With such an incident unfolding, the question of who had actually won the World Cup no longer seed to matter.
Though today’s victors were ant to be the stars of the celebration, the mont the green skull appeared in the sky, every wizard’s attention shifted away from Quidditch. The planned victory parade was called off, and the evening festivities were canceled altogether...
Strangely, not a single wizard protested or voiced dissatisfaction. After all, that spell—the mark of Voldemort—was unmistakable to anyone in the British wizarding world, and everyone knew exactly what it signified.
For the older generation of wizards, the instant they saw that green skull, the mories of the fear that once gripped them under Voldemort’s reign ca flooding back. It was the darkest era in the history of the British wizarding world...
Under orders from the Ministry of Magic, wizards—whether aware of what was happening or not—were sent back to their tents. The bewildered and uneasy crowd did not resist, simply obeying instructions and returning quietly to their quarters. Throughout the camp, Aurors could be seen suddenly appearing, patrolling the grounds with heightened vigilance.
So of the more influential guests were escorted away from the scene under Auror protection.
But that did not include the only two who remained: Draco, and the hostage—no, Astoria—who had finally regained consciousness after taking the potion.
The two of them were now being brought to the Ministry of Magic...
...
The Ministry of Magic.
Abbreviated as M.O.M.
Its predecessor was the Wizengamot, and its highest office was not the current Minister for Magic but the President of the Wizengamot. Only after its reorganization into the Ministry did the title of Minister for Magic co into being.
Following that restructuring, the Ministry established seven departnts, dedicated to maintaining the balance between the wizarding and Muggle worlds, and to protecting both wizards and magical creatures.
At this mont, Draco was on his way to the Departnt of Magical Law Enforcent.
Though the Ministry’s existence was no secret, this was indeed Draco’s first ti entering the building. Unfortunately, his reason for being here was far from ideal...
Because of the recent events, this massive organization was now operating at full tilt. The mont one stepped inside, it was impossible to miss the Ministry staff hurrying through the corridors, faces drawn tight with anxiety.
Notably, when these employees caught sight of Draco, their expressions almost universally darkened with suspicion and resentnt. Whether or not the so-called prank had been real, their workload had clearly skyrocketed overnight. It was no wonder Draco was unwelco here—especially by the Aurors ‘escorting’ him. Judging by their looks, he certainly didn’t appear to be one of the good guys.
It seed that overnight, Draco Malfoy had beco the villain...
...
Draco, unconcerned by the situation, kept his gaze fixed on the Ministry’s architecture. His calm deanor finally pushed Astoria—who still had no idea what was going on—past her limit.
“I an, why?”
“Why what?”
“Well... that thing...”
There were simply too many questions swirling in Astoria’s mind, leaving her montarily at a loss for where to begin.
Truthfully, after drinking the potion, Astoria hadn’t even processed the mont when Draco personally fed it to her before she found herself dazed and following him and his parents into the Ministry of Magic. Now, she could feel the hostile stares of the wizards surrounding them.
Glancing at Draco’s composed expression, Astoria felt a flicker of reassurance. She quietly moved closer to him and lowered her voice.
“Why did we co here?”
“...Barring any surprises, you’ll probably read about it in tomorrow’s Daily Prophet. Though I doubt it’ll be an accurate report.”
“...Then why even tell to read it?”
“It’ll cover part of the truth—but enough for you to understand what’s going on.”
“Alright. Guess I worried for nothing.”
Clearly, Astoria wasn’t satisfied with Draco’s answer. And whether Draco noticed or not, Astoria definitely saw the Aurors walking on either side of them, glaring their way with open hostility.
Realizing this wasn’t the place to talk, Astoria gave Draco a sharp look and swallowed her remaining questions.
But just as she gave up, Draco suddenly spoke again.
“Then what about you?”
“Huh?”
Astoria tilted her head, blinking up at him in confusion. She clearly didn’t understand what Draco ant or why he was asking.
Before she could say more, the group ahead—Lucius Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge, and the others—ca to an abrupt stop.
“...Dumbledore? Why are you here? I thought...”
“Don’t be alard, my friend. With sothing like this happening, how could I not co? I thought you might need my help. And don’t forget what I told you last ti.”
“But—”
“Relax. We’re the best of friends, aren’t we, dear Fudge?”
“Ah... well... yes.”
Walking toward them was Dumbledore, his long silver beard swaying lightly. He looked to be in good spirits, while Cornelius Fudge’s forced smile was so stiff that anyone could see the tension beneath it.
No one comnted on it, though—everyone chose to act as if nothing was amiss.
Dumbledore, seemingly oblivious to Lucius Malfoy standing nearby, stepped up beside Cornelius Fudge.
“So, how are things progressing?”
“...The wand analysis is complete. Aside from traces of the Stunning Spell, there’s no sign of any other magic being cast. Of course, we’ll continue to investigate... though I suspect this was nothing more than soone’s prank....”
“Don’t be too optimistic, my friend. My clever student has a knack for surprises—ones people rarely enjoy. Besides, our Mr. Malfoy never lies. Just like Harry.”
“...This isn’t like Harry’s case... Alright, perhaps you’re right.”
Draco could tell Cornelius Fudge was reluctant, but under the weight of Dumbledore’s piercing blue gaze, the Minister of Magic still bent slightly at the waist and forced a nod of agreent.
Draco also noticed sothing else—none of the surrounding wizards seed the least bit surprised by the scene. If anything, they acted as though it were perfectly normal.
Or rather...
It was simply to be expected.
After all, that wizard was Dumbledore.
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