Chapter 692: Legacy

Chapter 692: Legacy

Chapter 692: Legacy

In the morning, the Prime Minister gave a speech in front of 10 Downing Street.

"...The wizarding community truly exists. They once openly participated as honored guests at the court, and their legends still persist in some places to this day. However, during the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries, Britain and the rest of the world were undergoing profound changes. The millennia-old medieval era was coming to an end, the old order was being shattered, and a new order had yet to be established. Our society was undergoing significant transformations in every aspect, and meanwhile, the conflicts between wizards and ordinary people continued to escalate, leading to some very unfortunate events. It's evident that those were scars left on our journey from thorns to civilization."

"Subsequently, the wizards chose to conceal their identities, cut off contact with the public, and ensured the implementation of this measure through the establishment of laws. They called it the Secrecy Act."

"A week ago, the hidden wizarding society was exposed to the public due to an accident, and everyone faced a monumental choice—perhaps the most important decision in recent years. Because the two societies have been separated for too long, they feel estranged from each other. Ministers from various countries have convened multiple meetings, with all members of parliament attending, including Her Majesty the Queen herself, who rarely makes such appearances. Finally, a consensus was reached: to cautiously initiate dialogue."

"I extend an invitation here, hoping that the wizards can send a delegation. I believe that communication is the first step towards resolving conflicts..."

The Prime Minister finished speaking and then looked around, waiting for questions from reporters.

"Prime Minister, are you suggesting that last week's terrorist activities were accidental?" a sharp-witted journalist asked. "According to various sources, although there were no casualties, the nationwide traffic congestion, urban standstills, and damage to certain municipal facilities have caused significant financial losses to the country, not to mention the numerous individuals hospitalized due to shock."

"Cough... We must admit that wizards, like any other group, have their good and bad elements. The difference is, they possess magic, so there's a tremendous disparity in individual combat abilities. The panic we experienced was caused by an extremely evil and powerful dark wizard and his followers. You should know that name, Grindelwald... He harbored ambitious desires and sought to rule the world six or seven decades ago."

Another reporter inquired, "Has the government always concealed the existence of wizards from the public? What prompted you to keep this secret, and don't you think it infringes upon the public's right to know?"

The Prime Minister didn't directly answer but shifted his perspective.

"I believe the reason successive Prime Ministers have unanimously kept this secret, besides involving national security secrets, is mainly to prevent society from falling into panic. For hundreds of years, wizards have hidden their identities, and their image is very different from what we imagine... They've established governments similar to ours, formed various organizations like schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and they even have organizations similar to the United Nations—wizards are also progressing and developing."

The press conference ended, and the Prime Minister walked back to 10 Downing Street.

"Thank you for everything you've done, Prime Minister," said Kingsley, his assistant, politely.

The Prime Minister stopped in his tracks.

"You don't understand; brace yourself for the surging public opinion."

Kingsley looked somewhat bewildered, but the Prime Minister returned to his office without saying another word, gazing out at the reporters and citizens who hadn't dispersed. He had a premonition that everyone would be forced into a larger whirlwind of public opinion, and his speech today was the spark.

But he had no choice.

Whether for the sake of national interests or his personal political future, pushing for negotiations was the best approach. Even the opposition didn't excessively pressure him during this event. When he presented documents about wizards, members of parliament with differing views and party affiliations mostly voted in favor.

Not all of them did so sincerely, but undoubtedly, none of them wanted to clean up the mess at this time.

If the current Prime Minister were ousted from office on the grounds of opposing wizards, then only one path remained: taking an extremely hardline stance and completely bringing wizards under government control, even if it meant risking war.

But such an approach was far more dangerous than engaging in negotiations. If negotiations were akin to walking a tightrope, defying and coercing wizards into rebellion would be like setting off fireworks on a powder keg.

The opposition could gain public support by inciting and creating extreme slogans, but when war truly broke out, loved ones, property, stable lives... all would be lost in an instant. Those people who had supported these politicians would come to hate them.

The Prime Minister heard the whispers he expected, similar to what he had thought. First, engage in talks, probe the bottom line during negotiations, and then gradually seize benefits.

But the world was never short of opportunists.

Not long after, Felix received a message.

"Just an invitation? Details haven't been finalized?" he asked, somewhat surprised.

"It's already set, but the Prime Minister doesn't want to appear too familiar in public," Ms. Bonham said. "The time is a week from now, at three o'clock in the afternoon, at the Parliament Building."

Felix blinked.

"The Parliament Building? Not Buckingham Palace?"

"The Prime Minister did initially hope to hold the meeting at Buckingham Palace, but the Queen refused after careful consideration."

Felix smiled. "Hmm? Perhaps she didn't want to show overt personal bias and avoid offending some extremists... The Parliament Building is also good, with plenty of rooms..." He suddenly stopped talking.

"What's wrong?"

"Felix Harp's expression turned serious as he said, 'I've been thinking about something.' He recalled the prophecy that Dumbledore had shown him – the grand spectacle of the anti-wizard protests, where Rita Skeeter was prominently featured along with the notable backdrop of the Parliament building.

It seemed like events were unfolding just as Grindelwald had foreseen.

Over the past week, there had been scattered anti-wizard protests, but none with significant impact. Partly because the matter was only discussed in newspapers, with the government yet to make a public statement; and partly because the Ministry of Magic had adopted a strategy of containment, making it difficult for ordinary people to find the real instigators.

But now, they finally had a perfect opportunity – one week later, at the Parliament building, with representatives from the wizarding community.

It all seemed so inevitable.

Shortly after Bonham left, Hermione approached with a list in hand.

'We have over thirty people signed up,' she said, handing the parchment to Felix. 'Since we're here, it means we're willing to contribute to peace. But many are worried they might not perform well enough, so they have some suggestions...'

'I bet you're on that list, Miss Granger,' Felix remarked, teasingly.

Hermione rolled her eyes.

Felix stared at the list absentmindedly. 'I do need to think carefully about this.' Since he had realized that the upcoming appearance might be related to the prophecy, he needed to be cautious. The chosen representatives must at least have strong mental fortitude.

The students had finished sorting newspapers for the day. As noon approached, some students used the school fireplace to go home, while others stayed behind to discuss the day's news. They were mostly sixth and seventh-year students, matured in demeanor and attire, showing signs of adulthood.

Due to the summer break, none of them were wearing their school uniforms. Their shared struggles and camaraderie over the past few days had bonded them together, transcending any differences.

The professors who remained at the school observed these changes with delight. If the timing had been right, they might have even considered hosting a few parties. Professor Slughorn certainly entertained the idea.

As Felix passed through the entrance hall, he saw Snape waiting by the stairs, as if he had been waiting for some time.

'Is there something you need, Severus?' Felix asked.

Snape looked up at Felix and asked in his usual emotionless tone, 'Has the time been set?'

'Next week,' Felix replied jokingly. 'Exciting, isn't it?'

Snape wouldn't entertain such questions. He continued, 'Are you planning to take a group of students to negotiate with the Muggle government?'

'Not negotiate, hmm... more like the pre-game lap around the Quidditch field before a big match,' Felix mused aloud. 'Young faces will help differentiate us from Grindelwald's followers, and...' he paused, trying to organize his thoughts, 'I'm considering how to subtly demonstrate some of our strength without appearing too aggressive. Negotiation is about that, isn't it? Showing goodwill, flexing muscles... but the manner matters; it shouldn't come off as overly confrontational. Do you have any suggestions?'

'That's your business,' Snape said coldly, turning away and sweeping his robes behind him. 'Follow me.'

Felix was puzzled but followed Snape to his office. As the door opened, Snape darted into the room, and Felix pushed it open, speculating about Snape's intentions. Could it be some progress with a potion? Since Felix had demonstrated several conditions, including lycanthropy and dragon pox, to a group of potion-makers and healers at Hogwarts Castle, many wizards had chosen to stay nearby for research, occasionally sharing insights with each other. Snape had visited a few times.

The office of the Potions Master was, as always, dimly lit. Felix's eyes scanned the glass specimen jars lining the walls before settling on Snape, who had his back turned, blending into the darkness.

Snape's body trembled slightly, one hand gripping the desk as if he were struggling to contain his emotions, like a restrained snake. Felix sensed the strange atmosphere but refrained from prompting, silently waiting in place.

Finally, Snape turned to face him, his gaze steady.

'Use the Disarming Charm on me, Felix.'"

You can access more chapters from HERE by joining my Patreon community. You'll gain exclusive early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.

As a member of my Patreon community, here is what you'll get:

• Early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.
• You also get access to all the novels I'm translating, you can find them here HERE.
• You Get Ad-free Chapters.
• Plus, you can Cancel your membership at any time.