💎 WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch⏰ Resets Monday!
Tony's head was buzzing. Wasn't this supposed to be a hearing? How had they suddenly started asking him for advice?
"What do other countries' Ministries of Magic do?" Tony couldn't help asking.
Samuel paused before answering. "Britain, which you're familiar with—they've cooperated with their Prime Ministers throughout history. Every incoming Prime Minister or Minister of Magic holds meetings. Japan's magical authorities report directly to their Emperor. China's Central Land Daoist Sect has its own heritage and has always maintained close relationships with their leadership..."
Tony stared at Samuel in disbelief. "So only America is like this? Nobody knows anything?"
Samuel nodded and briefly explained the origins. The entire room fell silent. Though few had personally lived through that period, some still existed, and this history brought sadness to anyone in American magical circles who spoke of it.
Tony leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin. "I don't recommend you contact the American government like other countries do. Even though I'm American, I have to say—if you contact the U.S. government, they'll absolutely start a war."
The room erupted in uproar. Samuel had to bang his table hard. "May I ask why?"
Tony thought for a moment. "It's hard to explain clearly. America's national character is different from other countries. If you truly want to appear publicly instead of hiding like this, then you—no, we—must ensure sufficient independence. According to the U.S. Constitution, state independence is inviolable, so we must work from that angle." (Author's note: I made this up! Couldn't find the information...)
Samuel couldn't help leaning forward. "Could you be more specific?"
Tony spread his hands. "We'd need a lawyer familiar with the law, plus a reliable spokesperson."
"For example?" Samuel stood up, pressing.
"For example, someone with reputation in the ordinary world, influence in the wizarding world, and recognition from both worlds..." Tony trailed off as he spoke. Why did this candidate sound so familiar?
"Isn't that you?" a wizard from the left seating suddenly spoke up.
???
Tony was stunned too. Wasn't it exactly him?
The entire room erupted in discussion. Everyone was talking, even Samuel was discussing non-stop with those beside him. Only Tony sat there looking bewildered. How had this suddenly gotten pinned on him? Could he handle something this big?
Outside the door, Gemini and Liz stood together with nothing to do. The room's soundproofing was too good—they couldn't hear anything, so they could only chat by the entrance. The more they talked, the more excited they became. Despite their age difference, they hit it off remarkably well. Gemini practically wanted to go home with Liz right then and there.
Just as the two were chatting happily, the inquiry room doors suddenly burst open. Crowds poured out, constantly discussing heatedly with those beside them, leaving Gemini and Liz stunned.
Finally, the Chairman emerged with a group of congressmen and Tony. "Well then, we're entrusting this matter to you. Tomorrow's newspapers will report it—you'll be the youngest congressman in all of American magical history. Everything is in your hands." Samuel shook hands with the bewildered Tony before hurrying off with the congressmen.
"What's going on?" Gemini asked in confusion.
Tony looked completely lost. "How should I know? Suddenly I'm a MACUSA congressman?"
"What?!" Gemini and Liz exclaimed in unison.
Tony covered his face in anguish. "How am I supposed to handle this?!"
On the way back, Gemini and Liz listened to Tony's account with wide eyes. Gemini was particularly thinking to herself—no wonder Congress hadn't said anything about her shop. Besides her own background, Congress had long wanted change anyway.
Of course, this wasn't something that could be resolved overnight. Tony began calculating the people at his disposal—familiar with law, familiar with the magical world, and from his own circle.
After a while, Tony sighed. Sorry, Pepper! It has to be you again!
Having figured it out, Tony suddenly felt light as a feather. He jauntily invited Liz to lunch, only to be politely but firmly declined by the beautiful blonde.
Gemini burst into laughter. Feeling his dignity wounded, Tony stormed off angrily. Of course, he stopped after five meters—he didn't know how to get back, having been brought by Portkey. His car was still at the All-Purpose Shop.
Gemini quit while she was ahead. After saying goodbye to Liz, she took Tony to the public area, which had public fireplaces and Apparition zones. Finding an empty fireplace, she dropped in a few copper coins. The box beside the fireplace automatically dispensed Floo Powder. They returned to the All-Purpose Shop through the fireplace, where Coby had already prepared lunch. Tony ate a few perfunctory bites before wanting to go home—he had many things to discuss with Pepper.
"By the way, do you have any way to get to Britain?" Tony suddenly asked. "Fast enough and discreet—the kind ordinary people won't know about."
Gemini looked at him. "Go to the International Travel Department. They have international fireplaces at fair prices. Though long-distance Floo Network isn't very comfortable, it's fast enough."
Tony nodded in understanding. "Do you know anyone familiar with Britain's magical world? I have some business there—help me find someone who knows the area."
Gemini thought for a moment. "You get along well with George, so try the Weasley family. Aunt Ginny has plenty of time. She's Harry's wife and familiar with all aspects of Britain. How about that?"
Tony's eyes lit up. "That couldn't be better!"
Gemini gave Tony the contact information. Tony carefully tucked it away, lingered at the All-Purpose Shop for afternoon tea, then left to prepare for home.
Gemini immediately wrote a letter, sending it to Ginny via international express, asking her to help look after this overgrown child so he wouldn't cause trouble in Britain's magical world.
As evening fell, Tony finally returned home.
The house was pitch black. Tony immediately became alert. Ever since Jarvis had been compromised by Obadiah, he'd upgraded several times. The lights should have turned on when he arrived home.
At Tony's signal, Happy gripped his gun and watched the entrance warily.
"Sir! You're finally back!" A shrill voice suddenly appeared, startling Happy so badly he nearly fired toward the sound.
"Bogg caught an intruder!" The house-elf wore a clean pillowcase, proudly puffing out his chest. "Right there! Bogg tied him up!"
By the window, a black mass of something unidentifiable was struggling to move. "Well done, Bogg!" Tony praised the elf with delight, making the little creature puff out his chest even more.
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