[190] The Weight of a Crown

Lydia took a deep breath. She had to admit it — she was tempted.

After ten years of diligent work, she was just a deputy minister. But the good-for-nothing above her could swagger around just because he had a good surname. Did Lydia want to overthrow them? Absolutely.

"But..." Ambition didn't cloud her judgment. As a qualified Ravenclaw, Lydia quickly regained her composure. Her light blue eyes stared intently at Hall. "How do you plan to make it happen? Anyone can talk big. Getting a wizard of my background — a witch at that — to become Minister for Magic is no less difficult than finding King Arthur to pull the sword from the stone."

Hall smiled slightly. He truly admired the woman before him. Worth spending more time and effort to pave the way for her. Of course, it ultimately depended on Lydia herself. If she succeeded, the difficulty Hermione would face a few years later would be significantly reduced.

"You should recognize this."

Hall produced a bottle of potion with a unique color.

"A Squib Potion?" Lydia recognized it the moment she opened the cap and smelled it. She quickly went upstairs and came down with a smaller bottle. The two bottles were placed side by side — almost identical. The only difference might be due to the timing of their creation.

This Squib Potion was genuine.

Lydia's mind raced. Last year, the Squib Potion appeared out of nowhere and became one of the essential potions for Aurors. As the Deputy Minister of Magical Law Enforcement, in charge of the Auror Division, Lydia had obtained several vials through official channels and had personally tried them — the effects were excellent. Almost no drawbacks. If there was any drawback, it was that the quantity was simply too limited. Even within the Ministry, Squib Potions were in short supply.

Mr. Henry... "You possess the recipe for Squib Potions?" Lydia looked up, her voice dry.

Insanity. This idea was absolutely insane. But after eliminating all other impossible possibilities, this was the only one she could think of.

Hall smirked, neither admitting nor denying it directly. "I can provide you with a fixed number of Squib Potions every month. As for the quantity..." He pondered for a moment. "One-third of the amount provided to the Ministry of Magic? Or perhaps one-half?"

Lydia practically screamed inside — one-half! It had to be one-half! If she could obtain half the amount the Ministry received each month through this Mr. Henry, she could advance even further. Minister for Magic might be a bit difficult. But becoming Minister of Magical Law Enforcement would be a piece of cake.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

But Lydia didn't voice her words. She met Hall's enigmatic smile and immediately understood his meaning. How many Squib Potions she could get depended on her capabilities.

"While I'd love to give you a definite promise, I must tell you in advance —" Lydia took a deep breath. "Just a Squib Potion isn't enough to guarantee I'll become Minister for Magic."

The position of Minister for Magic was a game of strategy among pure-blood wizards. Exchanges of benefits, entanglements. Lydia had been at the Ministry for ten years. She understood those pure-blood wizards better than anyone. They would be tempted by the Squib Potion, but they wouldn't resolutely choose her. In their eyes, she was still just an ordinary witch.

Hall laughed. "Yes, you are very honest, Ms. Lydia. That's why I said you're a smart partner." If Lydia had immediately said she could do it, Hall would've been more suspicious.

"There's one more thing."

Hall smiled and placed five silver coins and a doll on the table.

"This is..." Unlike the Squib Potion, Lydia frowned as she examined the items. She couldn't recognize them.

Hall patiently explained. "These silver coins are all triggered spells: Defeat, Stun, Immobilize, Protect, and Glow."

He hadn't given up on his continued research and improvement of the silver coins. His research on runes wasn't fast, but it wasn't entirely nonexistent either. A seemingly insignificant talent had effectively increased the stability of the coin-making process. He'd even developed another spell: Protect.

"You can try it," Hall said, gesturing.

Lydia didn't hesitate. This was her chance to become Minister for Magic. She had to find out.

Lydia was shocked.

"Storing a spell and throwing it out when needed for instant activation? This... this is just too..." Too astonishing. Is this even possible?

Especially that glowing light. Lydia had never imagined that when the glowing light reached its limit, it could actually be used as a means of attack.

Both the craftsmanship and these amazing ideas filled Lydia with confidence.

Minister of Magical Law Enforcement? No, no, no. She no longer even considered that a possibility.

With these things, she would definitely take the position of Minister for Magic.

The effect of the dolls once again astonished Lydia. Merlin's beard — was she really not dreaming today?

Although Mr. Henry could only provide a limited number of silver coins and dolls, Lydia was confident that if she used them well, she could reach that point.

"Mr. Henry, it's a pleasure to cooperate."

"Ms. Lydia, it's a pleasure to cooperate."

The two shook hands peacefully, both wearing satisfied smiles. Lydia was confident she could make great strides after taking office. Hall was confident that even if Lydia did take office, she wouldn't be able to do without his help.

They agreed on a monthly contact time. "At the beginning of each month, I'll arrange for someone to deliver the items." Hall stood up and straightened his clothes. "I hope that within two months I can successfully see Ms. Lydia on the front page of the Daily Prophet."

Lydia understood what he meant. If her picture appeared in that newspaper, it would prove she had become the new Minister for Magic.

"Oh, right." Before leaving, Hall seemed to remember something. He turned back and winked at Lydia. "I heard Ms. Lydia is French?"

Lydia nodded.

"Perhaps you could contact some old friends, or go back yourself. You might get some unexpected insights? Remember to take precautions."

With that, Hall Apparated and disappeared from Lydia's house, leaving her standing there alone, frowning, pondering the meaning of his parting words. Could it be that there were dangerous elements in France right now?

A thought seemed to flash through Lydia's mind.