"I understand." Mavis immediately realized Alan was referring to the spy situation and nodded in agreement. Efficient as always, she turned around to inform the other team members.
With his hands finally free, Alan had the chance to personally observe the Ministry of Magic's on-site inventory work.
In this operation against the Silver Spears, the Ministry of Magic suffered no casualties. On-site, the fourteen Aurors, including Moody, had largely brought the situation under control before reinforcements arrived; the latecomers focused on clearing residual Inferi and extinguishing the Fiendfyre.
However, although there were no lives lost, the damage to the environment was extensive. The most significant loss was the large area of forest incinerated by the blue flames, covering over ten square kilometers.
During this time, Alan saw a continuous stream of personnel from the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes arriving. They not only had to secure the scene but also needed the Muggle Liaison Office to coordinate with the local government. They would likely need to concoct another excuse for the Muggle world.
He wondered what story they would use—a forest fire? It was deep winter with snow on the ground; would anyone believe in a sudden forest fire? Regardless, this was not Alan's concern. He let the Ministry worry about the logistics; he was just there to watch the show.
Regarding the smugglers, out of the twenty-four foreign nationals on site, fourteen were killed and ten were captured. Most of those who survived did so because they were knocked unconscious by the Aurors' surprise attack at the start of the battle, thus avoiding the Inferi's encirclement. Even so, a few unconscious smugglers were accidentally killed by the undead during the fight, and only three of those who surrendered midway managed to survive.
These individuals were now locked in Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs, squatting to one side for inspection. The Ministry had to ensure they weren't carrying dangerous items, curses, or viruses, while the injured required medical treatment.
Of the two Silver Spears present, one died and one escaped. The Ministry seized one faceless mask, an aspen wand, and one alchemy tool capable of summoning Inferi. Alan was quite interested in this tool and planned to ask the Ministry if he could borrow it for research. At the same time, the submarine carried by the water creature was seized, and a small team of Aurors began a thorough inspection.
After counting the casualties and captives, Alan, the Scamanders, and a group of Ministry personnel finally turned their attention to the seized goods. Because they had been occupied with the fighting and the aftermath, the cages containing the magical creatures were still sitting on the giant flying carpet, covered with a thick waterproof tarp.
"All wizards, prepare Stupefy and Shield Charms. Be careful of any escaping creatures and guard against accidents," Bianca stood at the forefront, calmly giving commands. Once she confirmed that all surrounding personnel were in position, she called out to the staff from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. "Alright, unveil the tarp."
Upon receiving the order, several staff members extended their wands, remotely releasing the locks with a spell before carefully lifting the covering.
Their caution was justified. In past cases, they had encountered various traps—curses, magical triggers, or even physical mechanisms applied to the cages. Sometimes these were anti-theft measures, but other times they were designed to injure law enforcement. smugglers would also prepare remotely controlled cages to release creatures once apprehended to reduce evidence.
Fortunately, no accidents occurred after the tarp was removed. But as the cages were revealed, everyone, including Alan, widened their eyes. The sight was spectacular; even the seasoned wizards were dazzled by the variety of creatures.
The first things to catch the eye were several small and medium-sized cages arranged on the outer edge. They were all packed full, except for the one that had previously held Shalltear.
In one cage, seven Jobberknolls were squeezed together. These small blue birds are famous for never making a sound throughout their lives until the moment of death, when they scream every sound they have ever heard in reverse. They were drooping their heads, looking listless.
In four medium-sized cages, the largest was crammed with four curled-up Thestrals. As flying horses, their wing feathers had shed considerably, making them look like plucked roosters.
In an adjacent cage, there were two Nundu. These smugglers were truly reckless; they dared to mix such high-risk creatures with others. A Nundu's breath is highly poisonous, capable of wiping out entire villages. Although these two were currently stunned and under Bubble-Head Charms, if the spells failed, the surrounding creatures would likely perish.
Next to them sat a medium-sized Cerberus, which the smugglers had managed to sedate using an unknown method. In the last medium cage were several Horned Serpents. Due to their size and the way they were coiled together, it was impossible to tell exactly how many there were. These serpents are distinct for the gem on their foreheads, which is said to grant invisibility and flight. Because they had been heavily hunted for these gems, they were an extremely rare and endangered species native to North America.
However, the animals in the giant cages were even more astonishing. The center of attention was an adult Griffin. Its appearance was striking, though it was currently in a miserable state. If the Thestrals looked like plucked roosters, this Griffin looked like a peacock stripped of its pride.