Hogwarts: Dumbledore reigned over the wizarding world.

Chapter 174 Kingsley's Choice

"Ha, what a clever little thing."

Akinbad, of course, would not be afraid of a mere fire dragon.

For a wizard like him, of all the magical creatures that exist today, only the phoenix could probably catch his attention, because the phoenix is ​​special enough.

He reached out and stroked the tree bee's head to soothe it before replying, "It's precisely because it's intelligent that I kept it, to keep the other dragon in the house company."

Keeping fire dragons as pets is undoubtedly illegal, and it is also a law of the International Federation.

However, Akinbad seemed not to hear, just as he had just witnessed how Vaughn "tortured" and "abused" several werewolves, dismantling them into countless fragments and then reassembling them.

The scene and the agonizing screams were enough to send chills down the spine of any normal person.

Akinbad remained calm and composed—they were all wizards, who didn't have some quirks?

He didn't ask Vaughn specifically what he was researching dragons for. After a casual chat, he got to the point: "Are those people trustworthy? They have business connections here, making them the most suitable people for us to investigate the flow of magical creature trade without arousing suspicion. Since we've let them investigate, there are some secrets we definitely need to tell them. I don't want all our efforts to be in vain."

"The topic of trust is a bit heavy."

Vaughn smiled. "But for the time being, their families don't dare to offend me, and these people who depend on their families, you know, they have almost no freedom."

Akinbad nodded:

"I will carefully consider what to tell them. Also, we are still short-staffed, and to avoid the Magic Congress finding out, the Federation will not be able to send anyone over for the time being."

Vaughn glanced at him: "What are you trying to say?"

Akinbad chuckled and said, "Werewolf! After all that hype surrounding WAC, and then this high-profile media event with your people after arriving in Boston, I bet many werewolves in North America have already seen the news in the newspapers and are heading this way!"

"Most of the first batch of people who can arrive are wizards, and I think we can make good use of them."

Akinbad revealed his true intentions.

Vaughn smirked. "Aren't you afraid there might be spies from the Magic Congress among them?"

"The Magic Council doesn't have wolfsbane potion, only a fool would listen to them," Akinbad said dismissively. "Besides, the full moon is almost here. Werewolves who would arrive before the full moon for wolfsbane potion must have enough reason to want to stay rational. The possibility of such people being spies is extremely low."

Akinbad's judgment was certainly not based on abstract concepts like the good or evil of human nature.

Rather, it is based on supply and demand.

The more urgent their need, the less bargaining power they have. In order to obtain the wolfsbane medicine, their tolerance for the conditions attached to taking the medicine is probably surprisingly high.

As far as Akinbad knows, WAC has a so-called "registered werewolf" magic contract. The werewolf who signs the contract must not only agree to the contents of the contract, but also leave his name, blood, hair and other mediums.

In England, all werewolves who joined the WAC signed this pact.

Although the Yankees always talk about freedom compared to the English, the first wave of werewolves to arrive were mostly not included in this category.

Correspondingly, those who loudly proclaim freedom are probably problematic.

Therefore, the truly problematic individuals are not in a hurry to come.

Vaughn beckoned, and a pot of boiling tea floated over. He poured himself and Akinbad each a cup, and, inhaling the refreshing aroma, he said:

"WAC's magic contract isn't as binding as you think. The terms aren't particularly harsh, but... if it's just about involving them in some peripheral investigations, it's not a big problem."

"Hmm? I thought you would keep the werewolves firmly tied to your chariot."

Vaughn stirred his tea and chuckled, "I promised to let werewolves walk in the sunlight and I wouldn't exploit them. Besides, true bond isn't a contract or the oppression of will, but shared interests."

"..."

Akinbad gave him a deep look, but said nothing more.

Only when one's vigilance and attention towards Vaughn rises to another level.

He still had a lot to do, so he chatted with Vaughn for a while, had some tea, and then left.

After watching Akinbad leave, Vaughn sat under the huge oak tree, leisurely sipped his tea for a while, and then said softly, "Come in!"

Magic transmitted his voice.

A short while later, Kingsley, dressed in an African-style robe, silently descended the steps not far away and walked to his side.

A chair floated to him, and Vaughn raised his hand: "Sit."

"……Thanks!"

Kingsley paused for a moment, thanked him softly, and sat down.

Vaughn poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him: "My dear Kingsley, have you thought it through?"

"..." Kingsley took the scalding hot teacup and heard Vaughn's question. His breathing became a little heavy, but it quickly calmed down.

A bitter smile appeared on his dark face: "Did I have a choice?"

"You can also choose Fudge." Vaughn leaned back in his chair, a relaxed smile on his face. "Don't forget, the pressure you're under right now, the investigation your family is facing, is all Fudge's doing. He's the one forcing you to take a stand, not me!"

What's the difference? You're using Fudge to put pressure on me, isn't that coercion?

Kingsley wanted to question him, but he didn't have the courage.

Because he had already made his choice, and being well-versed in human relationships, he knew very well that the moment he made the decision, he had to abandon all resentment.

Otherwise, indulging in momentary verbal sparring today will only harm yourself and your family in the future.

Vaughn Weasley might not be that petty, but he didn't dare to gamble. Most importantly, Vaughn might not care, but if he harbored resentment and others found out, who knew what they would think?

Having spent nearly 20 years in the Ministry of Magic, Kingsley knew all too well what infighting was, and how low people could go in the struggle for power and profit.

He lowered his head and said in a gentle tone, "Fudge is not worthy of being compared to you. If I choose him, it only proves that my brain is not even as good as a troll's."

"No resentment?"

"no."

Kingsley said firmly, "I believe that there is a future only under your leadership. Fudge and those purebloods are just stepping stones for you."

Yes, he gave in to Vaughn.

Even as mentioned earlier, it wasn't Vaughn who put pressure on him all along!

Kingsley was not optimistic about purebloods.

Because he himself was one of the purebloods, he knew very well that those families who were immersed in past glories and honors and only shouted "forever pure" had no chance of winning against Vaughn.

Unless they drag that dead Voldemort out of his quagmire right now and give Vaughn a Killing Curse.

Otherwise, they will only become puppets in Vaughn's hands, manipulated and played with by him without even realizing it!

Just like the concepts of "progressives" and "conservatives," which were gradually born amidst the frenzy of public opinion!

Those pure-blood families still haven't realized it, thinking that some mud-blooded wizard families who want to challenge their status are taking the opportunity to stir up trouble.

They were completely unaware of the seriousness of the problem.

There's no future in following that group.

Kingsley even had a feeling that the purebloods should thank Dumbledore; he could sense that Vaughn wasn't the kind of schemer who liked to manipulate things from behind the scenes.

Vaughn is low-key and "restrained" because he has some concerns!

Looking across the entire English wizarding world, who else is there that Vaughn should be wary of?

After a moment of random thoughts, Kingsley suddenly realized that Vaughn hadn't said anything since he answered that he held no resentment.

He suddenly felt uneasy.

I'm both worried that the other person is too easily convinced, and afraid that they won't believe me at all...

Before he could figure it out, he heard Vaughn speak again, saying, "Regarding what you and your family have experienced, I'm giving you two choices: First, endure it for now, and once Fudge is dealt with, the investigation and pressure against you will naturally be lifted. I will compensate you for all the losses incurred during this period."

"Second, abandon your current businesses, especially the magical item manufacturing workshop where Fudge can exert influence, and transfer them to the area I excel in. I will authorize your family to list my magical potion products, and in the future, I will also entrust your family with a portion of the production quota for the international trade of wolfsbane potion. However, there will be no compensation. Think about it."

What else is there to consider?

Even a fool knows which one to choose.

Knowing that Vaughn's previous silence wasn't due to any doubt about him, Kingsley breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "I choose the latter."

Upon hearing this, Vaughn smiled: "Aren't you going to discuss it with the family?"

Kingsley's usually reassuringly kind face hardened with a resolute expression: "There's no need for discussion. Fudge has abused his power for personal gain, recklessly using public authority to oppress the Shackle family. We will neither compromise nor tolerate this; we will fight him to the bitter end!"

His words were righteous and full of integrity!

The image of a family wronged but unafraid of power is established in just a few words.

Vaughn looked at him admiringly, then beckoned for paper and pen and wrote two letters, one for Amelia and the other for Barty Crouch.

He handed the two letters to Kingsley: "Since you've chosen the second option, write a letter to the family and have them contact Amelia and Barty the Elder. I've explained the situation to them, and they will help the Shackleton family."

Looking at the two letters, Kingsley was suddenly flattered.

He knew who these two people were, of course. They were prominent figures in the Ministry of Magic. One was in charge of the Division of Magical Law Enforcement, presided over the Wizengamo Conferences, and held legislative and enforcement powers, making him a highly influential figure.

The International Magical Exchange and Cooperation Department, which used to seem insignificant, has seen its importance rise dramatically since Vaughn proposed the international trade strategy for Wolfsbane Potion at the WAC Conference—transforming from a simple Ministry of Foreign Affairs into a comprehensive entity encompassing diplomacy, foreign trade, and policy output.

Conversely, Barty was thus freed from his ailments and enjoyed a second political spring!

Most importantly, these two are known to be inseparable from Vaughn, forming an iron triangle against Fudge!

What merit or ability does the Shaker family possess to receive such assistance?

Kingsley suddenly understood that Vaughn did not question his awareness—what more could be said than that he was given both benefits and respect?

……

Outside the suitcase, Nifadora, still holding the pink toad, felt somewhat uneasy.

Kingsley's words kept echoing in her mind.

From the moment she graduated and decided to take the Auror exams, her mother entrusted her to Kingsley. To her, Kingsley was not only an elder, but also her teacher and the guide in her life.

But this person, whom she so deeply respected, was forced to submit by others, and seemed to have mental problems, even starting to talk nonsense.

Nifadora was both worried and angry!

I'm still a little sad.

She didn't have many friends. Due to the magical upheavals in her childhood, her family moved frequently, and she hardly had any familiar playmates her age. When she was studying at Hogwarts, her flamboyant and unconventional personality also prevented her from developing good interpersonal relationships.

After graduation, I almost never contacted my classmates again.

After joining the Auror, it became even more difficult for her to get along with those middle-aged wizards who had lived in the magical world all their lives, as their ways of thinking were completely different!

Hermione and Vaughn are rare individuals who are not too far apart in age, can understand Muggle matters, and are not prejudiced against her because of her personality; in fact, they are willing to accept her.

But Vaughn...

As she thought about it, Nymphadora's eyes reddened. She stared at the entrance of the suitcase, wondering how Kingsley must be groveling and suffering humiliation inside.

"I should have gone in with him, at least... at least when Weasley was humiliating him, I could have helped him curse that bastard!"

As she thought of the intense emotions, Nymphadora gritted her teeth, her face contorted in a ferocious grimace.

Lupin, who had just walked in carrying a tray, was startled for a moment before realizing what was happening and awkwardly greeted Nifadora, "Uh, hello, Miss Tonks."

Lu Ping's tone was hesitant; for some reason, he always felt distracted when facing this young girl.

"Good for what!" Nymphadora glared at him fiercely. "You'd better pray Kingsley is alright, or I'll never forgive you!"

"Huh?" Lupin asked, bewildered.

"Don't play innocent. Do you think I don't know? You and Weasley, all you know how to do is bully the weak and oppress the innocent!"

After cursing a few times, Nymphadora became increasingly agitated. The thought of Kingsley's silent, helpless, and dejected appearance before she stepped into the suitcase entrance made her sad.

It's so agonizingly uncomfortable!

That's outrageous!

I thought you were good people!

I treated you guys like friends!

Will Kingsley kneel down?

At your age, it's shameful to lower yourself to a child!

Seeing Lupin's bewildered and innocent look, Nymphadora felt a surge of anger rising to her head. She rushed to Lupin and kicked him hard.

Without resistance, Lupin sat down on the ground with a blank and innocent look on his face, spilling the tray and the pastries on it all over the floor.

Nymphadora was still not satisfied. She grabbed his collar, her face flushed, and almost pressed her nose against Lupin's face, about to yell.

She heard an unexpected, cheerful voice coming from the suitcase entrance: "Quick, Tonks, the family problem is solved, we... uh—did I come out at the wrong time?"

Turning around, Kingsley, who had just moments before been enduring humiliation and silently weeping in her imagination, revealed his dark charcoal head, blinked his eyes, and smiled in a way that was both ambiguous and radiant as he looked at her and Lupin.

……

Walking down the streets of Boston, Nymphadora looked dejected.

"You should perk up, Tonks." Kingsley, his eyes brimming with joy, pointed to the Muggle streets brimming with exotic culture: "Why do you always look so downcast, a girl not even 20? Don't you love Muggle culture? You can go browse in those shops. You don't need to come with me; I'm just going to mail a few letters."

"Oh, and remember to buy some tobacco and alcohol to give to Lupin when we get back..."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but laugh.

Nymphadora blushed. "How many times do I have to tell you! I wanted to teach him a lesson, not to have...something intimate with him!"

"Understood, I understand!" Kingsley chuckled, then toned it down a bit when he saw Nymphadora's ears were bright red. "Anyway, you hit her, so buying her a small gift as an apology is necessary, right? Even though Lupin said it's nothing, just a misunderstanding, we still have to be polite, don't we?"

"Hmph, it's all because of you! If you hadn't made it look like I was going to the gallows before I went in, how could I have... Hmph, traitor!"

Nifadora grumbled in dissatisfaction.

However, after thinking about it, she realized that Kingsley wasn't wrong. While her impulsiveness had its reasons, it did indeed contain an element of displaced anger.

Not only was Kingsley not harassed or humiliated, but he also happily resolved all the problems.

Even if he was indeed humiliated, it had nothing to do with Lupin.

I do owe the other party an apology...

"Are you sure you don't need me to come with you?" she asked hesitantly.

"No need," Kingsley said, pointing to a building across the street from the Muggle commercial district. "The company recommended by the Federation is over there, not far away."

The building looked unremarkable.

However, judging from the fact that the nearby Muggles unconsciously avoided it, it was clear that magic existed.

It was a shady company that specialized in unofficial, illegal international mailing services. The Federation recommended it to Kingsley—yes, in this magical land of America, even if the Federation wanted to use international mailing services, they could only turn to this kind of black market.

The Magical Congress certainly has an official postal service; however, in accordance with the unique circumstances of the United States, they vet every letter sent from within the Union.

This in itself isn't a big problem; the problem is their efficiency.

According to the representative of the Federation who recommended this shady company, he used the Magic Congress's postal service once two years ago. It wasn't until he finished his work in the Federation, returned to the Federation headquarters, and completed his reporting for duty that the letter he had sent finally arrived in his hometown of Brussels, seven months later...

Therefore, from an efficiency standpoint, it's better to use a black market company. In fact, these companies, in order to boost their performance, are better than the Magic Congress's post office in terms of security and credibility.

Even in the magical world, this is quite magical.

Nymphadora and Kingsley were still adjusting to this magical world, which made them feel unsafe whenever they left the hotel.

Seeing that the company was indeed not far from the Muggle's commercial street, and that they could provide support at any time in case of any problems, Nymphadora nodded:

"I'm going then!"

"Go ahead, we'll meet at the square in a bit."

Nifadora scratched her hair, turning it pink, before chewing gum and walking into the Machi commercial street.

Boston is a rather strange city.

In Muggles, this city is known as the academic and cultural center of the Commonwealth, home to some of the top-ranked Muggle universities in the entire United States, such as Harvard and MIT.

From this perspective, it seems to be a rather "young," trendy, and "rational" city.

But in reality, Boston is one of the oldest areas in the Commonwealth. In the late 16th century, immigrants from England established a colony here, which was then called Three Hills. Those immigrants were Puritans who were expelled from England at that time!

Therefore, this is actually a city with a very strong religious atmosphere!

Nymphadora, dressed as a Muggle, curiously surveyed the buildings she passed. There were wide roads, tall buildings, but also various rustic stone and brick bungalows. The gleaming glass curtain walls and neon lights that shone even in broad daylight interspersed with sacred and solemn religious sites and mottled century-old buildings.

Even the pedestrians on the street seemed to have caught this misplaced quality.

Serious and meticulous devout believers, along with vibrant and energetic college students, walked together on the same street, mingling and passing each other.

Of course, the feeling of strangeness is only relative; at least Nifadora felt quite at home here.

She felt as if she were still in England, and even the name Boston seemed familiar.

There's a town called Boston in Lincolnshire!

After browsing around for a while, feeling both strange and familiar, she entered a reasonably pleasing Muggle store. Looking at the dazzling array of goods inside, Nifadora felt somewhat troubled.

What should I give as a gift?

Not only did she want to apologize to Lupin, but she also wanted to buy Vaughn a small gift or something—although he had indeed gone too far, Nymphadora felt she should still express some remorse for insulting him, given that he had helped Kingsley.

Hmm, just a little bit!

While struggling to choose, Nifadora suddenly heard a commotion outside.

Curious, she looked out of the shop window and saw a group of people dressed in strange clothes walking in a long, unruly procession down the street, like a chaotic dance of demons.

They held up banners and signs, and chanted slogans:

"Salem! Salem! The Third Salem Movement!"

"Citizens have the right to know; the federal government should disclose the existence of wizards!"

"Burn all wizards! Burn all witches!"

"..."

Nifadora was dumbfounded as she looked at the huge crowd of gamers and the overwhelming number of slogans and banners that were packed with information for wizards.

The shop owner, who had joined her in peering outside, seemed unfazed by the sight.

"It's those weirdos again."

"Huh?" Nifadora stared blankly at the shop owner.

The pot-bellied boss glanced at her pink hair, then sat back down, unfolded his newspaper, and said uninterestedly, "Judging from your accent, you're from England, aren't you? You'll get used to it after a while; it's the land of freedom, America."

"Uh...who are those people...?"

"Oh, some organization called the Third Salem Movement, something weird. They say there are wizards in this world and demand the Federation make it public to its citizens, and even hold wizard trials and stuff... Heh, they've definitely taken too much!"

……

"...So, you and Kingsley just went for a stroll and ran into an organization calling themselves the Third Salem, marching and demonstrating on Muggle Street?"

"Of course, I saw it with my own eyes!"

"They also gave you a promotional brochure? It had their mission, philosophy, contact information, and address on it?"

"Yes, it's printed in the booklet!"

"..."

Inside the suitcase, Vaughn and the hastily arriving Akinbad looked at each other, while across from them, Nymphadora chewed gum, looking rather roguish.

It doesn't seem very reliable...

Vaughn couldn't help but glance at Kingsley.

The veteran Auror seemed somewhat dazed, his mind still reeling from the previous shock, until Vaughn coughed, bringing him back to his senses. He then gave a wry smile and shrugged.

"Mr. Weasley, it is indeed true, as Tonks said, that we saw an organization called the Third Salem Movement marching and demonstrating in the streets."

Vaughn was speechless for a moment.

After a long pause, he asked, "Have you checked whether any wizards were involved in the parade?"

"No, I can confirm that."

"Have you checked their memories?"

"..." Kingsley glanced at Akinbad, and seeing that he was unmoved and seemed not to have heard, he said, "I secretly mixed up a Muggle who looked like an organizer, and briefly read through his memories, but found nothing unusual."

According to the rules of the Aurors, memory magic is a must-have skill, although many Aurors in England today disregard this rule.

Kingsley, however, was rather old-fashioned and ambitious. While his memory magic wasn't exactly masterful, it wasn't bad either.

Vaughn chose to believe him.

He nodded: "I understand... Thank you, Tonks, you brought back important information..."

Even someone as thick-skinned as Vaughn found it difficult to utter such praise.

After all, Nifadora was just shopping...

However, Nymphadora clearly didn't feel embarrassed. Hearing Vaughn's praise, the girl's lips curved into a big smile, and her mood became visibly pleasant.

"Then consider this my gift to you. Don't say I'm stingy, since you definitely won't need Muggle stuff anyway."

After saying this in a cheerful mood, Nymphadora skipped away without waiting for Vaughn's reaction.

Vaughn: "?"

What gift?

Kingsley watched Nymphadora's carefree figure disappear into the distance, speechless to himself.

Fortunately, Vaughn didn't take her words to heart, nor did he mind her lack of discipline. After thinking for a moment, he instructed Kingsley: "Go find Remus and take a few men with you to the Muggle streets to inquire about that Third Salem Movement organization..."

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, bring Umbridge over first. I'll remove the shapeshifting curse from her so Fudge won't keep putting pressure on you."

"Yes, Mr. Weasley."

Kingsley complied.

In fact, since he decided to join Vaughn, whether or not the Transfiguration Curse on Umbridge was lifted has become irrelevant.

However, the emotionally intelligent Kingsley would certainly not refuse his boss's kindness, regardless of whether he needed it or not.

Wait for Kingsley to leave.

Akinbad, who had been silent until now, slowly spoke: "Could the third Salem they discovered be the one we're thinking of?"

The name Third Salem is familiar to both of them.

Vaughn first learned of the name from Isabella's letter. According to Isabella's description, it seemed to be an anti-wizard organization initiated by American Muggles, just like the organization called the Second Salem decades ago.

Upon hearing Akinbad's question, Vaughn thought for a moment and shook his head: "Not necessarily... The connection between the Purifiers and the Salem organization can be traced back to the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. This witch hunt in the 17th century led to the establishment of the Magical Congress, the rise of the 12 purebloods, and the purge of the Purifiers by the entire North American magical community."

In fact, the so-called "purgers" are wizards who have converted to the Muggle church!

These wizards were originally mercenaries, who didn't care whether someone was a Muggle or a wizard; they worked for whoever had gold.

These mercenaries rose rapidly in England during the 14th and 15th centuries, during the New Religious Movement.

However, as the Puritans' religious movement in England failed and they were expelled to the North American colonies, some wizards who had been employed by Protestants inexplicably betrayed the magical world and converted to religion.

The reason for this is not supported by any reliable evidence in the history of magic, and even the American magical community itself is unclear about it.

After all, in the chaotic North American continent at that time, even the 12 pure-blood ancestors, those 12 powerful wizards, almost all met with a bad end.

Many secrets were buried by the flames of war!

This history is known to anyone who has studied the general history of magic, so Vaughn didn't elaborate. He continued, "The real connection between the two dates back to 1926 when the Second Salem appeared in America. Its founder was Mary Lou Byrburn."

Akimbad, who had been listening silently, suddenly realized when he heard the surname "Bayburn": "Ah—Bartholomew Bailbourne, the Rappaport Act!"

This is yet another world-renowned case.

From the establishment of the Magical Congress in the 17th century to the 18th century, the North American magical community was quite enlightened, and the nascent Federation was thriving.

Until the late 18th century, Dorcas Twelve Trees, daughter of Aristotle Twelve Trees, the treasure and steward of the Magical Congress, fell in love with a handsome Muggle named Bartholomew Byrben.

Bartholomew Byrben was actually a descendant of the Purifiers. He tricked Dorcas into giving him her wand and all the information about the Commonwealth of Wizarding, including Ilfamoni's address. He then released this information to the entire Muggle community, calling on all Muggles to unite and launch another witch hunt.

The serious threat forced Emily Rappaport, then Speaker of the Magical Council, to enact the Rappaport Act, which imposed a strict system of segregation between Muggles and wizards.

The calamity has lingered to this day!

"What a notorious surname." Akinbad snorted, then looked at Vaughn with some curiosity: "By the way, how did you know about the Second Salem? Even the Federation doesn't have this information, let alone the name of its founder."

(End of this chapter)