Thinking back, it wasn't surprising the old man had kept it vague. As the head of Germany's Law Enforcement Department, Andre held a sensitive position.
Too many people knowing about the collaboration could cause problems. And now that the cards were on the table, Alex realized this partnership might actually be more valuable than expected.
Andre, the seasoned director of the Legal Enforcement Department, had spent decades working in Germany. It wasn't surprising that he'd managed to uncover something hidden, this was his home turf, after all.
But the fact that he needed help in the first place said a lot about how bad the situation really was. Compared to him, Alex was young and blunt, especially when it came to showing distrust, but he didn't seem particularly annoyed.
To Alex, Andre came across more like a fresh recruit than a veteran, so being a little cautious was only natural.
Still, Alex couldn't resist teasing him a little. With a slight smirk, he asked, "If that's how it is, then why are you meeting me again and spilling all these details?"
Andre took note of how calm Alex remained, even after being caught off guard earlier. It left a good impression. He was confident that the Sir Merlin Bloc hadn't leaked any confidential information to the boy, Alex's relaxed reaction was enough proof of that.
Amelia's words echoed in his mind, 'this kid really was something else.' Andre gave a small, thoughtful nod before cracking a grin.
"I haven't changed my opinion of you," he said plainly. "But I did get a letter from Newt."
"You mean Mr. Scamander?" Alex caught on immediately. "So he's been keeping you informed."
"Exactly. I didn't think you'd make progress this quickly, getting mixed up with the club just days after landing here? That's impressive.
Newt explained everything in the letter and asked me to help you however I can. I'll admit I was a bit cold earlier, and I can apologize for that.
But I'm not the kind of person who changes his ways just because someone asks nicely," Andre said, voice firm as ever.
Alex laughed lightly. "You're very upfront, Mr. Andre. But don't worry, I'm not the type to hold grudges."
Andre couldn't help but feel that this boy reminded him a little of Moody, sharp-eyed, quick-witted, and not easily rattled.
"Alright, then," Andre said, settling in a bit more. "Tell me everything you've uncovered since you arrived in Germany, and what you're planning next. I don't like wasting time on small talk."
"Sure," Alex replied with a smile. "But before that, I'll have to be a bit impolite."
He slowly closed his eyes.
Andre, watching from across the desk, immediately sensed a shift in the room. A strong and highly focused magical energy pulsed outward from Alex, sweeping through the office like a silent current. Ten seconds later, Alex opened his eyes again.
"Alright," he said casually, "your office is clean. No traces of surveillance magic, at least not any external kind.
But you've hidden quite a few looking glasses around here. Seems like you still don't trust me."
Andre stared at him in disbelief, almost like he was looking at some kind of creature out of legend. The spell Alex had used wasn't just powerful, it was sophisticated, something only a seasoned veteran might even attempt, let alone pull off smoothly.
'Amelia hadn't been exaggerating. This young man had composure, brains, and a surprising amount of strength to back it up.'
When Alex mentioned the looking glasses, Andre didn't try to deny it. He just shrugged and said, "What can I say? When you're dealing with strangers, especially ones with unclear identities, you can't afford to be careless. Did you really think I'd just take Newt's word and put my full trust in you?"
Alex, still carrying that no-nonsense edge, gave a small smile. "I'm not offended or anything," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Just hope you won't blame me for being cautious earlier."
"Let's skip the chit-chat," Andre replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Time to get to the point."
"Agreed," Alex replied with a nod. He appreciated Andre's direct approach, there was no need to waste time dancing around the issue.
He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before speaking in a more serious tone. "Minister Eisenberg is a problem."
Andre didn't even flinch. In fact, he looked like he had been expecting to hear that.
"It's not just a problem," he replied with a sigh. "There's a whole list of issues tied to that man.
I've already been in touch with Sir Merlin. If we had solid proof, I'd have dragged those bastards down myself a long time ago. So, you're not just throwing around baseless claims, right?"
Alex wasn't bothered by Andre's sharp tone. "Seems like you're already well-informed. No wonder the Silver Wand places so much importance on their German headquarters.
If my guess is right... Minister Eisenberg might not just be involved, he might actually be the leader of the Silver Wand Dueling Club."
Andre froze. His eyes widened, and for a second, he looked like someone had just hit him with a stunning spell. He had suspected Eisenberg's connection to the club for a while now, but to hear it laid out so clearly, and with such confidence, shook him.
Over the years, Andre had developed his own theories. He believed Eisenberg was using the resources of the Silver Wand, funds, people, influence, to push a hidden agenda.
Maybe he was trying to divide Germany, strengthen his own position, or silence his political rivals. At times, Andre had even considered the possibility that Eisenberg was being blackmailed or manipulated, perhaps used as a puppet by the club to help cover up their smuggling operations. Another theory was that Eisenberg was seeking outside help to eliminate competitors and take full control of the German magical administration.
But never, not once, had Andre thought Eisenberg himself could be one of the mastermind behind the entire organization.
His expression turned stormy, voice low and dangerous. "Do you understand what you're accusing him of?" he snapped.
"That's not some casual insult. You're pointing a wand at the Minister of Magic, accusing him of treason, conspiracy, and corruption. That's not something anyone can afford to say out loud without risking everything."
Andre's fists clenched on the table. "And Eisenberg's not some mystery man, either. He's German, born and raised here.
I've worked with him for over a decade. I've seen him speak, command, lead. He hasn't changed in ten years. Don't tell me he's some kind of imposter!"
"You've got it all wrong," Alex said, smiling slightly. "I'm not saying the club leader impersonated Eisenberg.
What I'm saying is, Eisenberg is the club leader. He's been with the Silver Wand from the very beginning, and odds are, he's the one running the whole thing."