"We did try, Head Auror Moody," William sighed in response to Moody's pointed questions. "We did try everything we could have."
"As you said," he continued his explanation, "the moment the Death Eaters took control of the Ministry wards, like the rest of the department heads, I too felt it when we were stripped of our control."
"As soon as this happened," he said, "I did not waste a single second."
"Reacting to my first instinct, I gathered whatever men I could on such short notice, within moments, which was around one dozen Unspeakables. All of us then dashed for this Keystone Hall."
"Me and my men reached here in a few seconds and discovered that the Death Eaters had already established their control over the wards," he said.
"But they had come prepared," he sighed and the trio heard him in rapt attention. "They had everything well thought out or perhaps the traitor on our side had made them aware of everything."
"The first thing they did after taking control of the Keystone was use its power to erect a small protective ward around themselves, preventing us from reaching it."
Realization struck Moody and the rest while William continued.
"And I do not need to emphasize that a ward which was covering such a small area powered by the Ministry Keystone was almost impossible to break," he continued. "Even though we knew our efforts were futile, at that time, we had no idea how much longer the invasion would last, so we had no option but to continue attempting to take back control."
"We tried every possible method, from using runes to trying to physically break the ward," he sighed, his voice deep with regret. "We did everything possible. But we were not successful."
"Every last Unspeakable was involved in this effort, Head Auror Moody," he said. "And this is the reason we were unable to arrive and provide reinforcements in the Wizengamot."
This exchange perfectly illustrates the divide between those who play politics and those who understand power. While Minchum is desperately trying to save his career with optics and PR, Ilvagar is already mentally preparing for the collapse of the current administration.
Alastor Moody nodded in response. He was satisfied with the answer. William had explained his side of things well. A heavy silence permeated the group for a moment before the Minister finally spoke.
"Now," Minchum said, his voice trembling slightly with a mixture of fear and desperation. "What do we do, Ilvagar?"
"Until now," he continued, "we were so certain of our safety. We never worried or feared about the Ministry being invaded and attacked. It was something that none of us would have ever thought of, even in our dreams."
"But our perceptions have been shattered. Not only was the Ministry breached, but the Wizengamot, the wizarding council, itself was attacked. A prestigious and respected man, Lord Bones, was murdered in the very heart of our centre of power. He was killed in the well of the Wizarding council."
"I do not believe the current security apparatus can continue," he sighed, shaking his head. "We cannot proceed with this approach. We need changes. We need answers. We need to show the world that we are taking decisive action. The people and the Lords too are panicking and reassurances must be provided to them. We need to convince them that whatever happened was one of rare events and it would not be allowed to happen again."
"The ministry has a lot of trust in the eyes of the common man," he added. "We need to win that trust back."
William narrowed his eyes at the Minister. He could also see the blatant disappointment on Moody's face and a flicker of embarrassment crossing Barty Crouch's face.
It was painfully and almost disgustingly obvious that the Minister was less interested in fixing the problem than he was in appearing to fix it. He was more interested in showing the world that he was doing something than actually trying to do anything substantial.
The man was still living in a delusion. It was him and him only who seemed unaware that his time was likely measured in days. That as soon as the Wizengamot members regained their wits, they would get rid of him for this catastrophic failure.
William felt a sudden, sharp urge to tell the man not to bother with his public image, for he would not be around long enough to enjoy it. But, no matter how much he disdained the man, or how impudent William himself was, he maintained his professional mask.
"Minister," he said, letting out a slow, deep breath. "For now, the entire Department of Mysteries is focused on investigating the attack and, most importantly, hunting the traitor. This is our priority as of now."
"But," the Minister tried to interject, but William cut him off.
"You may tell the public that, for the time being, the Keystone Hall remains under the direct and exclusive control of the Department of Mysteries, and that security has been significantly bolstered."
"But it was already under your control before this!" the Minister protested.
It was a valid point. Although Minchum was not brave enough to officially hold Ilvagar responsible, the explanation offered felt hollow.
"Yes," William said, unfazed by the remark. "But this time, I am personally holding the fort."
"Minister," he continued, giving the man no room to argue. "Give us a few days. We need these days to solve a few very important issues and especially get hold of this traitor. It is the golden chance we have, and we cannot miss it."
"Until then, do what you must to placate the public," he said. "In that time, I will prepare a new foolproof plan, a new set measures and rules and methods for our future security and hand it over to you personally."
"If you wish," Ilvagar added. "I can personally present this new methodology before the Wizengamot."
The Minister sighed. It did not seem that he had any other option.
"Fine!" Minchum said. "One week. That is all I can give you. By the end of the seventh day from today, I want exactly what you have promised."
William nodded slowly. "You will not be disappointed, Minister."
Ilvagar exchanged brief nods with Alastor Moody and Barty Crouch. Then, the trio turned and departed from the hall, leaving William alone with his mechanisms and his secrets.
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