Scrimgeour's attitude was actually alright; people in high positions always tend to be a bit arrogant.
Unfortunately, he was unlucky and Dumbledore, who was completely unpretentious, got there first.
They've already made it clear they've refused; are we just going to slink back like this?
No, even if he is rejected, Scrimgeour needs to know why.
"Alastor, let's talk some more!"
The door opened with a "whoosh," and first, half a wand emerged from inside, followed by Moody's hideous face covered in scars.
"Rufus, we have nothing to talk about."
Scrimgeour took a deep breath. "Alastor, you have to give me a reason. Have we interfered with your retirement plans? Or are you no longer the talented and dedicated Auror you once were?"
Moody's face instantly turned cold. "Rufus, the first lesson I ever taught you was not to let your emotions become your weakness."
His wand pointed steadily at a scar on his forehead. "This is the price I paid for this."
If he had been easily provoked, he wouldn't be alive today.
"Because of Dumbledore?" Scrimgeour stared intently into Moody's undamaged eyes.
"Regardless of what he said, the most important thing now is to find the Death Eaters as soon as possible. We cannot continue to be on the defensive."
Moody remained indifferent. "It has nothing to do with him."
Just before the door was about to close, Scrimgeour stuck out his foot and stopped it.
"Alastor, I hope you will seriously consider this. You know better than anyone the danger Death Eaters. If we let them run rampant—"
"Stop deceiving yourself, Rufus."
Moody leaned closer to him, his magic eyes seemingly able to see into his true thoughts.
"The reappearance of the Dark Mark, Peter Pettigrew's rescue, the Death Eaters' attack on the camp—don't you think all of this is too much of a coincidence?"
Scrimgeour leaned back, completely unable to look directly into that demonic eye.
Why did the Death Eaters, who had disappeared for over a decade, reappear on the day of Peter Pettigrew's execution?
Was it because it wasn't cleaned up properly back then? Or is it because of that person whose name can't even be mentioned...?
Scrimgeour shook his head decisively, "Alastor, are you crazy? That person couldn't possibly still be alive!"
Moody withdrew his gaze with considerable disappointment. "Rufus, you've been blinded, because of what? Power?"
He sneered, "Let's face reality as soon as possible, before things escalate into a major disaster."
Scrimgeour sheepishly withdrew his foot from the door.
The British Ministry of Magic has kept many secrets from the outside world, many of which could endanger public safety.
In 1991, an evil dark wizard possessed Quirrell in an attempt to find the Sorcerer's Stone hidden in Hogwarts.
In 1992, an evil spirit resided within the diary, using Lockhart to open the hidden Chamber of Secrets and release the Basilisk.
In 1993, Sirius Black had escaped from prison, was successfully exonerated. The former hero Peter Pettigrew was revealed to be the traitor who cruelly murdered 12 innocent Muggle.
In 1994, which is this year, Peter Pettigrew, who was about to be executed, was rescued from the hospital, and Augustus Luke Wood, who was to carry out the execution in his place, was also rescued. Less than a month later, the attack occurred.
All signs pointed to the fact that the British Wizarding World was not peaceful, and a single attack shattered the false pretense of peace.
Scrimgeour's lips trembled as he stared helplessly at the tightly closed door before him.
As Moody said, he had been deceiving himself all along; he was blinded by power.
However, in the corrupt world of politics, being unconventional will only lead to marginalization, just like with Barty Crouch.
Scrimgeour was breathing heavily, as if he were having a fierce internal struggle.
A moment later, his eyes flashed like lightning in the night.
Though brief, it was exceptionally bright.
He bowed deeply to the closed door, then turned and left with unwavering steps.
Inside the room, Moody, who had been watching him with his magic eye, had a slight smile on his lips.
If we investigate in the direction Voldemort is going, we're sure to find a lot of useful clues.
As for how many clues there are, that depends on how lucid Scrimgeour is.
8 p. m., Devon.
Dartmoor Stadium, which had been quiet for several days, has become lively again.
The 100,000-seat auditorium was already packed, while the wizards who hadn't bought tickets were still crowding around outside, just like before.
A giant screen of Magical Projection shone into the dark night sky, broadcasting live interviews with the two teams competing that night.
A handsome blond-haired, blue-eyed man appeared in front of the camera.
"Mr. Lamont, are you confident about tonight's game?"
Scottish Team's Seeker Hector Lamont smiled confidently, "Of course, we've prepared hard for four years, how could we possibly stop at the quarterfinals?"
Four years ago in the final, the English Team and the Canadian Team fought for five days and five nights, and the English team ultimately lost by a narrow margin of 240:270.
Lamont was just millimeters away from catching the Golden Snitch.
After the match, he blamed his father, "Shorty" Lamont, for not being able to grow his fingers longer.
Four years have passed, and he has become even stronger, with his muscular arms almost bursting through his clothes.
"Mr. Lamont, I wish you good luck tonight."
"Thank you, I will definitely not let the fans down."
After the English Team, it's Luxembourg Team's turn.
Although they are not a strong team in the traditional sense, they certainly did not make it to the quarterfinals by luck.
"The attack will not affect our performance."
"We will prove our strength to the fans."
"The Scottish Team are very strong, but we are not weak either."
"The championship is our goal."
"No matter the outcome, we can learn a lot from the competition."
"Hector Lamont, my fingers should be a little longer than his."
"Of course we will do our best; victory is our only goal."
Seven players from the Luxembourg Team were interviewed in turn, followed by commercial breaks.
First, there's Wayne Enterprises, which provides broadcasting services for this World Cup.
The moment the Flying Boots advertisement appeared, it ignited the passion of the 230,000 wizards present.
Its formidable capabilities were demonstrated to everyone in the attacks of the past few days.
Unfortunately, the release date was still not announced at the end of the advertisement, but the next advertisement about the Magical Communicator did have a set date.
December 24th, Christmas Eve.
Compared to portable mobile communication devices, wizards were clearly more interested in Flying Boots.
However, once they learn about the many powerful features of the Magical Communicator, they will surely show even greater enthusiasm.