The excitement that simmered within the Ministry’s highest offices slowly began to seep out into the wider wizarding world, just as Rufus Scrimgeour had intended. The strategically placed “leaks” about the Ministry's plans to bring in a dragon set the stage for what was to come, and the reactions across the wizarding public ranged from astonishment to outright panic.
Rumors started to swirl through the streets of Diagon Alley, whispered in the back rooms of shops and discussed in hushed tones at wizarding taverns. The Daily Prophet ran with the news as soon as it caught wind of the plan, printing a front-page story emblazoned with the bold headline:
MINISTRY TO ACQUIRE DRAGON: A NEW ERA OF POWER OR A RECKLESS MOVE?
The accompanying article speculated on the details of the operation, mentioning the Romanian Dragon Conservatory and suggesting that the dragon in question was a formidable breed, perhaps even a Hungarian Horntail. Though none of these details were confirmed, the public’s imagination ran wild.
At the Leaky Cauldron, a small crowd gathered around the bar, all talking over one another.
“Have you heard? They’re bringing in a dragon! A dragon,” said one witch excitedly, her eyes wide with a mixture of fascination and fear.
A grizzled wizard nearby snorted, his pint of butterbeer clutched tightly in his hand. “It’s madness, I tell you. Dragons are wild creatures! You can’t just parade them around as some Ministry stunt. It’ll end in disaster, mark my words.”
“But if they can control it,” a younger wizard chimed in, “just imagine the power they’ll wield! It could be the strongest defense the Ministry’s ever had.”
“Or the greatest threat we’ve ever faced,” the grizzled wizard shot back, slamming his tankard down.
The debate rippled across the wizarding world. Some saw the Ministry’s plan as an audacious move that could fortify their defenses and demonstrate their strength on an international stage. Others, however, were deeply concerned about the risks involved.
In the halls of Hogwarts, the students were buzzing with excitement. News traveled fast among the houses, and by the time lunch rolled around, every table in the Great Hall was filled with talk of dragons. Even the usually reserved Ravenclaws were swept up in the discussion.
“I heard it’s a Horntail,” one Gryffindor third-year said with awe, barely able to keep the glee from his voice.
“Nah, couldn’t be,” a seventh-year interjected. “They wouldn’t bring something that dangerous into the country. It’ll be something tamer, like a Welsh Green.”
“Tame?” Another Gryffindor scoffed. “There’s no such thing as a tame dragon!”
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Over at the staff table, the professors exchanged concerned glances. McGonagall, in particular, frowned deeply, her eyes fixed on the Daily Prophet article beside her plate. “It’s reckless,” she muttered under her breath.
Beside her, Professor Flitwick nodded in agreement, though he tempered his words. “If anyone can manage it, it’s Scrimgeour. But still... dragons are unpredictable at best.”
Further down the table, Hagrid had a very different reaction. His eyes were positively gleaming with excitement. “A dragon! Imagine that! Biggest, most beautiful creatures in the world, they are! I’d give anythin’ to be there when it arrives!”
Professor Sprout gave him a nervous glance. “Beautiful, yes, but deadly. I just hope they know what they’re doing.”
Back at the Ministry, the situation was being carefully monitored. Rufus Scrimgeour sat in his office, his fingers steepled as he reviewed the various reports coming in. Public sentiment was as divided as he had expected—perhaps even more so. Some were fully in favor of the dragon, seeing it as a bold move that would secure the Ministry’s reputation as a dominant force. Others were worried about safety, voicing concerns that Scrimgeour was playing with fire, both literally and figuratively.
But this was exactly what Rufus had hoped for. The leaks had served their purpose. They had set the wizarding world alight with discussion, ensuring that everyone—from the lowliest shopkeeper to the most influential figures—was talking about him, about the Ministry, and about the dragon.
A knock on the door brought him out of his musings. Clara entered, looking slightly hesitant. “Minister, we’ve received some responses regarding the dragon news.”
Rufus raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”
She stepped forward, holding a few letters in her hands. “The Daily Prophet is requesting an official statement from the Ministry. Several high-profile figures—Madam Bones, for example—are asking for reassurances about safety protocols. And then there’s this,” she handed him one particular letter, its seal already broken. “It’s from the Romanian Ministry of Magic. They’ve caught wind of the project and are requesting further details. They seem... concerned.”
Rufus took the letter and scanned it quickly. The Romanians were always cautious when it came to dragons; after all, they were home to one of the largest dragon conservatories in the world. He smirked. Their concern was understandable, but unnecessary. This was his project. And now that he had the public’s attention, he wasn’t about to let anyone, not even the Romanians, slow him down.
He looked up at Clara, his expression calm but determined. “Draft a response to the Romanian Ministry. Reassure them that everything is under control. We have the best handlers in the world on this, and they have nothing to worry about.”
Clara nodded, but her concern was clear. She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “And the Daily Prophet? What should we tell them?”
“Let them speculate,” Rufus said with a wry smile. “For now, we say nothing. The mystery will only fuel the excitement. When the time is right, we’ll give them what they want. But until then, let them wonder.”
Clara nodded again, more slowly this time. She left the room, leaving Rufus alone with his thoughts.
He turned his chair toward the window, looking out over the expanse of the Ministry. Below, witches and wizards went about their daily business, unaware of the true scale of what was coming. They could gossip and worry all they wanted, but none of them truly understood. Not yet.
The dragon was coming. And with it, Rufus’s power would soar to new heights. He could already feel the tide turning in his favor. The public’s fascination with dragons was just the beginning.
In the coming weeks, the wizarding world would see exactly what he was capable of.