Dumbledore's office was still the same as before. But today, aside from Dumbledore, there was also an old acquaintance of Link's inside the office.
"Link! It's so great to see you again! Come, sit down quickly!"
Minister of Magic Fudge enthusiastically stood up and greeted Link. The smile on his face was kind and gentle, enough to make people genuinely believe that this was a friendly man.
Link, however, felt some aversion to it. Because compared to those politicians Link had previously seen on television, the fake smile on Fudge's face at this moment, one that smiled only on the surface but not in the flesh, was far too insincere.
Still, dislike was dislike, but Link had no personal enmity with Fudge. At this moment, of course, he wouldn't slap the man in the face. So, he cooperatively sat down on a sofa not far from Fudge.
It was only then that Dumbledore, who had remained silent all this time, finally opened his mouth.
"Link, the reason we called you here this time isn't for anything else,"
"just to inform you, the victim, about the current situation."
As Dumbledore spoke, he paused briefly. And taking advantage of this moment, Fudge smoothly took over the conversation and said, "This incident has already been classified by the Ministry of Magic as a serious man-made incident. It was someone who intentionally brought this dark magical object that can manipulate minds into Hogwarts, which is what caused such severe casualties."
As he spoke, Fudge also pulled out the remains of the diary, which had already been completely sealed in a plastic bag.
"What we can now confirm is that Draco Malfoy stole the said diary from his father, Lucius Malfoy's collection of dark magical objects, and brought it into Hogwarts."
"Although this act of his can now be confirmed as an accident, in view of the serious consequences caused by this incident, Dumbledore and I, after discussing it, have still decided to impose a stern reprimand and a long period of detention on Draco Malfoy."
"Not only that, I will also dispatch Aurors to the Malfoy Manor to conduct a search, to completely clean out all the dark magical items within the manor. At the same time, we have imposed a hefty fine for his act of privately hoarding dark magical objects."
As he said this, Fudge uncharacteristically restrained his smile and revealed a serious expression, as if trying to enhance the authority of his words.
Upon hearing this, the corners of Link's mouth lifted in a smile.
He didn't even need to think to know that the Malfoy family would be having a very hard time in the near future.
As for that so-called hefty fine and the search of the manor, they were most likely the Ministry of Magic taking the opportunity to extort the Malfoys.
And Link was quite satisfied with this outcome. After all, Link himself was very clear that trying to send the entire Malfoy family to Azkaban based solely on this incident was indeed a bit of a stretch.
Now being able to make them bleed heavily, that was already not bad.
Thinking this way, the corner of Link's mouth twitched as he smiled and said, "I'm quite satisfied with this result of handling the matter. This well highlights the Ministry of Magic's impartial and fair authority."
As soon as Link said this, the portraits hanging on the wall couldn't help but laugh. Because the sarcastic tone in this remark was far too thick.
But Fudge, upon hearing this, let out a sigh of relief. Of course, he could hear the sarcasm in Link's words, but Link's statement of accepting this outcome was also very clear.
And for Fudge, that was already enough.
Sarcasm and whatnot were minor things, his face had long been thickened by the Daily Prophet and other major newspapers.
"Thank you for your understanding, Link. At this moment, I also want to express, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts, our apology to you.
It was due to our negligence that you encountered such great danger."
Fudge's smile returned to his face. "To the victims including you and Professor Lockhart, the Ministry of Magic will provide a certain amount of financial compensation. Also Link, your performance in this incident truly left me in awe! You almost single-handedly saved the entire Hogwarts!"
"I promise to fully report this matter to the Order of Merlin, which might help you earn a Second-Class Order of Merlin medal!"
"Of course, this matter hasn't been finalized yet.
But given your outstanding contribution to Hogwarts, I believe a 'Special Contribution Award to the School' is surely something you can get. Dumbledore, what do you think?" After saying that, Fudge looked at Dumbledore.
At this moment, he sat upright, his big belly puffed up high, looking very proud of himself.
Fudge did indeed feel he had something to be proud of. Because in this matter, not only did he spare the Malfoy family from imprisonment, he also earned some extra income for the Ministry of Magic and for himself.
At the same time, those like Lockhart and other victims' families, as well as Link, the one unique and special existence, all received what they wanted most, money or honor.
This round, ah, this round is called, Everyone's Happy.
But just as Fudge was smugly enjoying himself, the expressions of Link and Dumbledore were a bit strange.
In fact, from the moment Link entered the office, Fudge had already taken over the entire conversation and created a mood where he was the one in charge.
On the surface, both Link and Dumbledore cooperated with it very well. But deep inside, they both felt like laughing.
Because everyone knew clearly, compared to Dumbledore, Fudge was just a clown.
Link and Dumbledore smiled at each other, and then Dumbledore spoke...
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