Newt shrugged, pointed to the "pink toad" sitting next to Cornelius Fudge, and said seriously.
"This lady, I mean Deputy Minister Umbridge, I think she is not suitable to preside over the work of docking. She does not like magical animals. If she is allowed to participate in this aspect, I am worried that many problems will arise.
.”
As soon as she said this, Umbridge, who was still smiling, suddenly froze.
"Mr. Scamander, what do you mean?!"
Newt repeated calmly, "I think I made it very clear that you are not suitable to participate in projects in the field of magical beasts. I hope the Ministry of Magic can change the official responsible for it, that's all."
As an honest person from Hufflepuff House, although Newt Scamander didn't say anything, he had always kept in mind Umbridge's deliberate attempts to make things difficult and evasive, and now he just took advantage of it.
Get angry.
"You! Huh...Mr. Newt, I believe I must have misunderstood you."
Looking at the other wizards around her, Umbridge took a deep breath, tried hard to squeeze out an ugly smile on her broad, pale and saggy face, and used her high-pitched and thin voice.
continued.
"Look, I have always liked magical animals. In the previous work with you, we did have some omissions and delays. But you just heard Professor Dumbledore say that the Ministry of Magic actually...
"
"It's not for these reasons. The important thing is that you don't like magical animals at all."
Newt shook his head again and repeated it seriously.
"I hate magical animals? How is that possible? Hehehe——"
Umbridge had a fake smile on her face, but the look in her two big round eyes gradually became cold, and she let out a series of laughter like silver bells, which made the hairs on the back of Newt's neck almost stand up.
, almost couldn't help but pull out the wand.
"You can go to the Ministry of Magic and find someone to confirm how much I like those cute magical animals."
The witch grinned, showing her sharp teeth, and tried to make her voice sound steady.
"Ever since I learned from Mr. Minister that you were going to found the Magical Creatures Society, I have been eager to participate in this interesting work as soon as possible. I believe we can become very good friends. After all, we both like, well, those
animals!"
"But, you really don't like magical beasts."
Newt repeated dryly, interrupting Umbridge again.
This time, even Cornelius Fudge couldn't help but frown.
And the fake smile on Umbridge's face finally couldn't hold on anymore.
She narrowed her eyes, took a deep look at Newt, and asked softly with an unkind tone.
"So, Mr. Newt Scamander, why do you say that? Do you have any basis for it?"
"There is no specific basis, but I just have such a feeling."
As if he was not used to this kind of tit-for-tat confrontation, Newt quickly moved his eyes away and landed on Phoenix Fox, who was dozing on the birdstand in the office. He muttered and continued talking to himself.
"I can feel that you hate magical animals, well, it seems... you are still a little afraid of them?"
"Feeling? Just feeling?"
Umbridge repeated with a sneer, her face full of humor and irony.
"Well, my intuition is very accurate."
Newt nodded and answered dryly.
"You hate magical beasts, so working with you on this matter will definitely be terrible..."
Umbridge's face quickly darkened and she said in a hoarse cold voice.
"I'm sorry. I, Dolores Jane Umbridge, am the Senior Under-Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Apart from me, I don't think anyone else is suitable to preside over such an important job. Do you expect Mr. Minister to devote all his energy to it every day?"
Is it all on you?"
Newt spread his hands and said, "This is not an issue I need to consider. But I really don't want to continue to cooperate with you."
"Unreasonable! Ridiculous! It's so ridiculous!"
After Umbridge was silent for a moment, she stood up angrily, the fat on her face twitching.
Over the years, as her status in the Ministry of Magic gradually increased, almost no one dared to offend her in this way. This was the first time she had seen a guy like Newt Scamander who had no regard for the majesty of the Ministry of Magic.
arrive.
However, in this situation, it would be too bad if she also lost her composure.
Taking a deep breath, Umbridge tried to suppress the anger in her heart and turned her head to look at Dumbledore not far away.
"Professor Dumbledore, aren't you going to say something?"
"Sorry, but Mr. Scamander is no longer studying at Hogwarts..."
Dumbledore said gently and spread his hands helplessly.
"As you can see, as an ordinary Hogwarts principal, my majesty is probably only useful to the children who are still in school. Even the professors in the school, I can only have a little help now.
Give some suggestions and reminders.
Let alone "Dumbledore" sitting here right now, even if it were the real Dumbledore, he would probably have the same reaction.
As for asking him to take the initiative to resolve conflicts, what a joke!
In Grindelwald's eyes, whether it is watching Newt Scamander suffer or the officials of the Ministry of Magic suffer, it is undoubtedly a pleasant thing for both body and mind. Without adding fuel to the flames and taking the initiative to cause trouble, he is already very accomplished as an actor.
.
"but--"
"Dolores!"
Cornelius Fudge raised his hand and interrupted Umbridge.
There is no doubt that Dumbledore does not intend to involve too much in this matter. Regarding Newt Scamander's previous grudges with the Ministry of Magic, there is indeed a need to vent the contradictions, otherwise it will not be conducive to the follow-up.
Work.
Glancing at Dumbledore who looked indifferent, the Minister of Magic turned to look at Newt.
"Is there no other room for maneuver on this matter? And...in addition to this, do you have any other needs or ideas that require the Ministry of Magic to cooperate or make some corresponding changes?"
"No, that's it. Everything else is fine." Newt shook his head.
"Okay, then..."
Cornelius Fudge breathed a long sigh of relief, his eyes lingering in the office for a week.
Theoretically, Amos Diggory of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and Barty Crouch of the Department of International Magical Cooperation are qualified for Umbridge's job in this regard, but Cornelius Fudge is not
I don't believe these two wizards.
After all, the Diggory family was too close to Dumbledore, and Crouch Sr. had been one of the contenders for the Minister of Magic.
In fact, among the Ministry of Magic personnel who came to Hogwarts this time, these two people were not present at all.
(You need someone smart, strong enough, non-threatening, and most importantly, someone with a strict mouth and trustworthy...)
Cornelius Fudge was thinking as his eyes slowly came to rest on the tall dark-skinned wizard standing at the door.
"Kingsley, you will be responsible for connecting with Mr. Newt Scamander from now on, and your work content will be reported directly to me! Regarding your position transfer, I will tell Bones later and transfer you to me.
Personal Auror."
There is no doubt that Kingsley Shacklebolt is definitely the best candidate in the ministry in terms of personal ability and reliability.
While escorting Sirius Black some time ago, although Black accidentally rushed into the trial venue early, the tooth marks on Kingsley's hand also proved that he did not belong to Dumbledore's "secret clique"
.
On the other hand, the taciturn Kingsley is not conspicuous in his position and is not as aggressive as Scrimgeour.
As a senior Auror in the Auror Office, no matter how you think about it, Kingsley Shacklebolt is too far away from the position of the Minister of Magic. Matters involving gray income are left to him.
Couldn't be more appropriate.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt of the Auror Office."
Umbridge turned around, glanced at the big wizard standing by the door, raised her eyebrows and said nothing.
In her impression, Kingsley Shacklebolt was the bodyguard who stood beside her and Fudge most of the time. Although he was not as slick and shrewd as Delis, he was more reliable and honest. In this case, he had to let
People feel more at ease.
This is a very useful tool wizard, or puppet microphone.
Obviously, Cornelius Fudge probably thinks so too.
"Okay, Mr. Minister. No problem."
Kingsley, who was standing by the door, was slightly startled at first, then quickly reacted and nodded in response.
Immediately afterwards, the man walked up to Newt and stretched out his hand, his voice was low and slow.
"Hello, Mr. Scamander. I am Kingsley Shacklebolt from the Auror Office. Please look after me in the future."
"Um, hello...I'm Newt Scamander..."
Newt subconsciously reached out his hand and shook it briefly, his eyes passing over the gold rings on Kingsley's ears.
Compared with other officials of the Ministry of Magic, he always felt that this tall Auror seemed a little different, as if Kingsley was not from the Ministry of Magic, but a partner who was on the same side as Dumbledore and him -
- This is a very wonderful feeling. If I have to compare it, it is like the feeling that wolves belonging to different groups have when they recognize their partners.
However, before Newt and Kingsley could exchange a few more words, the negotiation was almost over.
"Since everything is fine, we won't stay here any longer."
Cornelius Fudge picked up the hat on the table and put it on. He walked to the fireplace in the office, turned around and looked at Dumbledore and saluted politely. After thinking for a few seconds, he finally added with some hesitation.
One sentence.
"Well, regarding the early stage of 'bill reimbursement', we will sort it out as soon as possible. As for the association documents, I will also sign them in the next few days... I will leave it to Dumbledore for the matters regarding Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Lido taught you——"
After receiving Dumbledore's confirmed answer, Cornelius Fudge nodded with satisfaction, turned around and stepped into the flames.
"Ministry of Magic!"
As the words fell, the figure of the Minister of Magic disappeared in the crackling flames.
Immediately afterwards, the other members of the Ministry of Magic stood up one after another, used the Floo Network one after another, and left the principal's office.
Before leaving the office, Kingsley seemed to turn his head inadvertently and blinked flexibly at Newt Scamander. In contrast to his previous dull and silent character, his whole person suddenly became lively.
A few points.
"Huh? This gentleman is..."
Newt was stunned for a moment, and subconsciously turned his head to look at Dumbledore.
"Shh-"
Dumbledore raised his finger, smiled mysteriously, and pointed at the phoenix on the bird stand casually.
"Newt, it seems like today is a nice day, but not a good day for chatting. It's about time you went back, otherwise Mrs. Scamander might rush to Hogwarts to ask for someone. I guess you didn't
Tell Tina in advance?"
"Um...I left a note in the bedroom."
Newt touched his nose and replied awkwardly.
"The note? Oh, that must be a very magical note."
Dumbledore's eyes flashed, he nodded seriously, and said with a smile.
"After all, if I remember correctly, you just said that Mrs. Scamander was very annoyed with you for staying up late this morning, and she planned to have a good talk with you when she got home - Hey, Newt, you don't plan to do that anymore.
Have you sat down for a while?"
Dumbledore exclaimed in surprise and glanced at Newt who was restless in a funny way.
"Actually, there's no need to rush. I guess Tina hasn't arrived in Scotland from Dorset so quickly..."
"Professor, don't be kidding me... I really have to go back quickly."
Newt Scamander coughed lightly, stood up with an awkward expression, hurriedly walked to the fireplace, grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it into the fire, then disappeared in a panic into the green
in the flames.
Dumbledore was soon the only one left in the office.
"Tsk tsk...marriage is really terrible..."
Dumbledore shook his head with emotion, raised his wand and tapped it deftly towards the fireplace.
"All curses come to an end!"
crackle.
Accompanied by the explosion of tongues of fire.
The fireplace at Hogwarts quietly retreated from the Ministry of Magic's floo network.
…………
After a while.
Hogwarts Headmaster's Office.
On the stairs above the study, another Dumbledore slowly walked down.
"Gale, please be more careful next time! Newt is very sensitive! You are playing with fire!"
Dumbledore frowned and said seriously.
"Also, did you deliberately target Newt just now? This is different from what we agreed before."
"Albus, it's not my fault, is it? They started arguing among themselves. They had conflicts before, and they each had their own ideological positions. They started arguing without even saying a few words. What can I do?
Method?"
Grindelwald, who had returned to his own appearance, answered innocently while eating the cookies on the table.
"This biscuit tastes good. Do you want one? I won't be able to eat it until the girl comes back."
"If you explain things clearly in advance, there won't be so many conflicts."
Dumbledore walked down the stairs unmoved and took away the plate of cookies in front of Grindelwald.
"Gale! You clearly know that Newt is not good at negotiating with the Ministry of Magic, but you still let him confront the Ministry of Magic first, and then come out to make adjustments. This is no joke! What if they..."
"That's just your worry. I have my own sense of discretion in this regard, so don't worry."
Grindelwald grinned, smiled nonchalantly, and pointed to the sky outside the window.
Outside the window, the sky is clear...
"Besides, even if something really happened...to start over would be..."