The largest office within the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters belonged to Director Karan Verma. The group congregated outside its door.
"The storm abated, probably because Kavi couldn't sustain it any longer," Anand declared, brimming with confidence. "But whatever the reason, the Ministry of Magic has reached the base of the Himalayas. They were merely delayed by the storm."
"They likely have him in custody by now," Anand continued. "Our Indian Ministry of Magic is quite competent."
Anand threw open the door and called out, "What's the status on Kavi?"
A voice responded from within. "Minister, our team barely made it back."
"…"
Anand's face fell. He had barely finished boasting when reality contradicted him. The presence of the others only intensified his frustration. "Are you all just twiddling your thumbs?! So many of you, and you can't apprehend a dying man like Kavi Sharma?!"
"It isn't our fault, Minister," Karan sighed, seated at his desk. "That place is… unusual. Sharma did something, and our spells simply wouldn't work!"
"…"
This piqued Tom's interest. An anti-magic zone? Could it be true? Originally, he had only sought to acquire the "Garuda Feather," but now he desired to capture Kavi Sharma even more.
Behind Tom, Harry and Malfoy exchanged excited whispers.
"Malfoy, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Yes, Scarface," Malfoy replied, barely containing his glee. "I am."
It seemed their turn to shine as MVPs had arrived again! They had been instrumental in apprehending the Carpenters at the Abandoned Clock Factory. Without their assistance, Tom might have needed to personally intervene in the underground steam room.
"Wait!"
A sudden thought seemed to strike Harry. He attempted to conceal a glint in his eyes as he stealthily glanced at Snape. Since magic is suppressed there…
Wouldn't this be a perfect opportunity to "take advantage of the situation?" That greasy-haired bat will hate this…
"Hehe, hehehehehe…"
"…"
Snape, gazing at the grinning Harry, his face contorted with distaste, sneered, "Your smile is repulsive."
Harry snapped out of his reverie, embarrassment flooding his features. He chuckled awkwardly, "Hehe…"
Hmph, let him be smug for now!
Thinking this, Harry couldn't help but grin.
"Scarface, what's wrong?"
Seeing this, Malfoy looked concerned. "Are you cursed? It doesn't appear so."
"…"
Harry impatiently shoved Malfoy's arm away. "Bugger off."
Anand had lost his initial confidence. Facing a powerful wizard without the ability to use magic, he wasn't feeling so bold.
Anand stared at the report on Karan's desk, his expression troubled. "What should we do?"
"…"
Are you kidding me?
You're the Minister; why are you asking me?
Karan wanted to curse but dared not in front of his superior.
Then he noticed Tom and the others standing nearby, clearly intrigued by the situation.
"Who are these gentlemen?"
Karan quickly stood up. Anyone the Minister of Magic brought wouldn't be a nobody. He needed to establish a connection quickly; perhaps they would support his candidacy for the next Minister.
Anand set down his report and stepped forward to introduce them. "Oh, this is Professor Tom Riddle of Hogwarts."
"..."
Karan's outstretched hand froze in mid-air, his smiling face instantly stiffening.
I knew you were useless, but I didn't expect this level of incompetence!
Who in their right mind would bring the Dark Lord here?!
Karan couldn't help but glare at Anand, then his expression transformed into one of utter despair.
No, there's really no hope. My chances of becoming the next minister are definitely gone; a Death Eater will take my place.
I wonder if it's too late to join the Death Eaters now?
"…"
Anand had initially been annoyed when he saw Karan, a mere division chief, daring to glare at him, the minister. He had even planned small acts of petty revenge.
However, seeing Karan's audacity—daring to defy the Dark Lord—his anger vanished, replaced by admiration. "Don't worry, I'll take care of your wife, your daughter, and your son."
"…"
Noticing Anand's gaze, Karan, who had been feeling disillusioned about losing his ministerial position, suddenly realized what was happening.
However, Tom had no interest in such pleasantries.
"So, what now?" Tom asked.
"Huh?"
Tom's words puzzled Karan.
"I'm asking you…"
Tom's emerald-green eyes locked onto their prey. "This Kavi, the one who suppresses magic, is he still on the mountain?"
"Oh! Yes! He's still there!"
Seeing that Tom didn't seem inclined to kill him now, Karan was overjoyed. "Professor Tom, I'll definitely find a way to bring Sharma down from the mountain! No matter the cost!"
"No need," Tom said, waving his hand dismissively. He walked to Karan's desk and picked up the report. "I'll retrieve him myself."
"…"
Sigh, the Dark Lord is here. Kavi is doomed.
Anand's face showed a glint of calculation. Out of consideration for our past working relationship, let him fend for himself... Wait! This guy seems to be an old bachelor? I can't take good care of his wife, daughter, and son…
"Anand."
Damn! He dares to be out there without a wife?!
"Anand!"
Huh? Who's calling me?
Anand looked up and met those snake-like eyes. "..."
Damn it!!!
"Professor Tom! Just tell me what you need!"
His survival instinct surged, and Anand was prepared to offer anything to salvage the situation.
"Besides that incident thirty years ago, have there been other strange magical outbursts?"
Because Anand had implied that the other suspect was already dead, Tom tried a different approach.
"Hmm… I don't recall ever seeing anything like that," Anand said thoughtfully. "Especially since I became minister; India has been quite peaceful."
"…"
Ignoring the boastful Anand, Tom put down the report. "Then his ability to block magic was most likely acquired thirty years ago."
"The Ministry of Magic should maintain their positions at the base of the mountain and prevent him from escaping."
After instructing Karan, Tom looked at Anand again. "Tell me where this man acquired this magic, and the detailed process involved."
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