Night fell over New York.
There were no stars like those by the sea.
Only bright, flickering neon lights, streams of light flowing across the exteriors of skyscrapers, and moving headlights on the roads. The lights of the entire city merged together like a crystalline, glittering spiderweb.
In a reception room at a hotel near the airport, complimentary drinks sat on the table. The champagne in the tall glasses steadily released bubbles, adding faint traces of ethanol to the air.
Loren sat on the sofa, quietly listening to Mr. Kowhaug's proposal.
It was actually the result of discussions with Minister Scrimgeour, perhaps even with Dumbledore's involvement. The proposal showed Loren every possible respect.
They would publicly disclose some of the battle's details to the wizarding world, truthfully stating that a mysterious wizard had helped the Ministry of Magic defeat Voldemort. The American Magical Congress and the Ministry of Magic would not claim the credit, and would do their best to help Loren obtain the honors and recognition he deserved. They would persuade multiple countries to award him the Order of Merlin, while keeping his identity confidential.
Loren felt that the service was indeed remarkably thorough.
Dumbledore would propose that Loren be granted a seat on the Wizengamot, while the Ministry of Magic would provide full support.
A seat in the International Confederation of Wizards would be more troublesome. He would need to reveal his identity to the Ministers for Magic of several core member states in order to secure a position. The International Wizarding Congress was held once every four years, which meant Loren did not need to appear in person and could appoint a representative to participate in relevant resolutions.
It merely required some concessions regarding his secrecy.
After thinking for a moment, Loren decided to accept the seats