"But what could I possibly do to convince them?!"
Looking at those unfathomable purple eyes across the table, Kakus was genuinely stunned and asked in confusion.
Bryan's fingertips traced a slow, thoughtful pattern around the rim of his wine glass and said calmy.
"As I just mentioned, those secret wizards have never been willing to integrate into the modern magical world's system. This is partly due to their own reasons—their pride, their attachment to ancient traditions, their suspicion of authority. But it's also ours."
He paused, letting that sink in, his gaze never leaving Kakus's face.
"The wizards who first established the modern magical framework, who built the Ministry and created the current system, didn't reserve a place for their entire community. They were excluded from the beginning, pushed to the margins, and they've stayed there ever since."
Kakus's brow furrowed deeply, creating traces of confusion across his forehead. He leaned forward slightly, trying to grasp the implications of what Bryan was saying. His mind worked through the problem, but he couldn't quite see where this was leading.
Seeing Kakus's confusion, recognizing the uncertainty in his expression, Bryan gave a small, knowing smile. He shifted in his chair, preparing to make his point clearer.
"Let me ask you something, Kakus. If a wizard from a wild or secret wizard background—someone who'd grown up outside the normal system, learning magic through ancient family traditions rather than Hogwarts education, wanted to enter the Ministry of Magic, what channels do you think they could possibly take?"
'Enter the Ministry of Magic?'
The question struck Kakus like a revelation. His eyes narrowed as he began to understand.
This was undoubtedly very difficult, perhaps even impossible under the current system. Never mind secret wizards with their unconventional training and methods—even wizards who graduated from Hogwarts with proper modern magical education found it hard to secure Ministry positions.
Only the most outstanding young people, those with multiple N.E.W.T. certificates and impressive academic records, had any real chance of gaining the Ministry of Magic's favor and attention.
But wait a moment!
Kakus's eyes suddenly widened with surprise and rising new understanding, and he looked at Bryan with uncertainty mixed with growing excitement. His pulse quickened as he began to see what Bryan was driving at.
"It seems you understand—"
Bryan said with evident satisfaction.
"The Ministry of Magic won't accept wizards from secret wizard backgrounds because they have no way of judging their skill level. Unlike young wizards who graduated from Hogwarts and took the Ordinary Wizarding Level and Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test examinations, the Ministry of Magic, as well as various workshops, companies, and other employers throughout the wizarding world can readily assess young wizards' abilities through their O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s exam results."
He leaned forward, his voice taking on greater intensity.
"Therefore, if we genuinely hope they can integrate into our system, we must show them our sincerity through concrete action, not empty words. We need to demonstrate that we're serious about inclusion.
Have the Wizarding Examinations Authority establish a new evaluation mechanism specifically designed to assess their magical proficiency. It should be benchmarked against O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s level examinations in terms of difficulty and scope, with results officially recognized by the Ministry of Magic."
Looking at Kakus, who had fallen into deep thought, Bryan continued laying out his comprehensive plan.
"In the first few years after the new evaluation mechanism is implemented, during the transition period, the Ministry of Magic needs to provide fixed recruitment quotas specifically for secret wizards. The Ministry is the magical world's weathervane, the standard by which others judge what's acceptable.
Once the Ministry officially recognizes them, validates their qualifications and gives them real opportunities, current workshops and companies throughout Britain and beyond will quickly follow suit. Market forces will take over from there.
This way, those secret wizards will finally have legitimate means of livelihood, respectable careers and social standing, instead of constantly stirring up trouble in the underground world out of desperation or resentment."
Without a doubt, this was a brilliant idea—visionary, even!
The scope and elegance of it took Kakus's breath away. It addressed root causes rather than just symptoms. However, as the wizard who dealt most broadly and directly with those secret wizards, Kakus wouldn't be blindly optimistic or ignore obvious problems.
"I don't deny this is an excellent idea, I mean, extending goodwill to those hardliners who've been outside the system for so long—"
Kakus said with caution, weighing his words carefully.
"But you know, Mr. Watson, the problem is probably far more complex than just this. The magic of those secret wizards, those ancient spellcasting methods they've preserved and practiced, are often very cruel and dark.
Blood magic, sacrifice, techniques that modern wizarding society abandoned centuries ago for good reason. And this is just the tip of the iceberg of fundamental differences between both sides. Their entire worldview, their values, their approach to magic—it's all different."
"I won't overlook the difficulty of this matter, Kakus. I'm not naive about the challenges."
Bryan's voice remained steady.
"Nor will I foolishly think that all secret wizards will applaud from the start, will embrace this opportunity immediately. Many will be suspicious, will see it as a trap or an insult. This is a long-term process, potentially spanning years or even decades.
But at least it will show them our sincerity, demonstrate that we're extending a genuine hand rather than just empty promises. And it will win as much support as possible, preventing them from siding with our enemies out of spite or desperation when war comes."
Kakus, deep in thought, nodded unconsciously as Bryan's logic penetrated his concerns.
"This matter won't be accomplished in a day. The Ministry of Magic should establish a separate department specifically dedicated to it. Oh, to give an inappropriate example—like the Beast Division within the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. A department to bridge the differences between both sides, to facilitate communication and understanding."
Bryan's gaze intensified, becoming more direct and meaningful.
"Among the secret wizards, those who genuinely hope to integrate into modern magical society will also need to make sacrifices, to compromise. They'll need to abandon some outdated and dangerous traditions, accept certain restrictions on their practices. It can't be entirely one-sided."
He paused, then delivered the key point.
"When you become the head of this department, Kakus, you'll need to think carefully and strategically about what specific policies can promote their swift integration while still maintaining necessary standards and protections."
"There are indeed some secret wizards who mingle in the underworld out of desperation rather than choice. I know them, and I plan to—oh, wait a minute!"
Kakus suddenly came to his senses. He stared at Bryan in absolute shock, his mouth falling open slightly.
"You just said you want me to become... Oh, did I mishear you? That can't be right. But I... I'm just... just a..."
He couldn't even finish the sentence, couldn't articulate what he was—a broker in the underworld, a facilitator of shady deals, someone who operated in shadows and moral gray areas. How could someone like him possibly head a Ministry department?
"He-he, surely you don't plan to spend your entire life in that filthy, stinking underground bounty commission, living in constant danger and moral compromise, Kakus. That would be a complete waste of your talents "
Bryan's smile was calm but knowing.
"I believe the time is ripe for the Fawley family to return to the Ministry of Magic, to return to the public eye."
Kakus's lips parted slightly, trembling. He sat frozen, staring blankly at Bryan Watson across the table, unable to process what he was hearing. Within his stiff body, his heart was becoming fervent, pounding so hard he could hear it in his ears!
'Return the Fawley family to public eye, to glory and respect?'
For half a century, so many family members had worked tirelessly toward this goal, had schemed and planned and sacrificed. They'd all wanted desperately to have a place in the Ministry of Magic, to restore the family name and honor. So many attempts over the decades had all failed, ending in disappointment and shame.
And now, this dream had quietly become within reach?!
Kakus wanted to say something, needed to express the overwhelming emotions surging through him, but suddenly found himself as hoarse as if he'd been parched for days in a desert. His throat was tight with emotion.
"I... I..."
The words wouldn't come.
Could he really leave the underground world? Could he abandon that den of thieves that kept him continuously on edge, never knowing when a deal might turn deadly?
Kakus blinked rapidly in bewilderment, looking around the dim, grimy tavern as if seeing it for the first time, unsure whether he was dreaming or awake.
When Aberforth emerged from the back room, having dealt with his injuries and wrapped his hand in clean bandages, Kakus's body trembled. He instinctively voiced the concern that was immediately raised in his mind.
"But what about Dumbledore?"
"Oh, I believe Headmaster Dumbledore won't oppose it. This is a good thing, isn't it?"
Bryan ignored Aberforth's suddenly direct stare from across the room.
"Over these years, you've accumulated some valuable connections yourself—people who owe you favors, people you've helped, people who trust your judgment. These connections can ensure that when I formally propose this suggestion to the Ministry of Magic, those who might object or raise concerns will keep quiet."
'The Ministry of Magic!'
The full reality of it hit Kakus again. He shuddered, his expression suddenly darkening as a new concern emerged, casting a shadow over his rising hopes.
"But the Ministry... if it were before, even a few months ago, I wouldn't doubt you could push this forward successfully. But now Cornelius Fudge seems to..."
He trailed off, unable or unwilling to voice the obvious problem—that Fudge and Watson were at odds, that the Minister was actively working against Hogwarts and wouldn't be friendly to Watson's suggestions.
"It won't last much longer—"
Bryan turned to look out at the heavy rain still pouring down outside the grimy window, the storm was showing no signs of abating. The occasional lightning bolt illuminated his face with an unusual resoluteness and cold authority.
"You don't need to worry about this matter, Kakus. I'll make it happen, one way or another."
He turned back, meeting Kakus's eyes directly.
"Oh, and Kakus, there's one more critical thing."
Turning to face Kakus's somewhat bewildered, overwhelmed expression fully, Bryan's voice became gentler but no less serious.
"Your wife and daughter must consider the very real dangers they might face in the coming war. Tell them honestly about the situation—don't sugarcoat it or try to protect them with ignorance. Have them prepare properly. I have a place that should ensure their safety when things get bad. Be ready to evacuate them at any time. Don't hesitate when the time comes."
Kakus had already left into the storm outside.
In the dark hall of the Hog's Head, only Aberforth and Bryan remained.
"Trouble you for another drink, Aberforth—"
Bryan rose from his seat and came to the bar with his empty glass in hand, smiling pleasantly as he held it out to Aberforth, who was silently polishing glasses again with mechanical, repetitive motions.
"What are you still doing here, Watson?"
Aberforth didn't reach for the extended glass. Instead, he glared at Bryan with open displeasure.
"The broker you made your dirty deal with has already left, hasn't he? Don't you have things to do at Hogwarts?"
"Oh, don't be so harsh with me, Aberforth."
Bryan maintained his pleasant smile without showing any visible anger.
"I'm just an ordinary customer who came by your shop. I'm here during my leisure time simply to enjoy a few quality drinks and relieve accumulated work stress."
"Hmph—"
Aberforth laughed coldly. He shifted to stand sideways, still glaring at Bryan and said roughly.
"I'm starting to wonder if you're actually Albus's secret spawn. The way you lie without changing expression, without showing the slightest guilt or hesitation, is exactly like him!!"
"Oh, that's a complete insult to me, Aberforth. I'm genuinely offended."
Bryan's face fell dramatically, looking appropriately displeased at the comparison.
"I know what you're plotting..."
Aberforth was sharp-tongued.
"You're conducting these conspiracies and making these secret arrangements at my place with the deliberate purpose of having me relay messages to Albus. You know that if you told my saintly, self-righteous brother your plans directly, face to face, he wouldn't..."
Ding!
The copper bell on above the door rang cheerfully, its bright sound cutting through the tense atmosphere and immediately drawing the attention of both men at the bar. They turned in unison toward the entrance.
"Ah, Bryan, you're already here... Oh, sorry, am I late? I hope I didn't keep you waiting!"
The newcomer waved their arms cheerfully in greeting, shook streams of rainwater from their thoroughly soaked hair with a vigorous shake, and skipped toward the bar with surprising energy despite being drenched.
"Excuse me, Aberforth, a whisky for me too, if you would. Oh, the weather's really terrible, isn't it?"
Aberforth's shoulders rose high and tense as he glared furiously at Bryan.
"Oh, damn it! Just how many people did you call to my place?"
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