Chapter 1215: Riddle Me This, Again
Chapter 1215: Riddle Me This, Again
"This weather... it's bloody awful!"
Albert turned the corner and looked up at the gloomy sky overhead before suddenly turning his gaze in a particular direction. His eyes, piercing through the thick fog, landed on a group of Ministry employees on the roof not far from the street. They were waving their wands, conjuring a blizzard to obscure the vision of passersby.
Above the skies of London, Aurors on broomsticks were taking advantage of the snowy winds to summon their Patronuses, driving away the Dementors lurking over the city.
Albert blew into his palms to warm them, rubbed them together vigorously, then tightened his coat before continuing down the dimly lit street. Eventually, he turned into a cafe, from which wafted a welcoming cloud of hot air.
As he opened the glass door, a wave of warm air infused with the rich aroma of coffee greeted him. Apparently, the harsh weather had kept most customers away.
His eyes scanned the interior and landed on a lone customer sitting in a corner. It was a middle-aged man with red hair, sipping coffee while perusing a newspaper.
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!" Albert greeted him.
"No, I just got here myself," replied Scrimgeour, setting down his paper and motioning for Albert to take a seat. "What would you like? It's on me today."
"A cappuccino, please," Albert ordered from the waitress.
After she left, Scrimgeour lowered his voice. "I heard from Kingsley about Snape's situation."
They didn't use magic to conceal their voices, as that would have been more suspicious.
"Oh, seems like Kingsley can't let it go," Albert inferred, understanding the other man's concern about whether Snape would betray Dumbledore.
Despite Scrimgeour's growing resemblance to a politician, he hadn't forgotten Albert's deathly warning. In fact, anyone with a sane mind would recognize the importance of Dumbledore. While it might not deter the Death Eaters or the mysterious figure, it certainly acted as a formidable deterrent.
"Is it true?" Scrimgeour asked, risking his life to meet with Albert in person. He needed an answer to make sense of the future developments.
"It is, but things could change," Albert nodded slightly at the waitress as she brought his coffee, then took a small sip. "You know, the future is hard to predict."
"Can it be averted?" Scrimgeour asked bluntly.
"Are you referring to Snape?" Albert was surprised at Scrimgeour's decision, which seemed to be leaning towards eliminating Snape.
However, this wasn't unusual, given Snape's history as a Death Eater, and Albert's prophecy that he could pose a threat to Dumbledore.
Put together, it certainly painted Snape as a continued supporter of the Death Eaters, and the Ministry's policy towards such individuals was often final.
If removing Snape could ensure Dumbledore's safety, Scrimgeour wouldn't hesitate.
After all, it was just one Death Eater, and his death could benefit everyone.
"I don't know. It's hard to say with these things. As for how I think the future will turn out, that depends on Dumbledore, as you know, the older people get, the more stubborn they become, and it's hard for others to change their minds." Albert shook his head slightly, indicating his skepticism about Scrimgeour's plan. "Maybe you could pay him a visit sometime, and you two can talk it over."
"I have, and he doesn't think it's an issue with Snape," Scrimgeour confessed, genuinely puzzled as to why Dumbledore would shield Snape, especially in light of Albert's prophecy that Snape could be a threat to him.
As for the reason, Scrimgeour hadn't figured it out yet, but he suspected that Albert knew something. After all, the man before him seemed to be privy to many secrets.
"That's something you'll have to ask him yourself," Albert smiled as he set down his coffee cup, shrugging nonchalantly. "Anyway, I don't like Snape either, so if you want to get rid of him, I'm all for it. As for Dumbledore's actions, he must have his reasons."
"Kingsley thinks so, too," Scrimgeour persisted, still convinced that Albert knew more than he was letting on, and that Dumbledore had no intention of sharing these secrets with him from the start.
In fact, anyone with eyes could see that Dumbledore had been busy preparing for something related to the mysterious figure lately, but he never confided in anyone, just like Albert. This frustrated and annoyed Scrimgeour; was he, the Minister of Magic, so untrustworthy?
"The headmaster is probably preparing some sort of secret weapon," Albert said, as if reading Scrimgeour's mind. "The fewer people who know about certain things, the higher the chances of success. And I think he's right not to involve you."
Paying no heed to Scrimgeour's gloomy expression, Albert continued, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you're one of his targets, and you're not even trying to hide. It's only a matter of time before something happens, so how can he trust you with sensitive information? It's not about keeping secrets; it's about minimizing risks."
Scrimgeour's face grew even gloomier, but he couldn't deny the truth in Albert's words.
Moreover, what was so special about being the Minister of Magic in the eyes of these extraordinarily powerful wizards?
Especially in the eyes of a certain individual, he was dispensable.
Dumbledore never took the Minister of Magic seriously, and Voldemort didn't either; he would simply kill and replace them as he saw fit. And what about Albert Anderson?
He seemed to be another Dumbledore, but without the gentle demeanor, he was even more intimidating.
No one knew better than Albert how those dark wizards and Death Eaters had met their ends.
"A secret weapon, huh? How confident is he... about that noseless guy?" Scrimgeour asked, referring to Voldemort.
"The one who's almost nose-less," Albert clarified with a smile.
"Yes, him," Scrimgeour continued, unfazed by Albert's nickname for Voldemort. "I mean... wait, do you think he... I still think it's too risky. At their age, stability is more important."
"That's something you'll have to take up with him directly, but I don't think you'll have much success," Albert admitted, feeling a bit of sympathy for Scrimgeour. In a way, the Minister was caught in the crossfire. If something unexpected happened to Dumbledore, Scrimgeour would immediately become a target for Voldemort.
Unfortunately, there were no 'what-ifs' in this world. The moment Scrimgeour chose to become the Minister of Magic and confront Voldemort head-on, many things were already set in motion.
"You knew this from the start, didn't you?" Scrimgeour sighed, then asked, "You never intended to change anything. I really can't fathom what you two are thinking, putting everything on the line like this."
"For the ultimate victory," Albert replied.
"Do you really think you can win?"
"That's something you should ask him," Albert shrugged and realized that he had finished his coffee.
"I hate riddles!" Scrimgeour exclaimed in frustration.
"You still have a chance," Albert offered. "It's up to you to choose your path."
"Forget it, I already know how this will end for me," Scrimgeour said, now even more convinced that the two of them were plotting something significant. He wondered what could be so important that Dumbledore was willing to stake his life on it, causing even the Minister of Magic to question his life choices.
However, the answer wasn't difficult to guess. That mysterious figure was undoubtedly Voldemort, and only a notorious Dark Lord like him would warrant such special treatment. The man before him was likely an informant, or perhaps even the one tasked with carrying out the plan.
"There's still time, no need to rush your decision," Albert said, setting down his empty coffee cup. "Anything else?"
"The hotel is ready. I'd like to invite you to take a look and lend a hand if you can," Scrimgeour invited, referring to the safe house they had planned for the Ministry employees' families.
There was no one else they could trust with such a task.
Albert was surprised; he had expected it to take longer, but the Ministry had been remarkably efficient.
"Indeed, everyone has been working overtime," Scrimgeour confirmed, folding his newspaper and placing it in his briefcase as they walked out of the cafe.
As they neared a public restroom, a chill wind blew by, and Albert tightened his coat before following Scrimgeour inside.
"Let's go," Scrimgeour said, gesturing with his briefcase.
Albert recognized the object in his hand as a key, and as he placed his hand on it, he was pulled away by an unseen force.
When he regained his footing, he found himself in a desolate area, facing a tall, dilapidated hotel.
Indeed, it was a hotel.
Scrimgeour had transformed an abandoned building into a safe house for the Ministry employees' families.
"Shelter Number One," Scrimgeour introduced, leading Albert through the outer defensive spells.
"Hmm," Albert murmured, pausing as the name registered. "Are you planning more of these shelters?"
"According to the original plan, there will be Shelters Number Two and Three as well, but I'm not sure if we'll have enough time," Scrimgeour replied, stopping and turning to face Albert. "Well, I've pulled my people out, so it's all up to you from here."
"It seems you've invited Dumbledore," Albert commented, understanding Scrimgeour's intention to have Dumbledore cast the Fidelius Charm and act as Secret-Keeper.
"Yes, he should be arriving any moment now," Scrimgeour said, checking his pocket watch.
Soon enough, Dumbledore appeared out of thin air, nodding and greeting them with a smile. "It seems I've arrived just in time!"
"I was hoping we could chat for a moment," Scrimgeour said.
"Of course, but I stand by my previous opinion," Dumbledore replied, deftly changing the subject. "Shall we begin?"
He wasn't surprised by Scrimgeour's intention to discuss certain matters, as it was only natural to want to talk after casting such an important spell. However, there were some things he couldn't share with Scrimgeour.
"Let's begin," Dumbledore said.
He raised his wand and pointed it at the hotel, whispering an incantation. With a wave of his wand, the hotel began to blur, as if veiled in mist, and then it vanished from sight, hidden from prying eyes.
Dumbledore turned his wand towards Albert, who seemed to sense something, his body trembling slightly. Memories of Shelter Number One became clear in his mind, along with the location of the shelter before him.
"There, it's done," Dumbledore said with satisfaction, looking at the now-invisible hotel.
"All set," Albert confirmed softly. "Welcome to Shelter Number One, located in the suburbs of Bideford in Devon."
As Albert revealed the precise location of the shelter to Dumbledore and Scrimgeour, the hidden hotel reappeared before them.
"Oh, right, here you go," Albert said, as if suddenly remembering something.
He waved his wand, conjuring a piece of parchment and a quill, on which he wrote something before handing it to Scrimgeour.
"What's this for?" Scrimgeour asked, reading the parchment, which contained the same words Albert had just spoken.
"With this, you can transfer residents here without my presence. Consider it my permission," Albert explained.
"Without your presence?" Scrimgeour was puzzled. He knew about the Fidelius Charm, but this parchment seemed like a different method altogether.
"Yes, my permission is all that's needed. Just make sure to keep the parchment safe, and destroy it after use. It's as if I'm personally revealing the location to them," Albert clarified, offering friendly advice.
"Indeed, it's a clever application of the spell," Dumbledore explained to Scrimgeour. "I'm familiar with this method, so it's no surprise that Albert can use it as well."
"Since we're done here, I'll take my leave. Gentlemen, until next time," Albert said, nodding to the two men before disappearing with a Disillusionment Charm.
"Wait..." Scrimgeour started, intending to include Albert in their discussion, only to find that he had already left.
An awkward silence filled the air.
"Have you two talked?" Dumbledore asked suddenly.
"Yes, we did. I suspect you're brewing some sort of plan," Scrimgeour said as they entered Shelter Number One, broaching a sensitive topic.
He didn't expect Dumbledore to divulge any useful information, but he couldn't help but ask, leaving it up to Dumbledore whether to answer or not.
"Some things are best kept secret," Dumbledore replied after a moment's pause.
"What about Anderson?" Scrimgeour countered.
"Mr. Anderson figured it out himself," Dumbledore shook his head. "Besides, he's involved, and I trust him to keep it confidential. So, I have no worries on that front."
"And what about Snape? Do you truly trust him, or is his role in your plan indispensable?" Scrimgeour scoffed, his anger evident. This matter concerned his own life, after all.
"You could say it's part of the plan. Severus has always been loyal to me," Dumbledore asserted.
"He's a Death Eater and a double agent. How can you trust him with your life? It's absurd!" Scrimgeour argued.
"No, I believe he has reformed," Dumbledore countered.
"I just can't understand it!" Scrimgeour exclaimed, shaking his head. "You're acting like a madman."
"Some sacrifices must be made," Dumbledore said.
"Enough! I've had enough of your riddles and secrets, just like Anderson. You two are cut from the same cloth," Scrimgeour snapped, his frustration evident. He knew they wouldn't share anything of substance with him, and he despised these enigmatic puzzle masters.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
