150: The Two Toads

"Wait, wait!"

Dawlish raised his hands and exclaimed loudly, desperate to save himself. "Don't use the Oblivion Charm on me! I—I'm not on Fudge's side!"

Moody and Kingsley exchanged glances, both looking slightly exasperated.

Still, if Dawlish was willing to switch allegiances, there was no need to resort to the Oblivion Charm.

Of course, the final decision rested with Ivan.

"You won't regret your choice today, Mr. Dawlish," Ivan said calmly.

Ivan had no intention of holding grudges over minor issues. As long as those who chose to surrender weren't inherently evil, he was willing to let them join him.

"Then, professor?"

"I'm old, and my legs aren't what they used to be," Dumbledore said with a smile.

Dumbledore could have easily defused the tension just now. 

However, the old headmaster chose to be lazy, leaving the matter in Ivan's hands and acting as if he were already enjoying a peaceful retirement.

And just in a few words, Ivan had turned all the Aurors present to his side.

There was no helping it. Ivan was simply too capable.

Dumbledore had initially believed it would take at least four or five years for Ivan to reach his full potential.

But no one could have predicted Ivan's meteoric rise, not only surpassing Dumbledore himself but also displaying the same kind of ambition that Dumbledore and Grindelwald had shared in their youth.

If Ivan weren't so young, Dumbledore might have let him venture out to explore on his own.

"Yes, yes, you're old," Ivan said with a light shake of his head.

He glanced at Moody and the others before shifting his focus to McGonagall and Snape.

"I'll go with you."

Hearing that Ivan intended to go to the Ministry of Magic to lift the curse on Fudge and Umbridge, McGonagall quickly followed his footsteps.

Professor McGonagall was deeply concerned about Ivan—not about his strength but rather his approach. She hoped he would exercise restraint and handle matters more tactfully.

"What identity are you planning to use when you go to the Ministry of Magic?"

Snape posed the question, drawing the attention of Moody, Kingsley, Dawlish, and Scrimgeour, who all turned to look at Ivan.

Although Ivan now possessed the power to potentially take control of the entire Ministry of Magic, McGonagall's concern was valid. Ivan was far too young.

To become the Minister of Magic, strength alone wasn't enough. Reputation was also critical.

The idea of a 12-year-old leading the British wizarding world was simply unrealistic.

If such a thing were to happen, the British magic world would undoubtedly become a laughingstock among wizards worldwide. They'd mock Britain for being so bereft of capable wizards that they had to put a child in charge.

"Ah, this," Ivan said with a sly smile. "I believe that, with Fudge and Umbridge's lack of perception, they won't associate me with the dark wizard from Gringotts."

Moody had managed to piece it together primarily because Ivan hadn't attempted to conceal his identity.

However, even with speculation based on temperament and image, it required a wealth of knowledge and experience to connect the dots.

As for Fudge and Umbridge, even if they had two more brains between them, they would never be able to uncover Ivan's true identity.

"You say that as if Fudge is a fool," Scrimgeour said, though he and Dawlish couldn't find a way to refute Ivan's words.

After all, Ivan was correct—Fudge lacked experience in magic.

"Now I am the genius wizard of Hogwarts, Ivan Ambrosius," Ivan declared confidently.

He had been to the Ministry of Magic once before, and the wizards there were already aware that Hogwarts had produced a genius said to appear only once in a thousand years.

Helping again this time was part of Ivan's strategy to build his reputation.

If Ivan could break the curse that no one in the entire Ministry of Magic had been able to handle, it would greatly elevate his status.

Boom!

The next moment, with a burst of green flames, the group stepped out of the Floo Network and into the grand hall of the Ministry of Magic.

This being his second visit, Ivan was calm and composed.

Following the two professors, with Moody and Scrimgeour leading the way, Ivan observed the hustle and bustle around him. Dawlish and Kingsley moved quickly to summon Aurors to maintain order.

The group soon arrived at the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, specifically the subdivision specializing in breaking curses.

Barty Crouch Sr., Amelia Bones, Sinix, and Arthur Weasley were all present, waiting for Dumbledore's arrival.

Everyone's eyes darted around, searching for the headmaster, yet he was nowhere to be found.

Amelia stepped forward, her familiarity with McGonagall allowing her to speak openly.

"You're finally here. Where is Dumbledore?"

"Albus didn't come," McGonagall replied, her tone steady but firm.

"What?"

McGonagall's words left everyone visibly shocked.

How could Dumbledore, of all people, not show up for such a critical matter?

"I don't mean to underestimate you, Minerva, but this curse is really unusual," Amelia said cautiously, clearly misunderstanding. She thought Dumbledore had sent McGonagall to handle the curse.

"I understand, Amelia," McGonagall replied with a calm nod. Then she gently pushed Ivan forward. "But please believe in the abilities of Hogwarts. This time, Albus has given full authority to this child to deal with the curse."

"What?"

This time, not only Amelia but everyone present was stunned.

Granted, they had met Ivan once before and knew he had an exceptional level of magical talent.

Even in terms of raw power, there were whispers that the adult wizards present might not be able to match him.

"Are you joking, Minerva?"

Barty Crouch Sr. spoke seriously, his tone carrying a weight of disbelief. "No matter how talented this child is, he's still just a child."

It was evident that the officials of the Ministry of Magic were skeptical about Ivan's ability to resolve the matter.

After all, the Ministry's own curse-breaking division had worked tirelessly day and night, yet they had failed to make even the slightest progress in lifting the curse afflicting Fudge and Umbridge.

Was it truly possible that a single boy could outperform the combined efforts of the entire Ministry of Magic?

If Dumbledore had been the one standing here, there would be no doubt.

Reputation carried immense weight, and the name of the world's greatest white wizard inspired confidence beyond question.

But Ivan?

He is really too young.

"Don't underestimate this child," McGonagall said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

She didn't elaborate further but instead asked for the location of the ward where Fudge and Umbridge were being kept.

"Follow me…"

Though there were still doubts in their minds, the Ministry officials decided to let Ivan try. After all, they had exhausted all other options, and there was no harm in allowing one more attempt.

With this thought, everyone surrounded McGonagall, Ivan, and the others as they entered a room enhanced with advanced protective spells.

The interior was entirely white, giving the space a sterile, clinical feel. Instead of beds, two translucent containers resembling oversized petri dishes stood in the center of the room.

Ivan stepped forward and peered inside, only to see two toads lying motionless in each of the containers—none other than Fudge and Umbridge in their cursed forms.

"Trrr~ Trr~"{

"Croak~ Croak~"

Pfft~!

Although Ivan maintained a calm and composed exterior, he was laughing inwardly: 'What a sight! Honestly, if not for appearances, I'd have let them stay like this for a few more days.'

Ivan had no love for Fudge, and as for Umbridge, his disdain for her was even deeper.

These two guys are simply a cancer to the wizarding world.

_______

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