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“I will use my personal salary to foster young Crouch at St. Mungo’s Hospital until you are released from prison. Please try your best to live,” she whispered in Mr. Crouch’s ear.
Crouch opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end he just nodded.
He straightened his hat and followed the Aurors out, his steps heavy but his back ramrod straight.
This heartwarming scene was carefully observed and meticulously recorded by the reporters of "Singing the Dissent".
Now I have a plan for my column in the next few days.
The trial ended, and the wizards left one by one. Dumbledore and Mrs. Proudmoore left only after answering the reporters' questions.
With a series of clanging and clattering sounds, an elevator descended in front of them.
The golden gate slid open gently, and Dumbledore and Mrs. Proudmoore stepped into the elevator together.
…
The elevator doors opened again, and four or five wizards stepped out. At the same time, several paper airplanes whizzed into the elevator. Dumbledore looked up and watched them slowly circling overhead.
"This tranquility in the wizarding world is about to be shattered. Voldemort and his Death Eaters, Jaina of the Ministry of Magic... the Order of the Phoenix must unite..." Dumbledore thought with deep concern about the situation he might face after Voldemort's return.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, please tell Alastor Moody that we hope he can come to the Ministry of Magic once he has recovered. We need his assistance with some record-keeping work," Tonks said, leaning forward from behind Dumbledore.
Upon hearing this, Dumbledore's face showed surprise. "Wasn't Alastor rescued by you?"
He and Tonks looked at each other in bewilderment.
"He wasn't rescued by you?"
Tonks was also bewildered. She explained, "Out of respect for Headmaster Dumbledore, we Aurors do not enter Hogwarts Castle without permission unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, after capturing Crouch Jr., Cirira only informed Professor McGonagall and did not go to rescue Moody."
After all that, Alastor Moody still hasn't been rescued.
This poor fellow was completely forgotten in Crouch Jr.'s office for three or four days.
Well, with Crouch Jr. around, he seems to be able to survive, since Crouch Jr. still needs his hair to make Polyjuice Potion.
But Crouch Jr. was arrested, and instead faced the danger of starvation. Ironically, the person who harmed him was an ally.
It has to be said, this is dark humor.
Tonks strongly suspects that this was Cirira's doing, and that she is still seeking revenge on Moody for what happened back then.
This woman is someone you really shouldn't offend.
However, she wouldn't reveal this to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore fell into deep thought after hearing this. He slowly reached into the sleeve of his magic robe, and a small section of a phoenix tail feather peeked out from the cuff, shimmering with a soft luster.
A moment later, the phoenix tail feathers quietly retracted into the sleeve.
When the elevator came to a smooth stop in the lobby, Dumbledore stepped out. Fawkes immediately appeared before him, spreading its beautiful wings and fluttering gently.
Dumbledore's withered, aged hand gently stroked Fawkes's back. Suddenly, his figure vanished from the Ministry of Magic's hall, leaving only a faint glow and lingering warmth.
------------
The image shows Gianna Fan, a woman with exceptional political talent.
Chapter 448 Half of the Ministry of Magic
"Tonight, we need to invite all the Ministry of Magic employees who follow us to a victory celebration banquet."
After returning to the tower, Jaina found Levin and spoke to him.
Levin, who had been leisurely leaning against the window, gazing at the distant forest and watching the nymphs playing by the water, turned around upon hearing Jaina's words and nodded casually: "Oh? A victory celebration? Sounds pretty good. You can make the arrangements. Just remember to call me then, and I'll be there on time."
However, Gianna did not soften her tone because of Levin's relaxed attitude. She said seriously, "Levin, this is not just a matter of attendance. You have an important task at this banquet."
Levin's smile faded, and he frowned slightly. "A mission? What mission? It's not like I'm supposed to wear a tuxedo and serve them wine glasses, is it? You know I can't handle those kinds of situations. Isn't Penelope better at these kinds of social events?"
“Of course I know, you are Levin Green, how could I let you do that kind of work?” Jaina chuckled softly.
"So what is my mission?" Levin asked, somewhat curious.
“Your task is to give a speech on stage,” Jaina replied. “743.”
“A speech?” Levin was clearly surprised by the assignment. “I’m not an employee of the Ministry of Magic, what use would it be for me to give a speech to them? Aren’t Tonks and Onyxia better at these kinds of situations?”
“No, none of them are as suitable as you.” Jaina saw it clearly. “You are the most important core among us. In this wizarding world, the political landscape is completely different from that of the Muggle world. The political influence of a true strongman can be comparable to that of a high-ranking politician. And you, Levin, you play that role among us. Your reputation and academic achievements amplify your influence in this regard. As long as you step forward, they will naturally recognize you.”
Jaina had a well-thought-out plan and had already made all the arrangements perfectly.
“But how could I possibly write a speech in such a short time?” Levin said with some helplessness.
He wasn't afraid to give a speech, but Gianna was only telling him about it now, and the time was too tight.
It's not because he's lazy.
But Jaina knew Levin too well. She suddenly pulled out a piece of parchment that she had prepared beforehand from her magic robe and handed it to Levin.
"Look, I've been ready for a long time."
Seeing Levin's bewildered expression, Jaina smiled smugly, just like a cunning mother fox.
Levin took the parchment, unfolded it, and was so surprised that he couldn't speak.
Not only did Gianna write out the complete speech, but she also made detailed annotations on the tone and gestures of every sentence. This meticulous preparation impressed Levin.
“Everything has been prepared for you, so you have no excuse now.” Jaina winked at Levin.
Seeing this, Levin had no choice but to compromise: "Okay, okay, I understand. I'll do whatever you say tonight."
That evening, Onyxia's manor was decorated with the same solemnity and elegance as the Great Hall of Hogwarts.
A beige tablecloth covered the long table, almost reaching the grass. A gentle evening breeze carried the fragrance of various flowers from the garden—most of which had been brought to life today by the flower fairies invited from Levin—making one feel refreshed and relaxed.
The guests at the banquet chatted and laughed under the soft lighting, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Gwen and Orianna, the two maids, were busy all day preparing for the celebration banquet.
They meticulously prepared a variety of delicious foods and drinks, with platters of food rotating automatically on the long table for the guests to enjoy. Whenever a plate of food was finished, it would be automatically refilled.
Those Ministry of Magic officials who had assisted Jaina in carrying out a series of tasks during the Great Purge were invited to this grand event.
Among them were both Jaina's old subordinates and newcomers who had distinguished themselves in the Academy of Knowledge and joined her directly after graduation.
Everyone sat together, sharing the delicious food and joy, celebrating their shared victory.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the colorful lights in the room suddenly went out. A stage rose at the very front of the long table, and Gianna Proudmoore, dressed in a beautiful blue robe, gracefully walked onto it. Standing under the spotlight, she smiled at the crowd and said:
"First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming and for your selfless contributions to the entire faction. I also congratulate you on receiving the reward you deserve."
As Jaina raised her goblet, everyone in the audience stood up, raised their glasses, and celebrated the victory together, looking forward to a bright future.
After everyone had shared a drink, Jaina's voice rang out again.
"In this operation, we not only successfully took over almost all the valuable positions in Crouch's faction, but also, through negotiations with Minister of Magic Fudge, we achieved another major victory!"
She paused for a moment, her gaze slowly sweeping over the wizards in the audience, pleased to see that their attention was focused on her.
She continued, “I, Jaina Proudmoore, have now been promoted to Director of the Department of Law Enforcement and also serve as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic—and our Minister Burns has become Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.”
As soon as Jaina finished speaking, the room erupted in laughter.
The word "也" is used very well here.
From this perspective, the International Department of Magical Cooperation has essentially become a place where the Department of Law Enforcement relegates its former ministers.
First Crouch, then Amelia Bornes, two consecutive ministers were sent there.
Of course, it's just a joke, and the reality is not that simple.
“And my closest friend, Lady Katrana Prestor,” Jaina continued, “she has been appointed Director of the Department of Magical Creatures Control, responsible for hiding, caring for, and controlling all magical beasts, creatures, and souls residing within the territory of the Underworld.”
She reached out her hand towards Katlana, who stood up and gracefully raised her glass to everyone.
And so another round of drinking began.
The Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures is the second largest department within the Ministry of Magic.
Of course, this refers to scale, not importance.
Even so, securing the position of director of this department after the purge was a huge success for Katlana and her entire faction.
This was something Jaina traded for Lai in exchange for Fudge's position as director of the International Department of Magical Cooperation.
This is something that cannot be told to outsiders.
Jaina only announced the two positions mentioned above, as the promotions of the others had already been decided after the Great Purge ended.
Only the positions of the two department heads required Fook Kee's approval, which is why the results were obtained today.
This results in seven departments within the Ministry of Magic: the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters, the Department of Magical Creature Management and Control, the Department of International Magical Cooperation, the Department of Magical Transportation, the Department of Magical Sports and Mysteries.
Of these seven departments, the Department of Mysterious Affairs is only responsible for conducting secret research and has no connection with the other departments. Even the minister can hardly interfere in the operation of this department, making it an outside organization.
Of the remaining six divisions, Jaina and her team have already taken control of half: Jaina heads the Division of Magical Law Enforcement, Onyxia is in charge of the Division of Magical Creature Management and Control, and Ludo Bagman's Division of Magical Sports.
It's fair to say they've become half of the Ministry of Magic.
“Of course, there’s a price to pay,” Jaina’s tone suddenly turned serious. “Therefore, we must remember one thing: according to the agreement with Minister Fudge, we must remain silent about whether the Man of Vulcan has returned. This applies not only to the adults among us, but also to the young wizards of Hogwarts here. Please make sure you take this to heart.”
After she finished speaking, her deep blue eyes slowly swept across everyone's faces, making sure that everyone understood what she meant.
At this point, her gaze shifted to Levin's table, where Hermione, Cho Chang, Luna, and several other members of the Society of the Learned were seated.
Seeing them, her tone became cheerful again: "In the next school year, I hope you will restrain the students of the Elite Society from publicly expressing their opinions on this issue. In return, Minister Fudge will try to award you more Order of Merlin Third Class medals for your heroic actions during the attack on the competition."
The 4.9-level wizards nodded happily upon hearing this.
Jaina Proudmoore looked at the excited young wizards and sighed inwardly: Children are so easily satisfied.
She knew very well that these third-class medals were not very valuable; even that fraudster Gilderoy Lockhart had received one back in the day.
The one that truly has real value is the next one.
"However, that's not all I have to announce today."
She smiled slightly and continued, "Next, I would like to introduce to you my most important friend, my sworn brother, and also the president of the Society of Learned Scholars, Levin Green. I believe everyone here is familiar with him; his talent and achievements need no further elaboration. I only hope that he continues on his path and lives up to the expectations of all of us. Furthermore, Minister Fudge has pledged to seek a new Order of Merlin First Class for Levin's significant contribution in protecting numerous civilians during the riots!"
Ms. Proudmore's face beamed with pride and joy. She gave Levin an encouraging look and said, "Now, let's give a warm round of applause to Levin Green for saying a few words to us."
Chapter 449 We Are the Future
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Jaina loudly announced that Levin was about to give a speech.
The applause came like a tidal wave, enthusiastic and long-lasting.
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