Hogwarts Raven's Claw

Chapter 632 You should change your mindset

Faced with Mike's slightly sarcastic eyes, Picquery really wanted to turn against him.

Unfortunately, she couldn't do that.

Not to mention that she couldn't beat Mike, even the internal and external troubles of the Magical Congress of the United States were enough to overwhelm her so much that she could hardly raise her head.

So, in the end, she could only reluctantly agree to Mike's proposal.

Seeing this, not only Mike, but even the ministers of the small magic ministries became excited.

They all stood up and couldn't wait to discuss the details of the business cooperation plan with Mike.

These include numerous projects such as foreign investment injection, factory establishment, and infrastructure assistance.

At this moment, they no longer looked like the solemn and serious Ministers of Magic, but rather greedy hyenas.

But this is normal. No one can remain calm in the face of such huge interests, even if they are the Minister of Magic.

Mike had a fake smile on his face and never proactively asked for anything. He would only say a few words when he came across a project that interested him.

The discussion lasted for nearly an hour before everyone temporarily decided on a few projects.

This includes the Ministry of Magic's plan to introduce foreign labor.

The essence of this project is that other ministries of magic act as intermediaries, introducing capable wizards from their own countries to work in the Ministry of Magic of the United States, and then collecting a portion of the agency fee. It is no different from some rubbish schools sending students to factories for internships and then deducting benefits from the students' wages.

At first glance this may sound vicious, after all, it is exploiting the vulnerable.

But in this special period, it is an excellent project that helps all three parties.

Because there are not many job opportunities in the area under the jurisdiction of the small Ministry of Magic, and there is discrimination based on blood lineage, their Muggle wizards have a worse life than the previous Ministry of Magic in the UK.

Now through this project, they will get a decent job, the British Ministry of Magic will get cheap labor, and at the same time, the Ministry of Magic they originally belonged to will also get a large sum of gold Galleons. This is simply the best thing.

Compared with the excitement of those small ministries of magic, the attitudes of the large ministries of magic in the United States are much colder.

They remained silent throughout the negotiation. Although they did not interfere, they kept looking at their pocket watches and wristwatches with an impatient look.

Seeing this, he sneered and ignored them, but continued to talk to those small magic departments about the details of the introduction of labor.

Only after most of the matters had been settled did Mike turn to look at Picqueri and others.

"Let's end the discussion at this stage. Anyone interested can go to our Director of International Affairs for a detailed discussion after the meeting." Mike paused and continued, "Next, let's move on to the last topic of this meeting. That is... the confidentiality law!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the scene changed their expressions.

Their first reaction was that Mike wanted to do the same thing as Grindelwald and lift the Statute of Secrecy!

The Statute of Secrecy is a law recognized by many countries and accepted by the world under the leadership of the International Confederation of Magic.

During the implementation of the Statute of Secrecy, the order and stability of the wizarding world have indeed been greatly improved.

And if the Statute of Secrecy really disappeared overnight, then the so-called stability and order would no longer exist, because the conflict between Muggles and wizards would inevitably intensify, and even war would break out directly!
Picquery and the others sat up straight almost instantly. They had even made up their minds that as soon as Mike said something like lifting the confidentiality law, they would directly oppose it!

This is a matter of principle, and for this they are even willing to continue the war with the Ministry of Magic of Ying Country!
Seeing their reactions, the sarcasm in Mike's eyes became even stronger. He grinned and continued:

"As for the confidentiality law, my opinion is to keep it, but I think some things need to change."

"When the International Confederation of Magic proposed the Statute of Secrecy, the explanation given was that the bill was to protect the interests of wizards, especially young wizards, from infringement by Muggles.

But I think everyone here should know that it is actually the Muggles who should be protected. Although there are many cases of young wizards being persecuted by Muggles before they have fully mastered magic, when the bill was first introduced, the power of Muggles was really not worth mentioning compared to that of wizards.

I actually understand the Federation's idea very well. After all, the wizarding community is actually very small. Without the injection of fresh blood from the outside world, wizards will sooner or later go extinct due to excessive inbreeding. Therefore, as a source of fresh blood for wizards, Muggles have become particularly important. "

Upon hearing this, everyone in the conference room nodded, and some of them even showed an expression of superiority on their faces, as if it was entirely their credit that Muggles could continue to live and the wizarding world had not yet perished.

But Picquarie is a little different.

To be honest, as the president of the Magical Congress of the United States, her intelligence and knowledge are indeed above most people.

Therefore, she also understood that everything Mike said now was true, and this was actually how the ministers who dominated the wizarding world viewed the Statute of Secrecy.

The reason why they unconditionally cooperated with the Federation to eliminate Grindelwald was not only because he was a very scary KB member, but also because of the protection of the Statute of Secrecy.

Because once the war starts, the Muggles, who are the source of new blood for wizards, will suffer a devastating disaster, which will also be bad news for wizards.

Now that Mike intends to continue to maintain the confidentiality law, what exactly does he want to change?

Thinking of this, a confused expression appeared on Piqueri's face.

At the same time, Mike, who had been watching from the first seat for a while, also stood up after everyone quieted down.

He slowly walked around the conference room, and finally stopped beside Piquili and said:
"Times have changed, brothers and sisters. What I need you to change is not a specific law, but your mindset.

Yes, in the past, the power of Muggles was indeed not as strong as that of wizards. In the eyes of wizards, Muggles were just monkeys that could talk and wear clothes, not people at all. Even if wizards wanted to, they could kill all the Muggles in the world at will, as easy as crushing an ant.

But things are different now. Grindelwald once reminded you that the power of Muggles is rapidly expanding with the help of technology, but unfortunately you didn't listen.

Now, several decades later, I can tell you clearly that the power held by Muggles has reached the legendary level! The reason why the leaders of Muggle countries still cooperate with us is not because they are afraid of us, but because they want to stabilize us! They believe that as long as they are given enough time, they will have the power to crush wizards, and by then we will become fish on their chopping board!"

Hearing this, a Minister of Magic could no longer sit still. He adjusted the monocle on his face and wanted to refute.

But before he could say anything, Mike slammed his fist on the table, shocking everyone.

"I don't want to argue with you about this issue. I believe that with your abilities, you can find out the truth by sending someone to investigate.

What I want to say is that we are the weaker party now!
I hope you can put yourself in the right place and uphold the Statute of Secrecy. After all, it is for the safety of the entire wizarding world!

That's all I have to say, the meeting is adjourned!" After that, McWorld took Arthur and Franklin out of the meeting room, and no longer cared about the stunned Ministers of Magic in the meeting room.

It was not until he walked out of the conference room that Mike realized that the sun outside had disappeared and the bright artificial moonlight was spreading on the floor of the basement of the Ministry of Magic.

Mike paused where he was, and Arthur and Franklin also said nothing.

They also heard what Mike said at the end, but unlike the shock and disbelief expressed by those Ministers of Magic, they were more worried and helpless at this moment.

Because as a member of the Los Santos Group, they also know how big the threat from Muggles is.

But they didn't know how to deal with this matter.

Mike noticed their emotions, patted their shoulders and let them rest.

Arthur and Franklin were indeed tired, so they did not refuse and left together after saying goodbye to Mike.

Mike, who was still standing there, didn't sigh deeply until the two men's backs completely disappeared. He walked towards the fireplace in the minister's office with steps that seemed a little shaky but still decisive.

Now that the war has officially ended, it's time for him to have a good talk with Harry.

……

At the same time, in a villa within the Masonic Secret Territory, Harry was enjoying dinner with Snape.

Snape was obviously not used to having dinner with Harry. This was easy to see because not only was his expression serious enough to almost scare a child to tears, but even his movements in cutting the steak were as stiff as a robot.

On the contrary, Harry behaved very naturally. He even chatted with Snape from time to time, although the other party didn't respond to him much.

As for Lady Kate, she was naturally also at the table. Snape and Harry were not so particular as to not allow the maid to eat at the table.

However, she didn't seem to be very interested in the dishes she had cooked herself on the table. She just kept staring at Harry and Snape, and occasionally smiled like an auntie, as if she was full just by that.

Harry found it hard to bear the gaze of Ms. Kate. He looked up at Kate awkwardly, trying to use this method to remind Kate not to do this.

But the other party didn't seem to understand what he meant, and instead blinked at him strangely.

Harry lowered his head in silence.

Thinking back on his experiences over the past two days, he began to feel a little regretful.

Now, like Snape, he also lives in this villa area called the surveillance area.

But it wasn't those black-robed wizards who forced him in.

According to the black-robed men, Harry still has a great degree of freedom. As long as he does not leave the Kingdom of Ying, he can go to most places he wants.

Of course, tracking and surveillance are indispensable. After all, Harry's story is not over yet. This is what the black robes have told Harry from the beginning.

The reason why Harry is here now is actually his own decision.

He was well aware of how much trouble his behavior had caused Mike, and he felt quite guilty about it, so he wanted to punish himself in this way.

However, this punishment was more of a psychological comfort for Harry. After all, the black-robed people could not really imprison Harry.

Not only is he well-fed and well-served here now, but Ron and Hermione can also visit him at any time. His life can be said to be perfect.

Most importantly, Harry and Snape are neighbors now and he can visit Snape anytime.

Harry had to admit that this was one of the reasons why he stayed.

But... this might be a wrong decision.

Looking up and glancing at Snape, Harry couldn't help but think.

He really wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to Snape, but it was obvious that the other party did not appreciate it.

Or maybe it was not that Snape was ungrateful, but that his character was too bad, which gave Harry a very bad experience.

Shaking his head, Harry stopped thinking about these trivial things and focused on the steak on the plate.

Ms. Kate's cooking skills are comparable to those of a hotel chef. The steak she makes is very delicious. This is Harry's only consolation now.

Just as he started to tear into the steak, there was a knock on the villa door.

Seeing this, Ms. Kate stood up hurriedly, wiped her hands on the apron around her waist, and then walked forward to open the door.

"Welcome, please...Ah! It's Mr. Mike Townley! I finally meet you in person!"

Ms. Kate's excited cry came from the hallway. Harry didn't react at all, but Snape's face changed drastically and he stood in front of Harry in an instant!
Harry was confused by Snape's reaction, but before he could react, Mike was greeted by Ms. Kate and walked into the restaurant.

Mike suddenly saw this scene in the restaurant and was unable to react for a moment.

But Ms. Kate was obviously overwhelmed by the surprise of Mike's sudden arrival. She attentively pulled the table open for Mike, and then walked towards the kitchen while saying:
"Mr. Townley! Please sit down for a moment. I will prepare dinner for you! Oh my God, I can actually have dinner with Mr. Townley! I am really... really honored!"

"What! This guy actually wants to eat here!?" Snape flew into a rage when he heard this. "I don't agree! Besides, it's already this late, he must have already eaten!"

Hearing this, Ms. Kate suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned her head to look at Mike somewhat awkwardly.

If Mike had really already had dinner, then her behavior was obviously very rude.

Mike also noticed Kate's embarrassment and said to Kate with a smile:
"In fact, I haven't had dinner yet. And I've long heard of Ms. Kate's cooking skills... So thank you for your help, Ms. Kate."

After saying that, Mike deliberately looked at Snape provocatively.

(End of this chapter)