The mastermind behind Hogwarts

Chapter 205 Conversation in the Pentagon Office

Moriarty walked into the Pentagon office and saw the sunlight reflecting off the silver-white marble floor, illuminating the entire office.

Paul Jackson, president of the Magical Congress of the United States, sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window directly opposite the main entrance.

In front of him was a large, wide ebony table. He sat in his office chair, his back to the sun, looking quite imposing.

James, the U.S. Director of Sports and Recreation, was sitting at a desk to Paul's left when he saw Moriarty walk in and gave him a friendly smile.

Moriarty nodded slightly to James, then looked around from James's seat, taking in the interior of the office.

Hundreds of documents are issued from here every day; it is the highest adjudication center and the center of supreme power in the American magical world.

Looking around, Moriarty looked away and pointed out: "I noticed that the layout of the Pentagon is similar to an old-fashioned parliamentary debate room."

It seems that the American wizards who built this office in 1982 were influenced by the design of the debate rooms in the British House of Commons and House of Lords.

"Absolutely right, Mr. Moriarty." Paul Jackson looked up; he had shoulder-length hair and a beard, and his sharp gaze fell on Moriarty's face, giving the impression that he was a shrewd man at all times.

Paul stood up from his chair and walked toward Moriarty.

"Since the 17th century, the address of the Magical Congress of the United States has been moved dozens of times. Each move has incorporated different magical styles from various countries and ethnic groups, which has become a major characteristic of the Magical Congress of the United States."

For centuries, the British Ministry of Magic and the Magical Congress of the United States have maintained a very good and close relationship.

"So..." Paul walked up to Moriarty and extended his right hand: "Welcome, Mr. Moriarty."

Moriarty shook hands with Paulo, and then introduced Roman and other players to Paulo. After they greeted each other, Paulo asked them to sit on the chairs on the right.

"Now let's get down to business," Paul said, sitting back in his office chair. "Last year, Director James briefed me on your 'star-making plan,' and now that you're in the United States, I think it's time to launch the plan."

Moriarty and James exchanged a glance, and James spoke first: "Mr. Chairman, Mr. Moriarty, the Blanche family will fully cooperate with your work."

Moriarty nodded slightly.

"From the day I proposed the star-making plan, I have prepared many things for it—including but not limited to improving Quidditch techniques, integrating the national team, intervening in the power transition of the British Ministry of Magic, expanding the influence of British pure-blood families, pooling wealth and balancing power..."

Moriarty calmly recounted his actions over the past six months, which secretly alarmed Paul. In his eyes, Moriarty had become someone who could only be won over, and absolutely could not be offended.

"To this day, the entire British wizarding community is my backer! It's time to launch the star-making project." Moriarty made the final decision.

"Excellent!" Paul said happily. "For centuries, Britain has been the center of the European magical world. With the strong support of Mr. Moriarty and the British Ministry of Magic, I'm sure the International Wizarding Association won't interfere with our joint operation."

Moriarty gave Paul an approving look; he was a cautious and careful person. Of course, Paul also had good judgment and could see the important points.

Although Britain and the United States together form an absolutely formidable force.

However, the Quidditch World Cup is a huge pie, and too many people are eyeing it. Who knows which formidable figures will emerge out of nowhere?

Based on their shared understanding, Moriarty and Paul's conversation became straightforward. Over the next two hours, Paul first identified Moriarty and Maxi Blanche III as the primary candidates for star-making.

National team players from the United States and Great Britain are secondary candidates for developing stars.

Jericho Branch is a potential successor to the star-making project.

Then they reached a consensus on the "World Cup betting pool," with Paul and James willing to contribute the liquid funds of the Jackson and Branch families to join forces with the Foley and Flint families to expand the betting pool.

Moriarty proposed offering 20% ​​of the profits from the "World Cup betting" to win over the Canadian Ministry of Magic, a proposal that was accepted by Paul and James.

Paul suggested that he visit the Canadian Minister of Magic, since Canada, being in North America, has always followed the lead of the United States.

Moriarty readily agreed, not out of a sense of compassion, but to resolve the scheduling issues with Canada.

The Quidditch World Cup is divided into qualifying rounds and the final rounds.

The qualifying rounds are also known as the group stage.

In the twelve months following the conclusion of the previous competition, teams from any country can register. All registered teams will be divided into sixteen groups, and will advance by playing against other teams in their groups to accumulate points.

At the end of the group stage, the top sixteen teams from each of the sixteen groups will advance to the World Cup finals.

Before the Dream Team vs. Great Britain match began, Roman led his team through the group stage, securing their place in the knockout stage.

Moriarty took over the team and registered them in Canada, indicating that the England national team had entered the final stage.

The World Cup finals use a single-elimination format, hence the name knockout stage.

The sixteen teams that advance will be ranked based on the points they earned in the group stage.

The team with the most points will play against the team with the fewest points, the team with the second most points will play against the team with the second fewest points, and so on.

In theory, this could allow the two strongest teams from the qualifying stage to meet in the final!

Of course, this is just theory.

Since it's a theory, it can't escape the possibility of behind-the-scenes manipulation.

The top three teams are Bulgaria, Brazil, and the United States.

As the host team, it goes without saying that Canada will not face any of the three teams mentioned above in the round of 16.

Moriarty wants the British team to receive the same treatment as the American team!

"Now that we've reached an agreement, we're allies." Moriarty looked at Paul and James and smiled gently, a smile that held a deeper meaning.

"We cannot fall in the round of 16. This year's World Cup is dominated by our three nations! As for who will be the champion, we'll see who wins in the semifinals and the final."

"Absolutely right! I'll contact the Canadian minister immediately." Paul was overjoyed.

Moriarty exchanged a glance with James and left the Pentagon office under the pretext of a "warm-up game".

It's worth mentioning that when they were leaving, Roman and the other players seemed to be petrified, slumped in their chairs and motionless. In the end, it was Moriarty who used magic to take them out.

Today's conversation has overturned their understanding of the world.

Instead of mentioning the World Cup betting odds—they wouldn't understand—just talk about the schedule.

Countless players have set the top three in the World Cup as their lifelong goal and have worked hard for it for most of their lives!

In Moriarty's words, the top three spots were decided with just a few casual words!

"Moriarty, in your eyes, what is the glory we earned through our sweat and effort?"

You are Slytherin yourself, please tell us—is glory merely a fig leaf to cover up dirty deals?

Stepping out of the Pentagon office, Roman finally couldn't hold back any longer and bombarded Moriarty with questions.

Moriarty glanced back at him, his icy gaze sending chills down Roman's spine.

"I don't know when Durmstrang's students became so naive."

Moriarty's voice was cold and ruthless: "You are already a wizard in your twenties, but you are not a qualified wizard."

To gain greater benefits at minimal cost and achieve final victory through convenient means.

There are many ways to gain glory, and your mindset cannot remain stuck in the straightforward approach forever. If you cannot change your mindset before the round of 16 begins, don't blame me for being ruthless.

Furthermore, don't even mention the name Slytherin; you're not worthy to use it right now.

Moriarty turned and left, with James leading the way as they walked out of the Woolworth Building. Roman, supported by the players, followed.

James led Moriarty to a quiet corner and asked in a low voice, "Is it really okay for you to tell Paul about your relationship with old Foley and old Flint?"

"I revealed it on purpose because I don't trust him."

Moriarty's eyes gleamed with an intriguing light. "I'm using this secret to test him. If he cooperates with us obediently, I won't mind sharing some of the benefits."

If he makes any changes, this Canadian presidency will be his doom.

James felt a chill run down his spine. As if sensing this, Moriarty immediately gave a gentle smile: "Of course, the scheming between Paul and me doesn't affect our relationship."

Now, take us to meet Maxi Blanche III, whom Jericho speaks highly of as his elder brother.

(End of this chapter)