Shawn pondered for a moment. There was nothing he could do about Bones. Even approaching her or trying to win her over would provoke an unpredictable backlash.
Could he arrange some achievements for Pierce? Clear Sirius's name, perhaps? Or capture some Dark Wizards, or even "Death Eaters"?
Out of nowhere, he thought of a candidate Lucius had overlooked: Barty Crouch.
Their last encounter had been brief, just a few casual words outside the Headmaster's Office.
But he had noticed that this stern, rigid head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, renowned for his fairness and strictness, was no aging politician content to remain beneath others.
After weighing things up, he said,
"Keep Fudge placated for now, and quietly gather incriminating material on him. Once I've found a suitable candidate, we'll deal with that fool blinded by power and wealth!"
Everyone began guessing whom the Dark Lord would appoint as the next minister, but after considering all the possibilities, they could think of no suitable candidate among their own people besides Pierce.
Shawn had no intention of explaining. Maintaining a little mystery was an indispensable tool for anyone in power.
Only then did he ask why these people had really wanted today's meeting.
"I was secluded, researching magic, and Lucius kept reporting that you wanted to see me. Now that I'm here, are you unhappy with your shares in the Chamber of Commerce? Speak up. Who's dissatisfied?"
The meeting room fell silent, save for the occasional cry of pain from Selwyn, curled up on the floor. Even those escaped despite his hands clamped tightly over his mouth.
That was how these Death Eaters behaved. Behind the Dark Lord's back, they ran their mouths and aired their grievances. Once he appeared in person, none dared make a sound.
Disdain flashed in