The Old Beekeeper was remarkably thick-skinned. Even under everyone's scrutiny, he leisurely chewed up and swallowed the little pearls in his mouth before speaking.
"Hmm? I may be nearly 110, but I can still fight.
And we have quite a few legendary wizards-at least three.
For example, Shawn Black, whom you all already know, the youngest legendary wizard in a thousand years.
If necessary, I can even invite Nicolas Flamel out of his coffin, though he's preparing to die.
So there's no need to worry.
What we should concern ourselves with now is how to contain the Double Serpent Society."
Dumbledore's words did help somewhat. After all, by that reckoning, they had at least three legendary wizards out in the open.
The atmosphere in the hall eased a little.
Everyone now seemed to understand why England had suddenly expanded its forces, and their wariness diminished somewhat.
Dumbledore had been about to take out more sweets, but when he spotted Hermione beside Shawn, he seized the opportunity to introduce her.
"Oh, yes. Apart from producing a genius like Black, Hogwarts has many other outstanding young wizards.
Hermione Granger, for instance.
She is a very bright Ravenclaw who spent a year piecing together how the Double Serpent Society creates the evil, repressed forces known as Obscuruses.
Since everyone seems reluctant to discuss matters, perhaps the threat still doesn't feel real enough.
Then let us invite Miss Granger to the podium to introduce another, even more evil undertaking of the Double Serpent Society."
Among the English delegation, Hermione's hands shook when she heard the headmaster suddenly invite her up. She nearly dropped her documents.
Shawn turned toward her at just the right moment and gave her a warm smile.
Perhaps this young witch had been born for occasions like this.
With the Chief's