When Dawlish reached the Protective Ring, Supervisor Scrimgeour finally interrupted. "Have you tested it yourself? Does it really work like you said?"
Director Pius also stared at the plain ring in Dawlish's hand.
He knew exactly what a defensive magical item like this meant. If what Dawlish said was true, it would drastically reduce Auror casualties in the future.
Compared to destructive dark magical items, defensive ones were rare and expensive. That's why the Ministry hadn't equipped Strikers and elite Aurors with proper protection.
"Of course. I can demonstrate right now," Dawlish said eagerly, moving to a more open space.
Before Dawlish could say he was ready, Scrimgeour drew his wand and pointed it at him.
"Expelliarmus!"
The red light shot straight at Dawlish.
Scrimgeour had attacked suddenly to test whether the ring worked in emergencies, so he'd used nearly full strength.
But a spell requiring words and wand movement couldn't compare to an instant magical barrier. Though Dawlish was slightly slow, he still activated the ring's defense in time.
The next second, the red light reversed course and hit Scrimgeour. The impact lifted him into the air. His wand flew high, spinning toward Dawlish.
Dawlish caught the wand with his left hand, keeping his expression calm. Inside, he felt satisfied, he'd wanted to try that for ages.
Then Dawlish remembered he'd just knocked his boss across the room. He quickly switched to a worried look, hurried over, and helped Scrimgeour up.
He was a bit concerned Scrimgeour might hold a grudge.
Fortunately, Scrimgeour didn't seem bothered. He'd deliberately not dodged, wanting to experience the ring's counter-attack effect himself. Now, having confirmed it worked, he turned urgently to Director Pius.
"Director, I think we should immediately propose the Ministry establish a special fund to purchase these. Every Auror on field missions should have defensive magical items like this."
Scrimgeour felt wronged saying it. In the current crackdown, the dark wizards they fought all had powerful dark magical items.
But as Aurors, they could only rely on their own abilities. How was that fair?
Pius understood completely. He nodded, then looked at Dawlish. "Captain, how much did this ring cost?"
"Seventy Galleons," Dawlish said casually.
The Director's face twitched. That expensive!
Seventy Galleons alone wasn't much for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. But if they bought in bulk, he'd need at least a hundred rings!
And that was a conservative estimate, only enough for Aurors on active missions. Even so, it would cost seven thousand Galleons!
That wasn't a small sum. The Ministry's budget for their department simply couldn't cover it.
Expecting the Ministry to allocate seven thousand Galleons was unrealistic too. He figured they'd approve two thousand at most.
Scrimgeour also looked troubled, clearly thinking the same thing.
Luckily, Dawlish spoke up. "Director, besides the Protective Ring, there are cheaper Shield Gloves. The effect isn't as good, but they only cost seven Galleons."
Hearing there was a budget option, Pius finally relaxed. After listening to Dawlish explain the Shield Gloves, he decided immediately, once the special fund was approved, they'd buy two hundred pairs to try out!
They could also buy ten Protective Rings with extra funds for elite Aurors.
Other items like Extendable Ears and Quick-Quotes Quills could be purchased too.
Would the Ministry agree to establish a special fund?
Pius wasn't worried.
Spending some Galleons on Shield Gloves and a few Protective Rings was cheaper than medical expenses and death benefits!
Not to mention it would significantly improve Auror combat effectiveness.
Pius believed Minister Fudge understood this calculation.
After all, this special task investigating dark magical items had been Fudge's decision, made against opposition. If too many people got hurt, it would look bad for him.
After asking Dawlish to leave the magical items as samples, Pius waved to indicate he could go. He needed to draft a proposal to convince Minister Fudge.
Dawlish reluctantly took off the ring and placed it on the table with the other items. But before leaving, he suddenly thought of something and asked carefully, "By the way, Director, will I be reimbursed for what I bought for the department?"
Scrimgeour shot him a fierce look, bringing that up now? But Pius nodded indifferently.
For three days straight, Adrian waited for someone from the Ministry. Unfortunately, no one came.
Dawlish and the others visited once or twice, paying off their remaining balances and buying more small items. They spent so freely that Adrian thought they'd struck it rich.
After asking around, he learned the Ministry had reimbursed their mission expenses. He also learned the Ministry was preparing to establish a special fund to purchase Shield Gloves and Protective Rings.
Hearing that news, Adrian finally felt relieved.
In the original timeline, the Ministry had ordered large quantities of Shield Gloves made by the Weasley twins, but that was after the Dark Lord's return, when Death Eaters were everywhere and there was urgent need to strengthen Auror combat power.
Two days later, the Ministry finally sent procurement staff. Four people total. The leader was a squat middle-aged witch wearing gold-rimmed round glasses, who radiated shrewdness with every step.
Adrian tried hard to remember but couldn't recall such a character from the books.
Her purpose was simple. Two words:
Haggle.