The Curtain Rises

With just over a month left in the second academic year, major newspapers devoted their largest and most prominent pages to reporting the day's most important news.

The Wizarding United Guard was officially established.

This organization is roughly similar in nature to International United law enforcement agency, primarily responsible for maintaining social order within the Wizarding World of various countries. To put it simply, the Auror in the Wizarding World were originally equivalent to special forces, while the duties of ordinary police were distributed among various departments of the Ministry of Magic. Now, the Wizarding United Guard has taken over this authority.

The Guard Corps is currently being temporarily led by Cyril Marshall, who is 45 years old at the time.

This woman is from Italy and previously worked at the International Confederation of Wizards for over a decade. After resigning, she dedicated herself to reforming laws concerning social order within the Wizarding World.

In her statement, Ms. Marshall said that actual control of the Guard Corps would be handed over to the International Confederation of Wizards, while the powers of the subordinate branches would be controlled by the national Ministry of Magic.

She will temporarily take charge of the tedious matters at the beginning of the Guard Corps's formation. The new captain will be re-selected at the subsequent United Wizard Assembly, and the captains of the squads in each country will be selected internally by the Ministry of Magic.

The selection of Guard Corps is also handled by the Ministry of Magic, which will only send a few veteran members to provide advice.

Hermione quickly read through the entire report, and said thoughtfully, "If power is completely divided, then perhaps the formation of this Wizarding United Guard is a good thing?"

Sean shook his head. "They've done too much before, it's hard not to doubt the purity of their motives. Besides, the attitudes of the various national Ministry of Magic have changed too quickly. To be honest, I don't believe no one put pressure on them."

"Then what is the purpose of this Guard Corps?" Hermione frowned.

"The new leaders want to gain more say, that's why these new official forces were established..."

And it might not be just that... Sean frowned slightly, his fingers gripping the newspaper and gently stroking the blank space between the words.

"... Ms. Marshall stated that, in addition to the current social order within the Wizarding World, the Wizarding United Guard will also launch an investigation into long-standing cases. We will thoroughly investigate forgotten and concealed cases, re-arresting and holding accountable those wizards who have escaped punishment. We welcome and encourage wizards to provide us with evidence of someone violating wizarding laws via owl letters, whether for personal fairness or for the stability and order of the wizarding community—"

"The Wizarding World has long been corrupt, with countless unfair, harsh, and outdated laws and regulations. Our goal is to restore a fair, just, and transparent security environment for all wizards. Upholding the legitimate rights and interests of all citizens will be the lifelong guiding principle of the Guard Corps."

In the most prominent position of the newspaper, a middle-aged witch with a serious expression and firm eyes is delivering a passionate speech. In the black and white image, she waves her hands again and again, describing to the reporters and ordinary wizards below the direction and code of conduct of the Wizarding United Guard.

Hermione flipped through a few pages of the newspaper, looked up and said, "It's just a brief introduction, there's no detailed information about this Ms. Marshall's background."

"That's normal. This isn't an open election, and this lady is only serving as the temporary captain of the Guard Corps."

Hermione frowned in displeasure. Under Sean's influence, she was no longer as superstitious about authority as she had been when she first entered school. Moreover, she and Sean had previously deduced the general outline behind the arrest of the Pure-blood Wizard.

The girl believed that the formation of the Guard Corps was the result of some ill-intentioned wizards, and she was quite unhappy about it.

"What's so great about being a temporary captain? Sean, you and I both know that no matter who's replaced later, the captain's position is definitely not going to be filled with selfless people..." Hermione muttered discontentedly.

"But we can't change anything, Hermione. You've been worrying too much lately. Leave the work to the people who should do it—this is something that people like Professor Dumbledore need to handle," Sean advised.

Daisy, who had been fiddling with the edge of her sandwich, asked quietly, "Sean, Hermione, will this Wizarding United Guard be like my dad's?"

Sean turned to her and shrugged. "Of course we hope those people can be like your father."

Hermione said, "I just hope..."

"There's no need to be so pessimistic and sensitive, Hermione. The fire won't reach us. Besides— Mr. Fudge is just like that..."

While several young wizards were discussing the major events happening in the Wizarding World in various tones, the basement of a castle in Switzerland was undergoing a major renovation.

The House-elves continuously used magic under their master's command, and various kinds of wood and steel plates floated in the sky. After the construction was completed, a wizard would come forward to cast reinforcement and Defensive Magic.

At the end of the corridor, which was already taking shape, sat several wizards wearing pointed hats in a secluded meeting room.

They all bore the emblem of the Wizarding United Guard on their chests: a cross of wands and Knight's Sword, surrounded by radiating golden light.

The middle-aged woman at the head of the group had just appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world. At this moment, she was standing with her arms crossed, discussing matters with the others.

"Has anyone been chosen to succeed me?" she asked.

A middle-aged male wizard said, "The International Confederation of Wizards is still discussing it, but the candidates have basically been decided. They are all within our expectations."

Other wizards laughed, "A very accurate judgment—the people they picked are all cut from the same mold."

"Indecisive, lacking in clear viewpoints, slow-thinking, incapable of changing the status quo, universally acknowledged as easily manipulated—and also adept at being guided. Ha, isn't he the perfect candidate?"

The wizards present chuckled.

Marshall, who was in charge, tapped the table lightly. "Don't let your guard down, Lynch. Send someone to make contact again to make sure nothing unexpected happens."

A slightly younger wizard nodded.

After giving a few more instructions, the group discussed their next course of action, their voices growing softer.

"... If we want to build public trust... let's start with a big fish."

"The returns are promising, but we need to be wary of any backlash from certain individuals..."

"Let's make a list, and do one last check..."

"... These are all good, but is the England going to choose the Malfoy Family?"

"... Let's wait a bit, we'll get news soon..."

A group of people whispered among themselves about the "suitable candidate," and after reaching a fairly satisfactory conclusion, Ms. Marshall took a deep breath and murmured, "Then it's him..."

The word "he" seemed to have a magical power, and the atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became stiff.

The previously heated discussion fell silent, and many people fidgeted awkwardly. After a long while, the middle-aged wizard finally spoke cautiously, "Cyril, do we... do we really have to do this?"

Cyril Marshall glanced at the other person, then lowered her eyes to conceal her expression, and said in a calm voice, "This was decided long ago."

"But..." Many people hesitated.

Marshall raised his hand to adjust his slightly tilted pointed hat, and said in a calm tone, "Our purpose is to eliminate all unstable factors."

"The question is, is it useful...?"

"Whether it's useful or not, we'll only know after we do it. Alright, colleagues, keep your heads up and proceed according to plan," Marshall stood up. "I need to go find a few people..."

The British Ministry of Magic's Department of International Magical Cooperation, located on the fifth basement level, has recently opened a new area – the Wizarding United Guard British Office.

At that moment, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge was on his way to his office, accompanied by his secretary and a bespectacled wizard.

Stopping before the gate where wands and Knight's Sword could be crossed, Fudge turned around and said with a smile, "James, when this new department was established, you were the first person I thought of. To be honest, I originally wanted you to take over as Head of the Auror Office after Kingsley's promotion, but there haven't been any vacancies in the department lately, and it would be a waste to keep you as an ordinary Auror..."

James Potter smiled and said, "I believe that there are no distinctions of authority among Auror; everyone is the same, and I am willing to shine in any role."

"Of course, of course, every Auror deserves respect—you know that, James. I mean you should put more of your abilities to use as head of the Wizarding United Guard British Office. I think that position would suit you very well."

"Thank you for your appreciation, Minister, but I believe there are many other members in the department who are more experienced and senior than me and could be competent for this role..."

Fudge interrupted him, then pointed at James with feigned reproach. "This personnel change is settled. Don't I, as the minister, have any say?"

"That's not what I meant, sir."

"I understand," Fudge smiled again. "James, from now on, the social order of the British Wizarding World will depend on you."

"... I will do my best."

After Fudge and his secretary left, James took a deep look at their backs before pushing open the door and going inside.

A group of ten people were waiting for him inside.

"Mr. Potter. James Potter?" someone approached.

"Yes, I will be in charge of matters related to the new office from now on." James shook hands with the other party.

While listening to the other party's introduction and flipping through the subordinates' files, James nodded from time to time and asked a few questions every now and then.

After a while, the tall wizard named Chiz Poulsen finished his introduction, and James looked at him. "Mr. Polson, do we need to add five more team members?"

"That's right. Based on past experience, each country's offices should be staffed with at least fifteen members to handle all kinds of situations. Of course, we also need to provide a number of civilian staff."

James nodded. "I understand. You have experience, so I'll take you with me to the selection next time."

Poulsen scratched his cheek honestly and said, "Mr. Porter, you are in charge now. I will leave it to you to select the team members. I will be responsible for providing some past experience in daily affairs."

James glanced at the other person, then raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled, "Alright, it's settled then. From now on, we'll have to work together well."

"Of course."

The two smiled and shook hands again.

Once all ten team members had gone out to familiarize themselves with their positions, James took out his wand and waved it, and a silver stag galloped out from the tip of the wand.

James waved his wand again, then spoke a few words to his Patronus, and the stag leaped through the wall and disappeared into thin air.

That night, Sean received the latest news from the British Ministry of Magic from Bella.

"The head of the Wizarding United Guard British Office is Harry's dad?" Sean lay in bed pondering the latest news he had received.

This was a development he hadn't anticipated.

In his and Hermione's deductions, there was one or more Mysterious Person behind the Wizarding United Guard, who were likely up to no good.

Such a person could not possibly be completely unaware of Dumbledore's interpersonal relationships; after all, if the other party wanted to do anything within England, they would always have to get past Dumbledore, this formidable figure.

The Potter family had a close relationship with Dumbledore. Although neither side had made it public, they hadn't deliberately hidden it either, so investigating wouldn't be a difficult task.

And now, such an important position as head of the England office has been handed over to James without any hindrance—it can almost be regarded as being handed over to Dumbledore.

If the other party wanted to do something underhanded through this office, it would be unrealistic to expect them to hide it from their new boss. In other words, their underhanded actions would be exposed to Dumbledore without a trace.

This doesn't make sense... Sean muttered to himself, frowning.

Unless, of course, both he and Hermione's judgments were flawed— that the Wizarding United Guard was truly dedicated to the people and wanted to change the corrupt practices of wizarding society, genuinely seeking more rights for ordinary wizards—then handing the position of leader to James was perfectly reasonable.

Wait... Sean narrowed his eyes. The message Bella had sent also mentioned that James was appointed directly by Fudge. He had only held a perfunctory discussion meeting with a few high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Magic before James's appointment was issued.

This is not in line with the current situation, especially since news of Dumbledore's dissatisfaction with Fudge has already spread in England. Given Fudge's personality, he would not think about repairing the relationship between the two; his first choice would be to suppress Dumbledore.

If Fudge was forced into it, then it meant that James's appointment was intentional—but Sean still didn't understand why James would place Dumbledore's confidant in such a crucial position...

A few days later, Sean saw a new message.

"The Wizarding United Guard – strike hard! Jobs Aiken, the uncle of the current head of the France Aiken Family, has been arrested at his villa in Paris for a crime committed fifteen years ago!"