#193 - Gossip

"That's right, you have no idea the commotion you've caused. Arresting five Death Eaters at once is the first time since the Dark Lord's downfall, and it was done by an underage wizard. Plus, the Daily Prophet and Wizarding Wireless Service have been giving it extensive coverage. Read М"

"And Minister Bagnold too, she's having the Department of Public Information promote it like crazy, as if she can't wait to sing your praises to the heavens. The award ceremony was announced a long time ago, and the reporters below were invited by the Minister to attend the banquet. But they can only enter when the time comes, and they arrived so early that they've blocked the door completely. We're being driven crazy," Vanessa complained helplessly.

So that's it. Anduin finally understood what Minister Bagnold meant when she said the Ministry hadn't had good news in a long time. Sure enough, the British wizarding world is too small; even this trivial matter can cause such a stir.

"So, the captain told us to guard the door and bring you in as soon as we saw you, to avoid being harassed by those people," Vanessa added.

"That's really hard on you guys. By the way, what about my friends I invited? They might be arriving later," Anduin asked, worried that his invited friends would also be harassed.

"Don't worry, our colleagues are maintaining order below. Oh, right," Vanessa added, "I haven't told you about the meeting schedule yet. First, there's the award banquet, and in the afternoon, there's a trial for those Death Eaters. You're required to attend as the victim. I don't know what the Minister is thinking, scheduling the trial immediately after the banquet."

Oh? Is Bagnold trying to act swiftly? Pressuring those families and then immediately starting the trial, forcing those guys to switch sides? This decisive style is very consistent with his impression of this Minister.

Soon, under Vanessa's guidance, they entered the banquet hall. There were already many people in the venue. The Ministry of Magic had prepared refreshments and a buffet, and the people in the hall were gathered in small groups, chatting about something.

"Anduin, you're here!" Vivian, wearing a long dress, greeted Anduin with surprise upon seeing him.

"Long time no see," Anduin replied with a smile. Actually, it hasn't been that long; it's only been less than a month since the summer vacation started.

And with Vivian's voice, her discovering Anduin was basically equivalent to everyone discovering him.

Reminded by her, the people gathered in twos and threes around them all looked over here in unison.

Anduin also felt all kinds of gazes, some curious, some admiring, and some scrutinizing. Of course, he also subtly noticed a few malicious stares.

It seems Anduin's actions have gotten in the way of quite a few people.

However, most people just watched from a distance. Without anyone introducing them, they retained some restraint and didn't rush to strike up a conversation.

And the several acquaintances who had arrived earlier gathered around, including Charles, Viren, and Ibbe, who had arrived early via Floo Network.

"Oh my god, Anduin, you've really stirred things up this time," Vivian looked at him with an exaggerated expression. "Do you know that the newspapers these days are full of your news? There are press releases from the Ministry of Magic, and Rita Skeeter even wrote a special interview for you. That woman actually didn't lie for once and almost blew you to the heavens."

Is it that exaggerated? Anduin couldn't help but curl his lips. Those interview drafts were actually written by himself. Being said like this by Vivian, it made him seem very narcissistic.

"Indeed, we were all taken aback when we heard about this. Five Death Eaters, damn it. I knew that Yaxley wouldn't give up so easily. I didn't expect him to do something like this," Viren looked frightened. Especially after learning that this matter was related to Yaxley, he immediately imagined a scene of revenge backfiring and being sanctioned.

Charles was completely different from the excited pair. After coming to Anduin's side, he looked at him sincerely and said, "Anduin, thank you for seeking justice for my aunt's family. The McKinnon family will always be your most loyal friends."

"Don't say that, I was just protecting myself," Anduin smiled at Charles. "Besides, I said long ago that those guys would pay the price sooner or later. It's just a pity that you couldn't take revenge yourself."

"I didn't expect you to remember what I once said, but we are already very gratified to see that bastard Travers caught. It's a pity that the guy ended up dying at the hands of his own people. It's really ironic," Charles sighed, looking relieved.

Oh? It seems these families all know what happened, and they also have independent judgments about Toquil's death.

While Anduin was thinking wildly, Charles suddenly pulled him aside.

"I heard that some people are very unhappy with you receiving such a large award from the Ministry of Magic, especially with the combat hero title you were awarded. If this matter is implemented, Minister Bagnold's prestige will be pushed to an unparalleled position, and those pure-blood families will be suppressed by the Ministry of Magic during her tenure, so..." Charles said meaningfully.

"You mean they want to oppose this? All kinds of news and information have spread throughout the wizarding world. Can they still get the Ministry of Magic to retract its order?" Anduin squinted his eyes and smiled.

"It's hard to say. Recently, there have been some rumors circulating among the wizarding families. I'm just a little worried, but our McKinnon family will definitely support you with all our strength. You deserve it!" Charles said firmly.

"What rumors?" Anduin raised an eyebrow.

"Some people say that you are just a kid being promoted by the Ministry of Magic for show, and even..." Charles hesitated and glanced at Anduin.

"Even some people say that those Death Eaters were not defeated by you personally, because there were no other people present at the time, and the confessions of those Death Eaters may have had their memories tampered with and are not credible. They dare not openly question Minister Bagnold, but they may point the finger at you."

"Heh, clowns, let them try. Are these people so forgetful? The Dark Lord only disappeared not long ago. Have they forgotten that strength speaks in the wizarding world?"

"In short, you should still be careful. Perhaps Minister Bagnold's recent methods have been too tough, arousing the backlash of some pure-blood families," Charles said worriedly.

He doesn't really understand either, but his parents are both Aurors and occasionally hear some internal information.