The words of the official supervisor of the Aurore Command, Rufus Scrimgeour, caused a moment of silence in the Aurore office.
Sirius and Kingsley, including Narcissa Malfoy, looked at Scrimgeour in disbelief.
The people present, excluding Dulwich, all had a certain political sense.
Scrimgeour's words of justice might not have caused any trouble in ordinary times, but in this situation where the opposing sides were facing off, his standing up to say such things had a much deeper significance!
After Scrimgeour opened his mouth, Sirius felt the pressure on him clearing up. He exchanged a subtle glance with Kingsley and, with perfect understanding, they both hushed.
"Minister..."
However, Dulwich, who was firm in supporting the Ministry of Magic, found himself struggling with this agony. He stammered hesitantly and looked at Narcissa Malfoy, the Magic Minister, as if to test his response.
"Will you carefully consider whether it is appropriate to gather people now to capture Amodai Braein?"
Upon hearing this, those in the office who were not on the same page as the Minister of Magic nearly burst out laughing, even Sirius quickly shifted his ravenous gaze from Scrimgeour to Derek.
Narcissa Malfoy's sinister voice was enough to give anyone nightmares.
"Is it you, Dulwich, who will betray me?"
"What?"
"Dulwich looked confused and uncertain,"
"Oh, of course not. I...uh, but the reason for capturing Braein."
In fact, Dulwich had no intention of betraying the Minister of Magic. But the idea of sending his men to forcibly capture Amodai Braein was a huge burden on him, which is why he asked an additional question.
"No one is going to betray you, Connelly."
At this moment, a sudden commotion outside the door drew everyone's attention.
Mrs. Bones suddenly appeared with a serious expression, stepping out from behind the oak door.
"They don't agree with you because they can't find any law to support your command," said Mrs. Bones.
Mrs. Bones approached the Quidditch players, fixed her gaze on them.
"The Minister of Magic has a great deal of power, Connelly, but that does not mean you have the right to act arbitrarily and arrest a resident who has done great service to the British magical community and has not broken any laws!"
Sirius and Kingsley looked at the serious-minded Mrs. Bones with respect, and Scrimgeour also nodded towards her.
No one dare to face Narcissa Malfoy and point out that many of her current actions are reckless.
The overwhelming aura coming towards him forced Narcissa Malfoy to narrow her eyes slightly, but then she lowered her voice, with a hint of teeth grinding.
"You speak so lightly, Amelieia, but you are not in that position, and Braein is not cursing you. You have no idea," Mrs. Bones said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Connelly——"
Mrs. Bones sighed and directly cut off Narcissa Malfoy's words.
"We have discussed many times our different ideologies, but now we are talking about your intention to arrest Amodai Braein. I must remind you," Mrs. Bones said, interrupting Narcissa Malfoy.
Mrs. Bones looked directly at Narcissa Malfoy, her eyes fierce and sharp.
"First of all, without even mentioning whether such an action is legal, the third Triwizard Tournament is just around the corner, and the eyes of all Europe are on us. The chaos we have caused has already made us a laughingstock of the European magical community. Are you planning to cause another scandal?"
Narcissa Malfoy fell silent, her expression horror-stricken.
What worried him was not that without Braein, the third Triwizard Tournament could not be held, but——
Narcissa Malfoy looked around, her gaze sweeping over Mrs. Bones, Sirius, Kingsley, and even Scrimgeour. Aside from Dulwich, these few people in the Aurore office stood against her.
That means he has been sidelined?
Narcissa Malfoy's face turned green, and she nervously twisted her back, covered in cold sweat.
"--Given the tense atmosphere between the Ministry and Amodai Braein, I believe it is necessary to have an honest dialogue."
Mrs. Bones said,
"If you wish, Connelly, I can negotiate with Amodai Braein and hold an internal conference after the third Triwizard Tournament."
Sirius's mouth twisted, and his expression conveyed a degree of disbelief.
It was obvious to everyone that Mrs. Bones's attempt was futile because the rift between Hogwarts and the Minister of Magic was irreparable.
Unless one side completely gives up their exit.
"Alright then, let's do it like that."
What surprised everyone in the office was that Narcissa Malfoy really agreed.
He looked at Mrs. Bones, who was sincere, with a cold gaze.
"After the Triwizard Tournament, I will talk to Braein. Come on, Dulwich, let's go outside."
After saying this, Narcissa Malfoy led the bewildered Dulwich out of the Auror Office.
A stir erupted among those who had not yet retreated outside, but the heavy atmosphere in the office did not ease up due to the departure of the Minister.
"Forgot, does the Minister still want to negotiate with Amodai Braein?"
Sirius said in surprise, but the words had just escaped his lips when Kingsley, standing next to him, secretly nudged his arm.
Understanding immediately, Sirius gave Scrimgeour a wary glance and fell silent.
"This is a delaying tactic,"
Scrimgeour pretended not to notice Kingsley's secret gesture and Sirius's suspicious gaze, instead looking at Mrs. Bones, who was frowning, and said in a calm voice:
"You must know, Mrs. Bones, the Minister is not likely to cave in to Braein or Dumbledore. He agreed to your proposal only because he wants to buy time."
"Buy time?"
Sirius's brows knitted together, and he spoke out loud, "We have to hurry! I have a bad feeling about this."
"For what?"
"To find a suitable reason to send Amodai Braein to Azkaban."
Kingsley said, his eyes reflecting confusion and astonishment as he studied Scrimgeour.
Scrimgeour had always been on the side of the Minister of Magic, but today, his two statements had undoubtedly signaled a shift in his stance.
Ever since Dulwich said "In the heart of the Emperor", Scrimgeour has been sitting on the cold bench for not a day or two.
What prompted him to decide to part ways with the Minister of Magic and lean towards Mrs. Bones?
Even Kingsley, who is no stranger to politics, should be able to see through such a thing. It's not logical for Mrs. Bones, with her superior political acumen, to not see it.
She carefully hid her surprise, her mind racing as she smiled at Scrimgeour, still maintaining his usual cold and stern expression.
"What do you think the Minister is doing with Dulwich, Rufus?"
This was a test, and the silent observer, Kingsley, immediately realized this. Mrs. Bones was testing whether Scrimgeour had any intention of changing sides.
Under Mrs. Bones' gentle gaze, Scrimgeour's brow jumped, and he fell into a moment of silence. But soon, a mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"Of course, Mrs. Bones. The Minister must be taking Dulwich to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. They are probably consulting with Madam Pomfrey about strategy."
"I think so as well—"
Mrs. Bones smiled happily, "I see. Then I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens next."
"Then, can you do me a favor?"
After a brief look of sternness, Scrimgeour nodded.
"What can I do for you, Mrs. Bones?"
"I think Amodai Braein needs to know what happened in this office today. Could you do me a favor and write a letter to him with the relevant details?"
Even Sirius, who is not very good at guessing, could see the purpose behind Mrs. Bones' action. He looked at Scrimgeour with a mix of curiosity and tension.
However, this time Scrimgeour did not keep everyone waiting for long.
"Of course, Mrs. Bones."
Rufus Scrimgeour said calmly.
So, just two hours later, Amodai Braein had already received a letter from Scrimgeour at Hogwarts.
The letter arrived with another, this time from Sirius.
Comparing the two letters, Amodai Braein easily understood the sequence of events and also guessed the reason why Amelieia had asked Scrimgeour to write the letter.
Looking at the vast blue sky, Amodai Braeon revealed a smile that was full of depth and ambiguity.
Forgot and Umbridge are probably going to completely confront each other after the Triwizard Tournament.
What they will do is something that does not require much thought.
