"Silence!"
"Silence!"
Madam Griselda Marchbanks, who was presiding over the meeting, roared as she struggled to restore order. Unfortunately, many people kept shouting.
So she drew her Wand, pressed it to her throat, and shouted, "Silence!"
Seated on the raised platform where the panel sat, she turned to look at the loudest shouts. "Barty, if you don't understand how to behave at a meeting, perhaps you should go home and cool off?"
Madam Marchbanks had every right to say that. She was the most senior witch in the Ministry of Magic.
She had even been the examiner for Dumbledore's N.E.W.T. examinations when he was young. Nearly everyone currently working at the Ministry had practically grown up under her eye.
Even the formidable old politician Barty Crouch Sr. could only shut his mouth with a disgruntled look when faced with the old witch.
Madam Marchbanks turned to the right.
"Mr. Joyce, I don't believe this competition has anything to do with the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad. I don't know why you're so worked up, but if you can't keep a clear head and put down your Wand, I'll have the Aurors escort you out!"
At last, the entire meeting room fell silent.
Only then did Madam Marchbanks turn to Anton. "Director Weasley, you may answer whichever of the questions you just heard that you feel able to address."
The old witch smiled kindly, showing Anton particular leniency. She was clearly exercising her authority as chair to let him choose which questions he wanted to answer.
Anton smiled and nodded to her.
Back when the Masters had come to treat Dumbledore in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts School, Anton had sat in on their lessons. Madam Marchbanks and Nicolas Flamel had taught him the most. (Chapter 364)
He raised a hand and