Chapter 112 "Chaotic Ministry"

As countless thoughts raced through Ilona's mind, Snape extracted the empty bottle from the package.

McGonagall examined the few remaining drops of liquid in the bottle, its intoxicating glow intriguing her, and she inquired with curiosity, "Professor Snape, is this the Strength Elixir that the other party gave to Marcus?"

However, Snape's stern countenance twisted into a mocking expression, and he retorted, "Indeed, it is the Strength Elixir... but a flawed one!"

Confronted by the skeptical gazes of those around him, Snape continued with disdain, "The other party put great effort into crafting this bottle of Fuling Elixir, but alas, it can only be classified as a defective version. This Elixir is far from being well-made."

Snape added with an air of superiority, "The ingredients used in this so-called Strength Elixir were of high quality, but the potency was too excessive, ultimately undermining the potion's effectiveness. This supposed Strength Elixir serves only to grant individuals a false sense of self-assuredness."

Concluding his explanation, Snape disdainfully returned the glass bottle to Dumbledore's desk.

The Hogwarts professors present collectively breathed sighs of relief upon hearing Snape's assessment.

Sprout even patted her chest and exclaimed, "Thank goodness, thank goodness!"

Ilona also experienced a momentary sense of dread.

Thankfully, the Blessing Elixir had failed to deliver its intended effects.

Otherwise, with a potion capable of fulfilling one's dreams combined with a curse, Wentworth's life might have been in grave danger at Marcus's hands.

While the Hogwarts professors were collectively relieved. Within the chaos of the British Ministry of Magic, Cornelius Fudge found himself in a less-than-pleasant mood.

Fudge addressed a female official with curly hair and a broad, slack face standing beside him, "Where in the world is Rufus? Does he have any inkling of the situation unfolding in London right now? He's the head, yet he's gone missing at a time like this?"

Fudge's outburst elicited a shrill response from the female official standing by him, "Minister Fudge, I never doubted your wisdom, but it must be said, at times, you've been overly lenient with certain individuals at the Ministry of Magic. They may not necessarily reciprocate your goodwill. Sometimes, you must take a firmer stance!"

In agreement, Fudge nodded slowly and declared, "You're right, Deputy Minister Umbridge. It seems I've been overly accommodating. Some individuals are far too presumptuous."

Umbridge chimed in enthusiastically, "Exactly, Minister Fudge! As the Minister of Magic in the UK, your word should be the final authority on all matters here!"

Just at that moment, Rufus returned with his team of Aurors from Knockturn Alley.

Upon returning to the Ministry of Magic, Rufus barely acknowledged Fudge and Umbridge and immediately instructed his Aurors.

"You two, take these individuals into custody for interrogation. Extract any useful information as quickly as possible."

"As for you, send an owl to the Aurors currently on leave. Recall all Aurors and prepare for combat."

Fudge and Umbridge, who had been awaiting a response, found themselves momentarily bewildered by Rufus' abrupt actions and orders.

After regaining their composure, Fudge approached Rufus Scrimgeour, his tone now stern, "Rufus! Where were you? Do you understand the situation outside?"

Rufus Scrimgeour glanced at the Minister of Magic before him, then nodded solemnly, "I'm aware of the circumstances out there, Mr. Minister. That's the Alliance flag—the followers of Grindelwald."

Fudge's eyes twitched, and he exclaimed angrily, "Of course, I know it's the Alliance, and they're being led by Grindelwald! I want to know why the Alliance is here, in London?! Grindelwald should be imprisoned at Nurmengard!"

Faced with Fudge's inquiry, Rufus paused briefly, contemplating whether to divulge the cause of the situation. Eventually, he explained, "I believe it may be due to the fact that I arrested members of the Alliance, Grindelwald's followers."

A sharp intake of breath from both Fudge and Umbridge followed Rufus Scrimgeour's disclosure. Fudge even took a few steps back involuntarily.

Subsequently, Fudge reacted like a cat with a stepped-on tail, pointing at Rufus Scrimgeour and exclaiming, "Blast it! What in the world have you done? Why was I not informed of any of this? Rufus, you may be the head of the Auror Office, but do not forget that I am the Minister of Magic for Britain!"

Seeing this, Rufus hastened to provide an explanation, "Mr. Minister, due to the urgency of the situation, I believed that the Alliance might flee London at any moment. As soon as we received the tip, we immediately proceeded to Knockturn Alley..."

Rufus then recounted the events succinctly to Fudge and Umbridge, who stood beside him.

Listening to Rufus' account, before Fudge could react, it was Umbridge who inquired first, "So, the Alliance, which could erupt at any moment outside, is not solely targeting the destruction of London? It is more likely an attack on our Ministry?"

Fudge, too, stared at Rufus with unease, hoping for a response that differed from what he suspected.

Unfortunately, Rufus only nodded gravely.

In that instant, Fudge felt his heart race uncontrollably.

Rufus had just uttered the word "war" with such ease, a word Fudge had not expected to hear.

Overwhelmed by the situation, Fudge stood there, grappling with how to respond and what actions to take.