Britain's Old Gentlemen Still Had Some Shame

The Ministry of Magic's response can be summed up in one sentence: stall for time.

The entire piece is filled with unconfirmed information and claims of investigation, clearly indicating a disbelief in every single frame of the live broadcast.

Any attempt to actively communicate with Dumbledore will likely be delayed for another ten days to two weeks.

Vincent calmly finished reading the newspaper in his dormitory. It seemed that the Ministry of Magic, led by Fudge, was going to make a desperate gamble.

Voldemort's return was a bombshell in itself, and now that it's exploded, trying to cover it up is simply wishful thinking.

But from Fudge's perspective, this was indeed the only way to keep his position as Minister for Magic.

Vincent put away the newspaper, changed his clothes, and went to the bathroom with his three roommates.

The exams are over, and summer vacation will start in a few days.

"Old Wen, you're going to the Ministry of Magic with Harry and the others to give your statements later, right?"

"Yes."

The three roommates fell silent, clearly indicating that even Neville knew what the Ministry of Magic's response meant.

Last night's live broadcast of Dumbledore's battle with Voldemort has spread throughout the global Wizarding World. In order to buy time and completely cover up the truth, the Ministry of Magic will definitely do everything possible to make Vincent change his story.

"Old Wen," James hesitated several times before continuing, "we understand your situation. If you can't handle the pressure—"

Vincent shook his head slightly, indicating to the three that they didn't need to worry. "I haven't broken the law or committed any crime. What leverage could they possibly have against me?"

"But..."

"No buts." He pointed to himself in the mirror. "I am Vincent Wayne. Anyone who tries to scheme against me will be kicked into the fire before I even get to them."

James' eyes lit up after hearing this, "Old Wen, well done! You're definitely the man I've chosen!"

The pleasant atmosphere was completely ruined by that one sentence.

Vincent, both amused and exasperated, started fixing his hair in front of the mirror. "Old James, I have a girlfriend."

James arrogantly raised his chin. "Tch—I have a girlfriend too."

"Wow!" Vincent suddenly became curious.

After being "tortured" by him, Alfred, and Neville, James had no choice but to confess.

Since the Yule Ball, James and Parvati have developed feelings for each other.

Two weeks ago, the two finally confirmed their relationship.

Who confessed first?

"I..."

"No way?" Alfred grinned and nudged James with his elbow. "James, I remember your wife is Reisena Hitomi, isn't she?"

Vincent put on a gossipy face, "And Phoebe, isn't she your goddess?"

Neville also chimed in timidly, "Um, I remember LeBron said that number 18 was his true love."

James blushed as he was teased. "It's all... it's all in the past. The wives in comics are great, but they can't compare to real people."

Vincent patted him on the shoulder with an air of maturity, "Congratulations, old James, you've finally made it through."

Parvati is a beauty queen, James must have saved the world in his past life.

"Congratulations." After saying that, Alfred tilted his head, seemingly lost in thought.

Neville patted him on the shoulder and said, "James, congratulations."

James' eyes welled up with tears as he received blessings from his roommates.

While he was deeply moved, Vincent slipped out of the bathroom first.

Alfred followed closely behind, and the unfortunate Neville was too slow to react and was held tightly in his arms.

"Old... Old James, your snot."

"Wow—I thought you guys would keep making fun of me."

Vincent and Alfred walked even faster.

They arrived at the common room, where Hermione was already waiting.

She was holding a thick book of laws in her hands, and when she saw Vincent, she closed the book and walked over.

Good morning.

Vincent noticed her faint dark circles under her eyes. "Did you stay up all night again? Didn't we already finalize the existing laws?"

Hermione pursed her lips, her eyes revealing deep worry. "We've exploited a loophole in the existing laws, and I'm worried that the Ministry of Magic will create new laws specifically targeting you."

Her concerns came true; the Ministry of Magic's response did indeed mention that a new law regarding the spread of misinformation would be introduced soon.

Vincent gently smoothed her slightly disheveled long hair with a look of tenderness in his eyes. "Don't worry, even if the new law is specifically targeting me, they can't threaten me."

Hermione gripped his large hand tightly. "You've driven them to the brink. I'm worried they might take revenge."

Every law has a fundamental principle, one of which concerns the principle of temporal effect: laws do not apply retroactively.

Simply put, the new law is not retroactive; for any action, regardless of the provisions of the old or new law, the law in effect at the time of the action shall apply.

This means that the legality or criminality of people's behavior should be judged according to the law at the time, and cannot be retrospectively applied based on later laws.

This principle is also one of the cornerstones of the rule of law, ensuring citizens' trust in the law and the protection of their legal rights.

Retroactive application means that a new law can be applied to actions and events that occurred before it came into effect.

Vincent grasped her small hand in return. "Looking back, the Ministry of Magic shouldn't be that shameless."

This is Britain, not India; even Britain old gentleman has some shame.

Hermione didn't speak; her eyes said it all.

Vincent understood why she was worried, but unless the higher-ups at the Ministry of Magic went mad, they wouldn't come up with a new law that applied retroactively.

If this were to happen, the British Wizarding World would be living in constant fear, afraid that they might suddenly break the law or commit crimes.

He gently pulled Hermione into his arms in front of Alfred, saying, "Don't forget, I'm not only the Britain youth representative of Wizengamot, but also Order of Merlin, First Class."

Besides, there's Dumbledore. Although he's not a great person, he's still a man of principle.

If Vincent were really messed up, Dumbledore certainly wouldn't stand idly by.

"Burp—" Alfred let out a burp.

This morning I was bombarded with their PDA, do I even need to go downstairs for breakfast?

The Little Lions in the common lounge think the same way.

But there was nothing they could do. The two top students in the school were showing affection in public. Were they supposed to go to the Bat Cave and invite Old Bat over?

Anyway, summer vacation is just around the corner, so I can just bear with it.

After breakfast, Vincent said goodbye to his friends and left the castle for the gate.

Harry and Draco were already waiting; he had barely arrived when McGonagall followed.

It turns out that Dumbledore didn't take them there; it seems that the so-called taking of statements was just a formality.

McGonagall instructed the three to tell the truth, then produced a Portkey in the shape of the Ministry of Magic's emblem.

After a moment of unease, the group of four arrived safely at the Magic Department Hall.