Selena said expressionlessly:
"Watkins, you might have forgotten something..."
She looked directly at the hunched middle-aged man, furrowing her brow slightly:
"They are directly involved in the attack incident and should stay in New York to cooperate with our in-depth investigation. This will help us quickly identify the suspects!"
The request was reasonable, and Moody and others originally didn't plan on leaving quickly.
But Watkins retorted, "Miss Goldstein, these people here are clearly victims, not suspects! Restricting a victim's personal freedom doesn't comply with procedure nor does it have sufficient legal basis!"
"This is my case, it's my responsibility, Watkins!"
Selena's tone abruptly turned firm, "I have the right to require their cooperation in the investigation, ensure their safety, and prevent any potential secondary attacks!"
"But isn't the best way to ensure the safety of the victims just to let them go back to their own place?"
Watkins insisted, "Or, Miss Goldstein, are you trying to expose foreign guests to unnecessary risks for your political achievements?"
Selena's face turned pale in anger, "Maliciously speculating about colleagues and slandering others' methods—Watkins, can you bear the consequences of saying this?"
Seeing the argument between the two intensify, even Moody hesitated whether to mediate. Vid and others exchanged perplexed glances, unsure why Watkins was speaking for them.
Only Arthur Weasley sensed something with a twitch in the corner of his mouth.
—No way? Can't be to avoid overtime, so he started a fight with his colleague, right?
However, seeing Selena's extremely angry expression, Watkins, who had accidentally put his foot in his mouth, immediately lost momentum, lowered his head meekly and said,
"I'm sorry, I misspoke... but I still believe that overprotection is tantamount to a disguised imprisonment, and this approach may provoke unnecessary international disputes!"
"Not your concern!"
Selena coldly said, "Our Auror Department will naturally communicate with the British Ministry of Magic!"
Seeing her resolute attitude, Watkins deeply sighed, a face full of "I really can't deal with you."
He gestured with his hand, saying, "Selena, can we talk outside?"
His melancholy eyes silently conveying—"I have more information to tell you."
Despite her rage, Selena was after all a person who prioritized work, so she immediately rose and walked out without a word.
In a quiet corner outside the door, Watkins cast an Imperturbable Charm nearby, and Selena sneered:
"No need to be so cautious! Go ahead, which top official gave any special instructions? Who's behind you?"
"No, this is my personal thought, no one has given me any instructions. But ever since these people—specifically Vid Gray's immigration application was sent to Congress, I've noticed something odd..."
Watkins leaned closer to Selena, his lips moved quickly. Although there were spells cast around, he still used physical means, to further prevent the secret from being overheard.
The expression on Selena's face changed noticeably, initially impatient and determined, but quickly turned into alarmed suspicion.
Then, her brows furrowed deeply, her eyes revealed a struggle in weighing the pros and cons, her expression visibly shaken.
Watkins slightly pulled back, still speaking softly:
"...That's the situation."
"This is only the part I've discovered, and what about the parts I've missed? Selena, this matter isn't coincidental, it's the prelude to a war!"
"Today, they can set curses at the inn's entrance, tomorrow perhaps larger scale attacks will happen in Echo Alley, in the commercial areas for Muggles, even the Congress Headquarters!"
"If we continue forcibly detaining them domestically, it's tantamount to openly turning New York—our territory—into a battleground for those forces!"
"In the end, regardless of the victor or the defeated, the greatest losses will certainly be ours! The disturbance might even destroy our centuries of efforts, revealing the Magic World, causing a large-scale international incident!"
His last words almost came word by word:
"Let them leave, Selena... let the potential war be far from our land!"
"As long as they leave the United States, the remaining troubles would be what the British and those... those folks need to face themselves."
"Our primary duty is to protect the overall stability here, not to get involved in a conflict we don't fully understand and to become someone else's sacrifice!"
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her, instantly awakening Selena.
The struggle on her face gradually was replaced by a kind of cold decisiveness, she nodded almost imperceptibly, unable to resist giving Watkins a glaring look.
"If we pursue your method, perhaps tonight trouble will come knocking! To send people out peacefully, we can't let certain folks be alerted prematurely."
"True!" Watkins nodded thoughtfully, "Then our explanation must change a bit..."
"No need, just cooperate with me."
Selena's mouth quickly curled slightly, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Watkins!"
She suddenly drew her magic wand, with a flick and a jerk, with a "bang," Watkins flew out entirely, hitting the ground heavily.
He clutched his chest and coughed loudly, looking over in astonishment.
Selena strode out of the corner, her face shrouded in frost, shouting sharply:
"Enough! I don't care who's behind you, or whatever 'higher-level' considerations, don't expect me to pretend to be deaf and dumb! If you want me to ignore the regulations, dismiss me first!"
"Otherwise, the investigation must go on to the end!"
She stated extremely assertively, bypassed the helpless and distressed Watkins and stormed back to the White Bridge Inn, heading straight to Vid and others:
"Gentlemen, due to the seriousness of the incident, I will personally bring a team to escort you to the Auror Office at the Magic Congress for further detailed inquiry and investigation at eight o'clock tomorrow morning!"
"During this time, please stay within the inn, do not leave casually! We need to ensure we can gather complete information and protect your safety. I hope you all will cooperate fully!"
This announcement seemed to suggest detaining the group, everyone showed anger, even Lupin's expression turned unpleasant.
Outside the door, Watkins had just climbed up from the ground.
He picked up his briefcase, dusted it off, and as he turned back, his gaze met Vid and others momentarily.
Vid's tone was especially calm as he said, "Alright, since Miss Goldstein has such a request, we will naturally cooperate with your work."
"I hope so." Selena, seemingly still upset, replied coldly.