Ministry of Magic, Office of the Minister
" Crouch, are you joking?"
Although seated in his office chair, Cornelius Fudge leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk as he fixed a piercing gaze on Barty Crouch Sr. His expression was one of disbelief.
Rufus Scrimgeour, the Director of the Auror Office, stood nearby, his face equally cautious. Both men were well-acquainted with Barty Crouch. The three had once been colleagues, and among them, Crouch had held the most distinguished position as the former Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Known for his rigor and often ruthless efficiency, Crouch had been a figure of immense authority. If not for the scandal involving his son, Barty Jr., many believed Crouch would have ascended to the position of Minister of Magic, a role Fudge now occupied.
Now, Crouch stood before them, claiming that the Magical Congress of the United States was on the brink of collapse, with the American wizarding world poised to fall under Grindelwald's control.
It was an extraordinary claim, and neither Fudge nor Scrimgeour could bring themselves to believe it outright. The idea that Grindelwald could dominate the American wizarding world in just two or three months seemed absurd. After all, the American magical community was not weak, and Grindelwald had suffered defeats there in the past.
Yet, as they scrutinized the seriousness etched on Crouch's face, doubt began to creep in. Finally, they chose to hear him out.
"Minister Fudge, Scrimgeour," Crouch began, his voice steady. "The wizards and goblins from the Magical Congress are waiting outside. If you have any doubts, you can meet and speak with them directly."
He paused, then added with a hint of suspicion, "By the way, there's something odd about the goblin accompanying them. I believe any investigation into the validity of their claims should start with him."
Fudge sat back, considering Crouch's words. After exchanging a brief glance with Scrimgeour, a faint, knowing smile crept onto his face. Both men understood exactly what Crouch was implying.
Despite the goblins' elevated status in wizarding society—managing Gringotts, excelling in alchemy, and wielding considerable influence—many wizards, especially purebloods, still viewed them with disdain. To such wizards, goblins were little more than high-ranking servants, begrudgingly tolerated because of their unparalleled skill with money and magical artifacts.
For Fudge and Scrimgeour, the idea that a goblin could be at the heart of this matter was both intriguing and suspicious.
Snorting softly, Fudge gestured for Crouch to bring the visitors in. Almost immediately, the doors opened, and two figures stepped into the room.
The first was a tall wizard with blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a black wizard's robe adorned with various magical trinkets. Beside him stood a goblin dressed in a tailored black suit, holding a staff that seemed both ceremonial and functional.
The wizard bowed respectfully. "Minister Fudge, I am Narm, an envoy sent by the Magical Congress of the United States. It is an honor to meet you."
The goblin beside him inclined his head in a similar gesture of respect, though there was a glint of something unreadable in his sharp eyes.
Before Narm could continue, Fudge raised a hand to interrupt him. "Narm, is it?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with authority. "What is your position within the Magical Congress? Who authorized you to come here?"
Fudge's pointed questions completely ignored the goblin, whose expression flickered briefly with irritation. Scrimgeour, observing this subtle reaction, narrowed his eyes.
Interesting, Scrimgeour thought. The goblin seemed unusually invested in this situation, almost as if he couldn't afford to be overlooked.
Unperturbed by the goblin's reaction, Narm quickly answered, "Minister, I am a Captain in the Auror Enforcement Department. I was sent here under the orders of Vice President Chenos, as our President is recovering from severe injuries sustained in battle."
He hesitated briefly, then pressed on. "The Magical Congress has joined forces with the goblins to resist Grindelwald's invasion. The situation is dire. We need immediate support from the British Ministry of Magic, particularly from Principal Dumbledore. Grindelwald is unmatched in power, and without Dumbledore's help, we cannot hope to prevail."
Fudge leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Grindelwald's power was undeniable, but was the situation truly so desperate? Still, Narm's urgency left little room for doubt.
The war in the wizarding world was not unlike warfare among Muggles—those with the most formidable powers were akin to nuclear weapons. They didn't need to be used, but their mere existence could determine the outcome of a conflict.
For decades, Britain's greatest "weapon" had been Albus Dumbledore. Even now, as age caught up with him, Dumbledore remained a force to be reckoned with.
Fudge's lips curled into a small, calculating smile. If the Magical Congress needed Dumbledore, this could work to his advantage.
The dream seeds he had been nurturing were still evolving, their potential untapped. Dumbledore's presence had always been a hindrance to his plans, but if he could persuade the elder wizard to leave Britain, even temporarily, it would give Fudge the freedom to proceed without interference.
And the Magical Congress wasn't just asking for manpower. Their plea for assistance presented an opportunity to secure resources—magical knowledge, rare materials, and perhaps even political leverage.
Fudge turned his gaze back to Narm, his tone suddenly softer, almost sympathetic. "Grindelwald once wreaked havoc on the entire wizarding world. He remains a threat to all wizards. Your plight is a shared concern."
He paused for dramatic effect, then continued, "As allies, the British Ministry of Magic will not stand idly by. I will personally advise Principal Dumbledore to assist you. Additionally, I will dispatch Aurors to support your efforts against Grindelwald and his followers."
Narm's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Minister! The Magical Congress will never forget your support."
==============================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
=============================================