Hearing Arthur Weasley's words, Cornelius Fudge silently thought, What a sly move! He had always assumed that Weasley, with his honest and straightforward demeanor, wasn't capable of such cunning. Yet here he was, thinking several steps ahead of even Fudge himself.
However, Fudge's face remained solemn and righteous as he declared,
"As the Minister for Magic of Britain, how can I agree to the demands of the Pureblood Party? That would be tantamount to capitulation!"
Arthur Weasley, however, shook his head repeatedly and responded,
"No, no, Minister Fudge. This isn't about giving in to them. It's about saving an innocent child! We can capture those wizards again, but if that boy loses his life, there will be no bringing him back."
At this, Fudge felt that the situation was nearing its boiling point. He looked around the room, then sighed dramatically before saying,
"I just can't make this decision alone. I can't stand idly by and let the Pureblood Party walk away unpunished. Let's hear what everyone else thinks. Let's put it to a vote!"
Pausing for a moment, as if deep in thought, Fudge then continued,
"If you disagree with trading the captured members of the Pureblood Party to save Amos's son—if you can bear to see a child lost to this war—raise your hand now."
The room fell silent. Many of the Aurors and Ministry wizards' expressions shifted uneasily.
Initially, some Aurors, including Rufus Scrimgeour, seemed ready to raise their hands. But after hearing the latter part of Fudge's statement, even Scrimgeour hesitated. Nobody dared to lift their hand.
Good grief, thought the crowd. Anyone who raises their hand now can kiss their career in the Ministry goodbye!
After waiting a moment, and seeing that no one responded, Fudge breathed a silent sigh of relief. Outwardly, however, he feigned regret and said,
"Since this is the collective decision, as much as it pains me as Minister, I must follow the will of the majority. We shall proceed with the exchange to save the boy."
He shook his head as if in great sorrow.
Amos Diggory, meanwhile, was overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down his face as he repeatedly thanked Fudge and turned to express his gratitude to the gathered Ministry wizards.
Fudge, maintaining a serious expression, strode over to Rosier.
Rosier's lips curled into an amused smirk as she casually asked,
"Well, Minister Fudge, have you made your decision?"
Fudge's voice thundered with righteous indignation,
"Don't think for a moment that this is a concession! As the Minister for Magic, it is my duty to protect every wizard under my jurisdiction. If we meet again, we will capture you and send you straight to Azkaban!"
Rosier laughed dismissively and replied softly,
"Oh, really? Shall I provide you with the locations of a few of our hideouts in London, Minister?"
Fudge's face turned pale, unsure how to respond.
Rosier laughed heartily, then turned away, calling out,
"Bring the boy forward!"
Auston Greengrass shoved Cedric Diggory forward, pushing him toward Rosier. Rosier looked at Fudge, her smirk fading as her expression turned sharp.
"Where are our people?" she demanded.
Fudge walked back to Rufus Scrimgeour and ordered,
"Bring them out."
Scrimgeour's reluctance was plain, but Fudge gritted his teeth and hissed,
"Have you not caused enough chaos for the Ministry? Unless you have a foolproof plan to rescue that boy safely, follow my orders!"
Scrimgeour clenched his fists tightly but eventually relented. He motioned for the Aurors to bring out the captives.
Moments later, the bar owner and several of his henchmen, who had been held in the Ministry's interrogation chambers, were escorted out by Aurors. The captives, oblivious to the events unfolding outside, initially assumed they were being moved for further questioning. They were bewildered to find themselves standing amidst the aftermath of a battle on a shattered street, surrounded by wizards.
When they were brought before Fudge and Scrimgeour, they remained dazed and confused.
"Release the boy first," Fudge ordered, pointing at Cedric behind Rosier.
Rosier gave a wry smile and replied,
"We, the Pureblood Party, have principles. We don't play petty tricks."
With that, Rosier grabbed Cedric and shoved him unceremoniously toward Fudge. Scrimgeour stepped forward, caught Cedric, and carefully examined him before signaling to the Aurors to release the captives.
As the captives were pushed toward Rosier, the bar owner finally understood the gravity of the situation. He glanced around at the gathered wizards and the devastation around him, his face filled with shock.
Abernathy approached the bar owner and asked with concern,
"Are you all right? Were you mistreated?"
He draped his coat over the bar owner's shoulders as he spoke.
Rosier walked up to them, holding a pendant with a distinct symbol, and asked,
"You recognize this, don't you?"
The bar owner's eyes widened in recognition. He nodded quickly and replied,
"Of course! That's the symbol of the Pureblood Party!"
Rosier seemed satisfied with the response. She continued,
"Good. I am Rosier of the Pureblood Party. On behalf of our leader, the heir of the Grindelwald family, I welcome you back to freedom."
Rosier's smile broadened as she spread her arms wide, addressing the group,
"I bring you a message from our young master: Welcome home."
The bar owner surveyed the scene around him, tears streaming down his face. Slowly, he knelt before Rosier, choking out,
"Thank you! Thank you, young master! Thank you, everyone! From this day forward, I dedicate my life to the Grindelwald family. I will never betray you!"
Rosier helped the man to his feet and solemnly said,
"Your life is your own to keep. If you want to express your gratitude, direct it to our young master. We are merely following Grindelwald's will, working for a greater cause."
The bar owner wiped his tears and declared with unwavering conviction,
"From this day forward, I will become the sharp edge of the sword. Wherever the Grindelwald family's wand points, I will charge forward, no matter the mountains, rivers, deserts, or wastelands. Even if it costs my last drop of blood, even if I turn to dust, I will have no regrets in this life!"
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