"Take him away," Fudge barked. "Lock that traitor in Azkaban. Put him with the Death Eaters and leave him there for life."
The Minister's transformation was instant. The moment Peter Pettigrew's guilt became undeniable, outrage replaced hesitation. Aurors dragged the sobbing man away as Fudge delivered a sharp, impassioned condemnation, every word aimed at salvaging what little dignity the Ministry had left.
When it was over, his attention shifted to Rowan Mercer.
"You're Rowan Mercer, correct?" Fudge said, his tone warming. "I've heard of you. You assisted the French Ministry in apprehending a Dark wizard and received a commendation for bravery. An impressive record for someone so young."
Dumbledore smiled faintly. "Rowan is the most exceptional student I've encountered in many years. Though only in his second year, he has already taken his N.E.W.T.s and applied for early graduation."
Rowan caught the look Dumbledore gave him and understood immediately.
"I've always admired the Ministry," Rowan said politely. "Minister Fudge's leadership especially. I'd be honored to work there after graduation. Unfortunately, I may be too young to qualify."
Dumbledore added smoothly, "Cornelius has never been a man bound by rigid rules when it comes to talent."
Fudge beamed. "You flatter me, Headmaster. And you're quite right. A wizard of Rowan's caliber would be welcome at the Ministry anytime. In light of today's events, I'll personally recommend Rowan for the Second Order of Merlin. As well as the ten thousand Galleon bounty. The Ministry will notify you shortly."
Rowan inclined his head, satisfied.
With Dumbledore's endorsement, outstanding exam results, and Fudge's approval, his path into the Ministry was all but secured. The only question left was where he would be placed.
If he were honest, there was only one department he truly wanted.
The Department of Mysteries.
Its work predated the Ministry itself. Few knew what happened behind its sealed doors, only that it dealt with forces most witches and wizards barely understood. Time. Thought. Prophecy. Death. Even love, in its oldest and most dangerous form.
Rowan doubted any newcomer, no matter how capable, would be allowed in immediately. That was fine. There was no rush. The Ministry offered plenty of paths worth walking first.
Step by step. No need to force the door.
Pettigrew had been exposed. Sirius Black was exonerated. Rowan had achieved everything he came for.
Soon, the results of the final exams would be released. He would graduate alongside the seventh-years and begin his career beyond Hogwarts.
The thought stirred a flicker of reluctance. Two years wasn't long, but Hogwarts had watched him grow from a struggling student into something far stronger.
He glanced toward the castle, eyes narrowing slightly.
Tonight, before it all ended, there was one last thing to take care of.
"The Horcrux hidden in the Room of Requirement," Rowan murmured to himself. "Might as well deal with it."