When it came to the introduction of the protective ring, Rufus, the supervisor, couldn't help but interrupt.
"You tested it yourself. Is it really as good as you say?"
Pierce, the executive director, also looked at the unremarkable ring on Dawlish's finger.
He was well aware of the significance of such a defensive magical device, and if Dawlish was telling the truth, it would mean that Aurors would suffer far fewer casualties.
The defensive nature of such items was paltry compared to the destructive nature of the Dark Arts, and was generally not cheap, which was why the Ministry of Magic had not yet equipped the Hitters and Elite Aurors.
"Of course, I can show you now," Dawlish said enthusiastically, moving to a wider area.
Before Dawlish could signal that she could attack him now, Rufus drew his wand and pointed it at her.
"Expelliarmus!"
The red magical light went straight for Dawlish,
Rufus's sudden attack was meant to test whether the ring would work in an emergency, so he went all out.
However, the Disarming Charm that required the use of hand gestures to cast was no match for an instant-cast magical barrier. Dawlish was slightly slower, but managed to activate the ring's defensive capabilities in time.
In the next instant, the red light returned and hit Rufus with such force that he was knocked backwards, his wand flying high into the air and spinning towards Dawlish.
Dawlish followed Ivan's example and gently grasped the wand in his left hand, his expression calm and relaxed. He was secretly pleased; he had always wanted to try this.
It was then that Dawlish remembered that it was his superior who had flown out of the room. He quickly put on a worried expression and ran over to Rufus to help him up.
Dawlish was worried that Rufus would try to make things difficult for him in private.
Fortunately, Rufus didn't seem to mind. He hadn't tried to avoid the attack because he wanted to experience the defensive ring's counter-attack for himself.
"Director, I think we should immediately propose a special fund to the Ministry for the purchase of protective rings, so that Aurors who go on missions can be equipped with such defensive magical items."
Rufus was frustrated when he heard this, as the Dark Wizards involved in the strike had more or less been equipped with powerful Dark Items.
However, as Aurors, they could only rely on their own strength to fight. How could they not feel aggrieved?
Pierce understood this and nodded, then turned to Dawlish.
"Captain Dawlish, how much did you pay for this ring?"
"Seventy Galleons each…" Dawlish replied casually.
The executive director's face twitched. So expensive!
Seventy Galleons alone was certainly nothing to the executive branch, but the problem was that if he really wanted to store them in large quantities, he would have to buy a hundred rings!
This was only a small amount. It could only be carried by Aurors on missions, and even then, it would cost 7,000 Galleons!
It was not a small amount of money, and they could not have gathered it with the funds the Ministry had given them.
It was unrealistic to expect the Ministry to give him seven thousand Galleons… He estimated that the most he could get was two thousand Galleons.
Rufus looked troubled for a moment, apparently having thought the same thing.
Fortunately, Dawlish spoke up in time.
"Director, in addition to the protective ring, there are cheaper anti-curse gloves. Although they are less effective, they only cost seven Galleons."
Pierce was relieved to hear that there were other cheap items. After hearing Dawlish's introduction of the effects of the anti-curse gloves, he immediately decided to buy 200 sets and try them on after the Ministry's special funding came in!
They could also purchase ten protective rings for elite Aurors.
Other magical items such as Extendable Ears and Automated Quills can also be purchased.
As for whether or not the Ministry of Magic would agree to the creation of special funding?
Pierce was not worried,
Spending some Galleons on anti-curse gloves and a few protective rings was cheaper than paying for medical expenses and pensions!
Not to mention the fact that it significantly increases the combat effectiveness of these Aurors…
Pierce was confident that Minister Fudge knew what he was doing.
After all, Fudge had been the one to decide on the task of investigating the proliferation of Dark Materials, and it would not look good on him if too many people were killed.
After telling Dawlish to keep the magical tools as samples, Pierce waved Dawlish off. He needed to work out a proposal to convince Minister Fudge.
Dawlish was reluctant to part with the ring, so she took it off and placed it on the table along with the rest of the items.
"By the way, Director, you'll reimburse me for the things I bought for the Ministry, right?"
Rufus scowled at him for being such a wet blanket at a time like this, but Pierce nodded and agreed.
…
For three days, Ivan waited for the Ministry of Magic to arrive, but none did.
Dawlish and the others did drop by once or twice to pay the rest of the money they owed and buy some interesting new trinkets, so much so that Ivan wondered if they had struck gold.
After asking around, they learned that the Ministry of Magic had reimbursed them for the cost of the last mission, and that it was preparing funds for the establishment of a special anti-curse gloves and protective rings.
Ivan was relieved to hear this.
Although the Ministry of Magic had ordered a large number of the Weasleys' anti-curse gloves, they were still in a period of Death Eaters after the return of the Dark Lord, and the Aurors were urgently needed.
It wasn't until two days later that the Ministry finally sent in their purchasers, four of them, led by a stout, middle-aged witch with round gold-rimmed glasses and a shrewd air about her…
Yvonne searched her memory for a long time, but she could not recall such a character in the book.
The reason for her visit was also very simple.
Bargaining!