There was a big hole in the middle of the street, so deep that the sewer below was broken. Most of the nearby shops were in a mess, with broken stone slabs and walls everywhere. Street lamps and street trees were lying on the ground staggered, as if the end of the world had just come.
A small number of belatedly arrived Ministry of Magic officials repaired the streets, and some of them took out pens and paper to ask the wizards who were present and witnessed all this for details.
As for more wizards, they surrounded the three-headed dog Luwei with serious expressions. Everyone held their wands high and looked at the black gemstone ring under the dog's paws. At the same time, they looked around uneasily, as if they were around at any time.
A vicious dark wizard may appear.
From time to time, clouds of black smoke emerged from the surface of the ring.
However, most of them were blown away by the three-headed dog's hot breath before they could take shape.
On the other hand, the Russian Ministry of Magic officials' interrogation of Gilderoy Lockhart was almost coming to an end, and the surrounding reporters finally found the opportunity to get in front of Lockhart.
"Sir, you don't seem to be a Russian wizard. What's the reason for you coming here? Did you know some information and follow it here specifically?"
"What you did just now is really amazing. Are you an elite Auror of the Ministry of Magic?"
"Sir, if you could, could you tell us your name -"
"Oh, don't be anxious... don't be anxious... I will answer them one by one."
Facing the swarm of reporters, Lockhart calmly adjusted the pointed wizard hat on his head, skillfully raised his hands and pressed them lightly, and spoke with ease.
"Gilderoy Lockhart, as for career..."
Lockhart blinked his eyes nimbly and grinned, just in time to meet the wizard on the right front who was holding a camera to take pictures, and his smile showed just the right amount of bright teeth.
"As I introduced before, he is just a writer with some success and interest. I came here mainly to find inspiration for the next book."
"...So you don't know the specific situation?"
"Yes, actually, I was just passing by."
Lockhart blinked his blue eyes and said modestly and appropriately.
"As for the so-called great things you say, they are actually nothing. Any wizard with conscience and ability will make the same choice as me - there are so many Auror gentlemen present, they will handle it better than me.
Okay, but I happen to..."
"Oh, the Ministry of Magic doesn't have that many Aurors with the Order of Merlin, Level 3."
Before Lockhart could finish speaking, the Russian Minister of Magic held up the information he had just received, shrugged his shoulders with a hint of regret, and walked over.
"It seems... you may have another chance to win a Merlin Medal... I have to admit, if you and Mr. Scamander were not here today, then the Russian magic world - no, or rather - magic
The world will be in big trouble..."
The Russian Minister of Magic frowned and looked at the ring that exuded an ominous aura.
"Oh my God - here - in Moscow! It's unbelievable, what on earth is this - why is that guy here - didn't he already - "
"There is no doubt that, as Professor Dumbledore said, Voldemort is not dead."
"Newt Scamander" said calmly, "I have some vague guesses about the reasons, but I may need to ask Professor Dumbledore for details."
After casually looking at the poor ring, the old wizard raised his eyebrows, a trace of pity and teasing flashed in his eyes, and whispered in a complicated tone.
"But one thing is certain, it is neither a ghost nor a living person... It seems to be a fragment of a soul that lives in an object - souls are not my area of expertise. I suggest that this area be temporarily sealed and under martial law until
Get rid of it."
"Can you destroy it?" the commissioner of the International Federation of Wizards asked solemnly.
"Maybe...maybe...but it's difficult..."
"Newt Scamander" stared at the ring and said thoughtfully.
"The scorching flames of the three-headed dog of hell and the soul-trembling magical talent can't make it completely collapse. Voldemort's attainments in the soul are indeed terrifying... I suspect that it may even be able to confuse people's hearts and even penetrate into the souls of others.
ability."
Demagogue?! Penetrate into the soul?!
Following the old wizard's voice, the surrounding Ministry of Magic officials who were listening attentively subconsciously took half a step back and looked at the ring with more serious eyes.
"Okay, Mr. Scamander, thank you very much for the reminder."
The commissioner of the International Federation of Wizards nodded solemnly.
As an official who had experienced the "Dark Demon Force" period, he was well aware of the horror of this second-generation Dark Lord who had been wreaking havoc in the British wizarding world for more than ten years.
If Gellert Grindelwald can be considered a careerist with a clear purpose, then Voldemort is a completely arbitrary lunatic. While advocating the theory of pure blood, he promotes an atmosphere of chaos and terror in the wizarding world.
…
"only……"
The middle-aged wizard looked around at the messy magical street. His cheeks couldn't help but twitch violently. He took a deep breath and said viciously.
"It's a pity that I couldn't catch the tail of those 'Death Eaters'. Even if there is a little clue, I will pick them all out and send them all to Azkaban to feed the dementors."
The trials of the 'Death Eaters' had all come to an end ten years ago.
Neither the Ministry of Magic nor the International Federation of Wizards would be able to open up old files at this time and question and offend so many wizarding families with a long history at the same time.
unless……
"Speaking of clues, this gentleman..."
At this moment, Gilderoy Lockhart, who was standing not far from the middle-aged wizard, suddenly blinked his eyes, tapped his lips lightly, frowned and whispered uncertainly.
"I seemed to vaguely hear their voices talking to each other... However, there were only a few words. I guess it should be the name of one of them-"
"what name?!"
"who?!"
"Wait a minute, this is no joke!"
"Why didn't you say anything just now?"
The Russian Minister of Magic, the Ukrainian Minister of Magic, the commissioner of the International Federation of Wizards, and many officials from the Ministry of Magic suddenly turned their heads and looked at the handsome man.
"Uh...because it's just some fragmented information..."
Gilderoy Lockhart touched his nose uncomfortably. After hesitating for a few seconds, he took out his wand and put it against his temple. After a few seconds of pause, he took it away.
The tip of the staff brought out a long silver thread of memory.
It stretched longer and longer, and finally broke, with silver light floating on the tip of the wand. Gilderoy Lockhart gritted his teeth and waved his wand, and the silvery memory instantly swirled and stretched like gas.
It turned into a blur of light and shadow.
Amidst the screams of the crowd and the explosion of magic spells, a fragmented voice came out.
"...Don't worry about the ring! Let's go... Lotnikov..."
"Lotnikov? The name..."
The Ukrainian Minister of Magic frowned and repeated thoughtfully.
Immediately afterwards, the faces of several ministers present and the commissioner of the International Federation of Wizards changed, and they exchanged solemn looks with each other - if it is really that person, then...
"I see, thank you for the information... it's very useful..."
The Minister of Magic of Ukraine coughed slightly and said quickly with a calm face.
"However, for confidentiality reasons, I suggest Mr. Lockhart not to give this memory to others for the time being. We will find other wizards present to verify it. Sorry, I may have to excuse you for the time being. We need to have a meeting to discuss it.
one time……"
Lotnikov is not a common surname in the Russian wizarding world.
It stands to reason that this surname has already completely disappeared from this land and appeared on the other side of the ocean with the end of the judgment five years ago.