Chapter 371: Scrimgeour's Invitation
Chapter 371: Scrimgeour's Invitation
After July began, the mood in the wizarding world gradually stabilized. Many citizens were no longer panicked about the Dark Lord's return, but the internal public opinion in the British wizarding world still revolved around the Death Eaters.
It was the day after Sherlock visited Mrs. Matthews that the Ministry of Magic held a trial for the captured Death Eaters.
Those being tried included the former Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games, Ludo Bagman, the former headmaster of Durmstrang, Igor Karkaroff, and over a dozen other Death Eaters who were captured by Aurors at the scene of Sherlock's battle with Voldemort.
As key witnesses, Sherlock and Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, naturally attended all the trials.
Scrimgeour is a tough and principled wizard, and he certainly would not cover up for these Death Eaters, whose crimes were well-documented and proven.
Karkaroff and Bagman, due to the severity of their crimes, were sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban on the spot. The other Death Eaters were also taken away by Dementors after the trial, each receiving different sentences.
However, while Scrimgeour and the other high-ranking officials at the Ministry of Magic felt everything was settled, Sherlock and Dumbledore furrowed their brows.
They were well aware that after Harry was attacked by Dementors a few days ago, the guards at Azkaban were likely no longer trustworthy. The safest course of action would be to transfer high-profile prisoners like Bagman to a secret prison guarded by wizards, to prevent the possibility of a Dementor rebellion that could lead to Azkaban's complete collapse.
But Scrimgeour clearly did not take Dumbledore's advice seriously. The high-ranking officials at the Ministry of Magic all knew that Dumbledore did not trust the Dementors and had always argued that the magical government should have no dealings with such creatures.
So, naturally, they dismissed his advice as a routine objection to Dementor methods.
Dumbledore was helpless. After the trial, he seemed to have other pressing matters and did not engage in much conversation with Sherlock. He only mentioned that he would attend the ceremony for Sherlock's award the next day and then hurriedly left.
As Sherlock was leaving the courtroom, he happened to meet Mr. Weasley. They exchanged a few words, and just as Sherlock was about to leave the Ministry of Magic, a cold, unemotional voice called out from behind him.
"Mr. Forrest."
Sherlock and Mr. Weasley turned around together.
The person who had called him was Percy. Unlike his usual habit, Percy did not address Sherlock as professor but used the formal title of "Mr."
Seeing his third son, Mr. Weasley's smile from his conversation with Sherlock faded. He ignored Percy and nodded at Sherlock.
"I'll be off then. Come by when you have time to try Aunt Molly's cooking."
"I will."
Mr. Weasley turned and left without hesitation. Percy, seemingly oblivious to his father's presence, acted as if they were strangers.
After Mr. Weasley left, Percy spoke to Sherlock in a detached tone.
"Minister Scrimgeour has something to discuss with you and would like you to visit his office."
Sherlock pondered for a moment but did not refuse Scrimgeour's invitation. He nodded and walked alongside Percy toward the Minister's office.
The two of them remained silent throughout the journey. Percy clearly had no desire to speak, and Sherlock had no intention of trying to persuade him to reconsider his path.
Even Mrs. Weasley could bring herself to turn away her own son, so Sherlock did not believe that a few words from him would be enough to change the mind of the third son of the Weasley family, whose ambition had already overshadowed his family ties.
Percy led Sherlock to the door of the Minister's office, knocked gently, and waited for a response before opening the door. He gestured for Sherlock to enter and remained outside.
Sherlock walked into the office, where Scrimgeour sat alone at his desk, surrounded by piles of documents from various departments. The male wizard, who resembled a lion in both appearance and temperament, looked anything but relaxed.
However, he did not show the slightest sign of fatigue in front of his visitor.
As a leader known for his strong resolve and unwavering faith, Scrimgeour's personal integrity was beyond question.
Upon seeing Sherlock enter, Scrimgeour did not put on any pretenses. A chair sprang from the wall and landed in front of Sherlock.
"Please, take a seat, Professor Forrest."
As he spoke, Scrimgeour waved a recently completed decree into the air, transforming it into a paper airplane that floated out of the office and headed toward its destination.
Putting aside his work, Scrimgeour turned his stern gaze toward Sherlock, who had taken a seat.
"This is our first formal, one-on-one conversation, Professor Forrest. I must say, your performance that night left a lasting impression on me. I cut out the photograph from the Daily Prophet and pinned it to the wall right opposite my door at home. Every time I return, I'm reminded that the so-called Dark Lord is not invincible."
Scrimgeour did not seem inclined to condemn or express anger over Sherlock's recent defiance of the Ministry of Magic's orders, which involved forcibly bringing Harry to Dumbledore. Instead, his tone conveyed genuine admiration.
"That night was just a matter of good luck, Minister. You flatter me."
Sherlock responded with neither arrogance nor humility. He was no child and could easily discern that Scrimgeour's words were more than mere praise.
Scrimgeour's expression grew serious.
"Let's not waste time with pleasantries. I've always preferred straightforwardness. I want to offer you a position as Ministerial Advisor at the Ministry of Magic."
Sherlock's brow furrowed.
"I believe I've already conveyed my thoughts on this, Minister. I have no intention of leaving Hogwarts or resigning from my position as a professor."
Scrimgeour's face remained unchanged as he waved a hand dismissively.
"I understand your attachment to Hogwarts. I'm only offering you the title of Ministerial Advisor, a purely honorary role that would not interfere with your duties at Hogwarts."
Sherlock immediately grasped Scrimgeour's intent. After realizing that neither Sherlock nor Harry could be won over to the Ministry's side, Scrimgeour was willing to make a concession. Having a representative of the Ministry in Sherlock's position would give the Ministry more leverage.
(End of Chapter)
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