We said we were going to sit at Hog's Head Pub, but by noon no one seemed to be leaving.
Aberforth went into the kitchen to prepare lunch.
With such a large group of people, it would be difficult for him to complete this arduous task on time.
Fortunately, Nagini and Surya from next door were there, and the two sisters even brought some Southeast Asia specialties.
Sirius Black stopped complaining and went to Lupin.
Both of them were single and unemployed in their thirties. It wasn't a good idea to stay idle all the time; they had to find something to do.
One is a carefree rich young master, while the other is Werewolf is easily ostracized.
I can't work for someone else, but I don't have any good ideas for starting a business. Should I go back to teaching at school?
As they chatted, Sirius Black and Lupin both turned to look at Vincent.
He's sharing a version of Gwent with his friends using the Magical Communicator.
It seems like you can earn Gold Galleons by playing virtual cards too.
But how should we resolve the conflict with existing currencies? The Goblin would definitely oppose it vehemently.
Seemingly sensing their gazes, Vincent suddenly turned around and looked over.
He was all too familiar with that look in his eyes.
There's nothing wrong with my orientation; there's only one reason why I look at myself like that.
Somewhat puzzled, he played a Sorcerer's Stone card at Cedric on the other side.
The Sorcerer's Stone, which only exists in legends, was projected onto the screen.
Not only the kids, but even the well-informed dads were very interested.
Arthur examined the Sorcerer's Stone, which was slowly spinning in mid-air, with utmost seriousness. "How exactly does it turn stone into gold?"
Vincent gave the answer under the watchful eyes of a dozen pairs of expectant eyes:
"The Sorcerer's Stone is actually a universal conversion tool. It has no fixed recipe, but it can be converted into any known substance. It is also the ultimate product of Alchemy."
"There's no fixed recipe?" Everyone was quite surprised.
"Yes, no."
Although anyone can attempt to create Sorcerer's Stone, only Nicolas Flamel has succeeded in doing so in the last two or three thousand years.
It requires not only the most advanced understanding of Alchemy, but also a certain amount of luck.
Fred grinned and poked the projected Sorcerer's Stone. "Dude, with your luck, you'll be able to make one sooner or later, right?"
Vincent chuckled dryly. "My understanding of Alchemy is still far from complete. Don't be fooled by my many innovations. In fact, without the Magical Circuit invented by my teacher, I wouldn't even be able to transform the form of Alchemical Item."
Magical Circuit are essentially the same as circuit boards in Muggle electronic devices; without them, it's impossible to replicate or even surpass those technological products.
Compared to Nicolas Flamel, who pioneered a completely new system of Alchemy, Vincent is still far too inexperienced.
Despite his self-deprecating humor, everyone felt a sense of awe and wonder.
What was his goal? It was his teacher, the legendary Alchemists.
George asked tentatively, "What do you think of the International Alchemists? They seem to be holding some kind of conference in Egypt next month."
Vincent made no attempt to hide his dislike for them. "Them? They're nothing but a bunch of unambitious old fogies who keep their Alchemy hidden away."
That feeling of being impressed but not understanding became much stronger, and everyone was stunned by his words.
Only Hermione and the Wayne couple smiled silently, seemingly already used to it.
The International Alchemists Association is quite prestigious; Vincent is the only one in the entire Wizarding World who has the authority to say such a thing.
Such subtle showing off is indeed very lethal.
Even after the Southeast Asia -style lunch ended, everyone was still not completely recovered.
Dumbledore happened to come by while they were having dessert.
Aberforth served him an extra caramel pudding, as if he had known he would come.
Dumbledore certainly wasn't there to mooch desserts; he had just visited the Ministry of Magic and also strolled Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley.
The reappearance of the Dark Mark had a far more severe impact than anticipated. Not only did normally bustling places suddenly fall silent, but even the Ministry of Magic was gripped by unease.
This situation will likely continue until Peter Pettigrew is brought back and executed, but the already inefficient Ministry of Magic is completely unreliable.
During afternoon tea after lunch, Arthur and Sirius Black, looking worried, quietly discussed something in a corner of the bar.
Vincent glanced at them, then at Dumbledore, who was still sitting at the bar eating snacks, and suddenly realized something.
Under Fudge's "brilliant" leadership, the British Ministry of Magic was "thriving," handling every incident "perfectly."
Rather than relying on them, it's better to rely on yourself.
The reappearance of the Dark Mark seems to imply that something else will also reappear.
The organization founded by Dumbledore, the one that brought together a group of people who didn't seem like heroes, always working quietly but all of whom were brave and fearless, seems to be reborn along with the Dark Mark.
Vincent carried his teacup to the bar and sat down quietly next to Dumbledore.
"Professor, you've finally decided to take action?"
Dumbledore followed his gaze to the corner of the bar. "All the evidence points to an impending crisis. I'm just preparing in advance."
It's time to take action. The Ministry of Magic's decisions have been disappointing time and time again, even more incompetent than when the Death Eaters first rose to power.
Vincent took a sip of hot tea. "Professor, I think the key to the problem is Fudge. If you remove him and replace him with someone more capable, the situation will definitely be much better than it is now."
Dumbledore smiled. "You know I never interfere in politics."
"But these are extraordinary times."
He shook his head. "Ever since Cornelius was elected Minister for Magic, he has been wary of me. Although I have the power to dismiss him directly, he could also remove me from my position Chief Warlock of Wizengamot, thereby removing me from my position as President of the International Confederation of Wizards."
Vincent hadn't really thought of that.
However, given Fudge's personality, he's capable of doing anything, no matter how shameless, to protect his power.
With his years of hard work in the Ministry of Magic, plus the support of those Pure-blood gentlemen, even if he were dismissed, he could expel Dumbledore and he would be back soon.
Vincent looked distressed. "Then we can only ruin his reputation and make sure he can never recover."
Dumbledore smiled and remained silent, offering neither support nor opposition.
Vincent was startled by his seemingly tacit approval.
He's the Minister for Magic, a high and mighty figure. What could a mere underage wizard possibly do?
Dumbledore a bite of his snack and adopted a look of anticipation, as if he were watching a good show.
Vincent glared at him through gritted teeth, but the corners of his mouth quickly turned up slightly.
When the Triwizard Tournament comes, we must give that old bastard a big surprise.