Placing the gigantic mammoth posed quite the conundrum for Artel, a puzzle he'd been pondering for a month. Fortunately, assistance arrived just in time to help him reach a decision.
Setting aside the "Daily Prophet," Artel let out a soft chuckle before disappearing into his bedroom.
Meanwhile, with the Gandalf incident capturing international attention, Dumbledore and Fudge took the opportunity to address the looming threat of Sauron through the Prophet's pages.
Fudge, ever cautious, accompanied the news with a disclaimer, stating that the Ministry lacked concrete evidence of Sauron's existence, effectively framing Saruman's claims as mere speculation.
The international wizarding community found itself divided on the matter. While most dismissed Saruman's warnings as fear-mongering from a known dark wizard, a faction remained skeptical, particularly those intrigued by the connection to the Gandalf Parchment.
Then there were the darker elements, embracing Saruman's message and rallying under the banner of the Holy White Council, spreading word of Sauron's imminent return.
Amidst this maelstrom of public opinion, the Magical Congress released a firm statement.
Denying all rumors of Sauron's resurgence, they labeled it as baseless sensationalism and called upon all Ministry of Magic entities to unite against the spreading hysteria. In a bold move, they even declared Saruman as a terrorist, outlawing his entry into their territories.
"And he even dared to threaten that once Saruman go there, the Aurors of the Magical Congress of the would promptly apprehend him and deliver him to the International Wizarding Court for trial."
This ominous headline dominated the pages of the Daily Prophet, catching Artel's attention as he departed Hogwarts adorned with the Lord of the Rings.
Embarking on his first intercontinental Apparition, Artel endured the disorienting sensation of being compressed and spun for about ten seconds before emerging from the disorienting state.
However, his Apparition was not without flaws. Unbeknownst to Times Square, it was a Saturday, yet it found itself inundated with an unexplained parade.
Artel's sudden appearance amidst the bustling square did not go unnoticed, with many eyes fixated on him, capturing the moment on camera.
"Good afternoon!" Artel greeted a curious onlooker with a playful smirk before turning his attention to a live camera.
"I've heard you've been searching for me, and here I am," he announced with a confident air.
Word of Saruman's audacious arrival swiftly reached the Ministry of Magical Accidents and Disasters, responsible for handling emergencies within the Magical Congress.
Upon learning that Saruman had materialized in Times Square and declared war via Muggle video equipment, a flurry of action ensued.
Teams from the Reversing Occasional Magic Events, Memory Cancellation Command, and Muggle Liaison Office sprang into action, alongside the Division of Magical Law Enforcement and the Auror Office.
"It's evident that our remarks in the Daily Prophet have provoked Saruman," remarked one official grimly.
"With him here, the prospect of a peaceful resolution seems unlikely. We must prepare accordingly."
"It's preposterous that Saruman regards us akin to those fools at the British Ministry of Magic," another added with disdain.
"Given his formidable power as a dark wizard, we must ensure the prompt evacuation of all Mugglees from Times Square before taking any action!"
"The Fantastic Beasts Authority is prepared, and we'll need rain in New York, perhaps across the whole the nation, to erase their memories."
With swift precision, the staff of the Magical Congress sprang into action, carrying out orders one after another.
Since the Grindelwald incident, the Magical Congress faced its most significant breach of magical secrecy. Should Saruman be apprehended, a serious violation of the International United Wizarding Secrecy Act would warrant a lifetime imprisonment in Azkaban.
Aurors and Magical Congress staff swiftly descended upon Times Square. They cleared nearby Mugglees using various magical methods before encircling the composed Saruman.
"Saruman, you're under arrest," declared the head of security for the Magical Congress, the leader of the Law Enforcement Division, whom Artel didn't recognize.
"You've violated the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy..."
The security director's sentence was cut short as he blurted out a common Muggle expletive.
Panic ensued among the other members of the Magical Congress, with many casting uneasy glances at Artel or, more accurately, behind him.
Suddenly, an enormous mammoth materialized before them, its scarlet eyes blazing with fury.
A deafening roar reverberated through New York, shattering glass in Times Square buildings and causing discomfort to nearby Ministry of Magic employees.
"This is my little gift to you," Artel announced, caressing the ring of air on his finger before casting a disdainful glance at the assembly. "Enjoy we have ample time."
With that, Artel vanished into thin air, leaving behind the War Mumak, now fully awakened.
As the tumultuous roar subsided, the War Mumak took a menacing step forward, flattening a car in its path.
"Cease this madness!" The operation director shouted, realizing that if the colossal creature continued its rampage, New York would be reduced to rubble.
"Saruman! Coward! Face me in a fair duel if you dare!" Some Aurors seethed with fury but could do little more than watch helplessly.
Meanwhile, Artel sat perched on a nearby rooftop, silently recuperating his magical strength.
Intercontinental Apparition had drained Artel considerably, rendering him unfit for direct confrontation.
Artel sneered, "It's only the beginning..."
.....
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