Relocating their base wasn't particularly problematic—Jane Yu nodded and accepted the measure without hesitation.
What caught her off guard, however, was Minister Bones's next arrangement... or rather, her request.
"Additionally, Yu, I must make what I know is an unreasonable request—for various considerations, I hope you won't return to school when term begins."
Jane immediately grasped Minister Bones's intention:
She wanted Jane to continue managing the research team, accelerating production and development so these wartime supplies could be distributed to Aurors and Special Agents as quickly as possible.
From Minister Bones's perspective, this request was entirely reasonable.
Her eyes brimmed with earnest hope as she spoke with heartfelt sincerity, even appealing to Slytherin psychology:
"Yu, I believe that with your abilities, continuing your education at Hogwarts is genuinely beneath your talents... Of course, I don't mean to diminish what Hogwarts can offer you educationally, but I feel you could achieve far more outside school—you could reach unprecedented heights."
She analyzed the pros and cons from Jane's perspective, methodically building her case for persuasion.
First, she addressed what she imagined were Jane's concerns about incomplete education:
"Professor Marchbanks from the Wizarding Examinations Authority told me your abilities far exceed graduate level—twelve Outstanding marks represent the exam's ceiling, not your limitations. I believe your potential is being constrained by school rather than fully realized."
"But the Ministry is different. We can provide you with a stage, a platform to elevate yourself further... Our Auror training system extends far beyond Hogwarts's curriculum, and I'd be delighted to open all training courses to you."
Jane had grown completely accustomed to such headhunting attempts over the past few years.
Her expression remained utterly calm, even tinged with bitter amusement—
Because some mysterious fate seemed to guide her... whether Dumbledore disagreed or accidents proliferated...
She always ended up returning to Hogwarts in the end.
Though this suggestion came from Bones and was for the Aurors' benefit...
And Dumbledore, being broad-minded, would presumably agree...
And she could better manage her company and investments while preventing industrial accidents...
She genuinely couldn't be certain whether some mishap might occur along the way, causing their enterprise to collapse before achieving success.
"I have an inexplicable bond with Hogwarts." Jane sighed, kindly warning Minister Bones, "Though I truly wish to personally oversee the researchers on-site, you don't understand—despite my past efforts, I've never succeeded... Your plan might prove more difficult to realize than you imagine..."
Regarding what seemed an almost impossible goal, she felt she'd already abandoned the struggle.
But clearly Minister Bones couldn't comprehend her well-intentioned warning—she remained determined to 'liberate' Jane from Hogwarts.
Hearing Jane's words and seeing her unperturbed expression only intensified Bones's anxiety!
This child truly held fast to her principles, completely immune to temptation!
Even facing the Ministry's express lane, she remained utterly unmoved!
According to statistics, the notoriously difficult-to-enter Ministry was every Hogwarts graduate's most coveted destination!
Bones summoned every ounce of strength and deployed her lifetime's eloquence, interrupting Jane's unfinished words to discuss the future:
"Yu, I know you've already achieved remarkable success—your gaming consoles are in every household. But I'm certain you harbor grand aspirations, your own passions and future career ambitions."
This was perhaps Bones's first instance of such blatant "abuse of power" since becoming Minister, throwing open every possible door:
"Should you wish to join the Ministry in future, all positions will be completely open to you—O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. requirements waived entirely. If you want St. Mungo's, it's merely a word from me. Whether you aspire to journalism or Quidditch stardom, I can provide recommendations... Even if you prefer taking exams for certificates to pursue other careers, I can arrange for the Wizarding Examinations Authority to conduct a special N.E.W.T. examination exclusively for you..."
As she spoke, Bones gradually recognized the flaw in her argument—
Everything she could offer, Dumbledore could provide as well, possibly even more.
So she pivoted toward idealistic appeals, launching into grand principles and various philosophies:
"I know you've always sought to lead the wizarding world toward the future... You cherish progress, embrace innovation, love development..."
"You despise pure-blood supremacy, oppose warfare, treasure peace... You hope to advance wizarding civilization..."
"Then leaving school's ivory tower to enter society represents your first step toward changing the world..."
Jane shuddered!
How familiar this rhetoric sounded!
First discussing life, then ideals—contemplating snow, stars, and moon, progressing from poetry and literature to life philosophy...
Wasn't this precisely the grand vision she painted when recruiting employees?
"Though I genuinely hope for world peace and everyone's survival..." she muttered internally, "this pie is painted rather too large and round."
Recognizing she couldn't deceive the girl, Bones sighed, her tactics finally shifting from pie-in-the-sky promises to cold, hard cash:
"Your company and research projects operate outside school—I believe your personal on-site guidance would dramatically improve efficiency."
Understanding that "you can't catch wolves without sacrificing lambs," she steeled herself and offered Jane terms no one could refuse:
"Your laboratory will have round-the-clock Auror protection. I'll assign you the most elite Aurors for personal security—safety concerns are unnecessary. Until war's end, all employee salaries and research funding will be covered by Ministry expenditure. After products are sold to the Ministry at reasonable prices, surplus production may be sold independently with no profit-sharing required."
Jane couldn't help glancing at the ceiling—
So good fortune really could fall from the sky!
She suddenly felt...
Perhaps she shouldn't surrender so easily—maybe she could try once more!
"Ahem... discussing money feels so mercenary... We all yearn to capture Voldemort and the Death Eaters, combat extremist pure-blood supremacists and terrorists, and restore peace to the wizarding world. I'd be delighted to contribute to the Ministry during these critical times."
Having successfully reached consensus, Bones breathed a tremendous sigh of relief, feeling her burdens considerably lightened.
"Then it's settled." She smiled warmly. "I've already sent Dumbledore a message requesting discussion of this matter. He just replied that he's returning—I'm confident he'll agree to something beneficial for everyone. Once he arrives, we'll discuss the new laboratory location."
Both women smiled, brimming with hope for future developments.
Only Headmaster Dumbledore, far away visiting the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... suddenly receiving this devastating news...
Was now brandishing his forty-meter-long Elder Wand, racing back in a blazing trail of sparks and lightning.
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