Silan Was Taken Away by the Ministry of Magic!

Upon hearing Silan's words, old Billy and Walton were startled and looked at him with some surprise.

What a perceptive and cunning little wizard!

Old Billy tried to probe for information, but he didn't get any useful details.

But this young wizard guessed most of their thoughts just from their few words.

Old Billy and Walton both thought to themselves, "Is this kid really only a second-year student?"

"We have authorization from the Minister for Magic, so it cannot be said that we acted without authorization."

Billy, forcing a smile, continued, "Investigating the Basilisk is within our scope of duty..."

"Then let me ask you, did the Minister for Magic authorize you to investigate, or did he authorize you to imprison the young wizard?"

Silan looked at him with a cold smile, her eyes full of amusement.

Old Billy was shocked and quickly explained, "How can you call this imprisonment? We just asked you to come and understand the situation."

He can't afford such a big hat.

He was just an old wizard from Muggle family, about to retire, and had no desire to cause any trouble.

Walton ignored what Silan said, glancing disdainfully at old Billy out of the corner of his eye, thinking to himself that the old man was really useless, so easily intimidated.

He said fiercely, "I don't care what you think, but you'd better cooperate."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't mind using some tricks on you."

Before Silan could speak, old Billy, who was standing next to Walton, couldn't take it anymore.

Saying things like that is practically handing someone ammunition against you!

Isn't it troublesome enough?!

What a complete idiot!

"Shut up!" old Billy roared at Walton in exasperation. "McNeil, I'm reminding you, I'm the one in charge of this operation!"

"I'm in charge of the investigation. If you don't follow orders, get out of here! We don't need you!"

He was cautious and prudent for most of his life, and never argued with anyone.

Old Billy held a higher position than Walton, but he always treated him politely, simply because he didn't want to cause trouble.

But this fool couldn't see the situation at all and kept causing him trouble!

This finally made the usually tolerant old Billy lose his temper.

What an idiot!

Haven't you realized how much trouble you've gotten yourself into?

Walton probably hadn't expected that the usually gentle and kind old Billy would dare to speak to him like that, and his face immediately turned ugly.

"Don't be afraid, child," old Billy tried to soften his voice. "You've really misunderstood us."

"We just wanted to understand the situation, how could we possibly do something like imprisonment?"

"I brought you here so I could ask you a few questions in a quiet place. If you feel uncomfortable, I can let you leave now."

Old Billy didn't care about anything else.

He just wants to get rid of this hot potato as soon as possible.

"That won't do." Silan shook her head.

You made me come when I didn't want to, and now you want me to leave?

It's too late.

"Since this happened at Hogwarts, there's no reason not to let Headmaster Dumbledore know," Silan said casually. "He should be here soon, so let's wait together."

Silan spoke casually, as if inviting them to afternoon tea.

Old Billy felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, and a bead of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Trouble, trouble, big trouble.

This kid is really tough to deal with.

Wasn't the Prewett family supposed to Gryffindor for generations?

What happened to a Slytherin? And such a troublesome one at that?

The Hogwarts Headmaster.

Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge is talking to Dumbledore.

He was a short, stout man wearing a long striped cloak.

Fudge straightened his back, trying his best to project the imposing presence befitting Minister for Magic, but standing next to the towering Dumbledore, he looked like a potato.

He might be able to cook three dishes himself, but as for his authority...

There's not enough of it even to use as a condiment.

Snape stood indifferently to the side, showing no interest in their conversation.

His gaze wandered absentmindedly over the various trinkets on Dumbledore's desk.

"I'm glad to hear that the matter has been resolved, Headmaster Dumbledore," Fudge said, taking a sip of his Black Tea. "I was terrified when I first heard about it."

"As you know, student safety is always a top concern for parents. Rumors of Basilisk at Hogwarts are always worrying. Some parents have even complained to the Ministry of Magic."

Fudge smiled slightly as he spoke, inadvertently revealing his identity as Minister for Magic.

"Of course, I always believed you could handle it, so I dealt with those complaint letters appropriately."

"Thank you for your support." Dumbledore smiled and extended his hand to shake Fudge's.

"The Board of Governors didn't give you any trouble, did they?" Fudge asked.

"The School Governor members have generously donated funds to enhance school security measures in order to ensure the safety of the students."

Dumbledore brushed his braided mustache aside and continued, "Except for Mr. Malfoy."

He was very dissatisfied with this and believed that Hogwarts should get a new headmaster, a view shared by several members of the School Governor.

Dumbledore sighed. "I might be kicked out in a couple of days."

"How could that be?" Fudge waved his hand awkwardly, not intending to dwell on the topic any further.

Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts, and Lucius is the head of a wealthy and powerful Pure-blood families; neither of them is easy to mess with.

If you've offended Dumbledore, how can you expect him to be your advisor and offer advice?

But if you anger Lucius, things will always look bad financially.

Let's just laugh it off and smooth things over.

Fudge changed the subject, saying, "The Basilisk..."

Before he could finish speaking, the door to the Headmaster's Office suddenly opened, and a young-looking witch barged in.

She was panting and flustered, with a few stray hairs on her forehead stuck together by a thin layer of sweat, making her look somewhat disheveled.

Fudge disliked being interrupted.

Seeing the impetuous little girl barge in, he frowned slightly in displeasure. "Excuse me, we are having a conversation, please..."

As soon as Hermione entered, her gaze was fixed on Dumbledore.

Without even glancing at Fudge, she strode from the doorway to Dumbledore, breathing heavily.

"Don't be nervous, child, speak slowly," Dumbledore comforted him.

Hermione's chest heaved twice as she cried out urgently, "Headmaster Dumbledore, Silan has been captured by the Ministry of Magic!"

These words immediately caught Dumbledore's attention.

Snape, who had been idly standing still, turned sharply and stared intently at Fudge.