Isabella withdrew her gaze and tilted her head to signal for them to follow.
"Lorenzo Dino, whom you've been so eager to see, should be waiting for you in the Department of International Magical Cooperation's office.
Hopefully, he hasn't stayed up so late over all that nonsense with the Church that he can barely keep his eyes open today."
The three continued deeper inside, passing through the bustling crowds of wizards.
Lupin noticed that the wizards here seemed more uninhibited and warm than those in the United Kingdom, both in their clothing and their manner.
They spoke with animated gestures and lively expressions. Even within the solemn Ministry of Magic, there was a distinctly Italian atmosphere.
Some even greeted Douglas enthusiastically when they saw him.
Before long, they reached the area occupied by the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
Isabella lowered her voice a little.
"Lorenzo's office is just ahead. The Department of International Magical Cooperation sounds prestigious, but it's really the mouth of a volcano.
Half the trouble comes from other countries' Ministries of Magic. The other half, hmph, naturally comes from our dear neighbors."
Douglas chuckled.
"It sounds as though you've spent all your energy confronting the Church."
Isabella made an exaggerated face, gesturing with both hands.
"It's like dancing flamenco with your life hanging by a thread. You never know what ancient doctrine they'll pull out next to condemn you, or what magical item they'll want to borrow from us to purify.
It takes real ability for Lorenzo to have lasted this long in that position without going mad."
An almost imperceptible smile curved Douglas's lips.
He remembered his last encounter with Lorenzo, who had indeed left a deep impression on him. That ability to retain a measure of clearheadedness and a little resigned humor under immense