Severus's question was actually quite subtle.

It could be interpreted in two ways.

First, if the Aurors weren't involved and he was the one taking the risk, what kind of support could the Ministry provide him during the investigation?

Second, if he took on this task, what kind of reward, or compensation, could the Ministry, or rather, Bagnold, offer him?

When he asked this question, Severus didn't bother to consider Dumbledore's presence.

Or rather, he was deliberately making his stance clear to Dumbledore.

He could be sympathetic. He could feel kindness toward certain people and certain situations.

His relationship with Lupin, or rather, Ghost Snape's relationship with Lupin, was complicated, but that aside, Severus did care about the three missing children. If the werewolves caused further harm, he would grieve for the innocent victims.

But that didn't mean Bagnold could exploit his goodwill, expecting him to agree to investigate this matter without offering anything in return.

Naturally, both Dumbledore and Bagnold were sharp enough to grasp the deeper meaning behind Severus's question.

Dumbledore's expression remained unchanged, and he still didn't seem inclined to speak. As for Bagnold, she met Severus's gaze steadily.

Then, she took a deep breath and answered, "The Ministry will cover all expenses related to this mission. And as long as it's within my authority, I'll provide whatever you need!"

"And then?" Severus asked lightly.

"Once the matter is resolved peacefully, the Ministry can award you a bounty of 3,000 Galleons."

"You should know my profession, Madam Minister. I have no interest in money."

"Before I retire, I can arrange an honorary position for you in the Wizengamot."

"If I were interested in power, I wouldn't have resigned as Head of Slytherin."

"A Second-Class Order of Merlin."

At this, Severus chuckled softly.

"More than 10 werewolves gathering in an organized manner, kidnapping three children… if I end up resolving this, a Second-Class Order of Merlin would be no more than what I deserve. That doesn't count as something you're giving me, does it?"

Bagnold studied Severus deeply.

"You don't care about money, power, or fame. Then what do you want?"

As she asked this, Severus could clearly feel Dumbledore's gaze shifting toward him as well.

He wasn't nervous. Leaning back into the plush sofa, he replied casually:

"The Second-Class Order of Merlin must be awarded… that's non-negotiable. I've already promised the entire British Wizarding World that I intend to change, and I'll prove my words with actions."

"If the mission succeeds, issue me and my student official Ministry Special Envoy credentials. Our travels won't be limited to Britain, and having an official identity will make things easier in certain places."

"And while you're at it, cooperate with The Quibbler to officially publish Eldred's book. I know you have the best distribution channels. Sanguini and Eldred are counting on this, and Xenophilius can also use this incident to gain a surge in subscriptions."

"That's all. If you agree to these terms, I'll assist Lupin in the investigation."

Bagno looked at Severus and frowned slightly.

She wasn't troubled by these three requests, or rather, what puzzled her was that Severus's demands were far too simple!

Compared to an honorary position in the Wizengamot or the Ministry offering 3,000 Galleons, granting Special Envoy status and assisting Worple with publishing his work were both incredibly trivial matters.

"I can agree to your terms without hesitation."

"When do you need me to depart?" Severus responded with equal decisiveness.

"The sooner, the better. Those three abducted children are in danger, and Lupin's current condition is unknown. That pack of werewolves could cause major chaos at any moment, so it's best you set out as soon as possible!"

"Then allow me and Dudley to bid farewell to Sanguini and Worple first. At the latest, I'll leave this afternoon."

After expressing his willingness to take over the matter, Severus did not continue to sit in the Minister's office for long.

After he left, with only Dumbledore remaining, Bagnold dropped her guarded demeanor and asked in bewilderment.

"What kind of request was that? He claims not to care for money, power, or fame, yet all he asks for is an official travel credential and help publishing that vampire and Worple's work?"

Dumbledore also stood up at this time. Without looking at Bagnold, he murmured softly before departing:

"You may never again be able to declare to the International Confederation of Wizards, as you did eight years ago, 'I firmly uphold everyone's right to indulge in revelry', Millicent."

…

"If you don't crave wealth, power, or fame… what else could you possibly care about?"

The moment Severus stepped out of the Minister's office, Ghost Snape couldn't hold back his question.

[Aren't you afraid your answer just now would make Dumbledore wary of you? Only someone with grander ambitions would disregard immediate benefits like this!]

As Severus walked toward the elevator, he responded to Ghost Snape.

'That just proves you don't understand Dumbledore as well as you think. I assure you, Dumbledore already grasped what I meant to convey.'

Ghost Snape's expression darkened further.

[Stop playing the Sphinx! I don't enjoy riddles either!]

'To put it plainly… the more obsessed someone is with material gains, the more they overlook one simple truth. The things that bring us the most fundamental joy are never the things you just listed.'

'Money, power, and fame merely obscure the essence of happiness. Due to societal constructs, most people in the world need those three things to indirectly enjoy life.'

'What I was really telling Dumbledore is that, like him, I see the core of things. For wizards, especially those who've reached a certain level, the more fixated they are on those superficial pursuits, the deeper they sink, and the more exhausting life becomes.'

'I took Harry with me simply to live a better life, to spend each day in the most fulfilling and joyful way possible.'

'Do you understand?'

Whether Ghost Snape truly comprehended Severus's words was unclear… his face had remained grim ever since Lupin's name was mentioned.

[You know what that damned werewolf once did to me!]

Severus fell silent for a moment before sighing.

'Of course I know. And as I've said, we are one and the same, aren't we? I understand why you loathe him. But there's one thing I must point out… I'm certain that Lupin had no knowledge of the incident that nearly killed you.'

[They were in it together!] Ghost Snape's words hissed through clenched teeth, [How could he not have known?!]

The Ministry elevator descended, intermittent flashes of light from the grille casting shifting shadows over Severus's calm face.

'I know it's hard for you to take my word for it. But I will find Lupin… and when I do, I'll make him prove it to you himself.'