Chapter Twenty-One: The Ministry of Magic’s Subtle Schemes

Early the next morning, Jessica, unable to wait a moment longer, contacted the Ministry of Magic to demand that they implement all forms of compensation immediately—specifically, the financial and physical assets. Percy, the secretary to the Minister for Magic, and Thompson, an accompanying financial official, arrived at the hospital room carrying a briefcase filled with documents.

"Ms. Jessica, on behalf of Mr. Fudge and all our colleagues at the Ministry of Magic, I once again offer our sincerest apologies for the injustice and grievances you and your child have suffered." Percy and Thompson bowed to the mother and son. Jessica did not care for the Ministry, but she had no desire to vent her anger on them.

After eleven years of living in the darkness of Azkaban, the mother’s once-fiery temper had long since been worn away. She nodded calmly, acknowledging their apology: "Ms. Percy, I am grateful to the Ministry for correcting this injustice for us."

Seeing her gentle demeanor, Ms. Percy breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly opened the briefcase and handed over the relevant materials.

"You have already seen the compensation plan, but this is a more detailed version. If there is anything you are dissatisfied with, please do not hesitate to let us know," Percy said earnestly.

"In principle, we agree. But when will these terms be implemented?" Jessica asked after carefully reading through the documents, looking at the nervous Ms. Percy.

"The Travis family’s estates and lands that were sequestered are still intact; we will process the return procedures as quickly as possible."

"However... because the Travis family’s properties have been left unattended for so long, they have become scattered and diminished. Please forgive us for that." Percy offered a bitter smile; those assets had long since been carved up. The culprits included not only the Ministry of Magic but also the Travis family’s former allies—the pure-blood families.

"Sister Percy, what we care about most is the financial compensation and the London property provided by the Ministry," Roger interjected, offering a sweet address and a smile to ease the official’s tension.

"Please, have a seat. These terms are quite complex, and we would appreciate it if you could explain them to us in detail."

Percy nodded quickly, immediately understanding Roger and Jessica’s core demands. She felt a weight lift, especially taken by the young boy’s polite address, which made her grow fond of him.

"Considering Roger’s unique circumstances, the Ministry has provided five times the standard compensation." Percy signaled to the official behind her to bring over the corresponding files and handed them over with a smile. "However, due to legal restrictions, the majority of the compensation must be registered under Ms. Jessica’s name."

"We are well aware that gold Galleons cannot compensate for the harm the Ministry and Azkaban have caused you both; we only hope this serves as a small token of our apology."

Percy’s phrasing was impeccable, and she added a small request: "Ms. Jessica, would you allow us to pay in installments? For example, 40,000 Galleons per month over ten months?"

"Rest assured, the Ministry will pay interest based on the highest market rate for that month," Percy added quickly, watching them with anticipation.

The other items on the list were manageable, but the financial compensation was a headache for the Ministry’s treasury. Paying out 400,000 Galleons at once was difficult even for the Ministry. They hoped the mother and son would accept the installment plan, even if it meant making concessions on other terms.

Jessica remained noncommittal, as these were matters she was not well-versed in. She nodded at Roger, encouraging her son to discuss it with Percy.

"Installments are acceptable, provided that the other forms of compensation are finalized as quickly as possible," Roger said, taking over the conversation without dwelling on the interest calculations in the supplemental agreement.

"Sister Percy, could you introduce us to the London properties offered by the Ministry?" Roger pointed to the second item of compensation. "This clause seems a bit vague."

The London property was the most ambiguous part of the agreement, leaving plenty of room for negotiation. What kind of house they could secure depended entirely on their leverage with the Ministry.

"Of course. The Ministry has a long history in London, and we have a variety of properties available for you to choose from." Percy had come prepared; she took a magical map from her case and spread it out on the table.

With a wave of her wand, a miniature, three-dimensional map of London appeared before them. As she moved her wand across the map, the available properties began to glow with a soft, fluorescent light.

"We have a penthouse in Grosvenor Square with 200 years of history, and a detached villa on the banks of the Thames..." Percy pointed with her wand, though some of her suggestions actually exceeded the Ministry’s budget.

This was entirely out of her own kindness, hoping to provide the mother and son with more options. If the final choice slightly exceeded the limit, she could use her authority to push it through.

"There’s a high-end apartment next to St. James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace—a high-end, wealthy district in the Muggle world. The property is protected by Muggle-Repelling Charms, and you could enjoy a luxurious life there."

"The Whitehall villa by the Thames bank has a garden and is very livable, with beautiful riverside views and a unique location."

"There is a Victorian townhouse in South Kensington that retains its traditional charm. Pure-blood families tend to favor such classical architecture."

"And there are some smaller estates in the suburbs of London... those have much more land, and some even have small Quidditch pitches."

Percy introduced them one by one, including even duplex penthouses unique to the Muggle world.

"Roger, you choose," Jessica sighed, marveling at the Ministry’s deep pockets. As long as her son was happy, she didn't care which house they picked.

"Alright, Mom," Roger nodded, then asked Percy, "Sister, what is the approximate price range we are looking at?"

"500,000 to 800,000 pounds. The properties are all registered in the Muggle district, so they are valued in pounds sterling," Percy explained, having slightly raised the upper limit.

Thompson looked surprised; this standard was 100,000 pounds higher than the Ministry’s original bottom line. But considering Percy’s position and the fact that the payment issue was resolved, he swallowed his doubts.

Roger gazed at the magical map, his heart surging with emotion. The difficult days were finally coming to an end. After decades spanning two lifetimes, he never expected to finally have a warm, welcoming home of his own.

"What is the price of this villa?" Roger pointed to a three-story villa on the banks of the Thames, a building with a modern, minimalist style.

The villa stood high above the river, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could take in the entire view of the Thames. The spacious garden was planted with various roses and wisteria, and there was even a wooden pier near the riverbank for mooring a small boat.

"That one?" Percy frowned. The Muggle market price for a medium-sized villa like that was between 1 million and 1.5 million pounds, far exceeding the budget.

"This villa has a superb view and is very well-suited to you. But the price... to be honest, it is well over the budget. Perhaps you could consider another property?" Percy suggested hesitantly.

"What if we use the gold Galleons from the Ministry’s compensation to cover the difference?" Jessica, also staring at the map, had taken a fancy to the property as well. It was secluded and peaceful, perfect for the two of them.

"Really? No problem, that would work perfectly!" Before Jessica could finish, Thompson jumped up in excitement.

Although the official exchange rate between Galleons and pounds was 1:5, no wizard would be foolish enough to exchange them at that rate. Since the Muggles abandoned the Bretton Woods system, their currency had lost the backing of gold. To a wizard, whether it was pounds or dollars, the paper was worthless.

A single gold Galleon weighed 8 grams, with 95% being goblin metal, and the remaining 5% being the gold that curse-breakers brought back from tombs. Considering the current Muggle price of gold at 700-800 pounds per ounce, plus the cost of goblin minting, the actual exchange rate between Galleons and pounds was about 1:10.

By this calculation, the property Roger had chosen was worth 100,000 to 150,000 Galleons. Considering the prime location and the expensive magical renovations and facilities within, a price of 150,000 to 180,000 Galleons was more realistic.

Percy kicked him, and Thompson offered an apologetic smile before sheepishly sitting back down.