With only ten minutes left before Dumbledore's deadline, Hermione and Harry hastened their steps. Time was against them. As they reached the castle's gate, they saw the executioner on his way to summon the dementors—it was already too late. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when they spotted Buckbeak descending with a ferret in its beak. Harry's eyes sparkled with an idea, and he quickly motioned for Hermione to join him. Together, they mounted Buckbeak and soared up to the eighth floor, where they spotted Sirius through a window. The sight filled Harry with an overwhelming sense of surprise and urgency.
But there was an unexpected twist. Standing at Sirius's door was none other than the Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, his demeanor oozing pride. "We've been searching for you for quite some time," he announced, expecting Sirius to understand the gravity of his presence. Sirius, however, remained silent, unfazed by Scrimgeour's attempts at intimidation. To Scrimgeour, capturing Sirius was a victory that would solidify his position and pave his way to becoming the official Minister of Magic. He believed that even Johnny Silverhand would have to curb his arrogance in the face of such power.
Scrimgeour's relationship with Johnny Silverhand had evolved over time. Initially, as Head of the Auror Office, he found Silverhand to be a valuable ally. However, upon ascending to the ministerial role, Silverhand's influence became a thorn in Scrimgeour's side, especially after Silverhand played a role in Fudge's downfall. This made Silverhand an even greater threat in Scrimgeour's eyes.
"If you're willing to disclose the identity of the person who aided your escape from Azkaban, I can assure you a less grim fate," Scrimgeour proposed, implying that Sirius could avoid the dementor's kiss by betraying Silverhand. Sirius, however, scoffed at the offer, unmoved by the minister's coercion.
Harry and Hermione realized they had no chance to intervene as long as Scrimgeour remained. Time was slipping away when suddenly, the executioner returned, whispering urgent news that visibly shook Scrimgeour, prompting him to leave in haste.
Seizing the moment, Hermione and Harry descended on Buckbeak. In her urgency, Hermione bypassed the use of a simple unlocking spell and instead blasted the door lock open with an explosive spell, a move that even took Sirius by surprise. Without lingering for pleasantries, they helped Sirius escape on Buckbeak, then dashed through the castle with unprecedented speed.
With less than five minutes to spare, they overheard Scrimgeour inquiring about Johnny Silverhand's presence at Hogwarts. Dodging Peeves and avoiding further delays, they made it back just as Dumbledore was closing the infirmary door. Dumbledore, with a knowing smile, greeted them, "How did it go?"
"It's done," they replied, both visibly exhausted and leaning on each other for support. Dumbledore, understanding the gravity of their night, offered them refuge in the infirmary to rest and create an alibi for their daring rescue.
As Hermione and Harry settled in, Dumbledore's departure was hastened by an urgent whisper from Hermione about John. Dumbledore, with a gentle reassurance, promised he was aware of the situation and urged them to rest.
Minutes later, a distant roar echoed through the castle. The interim Minister of Magic, known for his iron resolve, was furiously reacting to more than just Sirius's escape. Harry and Hermione exchanged puzzled looks, wondering if the uproar was solely about Sirius or if there were deeper layers to the minister's fury. Upon meeting Sir Johnny Silverhand, Dumbledore was greeted by a figure whose wisdom shone through the lenses of his half-moon glasses. Standing before him, adorned in a silver mask and draped in a green robe, Lord Silverhand's voice was low and hoarse as he shook hands with Dumbledore. Before Dumbledore's arrival, Rufus Scrimgeour was already present, wearing a sour expression, likely due to some unpleasant exchange with Silverhand. "Excuse me, I must attend to Sirius, who is due for sanctions," Scrimgeour said, casting a dark glance at Silverhand before departing with the executioner and Snape, leaving only Dumbledore and Silverhand in the room.
Johnny Silverhand sighed lightly and broached the subject of the Triwizard Tournament. "Principal Dumbledore, I've heard rumors of Hogwarts' intention to revive the Triwizard Tournament. I am prepared to offer a substantial sum as a prize," he proposed.
Dumbledore, maintaining his composure, expressed curiosity about how Silverhand had come by such confidential information, given that the plan was still under wraps and known to only a few. "And how, may I ask, does His Excellency Johnny Silverhand intend to sponsor us?" Dumbledore inquired calmly.
"I've dedicated myself to nurturing young wizards, and this presents an excellent opportunity to promote that cause. If you're agreeable, I'm willing to contribute 5000 Galleons as the prize," Silverhand revealed, an amount that significantly exceeded the original prize of 1000 Galleons.
Dumbledore pondered the offer, especially when Silverhand added that his store would also donate a set of 'Z' series products and cover their maintenance. The 'Z' series, highly sought after even among Aurors, was comparable in value to the Galleon prize, with the added benefit of maintenance, which would be a boon for the students who received it.
After some consideration, Dumbledore accepted the generous offer. However, their discussion was interrupted by Scrimgeour's return, who, with a face darkened by rage, accused Silverhand of aiding Sirius's escape. "It's you, isn't it, Johnny Silverhand?" he bellowed.
Silverhand responded coolly, denying any involvement and pointing out that he had not left the room since his arrival. Scrimgeour, frustrated and unable to prove his accusations, eventually stormed off to the school hospital, where Dumbledore had already prepared a defense. Harry Potter, skillfully feigning ignorance, was quickly dismissed by Scrimgeour, who left in a huff with his Aurors to continue their search.
The situation escalated when the "Daily Prophet" sought an interview, but Scrimgeour, humiliated, chose to leave the scene. Silverhand, too, made his exit, but not before casting a curious glance at Harry and inquiring if he was the famed Harry Potter. Harry, caught off guard, was unable to respond before Silverhand shook his head and departed, muttering to himself about Harry's appearance.
Silverhand's departure was as mysterious as his arrival, leaving in a carriage pulled by three flying horses. Once inside, he removed his silver mask, revealing the face of a mature man, and expressed his reluctance to continue such tasks to the young boy opposite him. John smiled as he asked, "How does it feel to face Dumbledore?"
Tang Mi grimaced, "It's dreadful. My instincts as an Auror scream that he's incredibly dangerous. It's as if I can't hide any secrets from him."
"I feel the same," John chuckled, stepping out of the carriage as soon as they were beyond Hogwarts' boundaries. "Barty Crouch is someone worth forming a deep bond with. He extended his kindness to us first, and we shall reciprocate."
"We've secured the sponsorship for the Triwizard Tournament. Let's have Rita spread the word effectively. As for our acting minister..." John's voice trailed off as his gaze landed on a dead mouse in a cage. He spoke with a hint of significance, "I hope he appreciates this gift."
Understanding dawned on Tang Mi; she nodded, closed the carriage door, and guided the Pegasus away.
John made his way back to the castle from the Shrieking Shack, pondering the events that had unfolded.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge