The atrium of the Magic Congress was already a model of Magic World architecture, and at this moment, it was decorated with unparalleled solemnity.
The high dome simulated the gentle sky with magic, while the central magic fountain changed the shape and color of its water flows along with the Forest Fairy Orchestra's performance, ethereal and wondrous music resonated in the space.
Today, guests were gathered in clusters.
Wizard representatives in luxurious robes from various countries, celebrities from the American Magic World, and Wizengamot mages whispered among themselves, carrying light smiles on their faces.
The Congress staff in dark robes were also dressed much more formally than usual, with some nearly having their chests covered in various medals, with solemn expressions, grouped in threes and fives.
In the reporters' area, the long and short cameras were already in place, with flow mirrors and magic cameras flashing softly.
The delegation from the United Kingdom had naturally arrived as well. The Minister of Ministry of Magic, Sinclaire, personally attended the ceremony, wearing a gentle, friendly smile, while Kingsley Shacklebolt stood like a towering silence at his rear, scanning the entire hall with sharp eyes.
Lucius Malfoy's face was even paler than usual, his expression particularly stern as Narcissa held his arm, maintaining an aloof and distant demeanor as a couple.
In response, some Pure-Blood Wizards who wanted to greet them hesitated and stopped, turning to different directions instead.
Amelia Bones, who once participated in the Ministerial election, was whispering with Rufus Scrimgeour, and as fellow losers, the atmosphere between them seemed quite harmonious.
"Over seventy percent support rate? After Hosone became a wanted criminal, as his assistant, Ms. Picquery was not suspected at all and still managed to gain such high support so quickly?"
Bones whispered with undisguised distrust, "I don't believe Hosone is that kind of person. This whole affair is too fishy!"
Scrimgeour's frown was so intense it could probably pinch a fly to death, and he replied in a rough voice:
"This is the United States, Bones. Whatever suspicions they have, it has nothing to do with us."
In another corner of the atrium, Moody, as a former Auror who was still lingering in the United States, had also received an invitation.
He attended the ceremony indifferently, scarce as it was that he wore a slightly worn-out dark green dress robe, barely meeting the occasion's requirements.
Moody's Magic Eye whirled ceaselessly, sweeping over everyone slowly and meticulously.
The crowded environment made him uncomfortable all over, while others always cast peculiar glances at his frightening appearance, causing Moody to always remain in the corner.
At this moment, a figure moved briskly yet decisively through the crowd, heading straight for his corner.
Nymphadora Tonks was dressed in a formal midnight blue gown today, she approached Moody without drawing much attention, naturally greeting him as an acquaintance would.
Then, with a voice only the two of them could hear, she quickly said a few words.
Moody's normal eye suddenly widened, a faint ferocity seemingly flashing through it.
"Hah..."
He moved his shoulders, which were almost rigid to the point of decay, his mouth skewed, forming a near-grimacing arc.
"Finally here... leave it to me!"
He exhaled, his voice rough and grating.
Just then, the music abruptly stopped, the sound of a clock's ticking urged everyone to quickly quiet down and take their seats for the ceremony.
As the clock ended, Congressman Tommy Crowther stepped onto the high platform in front of the fountain, his voice magically amplified:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the United States! Welcome to the Magic Congress Headquarters!"
"On this important day, we are immensely delighted to welcome a new Congress President—Ms. Laira Piqueley, who will lead us towards a more glorious future!"
"I declare—the inauguration ceremony for the President of the Magic Congress now begins!"
A warm round of applause erupted in the venue, Laira rose, nodding and smiling at the audience below, looking poised and graceful.
Subsequently, the First Wizard of the American Wizengamot, Francis Pegula, stood up.
Though he lacked Dumbledore's formidable magic power and accomplishments, he had cultivated many outstanding wizards and was considerably senior and highly respected.
In the breeze, Pegula's silver-white long beard fluttered slightly, solemnly declaring:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, compatriots of the American Magic World."
"At present, the Magic World stands at an unprecedented crossroads. Externally, dark clouds loom, old threats lurk in new forms; internally, clarity and the reformation of trust and order are imperative."
"At this challenging and pivotal juncture, unity is more essential than ever—we must rally behind a steadfast and resolute new leadership core."
"Despite urgent and careful negotiation and voting, the Magic Congress has made a unanimous choice with an overwhelming majority of over seventy percent. We have absolute confidence beyond doubt in the remarkable ability, steely determination, and crisis-handling acumen demonstrated by Ms. Laira Piqueley..."
At the edge of the venue, Tonks was moving silently, her typical bubblegum-pink hair conspicuous, but when she changed her appearance to ash-gray, she became just as easy to overlook.
Kingsley felt something flickering in his field of vision as he stood by Sinclaire's side. His gaze shifted, and he grasped his Magic Wand, turning to see Tonks hiding behind a pillar, holding a small mirror aimed at him.
Kingsley: "..."
He frowned at his subordinate's furtive appearance. What he saw next was Tonks waving her hand, sending a small paper airplane skimming along the floor towards him.
Kingsley: "..."
How can one be so reckless?
In such a dignified setting, can't non-urgent intelligence be saved for later?
Given it's critically urgent intelligence, what if this method of transmission is intercepted?
He took a deep breath in and out, swallowing down the reprimand for his subordinate, his fingers flicked lightly, making the previously sluggish paper airplane swoosh into his hand.
The nearby guests saw the scene, but merely smiled without taking much notice, and certainly without intercepting the plane.
After all, Tonks was a pretty girl, and Kingsley was a mature and stable single man; their secret paper airplane interaction naturally added a faint touch of pink romantic ambiguity in the others' eyes.
Kingsley unfolded the paper airplane, a hint of confusion flashing through his eyes at the text he read.
"Shackle," Sinclaire didn't turn back, but the amusement in his voice was evident, "are you finally considering personal matters, about to get married? Tonks is indeed quite an interesting girl."
Kingsley's expression remained unchanged, his fingers pinching to hide the note in his palm, speaking softly:
"Young people, too impatient, not even considering where they are, complaining about being left in America for so long."
He neither confirmed nor denied, but his slightly intimate and partial tone apparently led Sinclaire to a small misconception.
The Minister of Ministry of Magic let out an understanding chuckle from his nose, refraining from further questioning, shifting his focus back to the podium, yet a slight knowing smile lingered at the corner of his mouth.
Kingsley's gaze steadily faced forward, the sharp edge of the paper airplane lightly prodding his palm, occasionally scanning Sinclaire with peripheral vision, sparking a ripple of doubt in his heart.
—"[As the personal escort of the Minister of Ministry of Magic, they shouldn't let any spells be cast in his direction, right?]"
There was a small red heart drawn at the end, as if coquettishly.
But Kingsley knew well that Tonks wasn't the kind of girl who disregarded context to flirt, nor did they have that kind of ambiguous relationship.
So... what did she mean?
The elderly speaker on the stage continued in a slightly indistinct tone:
"Reflecting on the past years of service, Ms. Picquery's accomplishments are plain for all to see. With extraordinary intellect and executive ability, she spearheaded and perfected numerous crucial bills, demonstrating commendable calm and efficiency in responding to several crises, and even eradicating the long-standing Scourers organization..."