Institutions of Power

In the middle of the entrance hall stood a fountain, its center occupied by a group of pure gold statues glittering in the light.

The tallest was a distinguished-looking wizard, holding his wand high and pointing it at the sky!

Surrounding him were a beautiful witch, a centaur, a goblin, and a House-elf.

The centaur, goblin, and House-elf all gazed up at the two wizards with boundless admiration!

The entire sculpture was steeped in wizarding arrogance, displaying the supreme status of wizards in the magical world!

The fountain was also strewn with many Sickles and Knuts, but not a single Galleon was in sight. Only a grimy sign beside it read:

All proceeds from the Fountain of Magical Brethren will be donated to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries!

Let's hope so!

Li Wei gave it a doubtful glance, then followed Professor McGonagall into the crowd.

The witches and wizards arriving at the Ministry of Magic for work early in the morning shuffled along in disorder, their faces lifeless. Looking like overworked beasts of burden who did not want to be there, they trudged toward the golden archway at the other end of the hall.

Li Wei followed Professor McGonagall to the golden gate, where a wizard sat beside a sign marked Security Check.

"L-long time no see, Professor McGonagall. Are you here at the Ministry of Magic on business too?"

The wizard had been reading the Daily Prophet, which carried news about the Hero King Game Championship and the establishment of the game company.

He had been idly passing the time, wondering whether he should buy a Hero King Game Console, when he caught sight of Professor McGonagall from the corner of his eye. He immediately stood up on instinct and nervously greeted her.

"Yes, I brought