Alex was stunned. 'Was the Silver Wand really that important?' So important that both Sir Merlin bloc and the Wizengamot were willing to reconsider an old, deeply rooted judgment just for a shot at bringing them down?
"You're serious?" he asked, still trying to wrap his head around it.
"I am," Bagnold said firmly. "If you can really do this, the Wizengamot will take action immediately. Of course, we're still going to push for Sirius's freedom the proper way, through evidence and procedure. This option is only if we hit a dead end. A last resort, if you will."
Shee paused for a moment, then added, "That said, even if we do manage to clear Sirius through the normal process, your help would still be crucial. We know it's dangerous. That's why Scamander will be working with you. The Ministry will also provide assistance. And since this may involve overseas operations, I can issue you a special Magical Response Authorization (MRA) ."
Alex was quiet for a few seconds, but his mind was already spinning with possibilities. Whether it was tracking down Pettigrew or dismantling the Silver Wand, both paths seemed to be leading to the same destination, and if he played his cards right, he might be able to hit both targets in one go.
"MRA certificate? What's that supposed to mean?" Alex asked, looking puzzled. He was quite familiar with the workings of the Ministry of Magic, but this was the first time he'd heard of such a thing.
"The so-called Certificate…" Minister Bagnold gave him a strange look before explaining, "...is just a document on the surface. But having one means your identity has been specially approved by the British Ministry of Magic's law enforcement department. With it, if someone attacks you or poses a threat, you're authorized to respond with full force, including deadly force, if necessary."
She leaned back slightly before continuing, "In the international wizarding community, this certificate allows you to avoid being detained by local magical authorities, because your actions, whatever they may be, are considered backed and sanctioned by our Ministry."
Alex nodded slowly, finally understanding. To put it bluntly, it was a "license to kill." And in dangerous territory abroad, having the Ministry's official backing could be a real game-changer.
"Of course," Bagnold added quickly, her tone turning more cautious, "getting this document isn't easy. The approval process is strict, and issuing one puts a lot of pressure on me politically. That's why I need you to really think this through before committing."
"I get it," Alex said, nodding with a serious expression. "No matter how the situation with Sirius turns out, I promise I'll do everything I can to see this mission through. As for the Silver Wand... I already have a bad feeling about them."
"Good. I appreciate that." Bagnold's tone softened slightly, clearly pleased. "You don't need to worry too much though. Forming a magical bond with a creature like the Thunderbird is extremely difficult. We're still just working off a theory at this stage."
Alex shook his head slightly, a faint smile forming at the corners of his mouth. "No, I've got a feeling it'll work. Just give me about a year, I'll find the Silver Wand's trail, one way or another."
"Really?" Bagnold raised an eyebrow. She'd always had faith in Alex, but the determination in the young man's voice caught her off guard and sent a ripple of excitement through her.
Alex didn't answer. Instead, he just smiled, calm and confident, but without revealing anything more. He already had a plan. Even if the Thunderbird bond didn't work out, he had backup strategies ready. He'd been preparing to deal with the Silver Wand for a long time now.
With the conversation wrapped up, Alex took his leave from the Ministry. Meanwhile, Bagnold wasted no time in contacting Amelia and Moody, pulling them aside to discuss the matter further and brief them in advance.
"What?" Amelia exclaimed after hearing the news. "You're telling me Sirius Black is innocent? Are you absolutely sure? Don't let yourself be fooled!"
She was familiar with Alex's relationship with the Minister, and she had some knowledge of Sirius's case, but she had always maintained a skeptical and pessimistic view. In her mind, the idea that Sirius might not be guilty had never even been a serious consideration.
"I've always said this didn't sit right with me," Moody chimed in, crossing his arms. "Sirius was a good lad back then. Sure, he was reckless, but suddenly turning into a cold-blooded traitor? Doesn't match. And he's no actor, he's terrible at hiding his emotions. What you see is what you get with him."
Bagnold nodded. "Exactly. I was there when it all happened. I saw the way he behaved. I can tell what's real and what's not."
The three stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the revelation settling between them. If Sirius Black truly was innocent, then everything they thought they knew about the events surrounding the Potters' death was about to be turned upside down.
"But even so, are you really going to get involved in this?" Amelia asked, her voice cautious but firm. "You were the one who passed the verdict against Sirius, and the evidence we have now isn't strong enough to clear his name. This could bring you serious trouble."
Moody's face was still twisted in that familiar scowl, full of frustration and bitterness. "So what?" he snapped. "If we know he was wrongly imprisoned, then it's only right that we get him out. Why should Sirius keep rotting away in Azkaban just because the Ministry refuses to admit it made a mistake?"
"But the current evidence won't convince the Wizengamot," Amelia argued, clearly thinking several steps ahead. "If we really want to prove Sirius is innocent, then we need to find solid proof, like capturing Peter Pettigrew alive and presenting him as a witness."
"Releasing Sirius without that kind of evidence, especially under pressure, won't hold up," she continued. "Even in a more progressive council like Sir Merlin bloc, it's not enough. People won't be easily swayed without undeniable proof."
Moody snorted, unimpressed. He'd never been one for politics or procedure. "I'm not part of your Sir Merlin bloc group, and I don't need fancy arguments. To me, this is simple, he's innocent, so he shouldn't be in prison."
"I understand," Minister Bagnold said, nodding thoughtfully. "Reversing Sirius' conviction is no small task. But that doesn't mean we should give up. It's the right thing to do."
Amelia narrowed her eyes slightly. "But why are you getting personally involved? Even if you had turned Alex down, it wouldn't have meant much. He's not exactly in a position to force your hand."