
"In working for the wizarding government, you must keep your mind clear and have a sharp eye to detect all sorts of conspiracies and cunning plans. You may find it hard to avoid or not use such plans, but you must understand that you cannot become immersed in solving problems with intrigue and cunning. Put simply, if you want to climb the ranks, you must work diligently and hone your abilities; don't expect to rise to greatness overnight."
Amortasta's meaningful gaze made Percy blush.
"And, Percy--"
Amortasta turned his head and pointed at the paper aeroplanes floating in the air.
"I suggest you let Arthur take you around the offices of the Ministry of Magic, meet some of his old friends there. If you don't want to spend all your time doing meaningless things in the office--"
"Dad?" Percy was startled at first and then puzzled, "What can he do?"
"Your father is far more excellent than you imagine, Percy. Put aside your pride and prejudice, and when you encounter problems, consult your father more often; you'll gain something from it."
There are some other things that Amortasta hasn't said yet.
For instance, suggesting Percy change departments to work in other areas.
Because working under Bathilda Crouch is not a good choice. Amortasta himself supports Amelia. After Voldemort returns and Fudge steps down, to ensure that Amelia can take office, Amortasta might even publicly voice his support for her. By then, they would definitely do everything they could to suppress Bathilda.
Percy has been working under Bathilda Crouch at the Ministry of Magic from the beginning, whether he likes it or not. His natural label is that of Bathilda's and it is inevitable that he would be affected in the struggle.
Especially since Bathilda's current state...
A dust-free cement road runs along the sides, flanked by two rows of identical single-family villas. Each villa has a well-manicured private garden in front, with neatly trimmed lawns and exotic flowers meticulously tended. The air is filled with pleasant floral scents and the fresh smell of earth. Occasional Muggles passing by all walk with an upright posture and an exceptional demeanor.
This place is located in the southeastern part of London, at the border between the city and the suburbs. It is a prestigious neighborhood in London, and none of the residents here are Muggles. They are all prominent figures in the wizarding world. However, these dignified neighbors would probably never imagine that among them is a 'rebellious' wizard.
After a conversation with Percy at the Ministry of Magic, Amortasta stayed in London for a few more days before waiting for a reply from Bathilda.
The heavy snow a few days ago led to the cold, damp weather in London these days, but Amortasta was still wearing his worn-out dark green overcoat, simply paired with a plain woolen shirt. This caused passersby who occasionally passed by him to cast surprised glances at him as well.
Standing outside Bathilda's house and admiring the flowers that bloomed brilliantly in the depths of winter, Amortasta finally smiled and rang the doorbell.
"I'm not well, Amortasta. I'm sorry I can't go out to meet you. Just come in yourself."
Not long after, Bathilda's slightly hoarse voice came through a loudspeaker on the side of the door.
That was quite surprising for Amortasta. As an official of the Ministry of Magic, he had thought that Bathilda would be wary of technological products from Muggles, but he didn't expect her to use a walkie-talkie from them.
There was a crisp sound from the door's interior intercom, and Amortasta gripped the doorknob and pushed open the door.
After entering the foyer, a pair of brand-new cotton slippers on the shoe rack jumped down by themselves and started hopping around in front of Amortasta. So, Amortasta had to take off his boots and slip into the slippers.
As Amortasta passed through the kitchen, he noticed that there were no signs of cooking in the kitchen. Instead, there were numerous packaging bags of Muggle fast food piled up in the trash can.
The wall along the hallway leading to the living room was covered with a collection of photos, many of which featured Bathilda with well-known figures in the wizarding world. Almost every photo showed Bathilda looking serious and unsmiling.
Only one photo. It was a portrait of Bathilda with a slender woman, and Bathilda's expression was relatively tender. The lady leaning on her shoulder was beaming with happiness. Both Bathilda and the woman looked very young, perhaps only in their thirties.
Amortasta noticed that this family photo had been cropped. At the bottom center of the photo, a circle of light yellow hair was visible. From the layout and height, it should be the son of Bathilda who wasn't completely cropped out. Perhaps because the woman in the photo had her wedding ring on her hand placed on top of her son's head.
"That still lacks a photo of you, Amortasta --"
A voice with little emotion came from the dimly lit living room, pulling Amortasta out of his pitying thoughts. He turned to see Bathilda, wrapped in a thick woolen blanket, standing up from the sofa.
"If you don't mind, we can take a photo right now, Bathilda --"
The moment his gaze fell on Bathilda's eyes, Amortasta's eyes twitched slightly, a confusion arose in his heart, and the truth that might be hidden behind this confusion weighed heavily on him.
There were also some packaging bags of fast food on the coffee table in front of Bathilda, and the fireplace in the living room was dark and unlit, making the room feel even colder than outside.
"Oh my --"
Amortasta's voice carried a weight of gravity, and he hurried over to steady Bathilda's arm, helping him sit down. Afterward, he took out his wand and pointed at the fireplace. With just a puff of magic, the fireplace burst into golden flames, illuminating the living room while quickly raising the temperature inside.
By the light of the flames, Amortasta carefully observed Bathilda's pale complexion.
"Your complexion really isn't looking good, Bathilda --"
"Cough cough!"
Bathilda coughed heavily, pulling his arm away from Amortasta's grasp. After a few gasping breaths, he said without expression, "Yes, I suppose it would be like that."
Amortasta twitched his nose, and he could smell the metallic scent of blood clearly. The source of this blood was precisely from Bathilda's arm. He placed the gift he brought for the visit - a bottle of honey wine matured in the best oak - on the coffee table, and then sat down himself.
"I was going to have a drink with you --"
Amortasta did not attempt to hide the surprised look on his face when he saw the packaging bags of fast food on the coffee table.
"But given your condition, I'm not sure you're in the best shape to enjoy fine wine. To be honest, Bathilda, I think you should go straight to St. Mungo's rather than sitting in this cold house."
(Chapter ends)
