The Ministry of Magic in England.
A week had been enough for the wizards to restore the place to its original condition.
The Ministry of Magic was now even grander and more magnificent than before, further displaying England's supremacy in the wizarding world.
In the atrium, Message Paper Planes flew back and forth. The clerks were busier than ever, carrying stacks of documents between departments.
Barty Crouch Sr. arrived through an elegant private fireplace. He stepped out of the swirling flames and brushed nonexistent dust from his clothes.
He had just finished dealing with matters in Hogsmeade and now had several important things to report to Shawn. But he could not reach him through Playing Card communication, so he could only come to the Ministry of Magic to speak with Fudge and Lucius first.
As luck would have it, red and blue flames rose from a nearby private fireplace, and Fudge emerged, looking exhausted.
Barty immediately stepped forward and greeted him politely.
"Hello, Minister."
Seeing Barty, Fudge's eyes darted about before he immediately warmed to him.
"Barty, have you finished dealing with matters at Hogwarts?"
"Yes."
"Oh, wonderful! You're well versed in diplomacy, so I imagine you're also quite good at dealing with the Muggle Prime Minister?"
Barty paused, then answered with some uncertainty.
"I should be able to manage, but I really don't have time right now. Our lord is away, and there's something I'd like to discuss with you and Lucius first."
Fudge warmly took Barty's arm and led him toward the elevator.
"Lucius has been stationed in the Department of Mysteries lately, supervising the alchemists as they strengthen its defenses.
"Let's go find him together. Once we've dealt with your problems, I have a task to give you that our lord personally assigned."
Barty stiffened slightly, unused