Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Arrival of the Ministry of Magic Officials

After listening to the accounts of the three, the professors and board members all cast rather peculiar looks at Hevin, as if they were observing some kind of oddity.

“Ahem, just coincidences, all coincidences!” Hevin coughed twice, speaking awkwardly.

At that moment, Mr. Malfoy’s deep voice suddenly sounded.

He scrutinized Hevin and his mother with suspicion, saying, “I want to know, how could a first-year student so coincidentally interfere with Grindelwald’s plans?”

“What, are you suspecting us?” Sandrine raised her brows, glaring back at Malfoy.

“No, I have no intention of doubting you.” Malfoy offered a false smile. “It’s just that your French branch has an unusual relationship with Grindelwald, and there have been so many coincidences in this matter…”

“Malfoy, you’d better think carefully about what you’re implying!” Sandrine interrupted him sharply, her voice cold.

“I am always quite clear about what I’m saying.” Malfoy stared unyieldingly at Sandrine and Hevin.

“No need to quarrel any longer!”

At that moment, Headmaster Dippet spoke up, breaking the tense standoff between Malfoy and Sandrine.

“I believe Mr. Rozier has already shown us through his actions that he is worthy of our trust. I have misjudged enough people this term; I cannot afford to continue making mistakes.”

Headmaster Dippet turned and looked deeply at Hevin. “Mr. Rozier, I apologize for previously disregarding your advice.”

Seeing the headmaster’s gaze unconsciously drift toward the three criminals who were apprehended thanks to Hevin, Malfoy somewhat unwillingly withdrew his attention, pretending to fiddle with his cane.

Sandrine snorted coldly, clearly not wanting to escalate matters further, and likewise looked away.

Noticing the atmosphere had softened, Headmaster Dippet nodded lightly, then formally addressed Hevin, “Additionally, I believe Hogwarts owes you a Special Contribution Award, Mr. Rozier!”

On his eternally stern face, a somewhat stiff yet unexpectedly gentle smile appeared.

Seeing the headmaster’s expression, Hevin responded with a knowing smile, feeling a wave of relief.

The series of events surrounding the destruction of the magical node had finally reached its conclusion!

…

With the matter settled, what followed was the wrapping up of affairs.

First was the handling of the three Grindelwald followers who had endangered Hogwarts’ safety.

With the combined spells of several heads of house, the fireplace in the room was successfully infused with magical energy and connected to the Floo Network.

Soon, three men in formal attire, composed and dignified, stepped through the fireplace, followed by several aurors with solemn expressions.

“Good evening, Headmaster Dippet.” The leader approached with a smile, shaking hands with the headmaster.

He wore a black formal wizard’s robe; his slender frame failed to fill out the shoulders, causing them to droop loosely. Beneath his nose was a tidy mustache, and his hair, streaked gray and black, was combed back as if to appear more spirited.

“Good evening, Minister Fley, Director Morn, Director Pilwick, and esteemed aurors. Thank you for coming out so late!” Headmaster Dippet rose and shook Minister Fley’s hand, then led the Ministry officials and the accompanying aurors to the three unconscious criminals, introducing their crimes.

Listening to the headmaster’s explanation, Minister Fley nodded repeatedly, earnestly assuring that these three would receive proper punishment.

As they spoke, Dumbledore suddenly stood and walked toward the Ministry officials.

“Minister Fley, I must remind you once again: Grindelwald absolutely has both the resolve and the capability to declare war on the European wizarding world and the entire Muggle world. The British Ministry of Magic must begin preparing for war!”

He fixed Minister Fley with a piercing gaze, speaking gravely.

“Professor Dumbledore, I believe we’ve already discussed this matter.” Minister Fley’s eager expression instantly turned cold. He looked at Dumbledore, heavily emphasizing “Professor” to make it clear Dumbledore was but a teacher, not a Ministry official.

“Grindelwald cannot risk violating the entire magical world by breaking the International Statute of Secrecy outright; he does not, and cannot, possess the power to declare war on all of Europe!” he said forcefully.

“Preparing for war would consume immense manpower, resources, and Galleons. The British Ministry of Magic cannot squander funds on a war that will not come, simply because of your word. Are you trying to boost your own reputation by stirring up talk of war? Dumbledore, you’re overthinking things!”

Hearing Minister Fley’s words, Dumbledore’s gaze grew sharper, locking eyes with the Minister and making him uneasy.

“Mr. Dumbledore,” Director Morn, standing behind the Minister, spoke up as a reminder.

Dumbledore finally relented, retracting his keen stare. He sighed helplessly and turned away.

Watching Dumbledore depart, Minister Fley secretly breathed a sigh of relief, dabbing the cold sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

Perhaps feeling his earlier display had been less than dignified, he quickly pocketed the handkerchief, composed himself, and righteously instructed the aurors to take the three criminals away.

“Headmaster Dippet, these three will be tried next weekend. We hope you and Mr. Rozier can attend as key witnesses,” Minister Fley addressed the headmaster and Hevin.

Headmaster Dippet nodded, then looked to Hevin for confirmation.

Yet with Sandrine present, Hevin seemed to have no say, so their gazes shifted to her.

Sandrine considered for a moment and asked, “Minister Fley, Hevin is not yet of age. I should be able to attend the trial as his guardian, correct?”

“Of course, Mrs. Rozier,” Minister Fley readily agreed.

Soon, all relevant arrangements were completed. Feeling he had accomplished a political triumph, Minister Fley bade farewell to Headmaster Dippet and the others, then departed with the directors and aurors through the fireplace.

Hevin thought he caught Director Morn casting Dumbledore a cryptic glance before stepping into the fireplace—though perhaps it was just his imagination…

As the Ministry officials and aurors left, the remaining board members, seeing that matters had been resolved, took their leave of the headmaster and the four heads of house.

Sandrine embraced Hevin reluctantly, then began to fuss, fixing her gaze on him. “Don’t let me see you behave recklessly like this again, do you hear me? Your father is gone, and if anything happens to you, do you expect me to spend the rest of my life alone?”

“I understand, Mother. I won’t take such risks again!” Hevin nodded, feeling a heavy weight in his heart.

“Remember what you said!” Sandrine waved goodbye to Hevin, then stepped into the fireplace. “See you next weekend, son!”

“See you next weekend!”

…

…