Jon finally understood why the photograph had looked so familiar.
Mrs. Diana Greengrass—she was Astoria's mother. In the photo, she and her younger daughter looked nearly identical—like reflections of each other.
Except for the eyes—Astoria's were black, while Mrs. Greengrass's, like those of her elder daughter Daphne Greengrass, were a deep shade of green.
In the photograph, Mrs. Greengrass appeared pale and worn. Beside her, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge wore a look of smug triumph.
Jon continued reading the article below:
"Based on testimony presented by Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, the Office of the Minister for Magic has determined that Mrs. Diana Greengrass, Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, has committed multiple serious acts of negligence in recent years:
A year and a half ago, she allowed a Hippogriff with a record of violent attacks to escape its hearing and remain at large to this day.
One year and one month ago, she approved the transfer of a highly dangerous Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon from Le Havre to Liverpool without proper authorization.
Nine months ago, despite being aware that a Hogwarts professor was breeding a high-risk creature known as a Blast-Ended Skrewt—whose danger level lies between that of a Manticore and a Fire Crab—she failed to intervene.
Because of Mrs. Greengrass's repeated failures in duty, she has been found in severe violation of the Code of Conduct for Ministry Officials and the basic ethical standards expected of Ministry employees.
After deliberation, the Minister's Office has decided to suspend her pending investigation.
The final decision will be made following a formal Wizengamot trial two weeks from now.
Mr. Cuthbert Mockridge, Head of the Goblin Liaison Office, will temporarily assume the position of Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
Office of the Minister for Magic,
Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley.
November 29th."
Jon finished reading in silence, a wave of unease stirring in his chest.
"What's wrong?" Pansy Parkinson asked curiously from beside him. "Some big news?"
"Nothing." Jon casually handed the paper back to her.
Pansy took it and flipped straight to the crossword page...
...
Half an hour later, as the Butterbeer and mead ran out, the gathering began to wind down.
The members of the Knights of Walpurgis chatted and laughed as they left the Three Broomsticks.
From there, their paths split—some went to Zonko's Joke Shop for trinkets, others to Honeydukes for sweets, and a few even planned to visit Gladrags Wizardwear for new robes.
"I need to stop by the post office to send a letter," Jon said casually, using it as an excuse to part ways.
A few minutes later, he quietly doubled back and headed toward Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.
The tea shop was less crowded than last time.
In weather this cold, few couples wanted to go out for tea dates; they likely preferred a few warm drinks instead.
Jon headed straight upstairs but stopped before reaching the door.
He drew his wand and murmured—
"Scourgify!"
"Scourgify!"
"Scourgify!"
After casting the spell over his clothes several times to ensure no trace of a girl's scent remained, Jon removed his ring and gently pushed open the door.
...
Astoria Greengrass was already there, just like last time.
She didn't look well—her face was clouded with worry and fear. Faint tear stains clung to the corners of her eyes, and a copy of The Daily Prophet lay open on the table.
So, she already knew about her mother's situation...
When she saw Jon enter, Astoria quickly stood up.
"Are you all right?" Jon asked at once, stepping forward to support her.
Astoria nodded slightly, casting him a pleading look before glancing at the newspaper again—her expression fragile and pitiful.
"Say no more, Astoria… I've already read the article," Jon said quickly. "Mrs. Greengrass—your mother—she'll be fine, I promise!"
Astoria's voice trembled as she cried, "Will they send her to Azkaban?"
"Of course not," Jon reassured her. "The Wizengamot isn't made up entirely of fools. There are still wizards there with decency and sense—they'll stand up for your mother and see justice done."
Even as he spoke, unease gnawed at him. He knew the Ministry's nature all too well. If they had the gall to target Mrs. Greengrass, they clearly weren't bound by any principles.
If Astoria's mother really ended up in Azkaban...
"It's all my fault…" Astoria whispered, lowering her head in guilt as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I argued with Professor Umbridge in class, and she must have taken it out on my mother…"
"Of course it's not your fault, Astoria," Jon said gently, pulling her into his arms. "Don't think like that. It's been months… That pink toad Umbridge will get what's coming to her—I promise."
At the mention of the "pink toad," a faint smile finally tugged at Astoria's lips.
Jon's steady comfort seemed to calm her as well. She lifted her head and gave him a small, weary smile.
"Thank you, Jon…"
She pulled away from his arms, picked up a damp tissue, and wiped her eyes.
"My father died when I was very young," Astoria said suddenly. "I don't really remember him. Mother rarely spoke of him—I don't even know his surname."
Jon listened quietly. It was the first time Astoria had ever spoken to him about her family.
"Mother raised my sister and me on her own… Honestly, I never resented her. She always said I was too soft, and that my sister was more like her."
Astoria paused before continuing softly, "I've always admired her. From as far back as I can remember, no matter how hard life got—family, work, everything—she always handled it with grace."
"I've always been weak. Besides running the household, she still had to take care of me…" Astoria pressed her lips together. "I still remember when I was four, she brought me to Hogwarts to beg Professor Dumbledore…"