Outside the entrance of North American Ministry of Magic, a dirty Golden Retriever was squatting in a deserted alley, frantically "applying makeup" to the puddle on the ground.
Buddy rolled twice diligently in the muddy water, causing his originally shiny golden hair to become tangled and caked.
It also rubbed its face into black ash in the nearby garbage heap. Finally, it even became cruel and scraped a little bit of its own foot skin in the corner, forcing out two drops of miserable blood and smearing it on its forehead.
Taking a picture of the puddle, Buddy grinned with satisfaction.
Perfect.
Even the ruthless Old Minister would have to praise his superb acting skills after seeing this pitiful little boy who had been tortured and survived the war.
Buddy's abacus was crackling.
Since that Old Minister likes to put on a show so much and likes to maintain his kind persona of "compassion for heaven and mercy", then as long as he falls in front of him when there are the most people in public, this old fox will most likely take him in on the spot for the sake of show.
To take a step back, it doesn't matter even if Old Minister is really hard-hearted and won't take her in, or if she is picked up by some other kind-hearted Wizards.
At worst, I could just go back and have a good meal, finish my steak, then run away and try another routine. Anyway, I won't be at a loss anyway.
It's impossible to meet a dog abuser by such a coincidence, or give him a Killing Curse, right?
Everything is ready.
The Ministry of Magic hall was now crowded with reporters from major magic newspapers, as well as ordinary Wizards who came to pay their respects.
Old Minister is standing next to the magic fountain in the center of the hall, accepting an exclusive interview with "New York Ghost".
"... Please believe that Ministry of Magic will never give up on any traumatized creature. In this dark moment, what we need is unity, love and compassion..."
Old Minister has a deep voice and tears in his eyes, portraying the image of a compassionate leader to the core.
The reporters' quills rustled on the parchment, and flashlights flashed one after another.
Just when this political show reached its climax, something unexpected happened.
"Woo... woof..."
A sudden barking sound, as if it was about to die at any moment, came from the entrance to the hall.
The crowd subconsciously gave way.
I saw Golden Retriever, covered in mud, with mottled hair and even blood on his forehead, limping and dragging his hind legs, moving into the hall with great difficulty.
Its eyes were distracted, its tongue hung weakly at its mouth, and every breath was accompanied by a painful tremor.
That superb acting skills and that pitiful gesture instantly hit the weak points of many witches present, and the crowd suddenly let out a burst of sympathetic exclamations.
Buddy half-squinted his dog eyes, and his sight was accurately locked on Old Minister, who was standing next to the fountain, surrounded by spotlights.
That's it now!
Buddy used his "last" strength and dragged his body forward two steps, just in front of Old Minister's podium.
Then, it rolled its eyes sadly, let out a long mournful cry, its limbs softened, and collapsed directly at Old Minister's feet with a "plop", motionless.
The whole place fell silent for a moment.
All reporters and all flashlights were focused on the dog on the ground and Old Minister standing in front of the dog at this moment.
Buddy lay on the cold floor, held his breath, and sneered in his heart.
Come on, old man, it's your turn to take over.
The whole world is watching you. If you dare to kick me away, your kind grandfather persona will be completely destroyed today.
Old Minister's eyes flashed with a hint of disgust, but he was after all a top master at playing with people's hearts.
In almost a tenth of a second, the shock on his face turned into deep pain and intolerance.
"Oh, Merlin! This poor creature..."
Old Minister quickly walked down the steps without hesitation, completely ignoring the dirty muddy water and smelly blood on Buddy's body. He knelt down directly on his knees and gently held Buddy's huge dog head into his arms with a pair of trembling hands.
He raised his head, his red eyes filled with tears, and his pitiful voice echoed throughout the hall:
"Look at this poor child! There is even a weak magic wave left on it. It must be the loyal partner of Auror who died in the ambush! Its master died in the battle, but it desperately escaped from the enemy's clutches, wandered all the way, and even ran back to Ministry of Magic to find its master..."
As soon as Old Minister finished speaking, many Wizards in the hall covered their mouths and cried.
Even the reporters had red eyes and clicked the shutter frantically to record this touching moment.
Buddy was lying in Old Minister's arms, and she almost couldn't help but grin.
This old wall lamp can add drama to myself even more than myself!
Even the script of the owner fighting to death to find his loyal dog has been imagined!
"Mr. Minister, what should we do with this poor dog?"
A reporter, wiping away tears, asked in a choked voice.
"It has already lost its owner, and I will never let it lose its home again."
Old Minister hugged Buddy tightly, his movements were as gentle as if he were holding his own grandson, his tone was firm and full of love,
"From today on, it will be raised by me personally. I want it to enjoy the rest of its life in the safest shelter of Ministry of Magic!"
You can't survive me, do you believe it?
Buddy's mouth is crooked.
Thunderous applause!
The Wizardss in the hall were completely impressed by Old Minister's kindness, and the thunderous applause and praise almost lifted the roof.
One person and one dog, under the watchful eyes of everyone, used their most exquisite acting skills to complete this two-way rush, each with their own ulterior motives.
Old Minister got the reputation and popular support he wanted.
Buddy, on the other hand, closed his eyes with peace of mind.