"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 379: Mr. Holmes Is Always So Direct!
The three of them followed Piero down a series of corridors lined with ancient tapestries and magical portraits. The faces in those frames—luminaries from the annals of Italian magical history—seemed to follow their progress, eyes brimming with scrutiny and curiosity.
Piero remained silent, but as they passed a commemorative plaque honoring the history of werewolf control legislation, he deliberately slowed his step. His small, sharp eyes flicked to Lupin, lips curling into a frosty smirk, his gaze radiating open suspicion and disdain.
The Minister's office was tucked away in a secluded corner at the very heart of the Ministry. Piero paused before a heavy oak door, inlaid with the emblem of the Italian Ministry of Magic—a phoenix clutching an olive branch in its beak.
Inside, the office was a world apart from Lorenzo's chaotic "disaster zone"—spacious, opulent, and meticulously arranged. Enchanted floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a panoramic, magically enhanced view of Rome, sunlight pouring over marble floors polished to a mirror sheen. Oil paintings depicting legendary magical battles adorned the walls, each radiating a faint pulse of ancient magic.
At the center stood a massive cherrywood desk. Behind it sat a man in his early fifties: the Italian Minister for Magic, Massimo Alberti. His silver-gray hair was immaculately styled, his face lean and thoughtful, eyes deep-set and watchful. He wore a perfectly tailored dark green wizard's robe, the hem embroidered with the crest of his ancient family. Though he greeted them with the warm smile of a seasoned politician, Douglas could sense the shrewd calculation and caution lurking beneath.
Minister Alberti rose slowly, extending his hand with just the right amount of practiced enthusiasm. "Professor Holmes, your reputation precedes you. The little storms you've stirred up in the British magical world—well, even here in Rome, your name rings out. Minister Fudge had nothing but praise for you at the last Confederation meeting."
He turned to Lupin, letting his gaze rest on him for several seconds—measured, assessing. "Mr. Lupin, your very existence is a legend. The first 'former werewolf' in history—is that a blessing for the magical world, or... a new variable?"
He paused, smile unchanging, but the layers beneath his words were unmistakable.
"You're too kind, Minister," Lupin replied with polite restraint, though inwardly he was on guard. The Minister's friendliness was almost more unsettling than open hostility.
"Please, take a seat." Alberti gestured to the armchairs nearby, while Piero stood sentinel by the door, as rigid as a statue.
"Lorenzo has already briefed me on your purpose here. The Ministry is aware of the Ashclaw Tribe's plea for help, as well as... certain Vatican activities in the Apennines."
Douglas wasted no time. "Then, Minister, what is your stance? Do you intend to enforce the Werewolf Segregation Act and arrest every member of the Ashclaw Tribe? Or will you turn a blind eye to the Vatican's little experiments?"
Alberti cradled his espresso cup with the elegance of a man discussing afternoon tea, not a looming magical crisis. He set it down, the cup and saucer chiming with a crisp clink.
"Mr. Holmes, your directness is almost enviable. The Werewolf Segregation Act is one of the cornerstones of order in Italian wizarding society—any violation, at least in principle, must be sanctioned.
As for the Vatican... some of their research does, admittedly, stray beyond our usual definitions. There have always been clear boundaries between the Ministry and the Vatican. We respect their faith, and they, in turn, should respect the rules of the magical world."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered at the corner of Douglas's mouth.
"Segregation? Minister, forgive me, but when one side wields holy water and silver bullets, and the other is left scrambling for their next meal and substandard Wolfsbane, that 'segregation' feels more like tacit oppression."
Alberti's smile never faltered, but his eyes sharpened. "Mr. Holmes, the Ministry has its own laws and codes. The Werewolf Segregation Act exists to protect not just the wizarding community, but the Muggle world as well.
And as for the Vatican... their influence runs deep, especially here. Our relationship is less an alliance than a... historical coexistence we have no choice but to maintain."
He swirled his coffee, the dark liquid spinning in the cup. "We do not wish to see innocents harmed—wizard or otherwise. But neither do we want anyone—no matter how righteous their banner—sparking chaos on Italian soil, especially as the International Statute of Secrecy grows ever more precarious."
Douglas leaned forward, meeting Alberti's gaze head-on. "So what you're saying, Minister, is that as long as we keep things quiet and don't cause extra trouble for the Ministry, you're willing to turn a blind eye to whatever happens in the Apennines?"
Alberti set down his cup with another clear clink. "I prefer to see it as this: Professor Holmes and Mr. Lupin, as independent magical researchers, are conducting a private investigation in the Apennines—motivated by academic interest in ancient magic and, shall we say, humanitarian concern for werewolves. The Ministry, of course, knows nothing of this, so there's no question of approval or opposition."
He produced a copy of the Daily Prophet—the headline blaring: First to Cure Lycanthropy: Mr. Lupin Arrives in Italy Today…
His lips curled into a sly, ambiguous smile as he glanced at them both, the message clear.
"In fact, your invitation here was arranged through unofficial channels—specifically for Mr. Lupin, of course. And if, in the course of your private research, you were to stumble upon evidence of behavior that violates fundamental magical ethics—or even threatens the stability of the Italian magical world—well, the Ministry might consider taking appropriate action. After the fact."
Douglas gave a cold laugh. "Like last time? So if the Ashclaw Tribe is forced to resist because of Vatican overreach, will the Ministry go after the werewolves first, or will you investigate the Vatican?"
A ghost of a smile touched Alberti's lips. "Mr. Holmes, you do love to put me on the spot. The Ministry, of course, acts on evidence. For now, the reports we've received concern mostly the werewolves' movements—and a few unverified rumors about Vatican activity in the mountains."
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