Seeing Oren, the Beaters' expressions became much more serious.
At Hogwarts, when an adult wizard appears, it's most likely a professor, which carries much more weight than those shouting students, so they couldn't help but take it seriously.
But because they didn't recognize this person, one of them cautiously asked, "Who are you?"
"Maurice Oren." Professor Oren introduced himself, "Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."
"Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
The Beaters raised their eyebrows; they were very familiar with this position—too familiar.
Since becoming Beaters, they had personally captured three or four Defense Against the Dark Arts professors from Hogwarts.
It had almost become a steady source of performance credits for them.
So after learning about Professor Oren's identity, the three weren't nervous and said in a business-like tone, "Oren… Professor, is it? We're here under the orders of the Ministry of Magic to capture Hagrid; you have no right to stop us."
"Lies, I don't know of any such order from the Ministry of Magic."
At this moment, Professor McGonagall also came rushing from the castle, looking as if she were an angry lioness.
"Fudge is still in the Headmaster's Office; until he comes out, you cannot take Hagrid away."
"Ma-McGonagall Professor…"
The three Beaters instinctively stood upright; even though they had graduated many years ago, upon seeing Professor McGonagall again, they couldn't help but feel guilty and weak-kneed.
But they didn't want to give up just yet.
Because Fudge seemed very concerned about this matter; before coming to Hogwarts, he repeatedly instructed them to investigate carefully, leaving no room for error.
This was a rare opportunity to make a good impression in front of the Minister; no matter what, they had to handle this flawlessly.
So after finding no valuable clues in the cabin, they thought about taking Hagrid back for questioning—just in case there was any unexpected discovery.
The Beater's eyes gradually grew resolute; under the temptation of promotion and pay raise, Professor McGonagall seemed less intimidating.
"Professor, you misunderstand; we're just following procedure." The lead Beater said, "It's just a process; if there are no issues, he'll be back by tomorrow.
The rules are like that, the same for everyone, please don't make things difficult for us."
"But that's not right…"
Suddenly, a voice came from the crowd of spectators.
"I remember the Ministry of Magic's rule is that someone can only be taken away if there is concrete evidence, right?"
"Who said that!" The Beater roared angrily, "This has nothing to do with you, go back to the castle!"
"I think I'm the professor at Hogwarts, Hard." Professor McGonagall frowned and said.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall, I just wanted to…"
"But the students aren't wrong." Professor McGonagall interrupted, continuing, "You mentioned evidence of Hagrid purchasing Fantastic Beasts."
"There was an eyewitness." The Beater named Hard said.
"Baseless accusations." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips tighter: "If someone saw it, why not bring them along?"
"After taking Hagrid back, we'll naturally find the person and confront them." Hard's eyes shifted.
"So you don't even know who they are?"
Professor McGonagall laughed in exasperation.
To try and take Hagrid from Hogwarts based just on a random claim? That's clearly unacceptable to her.
Today it's Hagrid; what if tomorrow someone accuses Professor Snape of researching Dark Magic—are they going to take him for investigation?
And what if someone accuses Dumbledore the day after… could Hogwarts still go on?
The Beaters knew they were in the wrong but still didn't budge.
"Professor, it's just a questioning session; we promise not to…"
"I report!"
Then, once again, a voice came from the crowd.
"I saw Professor Snape at Hog's Head Pub yesterday; he bought a juvenile Fire Dragon. You should take him to the Ministry of Magic, too.
Oh, and Headmaster Dumbledore, he bought a Voldebat."
Hard's words were abruptly cut off; this line hit too close to home, nearly blocking all his excuses.
This meant if he wanted to take Hagrid, he must also take Dumbledore, who was similarly accused.
Hard angrily scanned the crowd, attempting to find the speaker.
Professor McGonagall smirked slightly, stepping in front of the young wizards.
"I thought about it, and I think you're right, Hard."
"The Potion Class office is on the first floor underground, Headmaster's Office on the eighth. Do you need me to show you the way?"
Hard's face flushed; he stammered, "Professor McGonagall, I wasn't... well, a student's words shouldn't count."
"I saw it too." Professor Oren said softly from beside.
His words became the final straw that broke the Beaters' resolve.
"Understood…" Hard said through clenched teeth, "We'll gather more evidence and come back."
He certainly didn't dare go to Dumbledore.
Hard was sure that if he dared to take Dumbledore back today, he'd be fired for stepping into the Ministry of Magic with his left foot first tomorrow.
Feeling unsatisfied, as he was about to leave Hogwarts, he suddenly noticed the Forbidden Forest behind him.
"Professor McGonagall, do you mind if we inspect the Forbidden Forest?"
Hard turned and said: "The Forbidden Forest is so vast, hiding a Fantastic Beast shouldn't be difficult."
"Are you sure?" Professor McGonagall's expression turned a bit odd.
She'd thought these people came to make trouble, but now it seemed they were here to entertain.
Investigating unknown Fantastic Beasts in the Forbidden Forest... this move was quite explosive in the entire Magic Realm.
Everyone knew the Forbidden Forest was full of Fantastic Beasts, and each was of an unknown origin—whatever they found had no meaning.
Since when had the Ministry of Magic's expectations for Beaters become so low?
Seeing Professor McGonagall's expression, Hard realized just how foolish his words sounded.
It was mainly because he'd graduated so long ago, and in the heat of the moment, he'd forgotten all about it.
But since he'd already spoken, going back now would be embarrassing.
"I'm sure, Professor McGonagall." Hard forced a calm tone, then led the two other Beaters toward the Forbidden Forest.
Whether they found something or not, at least they could say they tried to cover all the bases.
He'd even been to the Forbidden Forest, so no one could say he wasn't thorough enough in his investigation, right?
"I recall the Forbidden Forest contains things like Chimaeras, Manticores, oh, and maybe even a Werewolf, right…"
Professor Oren nearby said seemingly offhandedly, "Tsk, a few hundred Galleons a month, risking your lives for what."
"Wait… I've just remembered that's my monthly salary; what's a Beater's… seventy? Or eighty?
Tsk..."