"How did Mr. Scamander describe that mysterious wizard?" Minister Bagnold was very interested in this sudden arrival on the scene.
"The individual is between thirty-five and fifty years old, tall, powerful, and capable of lightning-related magic. He possesses a flying cloak and used an alchemy tool similar to a sonic boom amulet," Mavis reported, checking her notes.
"When did our amulets become so common? It seems everyone has one," Scrimgeour glanced at Moody, looking somewhat speechless. "Could this stranger be related to Alan?"
Before Moody could speak, Mavis interjected, "I don't think it's likely. Amulets are not as difficult to obtain as jammers, and I observed Alan up close. From his reaction, he didn't seem to know anything about this."
"Hmm. That mysterious wizard is more likely a foreign bounty hunter. From his attitude toward the Scamander family, he doesn't seem like an enemy. We should keep our focus on the Silver Spears," Minister Bagnold said with a nod.
"Speaking of which, the Silver Spears suffered considerable losses this time. They have few people as it is, and now four of them are trapped. We must guard against a counterattack," Moody said with a sharp smile.
"Indeed. Everyone must act cautiously," Minister Bagnold agreed, then looked at Mavis. "Oh, right—go to Alan again later and tell him not to produce any more jammers. If we need them, we'll have him make them on the spot. Also, tell him to be careful. He is definitely on the Silver Spears' radar now."
"Yes, Minister," Mavis nodded. "Oh, Minister, I have an idea. I wonder if you would consider it."
"What is it?"
"Didn't we confiscate three Silver Spear masks? They appear to be alchemy tools. Do you think Alan could research them for us? Besides him, there aren't many powerful alchemists in Britain, and it wouldn't be right to bother Dumbledore for this," Mavis suggested.
Minister Bagnold's eyebrows rose. It was a good idea. The Ministry personnel had found nothing after inspecting the masks; perhaps Alan might have a way.
"I think that's fine. Take a mask to Alan. Given our relationship, I'm sure he won't mind helping. By the way, you should stay at the shop for a while. His safety needs to be ensured," Minister Bagnold instructed.
---
When Alan saw another Silver Spear mask in his hand, he looked at Mavis with surprise. "You mean the Ministry is entrusting me to research this?"
"That's right. This mask is vital for our upcoming work, and it's related to the thieves who broke into your shop. I hope you can help. I will also be staying here to ensure your safety," Mavis added, thinking Alan might be hesitant.
"I understand. It's no trouble at all. I'll start now."
Alan nodded. He had already planned to decipher the mask, but he hadn't expected the Ministry to hand him one legitimately. It was better this way; any discoveries he made could be revealed to the Ministry to guide their investigation.
Since there were no customers, he led Mavis into the back room. He first performed a simple inspection, trying to determine the material. After careful observation, he remained uncertain. The texture felt somewhat like animal hide, but it was softer and lighter than leather.
"This feels more like a synthetic product," Alan murmured, his face deep in thought.
Mavis, watching him work, felt her admiration grow. She was a workaholic herself and respected that same dedication in others.
After failing to identify the material, Alan tried to infuse some magic into the mask. He felt the object absorbing his energy, but it revealed no magic patterns or reactions. It was more complex than he had imagined.
Alan tossed the mask onto a table and began arranging his tools: measuring instruments, hammers, and magnifying glasses. The scene made Mavis feel a sense of confused awe. Alan first used a magnifying glass to search for internal runes, but he found nothing.
He didn't let it discourage him. He picked up his analysis hammer and began tapping the mask. After several precise strikes, extremely fine magical patterns finally flickered across the surface. Mavis leaned in, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Do you recognize these patterns?" Alan asked, surprised by her eagerness.
"Huh? No, I don't," Mavis admitted. "I just saw it react for the first time. Isn't that amazing?"
Alan pursed his lips. *So you're just hovering for the sake of it? You're hindering my work.* He kept the complaint to himself and snapped several photos with a magic camera. The patterns would dissipate soon, and he needed a permanent record to study them efficiently.
He then placed the mask under an observation instrument, similar to a microscope, and began to study it with focused interest. Mavis watched him, convinced that professionals were truly on another level. Her colleagues at the Ministry had spent all night with no results, yet Alan had found a lead in minutes.
"Eh?"
Just as Mavis was sighing in admiration, Alan discovered something. His eyes lit up, and he let out a sudden exclamation.