The Astley siblings' tour was a huge success. In just seven days, they achieved their goal, earning fifteen million Galleons.
Audrey couldn't stop smiling every day. She thought back to her past—how foolish she had been, constantly taking gigs for little gain. If only she had known how effective scarcity marketing could be! Now, occasionally appearing in public could actually increase her commercial value.
Indeed, people always want what they cannot have. When she had worked tirelessly before, no one appreciated it. Now, by doing little, people were throwing money at her.
Even U.S. entertainment companies had invited the Astleys to tour America—but Audrey had refused. The companies kept raising their offers daily; by January 8, 1992, her performance fee had skyrocketed from one million to six million dollars per show.
Peter Waterman was no fool. He cited Audrey's need to continue her studies to decline the American invitations, thinking ahead—by summer, when Audrey was free again, a U.S. tour would be even more lucrative. Perhaps her value would rise further after half a year of anticipation.
This Christmas holiday, Audrey had barely rested, yet she didn't complain. After all, the income was nearly ten million Galleons! Rest could always wait—Hogwarts would provide plenty of time.
And for the last two days of the break, she could enjoy her time at home—everything seemed perfect, except for Severus Snape being slightly intrusive.
Until Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister of Magic, personally visited the Astley estate.
A short, stout man with gray curly hair, mostly hidden under a dark green hat, he looked generous and kind—hardly the appearance of a man at the pinnacle of wizarding power.
"Hello, Miss Astley," Fudge said, removing his hat and brushing his hair. "It's our first meeting. I'm delighted—I'm a fan of yours!"
As a ministerial visit, it had been announced in advance. Owls had already delivered notice of his arrival, so Audrey was prepared.
"Please, come in, Minister," she said, leading him to the living room, calling upstairs: "Brother! Keep your piano down, I have a guest!"
The melodic notes ceased instantly.
"Apologies, Minister, my brother is overly absorbed in music," Audrey said.
"No, no," Fudge chuckled, unbothered. "I would prefer our conversation to be accompanied by music."
Audrey gestured him to sit and signaled the teapot to pour tea automatically.
"Remarkable wandless, silent magic, Miss Astley," Fudge complimented. "Your talent is unparalleled! Truly a prodigy, entering Hogwarts at sixteen with mastery of ancient magic."
Audrey waited silently for the real reason behind his visit.
A Minister of Magic doesn't come simply to praise a student—there must be an ulterior motive.
Indeed, Fudge continued, "I came regarding your unauthorized use of magic outside school, Audrey—if I may call you that?"
"Of course, Minister."
"You've studied at Hogwarts long enough to know the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery exists. I trust you realize you've violated the law."
Audrey shrugged, noncommittal.
Fudge placed a document on the table.
"This is a warning. If you repeat this offense, you risk expulsion from Hogwarts."
Audrey laughed, beckoning snacks and fruits from the kitchen.
"Alright, Minister, I've cast magic again—please, expel me immediately!"
Fudge froze, unaware of how hard Dumbledore had worked to convince Audrey to attend school.
Now that Hydra Lestrange's reputation had been restored, her continued enrollment was only to keep a promise. She had no intention of provoking Dumbledore or the Ministry, yet being expelled by the Ministry herself would be perfect—a win-win.
Fudge was caught off guard. This girl did not follow the expected path.
"I've always wanted to live in the U.S., Minister," Audrey said happily. "You know, Hogwarts ghosts are unbearable—I can't wait to leave!"
Fudge paused, then stammered, "N-no, I didn't mean that, Audrey. I only wish you respect the law. Punishments aside, the key is that you should fear the Ministry."
"I've always respected the Ministry, Minister!" Audrey smiled. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to study at Hogwarts."
"Very well," Fudge said, sipping tea. "Just be careful in the future."
Audrey was slightly disappointed—if the Ministry's desire for ancient magic was anything like Thetis and the elves, they could tolerate her violations.
Clearing his throat, Fudge continued, serious now.
"I must also discuss a second matter." He noticed Audrey wasn't easily fooled, so he focused: "According to Gringotts, Miss Astley, you have a vault containing over a hundred thousand Galleons?"
Audrey frowned. "Minister, is saving money illegal?"
"Of course not," Fudge smiled. "But as a small wizard raised in the Muggle world, how did you acquire so many Galleons? The Ministry limits the annual pound-to-Galleon exchange for young wizards."
"So what are you implying, Minister?"
"Months ago, the Gray family reported a theft of 100,000 Galleons. An investigation is underway, and Gringotts is cooperating. Miss Astley, if you cannot clarify the source of your funds, you may be suspected and investigated."
A clear, thinly veiled threat.
Audrey could resolve it by reclaiming her Hydra Lestrange identity—the Lestranges were the rightful owners of the Gray family's wealth. But she had no intention of restoring that identity too early. In the Muggle world, her Audrey Astley persona earned her fame and money, whereas as Miss Lestrange, she would face backlash from the pureblood wizarding community.
Restoring her true identity offered only drawbacks. For a few hundred thousand Galleons? Ludicrous! She had just earned around two million from her concert!
Her plan was to reclaim the Lestrange inheritance after the Hogwarts Battle, under the new Ministry leadership with the Order's members in power.
Currently, the external pressure didn't make restoring her identity necessary. Her Audrey Astley persona was more accepted in the wizarding world.
Audrey considered carefully. If the Ministry truly wanted to investigate, they would have done so already—Fudge wouldn't have come personally to inform her.
The only reason he spoke now: the Minister had a request.
A classic political tactic—pressure someone until they are overwhelmed, then propose a slightly better, yet still undesirable, demand.
Using her innate Legilimency, Audrey immediately understood everything.
"Alright, Minister Fudge," she leaned back on the sofa. "Although I have a perfectly legitimate source for the Galleons, that's my secret. I understand your intention. Speak plainly—what do you want me to do?"
Fudge nodded. "Very well." He pulled an invitation letter from his gray suit pocket. "Gringotts intends to research a Nordic site, but cannot decipher its magic. They approached you before, but you refused."
"As you know, Gringotts and the Ministry work closely. Even as Minister, I cannot refuse such a request."
"If you assist with this excavation, we will ensure your vault's funds are legally verified and completely legitimate."
Audrey sighed. Compared to Larnock's elf rebellion a century ago, this seemed far more complicated.
When Thetis had first approached Audrey, she had used the elf's innate Legilimency to read her thoughts. The elves were indeed planning another rebellion—but now, unlike a century ago, they controlled Gringotts' decisions, even influencing the Ministry.
This was… worrying.