Gringotts

Casting a sidelong glance at Amelia, who was forcing back a smile, Amosta's indifferent expression softened. As his demeanor changed, the heavy atmosphere inside the Leaky Cauldron melted like solid ice and began to flow again.

"Mr. Breen!"

Old Tom was the first to recover. He left the bar at almost a sprint and rushed before Amosta. Already hunched over, he bent his waist even lower. With reverence in his eyes, Old Tom's weathered face broke into a delighted smile.

"Oh, what an honor it is to see you, Mr. Breen! Lately, quite a few customers have been discussing whether you might return to Britain. I never expected you to appear so suddenly today!"

"Hello, Tom—"

Amosta, whose mere cold gaze and impassive expression had just subdued a vicious fight before it could break out, changed completely. His smile became gentle and modest. With barely concealed curiosity in his voice, Amosta asked with interest,

"People have been discussing whether I would return to Britain, Tom? Why is that?"

"Oh!"

Old Tom looked indignant.

"The Daily Prophet reported what you did in New York, so there have been rumors that, because you did the American wizarding world such a great service over there, those Americans think extremely highly of you and intend to invite you to become Head of the Department of Aurors. Utter nonsense, I tell you! I told them Mr. Breen is already Vice Chairman of the Wizarding Union. He wouldn't give the position of Head of the Department of Aurors a second look unless those Americans made you their Minister of Magic!"

To be fair, Amosta and Old Tom could only be said to be acquainted, but over the past few years, every time Old Tom saw Amosta, his back seemed to bend a little lower.

"That is