In the aftermath of Sasuke's bold defiance, whispers began to ripple through the Great Hall like wildfire. The students, who had been momentarily silenced by the display of power, now buzzed with a mixture of awe and fear.
Professor McGonagall's lips were pressed into a thin line as she observed the Aurors' retreat, her mind undoubtedly racing with concern.
Dumbledore's gaze shifted to Kin, who was still holding the sword. As he looked at her, his fist clenched. It was unsettling to witness an eleven-year-old girl effortlessly wielding a sword and capturing Aurors. He could believe Sasuke was a genius, but what about Kin? Was there a secret place to train these children? He started to develop a headache from contemplating the situation.
As the Aurors returned to the Ministry, news spread quickly, causing an uproar among officials. Some called for immediate action against Sasuke, while others debated the implications of such a move.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, sat at the head of a large table, frustration etched deeply into his features. "What a waste!" he bellowed, slamming his fist on the table. "Are all our Aurors so incompetent that they can't handle a simple task?"
The room fell silent, with the officials around the table exchanging nervous glances. Looking at the furious Fudge, some officials lowered their heads, unwilling to meet his gaze. Dolores Umbridge, always eager to offer her opinion, cleared her throat and spoke in her usual sickly sweet tone. "I think we need to let Dumbledore handle that child. He should hand him over to us."
"We could do that," another official interjected hesitantly, "but what about the Greengrass family? How do we respond to their threats?"
A smug smile appeared on Umbridge's face as she suggested, "Just make a statement that the Greengrass family is involved in illegal activities. Then seize all their property. This way, they wouldn't be able to do anything."
As he listened, Cornelius Fudge's eyes gleamed with greedy anticipation. This was the perfect solution. Not only could he resolve the issue with Sasuke, but he could also enrich himself by seizing all the Greengrass family's property. "Excellent idea, Umbridge. Let's proceed with that plan," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Umbridge's smile broadened, her eyes filled with malice gleaming. "I'll draft the statement immediately, Minister," she said, already thinking of the power and influence this move would bring her.
Fudge nodded approvingly. "And make sure the aurors are ready to act on this as soon as the announcement is made. We need to move swiftly."
The officials murmured their assent, and the room quickly buzzed with activity as they began to put the plan into motion. Umbridge took out parchment and started writing furiously with her quill to create a damaging statement against the Greengrass family.
As the meeting adjourned, Fudge leaned back in his chair, a self-satisfied smile on his face, already imagining all the rewards that would come his way.
Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore called Professor McGonagall and Severus Snape to his office. Upon entering, Dumbledore sighed and gave them a letter from the Ministry of Magic, granting both professors permission to read it.
Snape's eyes narrowed as he finished reading. "Do we have to become the Ministry of Magic's thugs now?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Dumbledore, we can't do this," McGonagall said urgently, her tone full of concern.
Dumbledore nodded gravely. "That is why we must find a way to mediate this situation. Severus, what is your assessment of Sasuke and his friends?"
Snape leaned back, contemplating his response. "They are highly skilled, which is disturbing."
Dumbledore's brow furrowed. "Disturbing? Why do you think so, Severus?"
Snape with raised an eyebrow. "Have you forgotten about what Gemma did? She was the best in her class, but she is not strong enough to defeat 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students in a single battle, but after meeting Sasuke, she appears to be on a different level.
Dumbledore's eyes with determination. "I will speak with Sasuke to understand the situation. In the meantime, we must ensure their safety within the school. I cannot allow the Ministry to interfere with our students."
McGonagall nodded. "Agreed, Albus."
Snape gave a curt nod as well.
"Thank you, both of you," Dumbledore said, his tone sincere.
As McGonagall and Snape left Dumbledore's office, the headmaster turned his gaze to the window, deep in thought.
The next morning, Sasuke and Gemma made their way to the dining hall for breakfast. As usual, Sasuke sat alone at the Slytherin table, while Gemma took her seat nearby.
Suddenly, the hall fell silent as the morning's edition of the Daily Prophet arrived, carried by owls swooping in from the rafters. Students eagerly grabbed their copies, and whispers quickly spread throughout the hall.
Gemma received her copy, and as she read the headline, her eyes widened. "Sasuke, you need to see this," she said, passing the newspaper to him.
The front page was emblazoned with bold letters: "Ministry of Magic Takes Action Against the Greengrass Family!"
Sasuke's eyes scanned the article quickly. "Last night, the Ministry of Magic seized all properties of the Greengrass family, citing involvement in illegal activities. The family is under investigation, and their assets have been frozen."
Sasuke nodded, his expression curious. "They think they can intimidate me by going after the Greengrass family. Now I want to see what that foolish Greengrass is going to do."
Gemma looked around the hall, observing the anxious and curious stares from other students. "Wait, do not tell me the healing part was a trap for the Greengrass family from the beginning."
Sasuke's eyes met Gemma's. "I am not that bored," he replied. He stood up. "Let's go."