Harry Potter and the Great Old Ones

Chapter 691 Social Interaction
Although the election for the new term of the International Magic Federation is approaching, unlike the fierce competition and life-or-death struggles of the past, this time, no matter how excited the grassroots people are in their marches and demonstrations, how they wave flags and shout slogans, and how hard they try to support their favorite politicians, the upper echelons of the national magic ministries are quite the opposite, appearing unusually calm.

They displayed the "gentlemanly demeanor" that once existed only on the surface in their words to everyone, whether they were hostile politicians or fervent supporters.

They ceased their fighting and false accusations, and like Muggle nobles at a ball, they toasted and drank merrily. Clearly—

No one wanted to be elected president of the International Magic Federation this time.

They were all very clear about why the previous president of the International Magic Federation was made a scapegoat, and they were also very clear about what kind of public opinion they would be swayed by and what kind of opponents they would face once they were elected.

But they have no choice but to run for office; giving up the election means giving up the voters who support them, and it also means the end of their political career.

This is something far more terrifying than Tierra, which is far away.

“You two don’t seem very friendly. Would you mind telling me why?” A cool voice echoed in Nathaniel Calhoun’s mind.

Nathaniel Calhoun, the vice president of the Norwegian Magic Association, habitually turned his head, trying to find the chilling young man in his memory in the crowded hall, until a sharp pain in his wrist made him realize what was happening.

"Yes, my lord," Nathaniel Calhoun, having recovered his senses, stopped looking around and instead tried to control his thoughts, answering in his mind:
"Nobody really wants to run for president of the International Magic Federation. After all..."

Nathaniel Calhoun paused, then continued in his mind, "After all, once elected, we'll have to choose between fighting Tyella and giving up our own political future."

"Heh. I see." Voldemort, or rather, the young Voldemort, chuckled faintly. "So, I have a very good chance of being elected president of the International Magical Federation?"

There's more than just a great chance! You're our savior!
This sentence instantly popped into Nathaniel Calhoun's mind.

“Of course, my lord.” But Nathaniel Calhoun still tried to compose himself before giving a formal reply.

"Hehe. Good, very good." The young man's gloomy and cold voice rang in Nathaniel Calhoun's mind again. "Then I'll have to trouble Mr. Calhoun to promote me first and pave the way for my final appearance."

“Yes, my lord, we will do everything in our power to fulfill your wishes!” Nathaniel Calhoun breathed a slight sigh of relief and took the opportunity to express his loyalty.

After waiting a while longer, and confirming that the mysterious, pale young man wouldn't issue any more orders, Nathaniel Calhoun finally breathed a sigh of relief. He took a glass of wine from his house-elf, gulped it down, took a few deep breaths, and then, with his signature confident smile returning, headed towards his nearest social circle.

“Ah, Audrey Simitch, our beautiful Emerald Witch, please allow me to congratulate you in advance on becoming the next president of the International Magical Federation,” Nathaniel Calhoun flattered in a warm and sincere voice.

“Don’t joke, Nathanil,” the Emerald Witch Audrey Simic said with a laugh. The Emerald Witch Audrey Simic, a lifelong honorary elder of the Spanish magical society and professor of alchemy and curses at the Rocasolano Magical School, had pale skin and long, dark brown hair reaching her waist. She was actually sixty-seven years old, but looked no more than forty, with a slender figure and still possessing considerable charm.

“Everyone knows I’m morally corrupt, how could I possibly gain the approval of the Qilin?” Audrey Simitch said very sincerely.

“Oh, Audrey, ignore those rumors, let bygones be bygones,” Nathaniel Calhoun said politely.

The Emerald Witch, Audrey Simitch, had two husbands.

Her first husband was her former mentor, who did not live to see her, and her separation from her second husband was not amicable, especially when they were both vying for the same honorary elder position.

Rumors about Audrey Simitch being promiscuous, fickle, and having multiple partners somehow gradually spread.

Of course, these rumors did not affect Audrey Simitch's election as a lifetime honorary elder of the Spanish Magic Society, and with her election, these rumors quickly disappeared.

However, for some reason, after he was dragged into the election for president of the International Magic Federation by the Spanish regional magic society, these rumors suddenly reappeared and even intensified.

Nathaniel Calhoun knew without a second thought that it was a rumor spread by Audrey Simitch to ensure she wouldn't be elected.

To be precise, Nathaniel Calhoun has also been the subject of some rumors about his own moral depravity, such as that he fell in love with a Muggle when he was young, and that he was a handsome male Muggle.

“You seem very relaxed, Mr. Calhoun.” Audrey Simitch also picked up a glass of red wine from the house-elf and slowly sipped it, her bright green eyes giving the short, stout Nathaniel Calhoun a playful look.

“Oh, Miss Simich.” Nathaniel Calhoun gave a dry laugh.

“Then we’re all sensible, so let’s not beat around the bush.” Audrey Simitch chuckled twice, then lowered her voice and said, “I’ve detected a trace of dark magic in you.”

"I can't believe you'd resort to this method to evade the election," Audrey Simitch said, raising an eyebrow. "That's no easy feat for you, especially considering the prevailing societal aversion to such dark magic where you are. How dare you use this trick?"

Although Spain is geographically part of Europe, its Muggle society was one of the first European countries to engage in colonial aggression. Along with the Muggle world's invasion, Spanish wizards were among the first to come into contact with the primitive magic of the Americas. Through generations of struggle and compromise, the magical atmosphere in Spain became ambiguous, with a much higher tolerance for dark magic than other parts of Europe, comparable to the Russian Ministry of Magic.

(End of this chapter)