Chapter 1279: A False Victory
Chapter 1279: A False Victory
What was this? A practical lesson in combat?
Harry's mind suddenly conjured up bizarre thoughts, but such a tricky maneuver seemed like child's play to Albert, who didn't even bat an eye at the group of Death Eaters causing chaos at Bill's wedding.
"Once the fighting here is over, leave immediately," Albert instructed, snapping Harry back to attention. "Don't hesitate. Excessive curiosity will only get you killed."
"Because of the Mystery Man?" Harry asked, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. "Do you think he'll show up here?"
Everyone was startled by his question.
"I don't know, but if I were you, I'd be cautious and vigilant at all times," Albert analyzed quickly. "Given Scrimgeour's personality, after dealing with these Dark wizards, he'll definitely take the opportunity to eliminate some of them. Think about how many Death Eaters will perish. If the Mystery Man rushes over from the Ministry of Magic, what do you think he'll say?"
"Rush over from the Ministry of Magic?" Hermione picked up on the shocking revelation in Albert's words.
"Yes," Albert nodded, taking down another Dark wizard. "The Mystery Man has likely already led a group to seize the Ministry. Once he becomes aware of Scrimgeour's plan, it's only a matter of time before he brings a group of Death Eaters here. It would be unwise to confront him directly before Harry completes Dumbledore's task."
"What task?" Zhang Fall curiously inquired.
"Don't ask," Cedric interrupted.
"Alright, time's almost up. I'll go help them finish this," Albert paused and turned to warn them. "Make sure you notify the Order of the Phoenix to get out of here as soon as possible. Don't entertain any hopes of luck; you will pay the price for any hesitation."
As he spoke, Albert waved his wand and summoned a Patronus, which he then transformed into a sphere of light that floated above their heads. The dazzling light forced the Dementors, which had been entangled with the Patronuses, to retreat.
The sudden change unnerved Lucius Malfoy, who was entangled with his opponent. He felt a sense of dread as he noticed the increasing number of enemies around him and saw his fellow Dark wizards falling one by one. What was worse, a magical barrier had appeared above their heads without him noticing, and Lucius could smell the scent of conspiracy.
Could they have fallen into a trap set by the Order of the Phoenix?
That was impossible.
Or...
But hadn't the Dark Lord already led a group to seize the Ministry of Magic?
The Aurors that Scrimgeour had sent to protect Harry Potter had also been recalled to assist not long ago.
Then why wasn't the battle going as planned? Not only were the members of the Order of the Phoenix resisting fiercely, but even the guests who had come to attend the wedding were joining in the fight.
What truly filled Lucius Malfoy with despair was the fact that he couldn't use his Disillusionment Charm here. With the area enveloped by a massive magical barrier, even if he wanted to retreat, there was no escape.
This was clearly a carefully laid trap, but how could that be? Lucius Malfoy refused to accept this cruel reality.
He couldn't bear the terrifying consequences of losing to the Aurors.
He couldn't die yet.
It wasn't just Lucius; a few other Dark wizards also realized this, but it was already too late to do anything.
Of the nearly hundred people who had initially crashed Bill's wedding, more than half had been taken down within a short span of time by the cunning Aurors of the Ministry.
Most of the Dark wizards were now entangled with opponents and hadn't even had a chance to react to what was happening, let alone gather enough people to forcefully break through the damn barrier and flee.
In fact, they wouldn't have the opportunity to do so.
After successfully suppressing the Dementors, Albert once again used the Disillusionment Charm to move through the chaotic battlefield. He waved his wand, and precise streaks of red spells took down the Dark wizards who were engaged in combat with others.
Those who had been facing off against the Death Eaters were bewildered, unsure of why their enemies had suddenly collapsed.
"It's over," said a voice.
Albert appeared out of thin air in front of Scrimgeour.
"I just received word that the Mystery Man has successfully taken over the Ministry of Magic and killed my decoy there," Scrimgeour hoped Albert would lend him a hand.
"Good luck, and make sure to wrap things up here and relocate quickly to avoid the Mystery Man. I doubt he'll launch a full-scale attack on the Ministry after suffering heavy losses," Albert, of course, knew what Scrimgeour meant, but he wouldn't take that risk and had never intended to tie himself to a sinking ship.
Was he tired of living too comfortably?
"You're right," Scrimgeour acknowledged. He hadn't really expected Albert to act as his bodyguard, and his previous comment had been more of an offhand remark.
"Kingsley, take some people to reassure the guests and then send them on their way immediately," Scrimgeour knew time was of the essence and quickly gave his orders. "Dexter, round up your men to clear the battlefield and see how many of our old friends we've caught."
Scrimgeour was about to add to the body count.
Ever since he started working with Albert, the Minister of Magic's hands had been soaked with the blood of countless Death Eaters, sealing his fate as a future notable figure.
Whether he would be remembered as an iron-fisted minister or a cruel executioner, Scrimgeour didn't particularly care.
"Hurry up, we still need to retake the Ministry."
"But why..."
An Auror stared at Albert's departing back, hesitant to voice his thoughts.
"Don't bother with those unrealistic fantasies," Scrimgeour shook his head. In the end, their relationship was one of mutual exploitation, and Albert's final reminder was already more than considerate.
Now, he had to face the consequences himself. Only by surviving could their collaboration continue.
At that moment, a loud voice rang out from the surroundings.
"Attention everyone, although the Death Eaters who crashed the wedding have been subdued, I still advise you to leave this troubled place immediately. Who knows if the Mystery Man will come to rescue his incompetent subordinates?"
After delivering his message, Albert moved his wand away from his throat and walked towards Harry's group, who were huddled together.
"Alright, it's over. It's best if you all leave now, especially you, Potter!" Albert addressed the group. "As for this place, leave it to the Ministry to handle. I'm leaving too, so follow if you want."
Cedric signaled for Qiu Zhang to leave with Albert, and Lee Jordan turned to Fred and George, "Come on, what are you waiting for?"
"Our family is still here."
"Then let's go together. Albert won't harm you, look at what happened to those who didn't listen to his advice." Jordan suggested, "Don't forget, you're still wanted. Staying will only make things worse."
"He's right. Harry, you should head back to headquarters first. The rest of you, let's go." Sirius also urged the others to leave, trusting Albert's advice.
"Take Ginny and Ron with Mr. Weasley and Sirius," Mr. Weasley joined in to help with the crowd control.
"What's going on?" Sirius caught up and asked.
"Don't forget, this place is under an Anti-Apparition Jinx. If the Mystery Man shows up, you won't be able to escape," Albert waved his wand, tearing open a gap in the barrier in front of them. "So, there's no point in gambling with your lives. That would be a very stupid way to die."
"I'm leaving first. Stay in touch."
With that, Albert was the first to step out of the area covered by the barrier and Disapparated.
(End of Chapter)
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