"Now, we are seeing the true Magical Congress."
An Auror from Britain murmured to his companion, "This kind of decisiveness... it's terrifying!"
His companion nodded gravely, then said:
"If the Magical Congress can't contain this situation, it will be a disaster for wizards all over the world! At a time like this, shouldn't their strength be reassuring?"
At the center of everyone's attention, Hawthorne paused slightly, allowing the weight of those words to sink into every heart.
"Panic is exactly what our enemies want to see! But now is not the time for disorder."
"The Magical Congress will spare no effort in responding to this crisis. We will activate every necessary procedure."
"But if—if the situation falls beyond control, I hope you will remain calm, stay vigilant, suspend all unnecessary contact with Muggle society, and watch for anything unusual around you."
"Everyone, remember this—"
"What keeps the Wizarding World standing is not the separation and protection between the two sides, but our unity, our wisdom, and above all, the courage and dignity that never wavers when we face the storm!"
"May we encourage one another!"
Having said that, he did not linger. He turned and strode toward the door.
The Congress officials who had been dragged here from drunkenness, sleep, or revelry all snapped to attention and hurried after the Chairman of Congress.
The banquet could no longer continue. The wizards worried about their families' safety also quickened their pace as they headed outside. Every second of delay left them frantic with anxiety, wishing they could run fast enough to fly.
The Anti-Apparition Charm, once considered essential for large magical buildings, now seemed unbearably obstructive.
Hughes and his group, who had received the order first, had just reached the Manor entrance when a capable Auror stepped ahead and pushed open