Chapter 238: The Department of Mysteries
Early that morning, Kyle went downstairs for breakfast, as usual. Chris was the only one in the living room. Diana, in fact, had not returned since the last investiture ceremony. Kyle had already asked Chris about it, but he didn't seem to know much either, aside from mentioning that the Department of Mysteries' mission appeared exceptionally important this time.
Just two days ago, the entire ninth floor of the Ministry of Magic, where the Department of Mysteries is located, had been completely sealed off. The elevators could no longer reach it, and even the enchanted paper airplanes carrying messages were halted outside. Not even the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, could get in. The Minister had lost his temper over this.
Yet, no matter how furious Fudge got or how many times he banged his head against the elevator doors, the ninth floor remained closed. Unlike other departments within the Ministry, the Department of Mysteries enjoyed significant independence and wasn't under the Minister's direct jurisdiction. After all, it had existed long before the Ministry of Magic was established, and technically, the two entities merely cooperated with each other. Typically, the Unspeakables might show Fudge some deference, but in extraordinary circumstances, things were different. At times like these, Fudge, the so-called minister, held less significance in their eyes than a crystal ball of prophecy.
I wonder if this mission of the Department of Mysteries has anything to do with Voldemort, Kyle mused, feeling a twinge of curiosity. But unfortunately, Diana never shared any details about the Department's work with him.
...
"Today marks the second week of your vacation, right?" Chris asked, handing Kyle a plate of bacon as they sat at the dining table. His tone held a hint of apprehension. "Are you sure that was really a letter from Mr. Nicolas Flamel?"
"Dad, I've explained this many times already," Kyle replied, setting down his bread with a sigh. "The letter was given to me by Mr. McPhail, and Headmaster Dumbledore approved it. They wouldn't joke about something like that."
"I know... but it's Nicolas Flamel!" Chris still sounded incredulous. As a legendary wizard spanning six centuries, Nicolas Flamel was a figure of immense renown. It could be said that wherever there were wizards, there were legends of him. Meeting him was nearly impossible for most, and the idea of Kyle being invited as his guest was astonishing.
Since hearing the news, Chris had been caught in a sense of disbelief. Kyle bit into his bread, exasperated yet resigned; Chris had been acting this way for days now, and Kyle had grown used to it.