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Chapter 1360: How to Lose
Chapter 1360: How to Lose
The celebration to commemorate the expulsion of the Death Eaters from Hogsmeade ended early at 8 p.m., and although Bagman had left a few hundred galleons at the two pubs in Hogsmeade to cover the tab, most of the dark wizards present did not indulge in heavy drinking. They were all too aware of the company they kept and were not foolish enough to let their guard down by getting drunk. Who would want to make themselves an easy target in such dangerous company?
As the night deepened, the large gathering of dark wizards began to disperse, and the lights in the village gradually went out one by one. The moonless night was exceptionally quiet.
"Creak."
In the middle of the night, a door opened from the inside, and a figure holding a wand cautiously poked their head out, scanning the surroundings before stepping out and closing the door softly behind them. Taking advantage of the cover of night, the figure stealthily made their way out of Hogsmeade, disappearing into the wilderness beyond.
"Who's there?"
Upon hearing the sound, several black wizards on guard duty immediately raised their wands, pointing them in the direction of the noise.
"It's me."
The cloaked figure lowered their hood, revealing their face to their comrades to avoid any friendly fire.
"Bagman, I hope you bring good news," said Yaxley, leading a group of Death Eaters who had been waiting on the path between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.
Even though Alecto's followers had already communicated the situation in Hogsmeade through the signed communication book, Yaxley was still uneasy and decided to wait a while longer for first-hand news.
"Most of the dark wizards attended the celebration, but due to their mutual distrust, they didn't let themselves get drunk," Bagman reported, proving his worth as a competent spy.
"So, the plan to take advantage of their inebriation is off the table?" Yaxley asked, his face hidden in the shadows of his hood, making it impossible to discern his expression.
"Yes, that plan doesn't seem feasible," Bagman agreed, picking up on the subtle change in Yaxley's tone. "However, due to their lack of trust in each other, most of them didn't choose to stay in Hogsmeade. Only about a third of them, a hundred or so, remain in the village."
Hearing this, Yaxley's stern expression softened a little.
"There's something else," Bagman continued. "That madman, Boschwal, believes that the Death Eaters are likely to attack Hogsmeade again within the next three days. I'm not sure how seriously the others took his warning, but... it's best to be cautious. However, before I left, I didn't notice any signs of an ambush, so they should all be resting."
Bagman rattled on, sharing everything he had witnessed and any information he deemed useful, providing Yaxley with valuable intelligence for the night's attack on Hogsmeade.
"Is that lunatic Boschwal still in Hogsmeade?" Yaxley interrupted, his hand raised. He was more concerned about this particular individual.
"Yes, he's staying in one of the cottages," Bagman confirmed.
"Are you sure?" Yaxley asked again for verification.
In Yaxley's opinion, if Boschwal were indeed the Mudblood in disguise, he would not have stayed in the village overnight.
"I'm certain," Bagman asserted. "That guy has recruited a small but elite squad of dark wizards, and they have their eyes on the Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest."
The venom of the Acromantula, sold by the pint, was worth a hundred galleons, and Bagman had been eyeing it for a long time.
After the Death Eaters formed an alliance with the Acromantula, they could no longer hunt the giant spiders in the forest as they pleased.
Of course, the Acromantula were not to be trifled with, and wizards who dared to do so often lost their lives.
"Good. Regardless of whether he is the Mudblood or not, tonight will be his end," Yaxley said, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Send the Inferi toward Hogsmeade. Use those disposable minions to attract the attention of the dark wizards, and then we'll strike with the Dementors for a deadly blow.
Even if our opponents are more skilled, they will have no choice but to surrender when faced with a surprise ambush and outnumbered.
There is no doubt that we will be victorious, and no Death Eater would consider a midnight sneak attack as a dishonorable act.
"Are you sure you want to proceed now and not wait until dawn?" Snape questioned, unable to fathom Yaxley's line of thinking as he watched the Death Eaters prepare for action and the Dementors surging towards Hogsmeade.
If they were truly wary of Anderson, they should at least proceed with caution.
"Boschwal is likely not the Mudblood," Yaxley stated, his confidence growing. "I've heard about this man from other sources. He was a finalist in the Dueling Competition, only losing out to the Mudblood and the Dark Lord himself."
In Yaxley's opinion, with Anderson and the Dark Lord out of the equation, Boschwal would have been the undisputed champion.
This also explained how Morag and her group were so easily disposed of.
"Of course, just in case, I want you and MacNeil to remain at Hogwarts," Yaxley continued, addressing Snape directly. "If the Dark Mark appears over Hogsmeade, I want you to bring the Aurors for backup. Is that understood?"
"If that is your request, I have no objections," Snape replied, not keen on getting involved. He still viewed Hogsmeade as a potential trap.
"Very well," Yaxley acknowledged.
"I'll have the Aurors keep watch from the Astronomy Tower and be ready to provide assistance at any moment," Snape added.
"Good," Yaxley said, turning to MacNeil. "And if you get your hands on Boschwal and plan to make an example of him, make sure to leave the beheading to me." MacNeil had expressed his desire to personally execute Boschwal, and Yaxley had no qualms about granting this cruel request. The disappointment of not being able to take Hagrid's life still lingered with MacNeil.
"Consider it done," MacNeil assured him.
The Death Eaters set off.
A slow yet urgent pattering of feet echoed across the wilderness as the newly created Inferi, urged on by a group of Death Eaters on broomsticks, staggered towards Hogsmeade.
Even before the Inferi arrived, the Dementors had already surrounded Hogsmeade from all sides, their presence unseen and undetected in the darkness of the night.
Despite only lingering on the outskirts of the village, the Dementors caused the temperature to drop rapidly, frost forming on the windowpanes.
"Those Inferi will need a bit more time to get there," one of the Death Eaters reported to Yaxley, his voice filled with anticipation. "The werewolves are in position, and the Dementors have completely encircled the village. We are ready to engage at your command."
Tonight's ambush on Hogsmeade involved a significant portion of the Dark Lord's forces, and they were all confident in their impending victory.
No matter how powerful the Mudblood was, they believed he could not stop them from reclaiming Hogsmeade.
(End of Chapter)
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