Did they? Pierce wondered. If they had enough evidence, why didn't they just expose Grindelwald in public?
Ivan remained secretive and did not explain further. After instructing Pierce and the others to stick to the plan, he cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself and disappeared into the corridor.
… .
In the afternoon, there was a loud knock on the door of the President's office.
Wilkinson tucked the silver raven into his robes and said solemnly, "Come in…"
The next moment, the closed door flew open.
Connor entered the office with an Auror in tow. When he saw that Wilkinson was alone, he frowned and complained, "Sir, why are you here alone? Where are the Aurors protecting you? How could they be so careless?"
"Don't worry, Conal, this office is well protected and there are plenty of hidden sentries. No one will be able to sneak in and I'm perfectly safe here." Wilkinson waved his hand reassuringly, then changed the subject. "What about the investigation into the French wizards? Any progress?"
"The usual. The Aurors of the Department of Mysteries tested their memories and found nothing," Connor replied.
Wilkinson nodded, rose from his chair, and continued slowly. "If Bruno is all right with this, then what about Ivan Hals of England? I'm told he was quite restless this morning, making frequent contact with ministers after the attack. Have you figured out his intentions?"
"I've sent someone to find out who is responsible for the attack, and according to the Auror on surveillance, he suspects that there is trouble within MACUSA…" Connor said hesitantly.
"Oh, he thinks so? Well, we had a thorough investigation last night, and the results were clear. It seems that Ivan Hals is trying to drive a wedge between us, to further the distrust of MACUSA among the wizarding delegates!" Wilkinson sneered.
"But… Madam President, I think Mr. Harls may have a point. If Grindelwald disguised himself as a high-ranking member of Congress, it would make sense that he was able to get past the layers of security and kill the two ministers. Could there have been a slip-up in the search last night?" Connor suggested.
Wilkinson stared at him in silence for a long moment, then said in a soft, playful voice, "Personally, I'd like to trust every member of MACUSA, but if that's what you think, then I'll allow you to conduct some private investigations, just remember to keep them confidential and avoid causing panic…"
"I understand, Madam Chairman… and I'll see to it!" Connor replied, giving the Auror a wink before turning and heading for the office door.
As soon as they turned around, Wilkinson reached into his sleeve and pulled out a wand.
Imperio ~ (soul out of body)
Wilkinson quickly waved his wand and cast a silent spell, aiming it at Conal, who was about to open the door.
However, the latter was clearly prepared for this and managed to duck and roll away from Wilkinsen's spell.
Wilkinson must not have expected Connor to react so quickly, for he was momentarily stunned. Within a second, an indescribable sense of crisis overwhelmed him.
Wilkinson's hair stood on end, and he instinctively cocked his head to one side. The invisible blade of magic sliced through his side, slicing a sharp wind pressure across his cheek. The wooden table in front of him was neatly cut in half and toppled to the floor.
Wilkinson took a few steps back and looked at the Auror who was standing next to Connor.
"Ivan Hals?!"
In his mind, the only person who could perform such a powerful spell was the gifted British wizard.
True to Wilkinson's prediction, Ivan had no intention of disguising himself any longer. He transformed back into his human form and looked down at Connor, who was lying on the ground.
"You'll listen to me, won't you? If you insist on testing the Chairman alone, Director Connor, you'll probably be killed in the line of duty."
"Thank you, Sir Harls, for saving my life," Conal said to Wilkinson as he scrambled to his feet.
Wilkinson had no intention of killing him, but the Imperius Curse would surely search his memory and kill him.
The office door opened again after a short conversation, and Wilkinson activated the alarm the moment he sensed something was wrong.
Almost in the next instant, hundreds of Aurors charged into the spacious office and surrounded it.
"Conal has defected. He conspired with Ivan Hals to attack me. I order you to capture them!" Wilkinson ordered them before they could speak.
To his surprise, instead of attacking Ivan and Connor, the Aurors who were supposed to protect him pulled out their wands and pointed them at him…
Wilkinson's eyes narrowed as he watched the President of the Asian Association, as well as the heads and representatives of the various nations, enter with the Aurors.
Bruno clenched his fists at the sight of Wilkinson and shouted through gritted teeth, "Greene… Devore!"
He had learned from Ivan that the French Minister was under control, which meant that he had been played for a fool by Grindelwald for months.
Wilkinson didn't even look at him. He looked directly at Ivan and asked with interest, "It seems you've convinced them. Can you tell me how you did it?"
Ivan managed to get rid of the suspect in the course of the morning, and even instigated Connor and the others to rebel against him, the President of Congress.
Even if Ivan Harris suspected him, he should not be able to produce conclusive evidence…
Why should these people believe him?
Ivan shrugged but did not reply, and the Russian wizard took a step forward and said sarcastically to Wilkinson, "You would never guess that Britain holds a treasure that communicates with the souls of the dead, that Minister Igor himself exposed your disguise…"