"What's the matter, Dumbledore, you sent Fox to find me and said there's an important matter—"
"Step out of the light that Fox dragged me into," Sirius shouted,
"Thank goodness, at least there's something I can help with, you know, I'm completely. Oh. You three?!"
"When he saw Harry in the office, Sirius's face lit up. But then he seemed to misunderstand something, his eyebrows raised, his mouth twitching,"
"Get into trouble again?"
Harry's face darkened, feeling that Sirius wasn't as likable as he used to be. But before he could react, Sirius came over with a smile, wrapped Harry in a tight embrace, and gave him a hearty hug, which made Harry hold back the words he was about to speak.
Not until Harry was almost suffocated did Sirius let him go. He squeezed Harry's shoulders carefully and looked at him with satisfaction. After that, he rubbed Harry's hair vigorously, and then began to examine the situation.
"So, who can tell me... oh, who are you?"
Here are all familiar faces, except one - Amelia. Sirius looked at this stunning young girl, his eyes flashing with surprise.
"Hello, Mr. Black, I am Amelia Deter from the American Magical Congress--"
Amelia recognized Sirius immediately. At the time, his escape from Azkaban was all over the news. Many local British wizards had fled in fear of him, some ending up in America and spreading the story widely, criticizing the Ministry of Magic's inefficiency.
Of course, this also aroused curiosity among the American magical community. The "New York Ghost" newspaper quoted articles from the "Prophet Daily" during that period, and the later developments of this incident were even more surprising to people.
Regarded as the top henchman of the wizard who couldn't be named, Sirius Black was not only innocent but also a hero shrouded in tragic color.
At that time, she had not yet graduated from Ilvermorny, and there were many discussions at school about whether Sirius Black, who had been imprisoned in Azkaban for thirteen years, was guilty or a valiant and noble man.
With a hesitation, Sirius nodded to Amelia, then realized something and stared in amazement.
"Wait. American Magical Congress? But I haven't heard anyone from the Ministry say that someone has come from there?"
"I'm afraid we don't have time for small talk, Sirius—"
Dumbledore spoke seriously,
"This Miss Amelia Deter has brought us some information, concerning Amortens," Dumbledore said solemnly.
"Amortens?"
Sirius's face was even more stunned,
"He wasn't with Remus in New York? I received his letter just a few days ago. What's wrong with him? Has something happened?"
Dumbledore looked at Amelia and then began to retell them the information she had just told them, of course, with simplification. Some minor details were omitted.
At first, Sirius's expression was still fluctuating. He was surprised and delighted to listen intently. But by the end, when he heard that the American Magical Congress had sent almost all of their Aurors to surround Amelia's house and prepare for war against Amortens, Sirius was shocked and furious.
"Does the American Magical Congress dare to do that?"
"In fact, I am also surprised by the bold move of their decision-makers."
Dumbledore spoke quickly, "Of course, Amortens is not imprisoned. Miss Amelia told us that Amortens returned to his hotel in New York and decided to stay indoors for a short time."
Dumbledore's deep blue eyes flickered with thought, and he paused for a moment before continuing,
"I believe Amortens must have realized that someone was plotting against him. I guess he said to stay indoors temporarily at the hotel, firstly, to avoid being monitored by the Aurors, and secondly, I think Amortens may not be aware who has taken his wand and can create an illusion. At least, he doesn't know who the person's intention is, so he decided to remain calm and observe the situation."
Sirius's brow furrowed, Dumbledore's guess had been taken in, but Sirius still couldn't accept it.
"From what I know of Amortens, if Fudge dared to send the Aurors from the office to his door, he'd tie everyone up and send them back to the Ministry!"
"That's because the American Magical Congress is not the Ministry of Magic, and Amortens wouldn't be rash enough to start a war with the magical community in another country."
Dumbledore suddenly raised his voice and looked at Sirius sternly.
"Amortens mentioned to me the importance of that workshop with Remus, and he went to New York precisely to gain more support. He must ensure that their cooperation is not destroyed."
"Remus is temporarily unable to move, and Amortens has temporarily lost his wand. We cannot let Amortens face these problems alone. If he has a plan, it needs to be executed... so, I've called you here. I hope you can follow Miss Amelia to New York for now, but you must keep your composure, Sirius. Follow Amortens' instructions."
Sirius's expression darkened slightly, he looked somewhat unwilling, but in the end, he did not dispute anything, only nodded.
"So--"
Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction, he turned to Amelia ready to say something, but then hesitated, looking out the window to the dimly lit sky. Then he hesitated and turned to McGonagall.
"Amelia is not suitable to appear in front of students, Minerva, she has traveled such a long way. Can you prepare a place for her to rest and some food?"
Professor McGonagall nodded and smiled at Amelia - this girl, though coming from the American Magical Congress, was willing to risk smuggling a message to Hogwarts for Amortens, which greatly endeared her to her.
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore!"
Amelia gratefully said, but she still declined.
"But I fear I can't wait until tomorrow morning to leave. If possible, I hope to leave immediately. The Safety Department. Gervais might find me at any time to ask for information, and if he finds out that I have already left New York, it would be a problem."
That was indeed a compelling reason, and Dumbledore had no argument. He looked at Sirius.
"I have no problem, Dumbledore."
Sirius stood up.
"I have already taken leave from the Ministry. Under the current situation, Fudge would be happy if I stayed as far away from his Ministry as possible, and I also want to see Amortens as soon as possible."
"Since it's like that--"
Dumbledore didn't hesitate either.
"I'll have Fox take you back to New York, but it's too far to get there all at once, so you'll likely need a rest along the way."
Amelia and Sirius nodded simultaneously.
Harry watched Sirius, who was going to part ways after just meeting, and opened his mouth but said nothing. He knew the priority of the situation.
Bam--
After the explosion, some glowing embers fell slowly to the ground, and Amelia and Sirius disappeared into the office.
"Albus--"
Looking towards the spot where the two people had disappeared, Professor McGonagall's face was full of concern. She softly called out.
"There's no need to worry too much, Minerva--"
Dumbledore's voice remained calm and stable, full of the power to soothe hearts.
"You know Amortens, he is wise and capable enough to handle any crisis."
Dumbledore said, then looked down at Harry and the other three. His gaze settled on Harry's eyes, and he sighed in relief, smiling kindly and saying
"Harry, Ron, Hermione, it seems you've inadvertently played a crucial role again--"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione blushed awkwardly, having grown accustomed to these unexpected events that seem to find them.
"Of course, I also believe you understand the importance of keeping this matter secret, right?"
Dumbledore did not scold them for leaving the crowd, which brought relief to Harry's heart. He hastily nodded, indicating that he understood.
"Then go and enjoy a delicious dinner--"
Dumbledore smiled broadly, his voice soft and gentle.
(Chapter complete)
