Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Sakurai Nanakawa immediately interjected, "But according to the survivors of the Uesugi family, the culprit responsible for the massacre of the Uesugi family is your student, Wentworth Grindelwald!"
As he spoke, Nanakawa's gaze fixed on Albus Dumbledore, who met his eyes without flinching, stating calmly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Sakurai, but as I've said before, Hogwarts has no student by the name of Wentworth Grindelwald. There is only one Wentworth at Hogwarts, and that is Wentworth Dumbledore!"
Before Nanakawa and the others could respond, Dumbledore pressed on, "Speaking of which, Mr. Sakurai, the student representing our school in the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship, Wentworth Dumbledore, has been missing in Japan for quite some time now. I wonder if the Japanese Ministry of Magic ought to provide Hogwarts with an explanation for that?"
Hearing Dumbledore's remark, Nanakawa shook his head, saying, "Headmaster Dumbledore, the Japanese Ministry of Magic has long since explained this matter! The student named Wentworth fled after the extensive massacre of the Uesugi family, fearing justice. Our purpose here is to..."
This time, Dumbledore cut Nanakawa off before he could finish, declaring with a formidable air, "Where is the evidence?! Based solely on the supposed testimony of an Uesugi family wizard?! I, for one, refuse to believe my student committed the acts against the Uesugi family. But even if he did, he would only be convicted after a fair, public trial. Neither you nor I have the authority to declare him guilty!"
"As it stands, my student's disappearance in Japan is an undeniable fact. If the Japanese Ministry of Magic cannot provide me with a reasonable explanation, then I'm afraid I shall have to suggest to the International Confederation of Wizards that they dispatch an investigation team to Japan! I imagine that would be perfectly reasonable, wouldn't you agree?"
Hearing Dumbledore's words, Nanakawa managed a wry, helpless smile. Though he knew Dumbledore was twisting logic, Nanakawa found himself utterly without recourse. After all, it was exceedingly difficult when a powerful and high-ranking individual began to act shamelessly, disregarding their own dignity as a figure of authority.
Seeing Nanakawa also put in a difficult position, Bruce Fontaine, who had gradually calmed down, stepped forward and said, "Alright, Headmaster Dumbledore, even if you do suggest that the International Confederation of Wizards send an investigation team to Japan, that's a matter for later. Let's conclude our investigation at Hogwarts first, shall we?"
"As for now, why don't we dine together?"
Hearing Bruce's suggestion, Dumbledore cast a glance at him and replied, "Very well. Do wait a moment. I'll have the house-elves bring your dinner over shortly."
Bruce blinked, then spoke in disbelief, "Are you suggesting we eat dinner here?!" He gestured to the shabby tables and chairs around them, his face etched with shock.
Dumbledore, however, nodded without hesitation, stating matter-of-factly, "Hogwarts is hosting its final feast before Christmas today. The Great Hall is filled with students, and there simply isn't any space to accommodate you all!"
"Or, you could wait until my students have eaten their fill and departed before dining in the Great Hall?"
At Dumbledore's words, Bruce's face flushed crimson with anger. He retorted, "Headmaster Dumbledore, we are guests, after all. Is this truly Hogwarts' hospitality?"
Dumbledore replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "The school's conditions are rather spartan. You'll simply have to make do for now! Once most of the students have left tomorrow, you'll be able to dine in the Great Hall!"
Then, without waiting for Bruce or the others to react, Dumbledore turned and departed, showing no intention of lingering. It was as if Dumbledore had "You are not welcome" written all over his face.
Watching Dumbledore turn and leave, Nanakawa couldn't help but approach Bruce and inquire, "What do we do now?"
Hearing Nanakawa's question, Bruce wiped the indignation from his face and said calmly, "Nothing. It's expected, isn't it? Though we didn't anticipate Dumbledore would be so brazen."
"However, judging by Dumbledore's demeanor, he's likely fully prepared. In that case, I doubt we'll gain anything at Hogwarts. Let's go somewhere else!"
Hearing Bruce's words, Nanakawa repeated, bewildered, "Somewhere else? Mr. Bruce, where do you intend to go?"
Bruce sneered, "The British Ministry of Magic!"
Seeing the confused looks from Nanakawa and the others, Bruce explained, "What do you think was the most important reason the International Confederation of Wizards was able to so easily pass the resolution to send an investigation team to Hogwarts?"
Nanakawa quickly responded with an admiring expression, "That, of course, is thanks to you, Mr. Bruce, for championing justice for Japan!"
Hearing Nanakawa's reply, Bruce shook his head and said, "The most important reason was that the British Ministry of Magic remained silent on the matter! They made no effort whatsoever to protect Hogwarts' interests. Heh, isn't that interesting?"
Upon hearing Bruce's explanation, Nanakawa and the others suddenly understood.
Then, Bruce continued, "Come, let's go to the British Ministry of Magic together and meet Minister Fudge. I believe there must be a lot of information within the British Ministry of Magic that will interest us!"
Subsequently, the group departed from Hogwarts without bidding Dumbledore farewell, heading directly to the British Ministry of Magic.
The Christmas holidays at Hogwarts officially began. Cassandra and the others gathered in their compartment on the Hogwarts Express, though the atmosphere was rather subdued.
As soon as they arrived at King's Cross Station in London, Draco spotted Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa through the train window; they had come together to meet him.
After embracing his parents, Draco gestured to his friends behind him and began introducing them to Lucius and Narcissa.
To everyone's surprise, Lucius seemed particularly welcoming today. Even Hermione received a warm greeting from Lucius, which not only made Hermione breathe a sigh of relief but also put Draco at ease.
When Lucius saw Harry Potter, he even pulled Harry close to his side, and eventually, holding Harry's hand, the group set off for Malfoy Manor.
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This fanfic has been fully translated!