Dumbledore remained silent, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together.
He had caught the underlying meaning in Crouch's words.
Ordinary negotiations wouldn't normally require their involvement—sending employees from the Goblin Liaison Office would suffice.
The only reason for bringing him along was one purpose: intimidation or even direct action.
"Are you planning to go to Gringotts?"
"No." Crouch shook his head in denial, his voice cold. "We're going straight to their stronghold. Besides those at Gringotts, most British goblin craftsmen work at the Firebolt company and other workshops - they couldn't possibly supply such large quantities of weapons."
"Only the two major tribes have that kind of capability."
The goblin population was vast and spread across various countries, but they all originated from the two major tribes that split from the Goblin Kingdom—one in France, the other in Persia.
The Persian goblins generally operated around India and the East, staying out of the British Isles and European affairs, leaving only one possible culprit.
"Very well." Dumbledore agreed. "To what extent should we proceed?"
"That depends on whether they're sensible," Crouch said with murderous intent. "Goblins have caused countless troubles throughout history. Previously, we tolerated them because they controlled Gringotts and served a purpose, but now that Wayne's bank is nearly ready, they've lost their value."
"If they prove unreasonable, wizards would be quite pleased to gain another variety of house-elf..."
Dumbledore drew a sharp breath.
This was heading toward genocide!
He wondered whether Crouch had learned this from Wayne or if his bloodthirsty nature was simply this extreme.
"Barty, we cannot involve the innocent," Dumbledore said sternly. "Perhaps some goblins have impure motives - we should identify them specifically. Not everyone would support Voldemort."
"You are the Minister." Crouch slightly bowed his head. "I'm merely expressing my opinion."
"Let's not inform Wayne for now." Dumbledore quickly added, knowing that Wayne generally viewed non-human races as livestock.
If Crouch told him, the next day would bring headlines about Grindelwald massacring goblins.
At least the blame wouldn't fall on Wayne's head.
Crouch neither agreed nor disagreed—he couldn't report every single matter to his superiors anyway.
A competent subordinate should solve problems for their boss, rather than requiring decisions for every little thing.
The two agreed on a timeline: the Goblin Liaison Office would make initial contact first, then they would formally intervene.
During this interim period, the Ministry of Magic needed to resolve the Dementor problem quickly.
Unlike other dark creatures, Dementors were monsters that couldn't survive without feeding on human emotions. Previously kept in check by Voldemort, their feeding had followed some pattern. But since Voldemort's defeat, the Dementors had run wild like untamed horses, with attacks reported nationwide.
About half of the Ministry's Aurors could cast Patronus charms, while the rest were equipped with Patronus badges. They began sweeping operations in groups of three.
Within days, they had captured dozens of scattered Dementors and discovered an entire colony hiding in a remote valley. The area had no wizarding residents, with only two Muggle towns nearby.
The Ministry of Magic only obtained the intelligence through Muggle news broadcasts. After investigation, there were at least hundreds of Dementors inside.
Due to the large number, Crouch feared some might escape. After careful consideration, he still went to Hogwarts to ask Wayne for help.
Everyone in the wizarding world knew that this gentleman's Patronus was as invincible as the legendary Andros.
"Screech!"
After a clear dragon roar, mournful wails filled the valley, large patches of black mist rose, and after a few seconds, it returned to calm once more.
"Done, job finished." Wayne clapped his hands; he had just finished his last History of Magic exam today before being dragged here.
The Aurors accompanying Crouch looked at him with awe in their eyes.
"Any other gathering points?" Wayne asked.
Crouch shook his head, "There are only that many Dementors in total. The rest are scattered outside; no need for you to intervene yet."
"Hmm, pay attention to memory cleaning, don't cause trouble." Wayne reminded him. It happened to be an important time for Jim Hacker's election recently, and too many strange incidents could easily affect his campaign.
After bidding farewell to Crouch, Wayne hurried back to Hogwarts. In the suitcase world, Gardevoir was cooking, the young girls were feeding the Unicorns and Mooncalves, and a few birds and Fwoopers flew out from the forest.
His little world had undergone another expansion. Newt ultimately couldn't protect his old companions, as Wayne had tricked him out of many rare magical creatures.
Including the little Zouwu's mother.
Seeing her child had gained several circles of weight in such a short time, the Zouwu mother immediately decided this was her retirement paradise and refused to leave, no matter what.
Lately, Newt had been looking at Wayne with extreme displeasure.
"Wayne, did you see the newly posted notice today?" Hermione suddenly asked during the meal.
"Career guidance?" After cutting a piece of steak for Astoria, Wayne casually replied.
"Yes, that one." Hermione nodded, somewhat nervously, "If the answers are wrong, will it affect future employment?"
"Of course not." Before Wayne could speak, Cho said with a smile.
"Each House's Head of House handles the consultations. They just provide suitable advice based on your grades and help select courses for the sixth and seventh years.
"As for interviews, those are after graduation."
"That's good." Hermione let out a long sigh of relief. She thought it would be like Muggle university recruitment, with employees from other companies or the Ministry coming to assess them.
Career guidance quickly became the hottest topic among students. The school distributed a large number of employment materials in advance for students to choose from, so they could be mentally prepared.
Everyone had about half an hour to talk with their House's professor.
Such a fun thing, Wayne certainly couldn't miss it.
"This contestant, oh no, classmate, what is your dream?"
In Professor Sprout's cosy office, Wayne and the professor sat behind the large desk like two judges, startling Toby, who had just entered.
"Wayne, what are you doing here?"
"Ahem, as Headmaster, I naturally have to care about students' employment prospects," Wayne said with feigned seriousness, immediately making Toby even more nervous as he fidgeted in the chair opposite.
Professor Sprout gave her underage Headmaster a helpless look.
'This is career planning, not a wishing well.'
"Brown, there's no need to be nervous. This discussion is mainly about your thoughts on employment," Sprout said. "With clear goals, we can help you choose the right subjects in sixth and seventh years without wasting your energy."
"Have you considered what you'd like to do after leaving Hogwarts?"
"Er—" Toby stammered for a long moment, "Professor, I want to recycle batteries."
"What?" Sprout didn't understand.
"Professor, batteries are consumables in the Muggle world that can be used in many things," Toby explained in terms she could understand, then looked at Wayne. "Wayne taught me and Norman a spell that can make batteries reusable. We could definitely make lots of money."
"Oh, I see," Professor Sprout said with dawning comprehension. "You're not planning to find work in the wizarding world, then?"
"That's right."
"That's also an option. I recall you're a half-blood, and your family is already accustomed to Muggle life..." Sprout frowned. "But using magic on Muggle items violates the Statute of Secrecy, doesn't it?"
"Eh?" Toby was dumbfounded; he genuinely hadn't considered the Statute of Secrecy.
"As long as you don't get caught, it doesn't count as breaking the rules," Wayne chimed in helpfully. "I think Toby's idea is excellent—not only profitable but also environmentally friendly."
They were dorm mates—of course, Wayne had to cover for him.
"Environmentally friendly?" Professor Sprout looked even more puzzled. Wizards had no concept of environmental protection, let alone knowledge about batteries' environmental hazards.
"Yes, exactly. Anyway, it's good for Muggles—a win-win situation."
"Very well then," Professor Sprout conceded reluctantly. After all, it was only skirting the edges of the law—many wizarding families had enchanted Muggle items at home without serious consequences. With Wayne's assurance, Toby's future shouldn't face problems.
"Will you remain at Hogwarts for sixth and seventh years then?"
"Of course," Toby said hastily. He couldn't bear to leave his friends here and definitely wanted to graduate as late as possible. "I'll take Charms and Herbology, oh yes, and Care of Magical Creatures."
"Very good," Sprout noted this down, and the conversation concluded.
...
When the next young badger entered and saw Wayne, they also started in surprise initially. When asked about future plans, only a very small minority chose to return to the Muggle world—most selected various careers within the wizarding world.
Many wanted to become Healers at St Mungo's, while others deliberated over various positions at the Ministry of Magic.
What mattered most in Hufflepuff was solidarity, and here Wayne's value became apparent.
He wouldn't offer special admission through favouritism, but as long as academic standards were met, he could ensure his classmates obtained ideal careers.
Imperceptibly, a powerful academic faction had emerged in the wizarding world—in future, only by joining this circle could one truly thrive.
When professors from other houses learned of Wayne's promise, they were green with envy. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick pulled him aside to secure promising career paths for their own houses' outstanding students.
Only Snape couldn't bring himself to do it, hiding in the dungeons, sulking.
Today's Divination class happened to coincide with Hermione's consultation time. After informing Professor Trelawney, Wayne took leave and went to Professor McGonagall's office to await Hermione's arrival.
"Come here, Hermione, sit here." Wayne beckoned, gesturing for the young witch to take a seat.
"After agonising for so long, have you made a decision?"
Over the past few days, Hermione had practically reviewed the requirements and prospects of every career, giving herself a severe case of decision paralysis.
"I've decided to join the Ministry of Magic," Hermione said quietly.
Professor McGonagall didn't interrupt - Miss Granger's career planning wasn't her concern. She might as well use this time to mark more assignments.
"Alright, so your ambition is to become Minister for Magic?" Wayne nodded, writing it in the career intentions column.
Professor McGonagall's hand holding the quill trembled.
"Joining the Ministry of Magic - becoming Minister is too far away," Hermione said shyly.
"Not far at all, not in the slightest," Wayne began strategising for her.
"After you graduate, Professor Dumbledore will resign. After he leaves, Madam Bones will succeed him, while Crouch becomes Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"You can start interning during your seventh year, convert to a permanent position upon graduation, then transfer to the Department of Magical Ethics after one year as Office Director. Become Department Head in two years, and you'll be qualified to run for Minister."
In the blink of an eye, Wayne had clearly mapped out Hermione's entire career path: becoming Minister for Magic in three to four years, faster than completing school.
Professor McGonagall was utterly dumbfounded.
'Do you think the Ministry is your family business, allowing you to jump positions as you please?'
'Well...'
When the old cat-woman came back to her senses, she realised the Ministry truly wasn't much different from Lawrence's private property these days.
Hermione waved her hands repeatedly, "Wayne, I want to advance step by step through my own efforts."
"Exactly, and I'm part of those efforts."
"The wizarding world is so small - a few years is enough for you to familiarise yourself with the work."
Hermione gave him a helpless look, "Don't cause trouble. I don't want to break the rules."
Wayne smiled and nodded, though he really wanted to say 'my rules are the rules'.
This career guidance session lasted less than five minutes, and Hermione and Wayne left the office together.
Just as Wayne was about to say something, his body faintly vibrated, and stunning blue light erupted from his eyes.
In his mind, over a dozen shards of arcane runes completed their fusion, forming one complete, massive rune.
Instantly, a torrent of information flooded his consciousness.
"Hermione, I've had a magical breakthrough. Don't worry."
Wayne only had time to leave these words before being whisked away by Ho-Oh to a completely secure, isolated island.