When they saw Oren, the Hit Wizards' expressions grew serious.
An adult wizard at Hogwarts was most likely a professor — a presence that carried far more weight than shouting students — and they couldn't help but take notice.
Not recognizing the person before them, one cautiously asked, "Who are you?"
"Morris Oren." Professor Oren introduced himself, "Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."
"Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
The Hit Wizards raised their eyebrows — they were intimately familiar with that position.
Since joining the force, they had personally arrested three or four Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professors. It had become a reliable source of career achievements.
Upon learning his identity, the three relaxed and said in an official tone, "Professor Oren, is it? We're here on Ministry orders to arrest Hagrid, and you have no authority to stop us."
"Lies. I haven't heard of any such order from the Ministry."
At this moment, Minerva hurriedly walked over from the castle, her lips pursed like an angry lioness.
"Fudge is still in the Headmaster's office. You cannot take Hagrid away before he comes out."
"Pro-Professor McGonagall..."
The three Hit Wizards instinctively stood straight. Even though they had graduated many years ago, seeing her again still made them nervous and weak in the knees.
But they weren't ready to give up.
Minister Fudge had made it clear how much this matter concerned him. Before they left for Hogwarts, he had stressed repeatedly that they must conduct a thorough investigation without interference.
This was a rare opportunity to impress the Minister, and they were determined to handle it flawlessly.
Having found no valuable clues in the hut, they decided to take Hagrid in for questioning — just in case it might yield unexpected discoveries.
The Hit Wizards' resolve strengthened. With the promise of promotion and a raise dangling before them, even Minerva's intimidating presence began to fade.
"Professor, you misunderstand — this is just routine." The lead Hit Wizard said, "We're following standard procedure. If there's no problem, he can return tomorrow. These are the rules, the same for everyone. Please don't make things difficult for us."
"That's not right..." A voice called from the watching crowd, "Ministry regulations clearly state you can only take someone away when there's concrete evidence."
"Who said that!" The Hit Wizard roared, "This is none of your business — all of you, back to the castle!"
"I believe I am the Hogwarts professor here, Hardy." Minerva frowned.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall, I just wanted to—"
"But the students are correct." She interrupted, "Where's your evidence that Hagrid purchased magical creatures?"
"Someone saw it with their own eyes." Hardy said.
"Groundless accusations." Professor McGonagall's lips pursed even tighter, "If you say someone saw it, why didn't you bring them along?"
"After we take Hagrid back, we'll naturally find that person for confrontation." Hardy's eyes shifted uncertainly.
"So you don't even know who this person is?" Minerva laughed bitterly.
Without any evidence, they wanted to take Hagrid from Hogwarts based on mere hearsay? This was clearly unacceptable to her.
Today it's Hagrid, but what if tomorrow someone reports Professor Snape for researching Dark Magic — would they take him away for investigation too?
And what if the day after that, someone reports Dumbledore? How could Hogwarts possibly continue operating?
The Hit Wizards knew they were in the wrong, but their feet remained planted firmly in place.
"Professor, it's really just for questioning, we promise we won't—"
"I'm reporting something!" Another voice suddenly called from the crowd, "I saw Professor Snape at the Hog's Head yesterday — he bought a baby dragon. You should take him to the Ministry too. Oh, and Headmaster Dumbledore, he bought a Vampire Bat as well."
Hardy's words died in his throat — this statement hit right where it hurt, demolishing his excuses. If he wanted to take Hagrid away, he would also have to arrest Dumbledore, who had been similarly accused.
He glared at the crowd, trying to identify who had spoken.
Minerva's lips curved slightly as she deliberately positioned herself in front of the young wizards.
"I've thought about it, and I think you're right, Hardy. The Potions office is on the first floor underground, and the Headmaster's office is on the eighth floor. Shall I show you the way?"
Hardy's face flushed red as he stammered, "Professor McGonagall, I'm not... well, students' words don't count."
"I saw it too." Professor Oren said casually from the side.
His words were the final straw for the Hit Wizards.
"I understand..." Hardy said through gritted teeth, "We'll return when we have more evidence."
Of course, he didn't dare go after Dumbledore. He knew full well that if he dared take that man in today, he'd be fired tomorrow for breathing too loudly at the Ministry.
Just as he was reluctantly preparing to leave Hogwarts, his eyes fell on the Forbidden Forest behind him.
"Professor McGonagall, would you mind if we check the Forbidden Forest?" Hardy turned and asked, "The Forest is so vast — hiding a magical creature there shouldn't be too difficult, right?"
"Are you sure?" Minerva's expression grew peculiar.
She had thought these people were here to cause trouble, but now she realized they were here to make complete fools of themselves.
Going to the Forbidden Forest to investigate unregistered magical creatures — this move was absurd even by wizarding world standards. Everyone knew the Forest teemed with magical creatures, none of them registered. Any discovery there would be meaningless.
Since when had the Ministry's standards for Hit Wizards fallen so low?
Seeing her expression, Hardy finally realized the foolishness of his words. Having graduated so long ago, his mind had failed him in the heat of the moment, making him forget this basic fact.
But having already committed himself, pride wouldn't let him back down.
"I'm sure, Professor McGonagall," Hardy said with forced composure, then led the other two Hit Wizards toward the Forbidden Forest.
Whether they found anything or not, at least this excursion would count as due diligence. After all, who could question his thoroughness when he'd ventured into the Forbidden Forest itself?
"Let me think what's in the Forbidden Forest... Chimeras, Manticores, oh right, weren't there werewolves too..." Professor Oren said meaningfully from the side, "Tsk, only a few hundred Galleons a month, why are you risking your lives? Wait... that's my salary I'm thinking of. How much do Hit Wizards make again... seventy? Or eighty? Tsk..."
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