The Butcher of Hogsmeade

"I don't know why, but as soon as I see you guys, I have a bad feeling." Shen Hou stood by the "window" and watched the four people file in, the same lineup as half a month ago.

Minister Millison said, "Actually, I brought some good news, at least one of the good news items."

"Your expressions don't suggest it," Shen Hou said, looking at the director of the Department of Magical Accidents and Disasters. "Especially Mr. Piastri, he looks more like he's here to deliver a bad news."

"Director Piastrati's emotions stem from work-related reasons and his professional duties, not from any personal issue with you. Please don't take it to heart." The minister glanced at her subordinate, and seeing that the latter showed no intention of speaking, she continued, "We have verified the information you provided, Mr. Shen, regarding the Muggle Crown Prince's marriage..."

Shen Hou interrupted almost rudely, asking urgently, "So, their marriage wasn't ruined by my butterfly effect, was it?"

The Minister of Magic clearly didn't understand why the other person would mention "butterfly wings" in the conversation. After frowning slightly, she decided to finish what she wanted to say: "We have confirmed that the information you provided is accurate; we learned from the Muggle Crown Prince's attendants that he has decided to propose to the future Crown Princess you mentioned, and he only made up his mind to propose in the last few days—I mean after you moved into the Department of Mysteries."

"So you believe I saw this news from the future?" Shen Hou pressed.

"Excluding the extremely small possibility that you could influence the Crown Prince's mind, interfere with the royal marriage arrangements, and possess a powerful prophetic talent..." Minister Millison pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, we have basically determined that you are a time traveler; Professor Crocker and Professor Dumbledore both tend to agree with this assessment."

"That's good, at least I proved I'm not a liar." Shen Hou chuckled self-deprecatingly, but his mood didn't lighten at all. "This is probably the good news you were talking about, right? So, what's the bad news?"

"No, it's not bad news. Or rather, whether it's good or bad depends on your perspective."

"I apologize for interrupting you again, but Madam Minister, I've been locked up here for two whole weeks, and my patience is wearing thin. Can we put aside philosophical theories and get straight to the point? I only care about one thing right now: can I get out of here, and when can I get out?"

Millison nodded in agreement: "Alright, then I'll be frank. Because we haven't seen anyone from the future to 'rescue' you, and we can't find any trace of the power of time on you, we are very confused about your situation. This is an unprecedented case, and we have serious disagreements about the possible consequences and how to deal with you."

"What kind of disagreement, and how serious?" Shen Hou looked left and right. "No one would fight with other wizards over a former Muggle, would they? As far as I know, only Death Eaters would do that. There aren't any Death Eaters among you, are there?"

"Don't joke about Death Eaters. That's extremely dangerous, and it will do you more harm than good if word gets out." Minister Millison took a deep breath; she couldn't bear to hear about another, even bigger source of trouble. "There are currently two opinions on how to deal with you: one is to continue to strictly restrict your freedom, sacrificing your personal freedom to protect everyone else from the effects of time travelers..."

Shen Hou interrupted the minister for the third time, his tone unfriendly: "No need to ask, I guess this opinion comes from Mr. Piastrelli, that is, his so-called 'work-related reasons' and 'duty position,' right?"

The director had a gloomy face. His gaze was first fixed on Shen Hou, then he glanced at the Minister of Magic and the two professors, but he remained silent.

Minister Millison continued, "The other view comes from Professor Crocker, who believes that existing evidence suggests that if we consider our era as history, then your act of time travel itself is part of history, including the inevitable and unavoidable consequences of this act. In this case, not only will you affect others, but others influencing you will also alter the course of history; if we take coercive measures against you, then the Ministry of Magic will become the biggest participant in influencing history. Professor Dumbledore supports Professor Crocker's opinion."

"You mean... forces act in pairs?" Shen Hou asked Professor Kroc.

The silent man's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed admiringly, "Very accurate, and a concise summary of language. May I use this sentence in my research paper?"

Shen Hou quickly waved his hand: "Actually, I didn't say that. It's been around for a long time... Well, I don't think the original author would object."

The former Muggle once again experienced the extent of the isolation between the two worlds.

"So what is your final decision?" Shen Hou turned to ask the Minister of Magic. He knew that the Director and the two professors only had the right to make suggestions, and the final decision was in the hands of this middle-aged woman.

"Professor Crocker advised me to let things take their course," Minister Millison said. "We should judge you based on your perspective, your thoughts, and your actions, and then take appropriate measures accordingly, rather than making hasty decisions simply based on your identity as a time traveler. In short, treat you as an ordinary wizard, a resident of the magical world, instead of focusing on your identity as a time traveler."

Kroc then added, "The more you focus on time, the greater your influence on it, and the greater the backlash from time."

"I don't understand, what do you mean?" Shen Hou asked.

"I don't know either." Professor Krock shook his head gently. "I've observed this phenomenon, but I don't know why it happens."

"The observer effect?"

"What?"

"It's nothing, I was just kidding." Shen Hou quickly shook his head, changing the subject swiftly. "So, I'm free now, and I don't have to stay locked up in this dilapidated cell anymore?"

"Yes and no!" Minister Millison's answer did not satisfy Shen Houru.

"what?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Shen, you are indeed allowed to leave this room, but we cannot grant you complete freedom. Please understand that your situation is special and unprecedented, and no one knows what risks are involved. We cannot completely abandon you."

"So what do you want?" Shen Hou asked, both angry and worried. "To change from imprisonment to house arrest?"

"No, it's not house arrest. Professor Dumbledore offered a rather constructive suggestion." The minister hesitated slightly when she said "suggestion." "He suggested that we try to reach a consensus and establish a cooperative approach that can take into account the needs of both sides: one that doesn't prevent you from enjoying your freedom, while allowing the Ministry of Magic to manage any potential risks."

"How can we cooperate? Tell me about it."

"Would you be willing to join the British Ministry of Magic, Mr. Shen?"

"What?"