"An
interesting gift, nonetheless," he said, sharing Mulciber's disdain for the paperwork so prevalent in other departments. It had been one of the worst of his responsibilities as Minister of Magic, though fortunately his secretary had had a good hand for forging signatures. The Department of Mysteries, though, was different—paper trails were seen as a hindrance, rather than a boon.

"I shouldn't keep you any longer—no doubt you have tasks you'd rather be doing," Balt added, only half-joking.