The Return to Hogwarts

"What do you want, Lucius!"

Fudge, who had been so mild-mannered just moments before, became wary the moment Lucius Malfoy brought up Melanov in a roundabout way. His eyes were filled with vigilance, devoid of any former affection.

Fudge has decided to take Amosta's advice, and Melanoff, who has been captured by Amosta, is the person Fudge cannot afford to lose at the moment. He needs to use this equally heinous villain to explain himself to the British magical community and the world's magical civilization!

The biggest challenge in carrying out this plan was maintaining secrecy. The fact that Lucius Malfoy dared to swagger into his office to inquire about Melanov made Fudge wary.

"Who told you that the Ministry of Magic has captured someone alive, Lucius? What do you want to know?"

Fudge said sternly.

Lucius Malfoy's deliberate display of toughness was worthless in front of the angry Minister of Magic. Faced with Fudge's questioning, Lucius, still confused about the situation, looked bewildered, and his tone immediately fell.

"One, a friend from the ministry, Minister Fudge--"

Lucius pursed his pale lips, trying his best to appear normal.

“I just… I just want to know as soon as possible why those dark wizards committed their crimes, who was commanding them, Narcissa and Draco, my wife and son are injured, Minister, I have the right to know these things, so after hearing that the Ministry was conducting interrogations, I came immediately to see—”

"Just because of this?"

Fudge looked at Lucius Malfoy suspiciously.

“It’s absolutely true, Minister Fudge!”

Lucius Malfoy said sincerely.

This sounds like a reasonable explanation, but Lucius Malfoy's cunning reputation is well-known among pure-blood wizarding families, and Fudge, having regained his political vigilance, chose not to believe it. Or rather, whatever Lucius Malfoy's reasons for coming to gather information, Fudge would not allow him to meet Melanoff.

"The department is investigating, Lucius. We'll issue a notice later. What you should do now is go back and spend time with your wife and son."

"Fudge said warily."

Lucius Malfoy's unexpected visit and his stated reasons instilled a sense of crisis in Fudge. The night was not yet over, and the news had already begun to spread. Who knew how much crucial information would be leaked next?

Rufus was interrogating Melanov when Fudge immediately realized he had to stop Rufus. If he messed up the black witch, he wouldn't be able to get Melanov to be tried by Wizengamot with Kriona's face and imprisoned in Azkaban by the Dementors in front of the Daily Prophet's reporter.

“If there’s nothing else, you can leave now, Lucius. The Ministry of Magic will provide an explanation of the attack as quickly as possible. Also, you can help spread the word; the Ministry of Magic will definitely capture the leader of these dark wizards with Amostall’s help.”

Lucius's heart skipped a beat at those words. Moreover, the chill in Amosta's smile made Lucius Malfoy feel as if he were standing naked in the freezing cold, every inch of his skin numb.

Having dealt with politicians in the Ministry of Magic for many years, Lucius Malfoy knew their nature well. Under normal circumstances, they were willing to do things against the law for the sake of golden Galleons, but when it came to their own positions, no matter how close they had been before, they would immediately turn their backs on each other.

The conspiracy he orchestrated this time is absolutely unforgivable.

The thought that the Malfoy family might be ruined because of him made Lucius Malfoy's face turn ashen, and his clenched fists hidden in his sleeves trembled uncontrollably.

Fudge's attention was entirely focused on Melanoff, who was being interrogated, and he didn't notice Lucius Malfoy's strange expression. He called out impatiently.

"Lucius?"

"Oh, I'm here, Minister—"

Lucius, his breath frozen, hurriedly responded and looked at Fudge, only to find that the Minister of Magic's gaze was clearly implying that he should get lost.

Fudge, Dumbledore, and Amosta left the minister's office together, while Lucius Malfoy followed them in a daze.

Ding--

The elevator doors opened, and a cold announcement came from inside. Fudge and Dumbledore stepped onto the elevator first, but Amosta suddenly stopped.

"Minister and Headmaster Dumbledore, you may leave now. I need to speak with Mr. Malfoy about Draco's performance in my class."

Fudge blinked in surprise, then, after regaining his composure, said somewhat reluctantly,

"Oh, at a time like this, well, Amosta, you're a responsible professor, hurry up--"

Amosta smiled and nodded. After the elevator car disappeared from sight, Amosta slowly turned around and looked at Lucius Malfoy.

Although his mind was in a mess due to fear, Lucius wasn't really stupid enough to think that Amosta Blaine wanted to talk to him about Draco's grades.

Mr. Blaine

To be honest, Lucius would rather be thrown into Azkaban by the Ministry of Magic than face Amostrath Blaine alone. The fear that this young and powerful wizard had instilled in him at the Leaky Cauldron was something he had only experienced with the Dark Lord. But tonight, Amostrath Blaine was finally showing the wizarding world his dominance!

boom!

Amosta stood before him expressionless, but the light in his pale purple eyes was so cold it seemed to freeze one's soul. Under the invisible influence of surging magic, the corridor lights flickered on and off, the frequency increasing until they burst!

The sound of the light bulb shattering was like a heavy hammer blow to Lucius Malfoy's soul, and he collapsed to the ground with a thud, feeling dizzy.

“This is the second time I’ve forgiven you, Lucius Malfoy. There won’t be a next time.”

Amosta boarded the elevator and disappeared from that floor, leaving only the pale-faced Lucius Malfoy staring blankly at the dark elevator shaft.

Chapter 485 Useless Regret

2023-09-18

Amosta took the elevator down to the second basement level, the territory of Amelia's Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Ministry of Magic's most powerful armed organization, where the Auror Division was also located. The entire Ministry of Magic was deserted, and this place was no exception. As Amosta stepped out of the elevator, he looked around, and Dumbledore's voice rang out from his right at just the right moment.

"Over here, Amosta—"

Perhaps to emphasize the majesty of the law, the architecture of the Ministry of Magic's second basement level is very austere, with an overall black and gray color scheme. Apart from the portraits of past Directors of the Department of Magical Law hanging on the walls along the corridors, there is no other decoration.

Amosta walked around a few corners and found Dumbledore standing at the entrance to a staircase leading underground. The blazing torches on either side of the entrance illuminated Dumbledore's silver beard, turning it gold.

"Connelly is in a hurry to speak with the Auror's office manager about some things, and I was worried you wouldn't be able to find the place, so I'm waiting for you here—"

Dumbledore said with a smile.

“Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. Amelia’s office is on the other side; I’ve never been here before—”

Amosta nodded slightly.

This staircase led underground, much like the one leading to the Wizengamor interrogation room—dark and cold, seemingly a place where Aurors temporarily detained and interrogated prisoners. Dumbledore and Amosta were both highly skilled magical masters, able to easily locate each step even in the darkness.

"I thought you would have asked Connelly for a hefty fee—"

In the oppressive stairwell, Dumbledore spoke with a cheerful smile.

“I won’t let Fudge get away with this so easily. Oh, and of course, I’m not going to ask for an exorbitant amount.”

Amosta sensed the underlying meaning in Dumbledore's words, smiled, and then said...

"Speaking of which, Mr. President of the Wizarding Federation, what does the International Wizarding Federation have to say about my heroic performance tonight?"

"Objectively speaking, the International Wizarding Federation is a rather poor organization. Most of its operating funds come from the national ministries of magic. If you're hoping for a large sum of gold, forget it, Amosta. Of course, if you want more recognition, well, I probably don't need to bring it up. I bet I'll receive at least twenty letters of recommendation from owls tomorrow morning, inviting you to be vice-president—"

"If it's the chairman, then I'll consider it."

Amosta's joke made Dumbledore chuckle again.

They finally reached the bottom of the stairs. There were many rooms here, and Amosta stared at them. Behind each door, it seemed as if he could hear faint wails, and even the air flowing from the cracks in the doors was filled with the stench of blood.

The two stopped in front of a doorway through which golden flames were streaming out from a crack. Dumbledore turned and calmly looked at Amostella.

"So, did you ask what Malfoy's purpose was in planning this attack?"

Amosta wasn't surprised at all by Dumbledore's sudden question; he slowly shook his head.

"I didn't ask him anything, I just gave him some warnings. As for his reasons for doing so, well, I guess the strange movements of the Dark Mark these past few months have probably made him very uneasy, especially since he essentially handed Voldemort's Horcruxes to us. Oh, he's probably afraid of being criticized by Voldemort when he returns, so he's eager to do something to prove that he's still capable of any evil."

What Amosta could understand, Dumbledore could also see clearly.

However, Dumbledore's silvery eyebrows twitched, and a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes.

It wasn't because of Lucius Malfoy's motives for staging the prank, but rather because of Amosta's attitude towards Lucius Malfoy.

Amosta is intolerant of injustice. If he were truly angry about this, the Malfoy family would be doomed. For now, Amosta has only given Lucius a warning, which is not in line with his character. Unless, Amosta doesn't care about this matter, he has his own plans for Lucius Malfoy.

Respect is the prerequisite for getting along well with each other. Whatever Amosta's thoughts are about Lucius Malfoy, it's best not to interfere.

After giving Amostella, whose expression remained unchanged, a deep look, Dumbledore looked away and knocked on the door in front of the two men.

"Tonight's adventure ends here. There are plenty of rooms upstairs; feel free to choose any you like. If you'd like something to eat, just call Kreacher—"

Amos Tower had already left, and Dumbledore's Patronus had also vanished. After chatting for a few more minutes, Sirius, who had endured a fierce battle that night and whose robes were stained with blood, finally couldn't hold on any longer. He had to go back to his room to treat his injuries. After giving his instructions, Sirius waved to everyone and dragged his weary body upstairs.

Bill and Charlie were equally exhausted. After waving goodbye to Harry, they hurried upstairs, followed by Fred and George.

Why aren't you going up there yet?

Ron stared at his little sister with a frown and said.

"What do I care where I am, Weasley!"

Ginny glared at Ron defiantly, but a dark look crossed her face when she noticed Harry's hesitant expression.

“Ginny has the right to stay where she wants to be, Ron.”

Hermione noticed Ginny's disappointment and said to Ron irritably, but Ginny didn't stay. She gave Ron a disdainful snort, held her head high, strode up the stairs, and disappeared from their sight.

"I'm her brother!"

Ginny's attitude infuriated Ron, and his shouting could be heard throughout the entire first floor of the villa.

"Oh, come on, Weasley, just shut your mouth—"

Hermione rolled her eyes, turned around, and walked back into the garden.

Sirius's tent was indeed magnificent; it resembled the ceiling of the Great Hall at Hogwarts, reflecting the outside world. Harry, Harry, and their companions returned to their seats at the dining table in the garden, bathed in starlight, and enjoyed the tranquility after the great battle.

Harry and Hermione were both involved in tonight's battle. Harry was in the most dangerous situation; he was whipped by Melanoff. If it weren't for that powerful dark witch, he would probably be lying in St. Mungo's ward right now.

Hermione's clothes were tattered from the battle. She had bought them with her parents at the Muggle Marketplace during the summer holidays. Looking at the ripped lines on her coat, Hermione wasn't in a good mood. She took off her dusty coat and draped it over the armrest. When she looked up, she saw Harry and Ron staring at the table, deep in thought.