Chapter 1364: Prison Break
Chapter 1364: Prison Break
"Things turned out even better than expected."
Having just completed his first mission, Kenneth returned to the Defense Association headquarters with Dobby and changed into more comfortable clothes. Glancing at the empty potion bottle on the table, he murmured, "The Felix Felicis is indeed a wonderful thing, but it's such a hassle to brew."
However, what truly excited Kenneth was Albert's decision to include him in the mission, helping him find his place in the group.
Yes, a place where he belonged.
It sounded a bit ridiculous, but Kenneth yearned to be one of Albert's trusted allies.
Many members of the Defense Association overlooked one crucial fact—the opportunity to change their destiny was right before their eyes, yet they failed to see it and grasp it. This included Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, who, in Kenneth's opinion, had merely stumbled upon some good luck.
As for Cedric?
He was a fool, oblivious to the opportunities presented to him.
The only other person who had seized the chance was that woman, Sandra Wilson.
And he, Kenneth, would be the second.
His thoughts were interrupted by a cheerful and melodious song, signaling the preparation for a gathering.
People started gathering in the conference room in small groups, whispering curiously about the upcoming event.
Most of them believed that the opportunity had something to do with the recent events in Hogsmeade.
"Looks like the plan is going smoothly," said a voice behind Kenneth as he entered the conference room.
"What plan?" Angelina asked, intrigued.
"You'll find out soon enough," Fred replied mysteriously.
The conference room quickly filled up, including Hannah and the others who were supposed to be at the shelter.
People whispered among themselves until Albert entered the room, bringing a hush to the gathering.
"I know you're all curious," Albert said with a smile. "We're about to embark on a major operation that will require everyone's full cooperation."
"What kind of operation?" someone asked, unable to contain their curiosity.
When Albert mentioned during the gathering that they would be working with the Order of the Phoenix to break into Azkaban, the room erupted in a flurry of excited reactions. Everyone present knew that one day they would raid the prison to rescue the unfortunate souls imprisoned there, but they never expected that day to come so soon.
"Has the time come?"
"Yes, the time is right."
"Because of what happened in Hogsmeade?" Cedric quickly guessed the reason.
"Yes, I played a little trick. The foreign dark wizards will keep the Death Eaters busy, giving us the chance to break into Azkaban. With the mysterious person also out of the country, I believe the time is ripe," Albert said, raising his hand to quiet the room. "Of course, this operation will be divided into two parts. Some of us will go to Azkaban to rescue the prisoners, while the others will stay here to prepare for receiving our guests from Azkaban."
Hearing this, many in the room had a bad feeling. Albert continued, ignoring their apprehensive glances.
"Those who cannot cast a Patronus will remain here. As I mentioned before, this operation doesn't require a large number of people. If you can't summon a true Patronus under the influence of the Dementors, there's no point in going. We don't have the time or resources to babysit anyone, and it would only put you and the rest of us at risk," he said, ignoring the resentful glares of some. "It's better to stay here and contribute in a more meaningful way by helping with the subsequent resettlement efforts."
Several people who had successfully cast their Patronuses froze, realizing that while they could summon Patronuses, they might not be able to do so in the presence of Dementors.
"We won't hold you back, and you'll need the manpower... There are so many prisoners in Azkaban," someone whispered.
"I hope you understand that breaking into Azkaban is a time-sensitive matter, even though the mysterious person is still abroad searching for something," Albert continued. "If you're not ready, there's no point in going, and you can do something more valuable by staying here. I must remind you that even after we rescue them, the resettlement process will be a huge challenge."
"Where do you plan to resettle them?" Sandra stood up and asked, "At the public shelter?"
"Yes, the public shelter," Albert confirmed. "I need people to temporarily station there to ensure the surrounding area is secure."
"That's not a pleasant place to stay," Cedric frowned, having been there several times and knowing the conditions of the shelter.
"We can't bring them to our shelters until we're certain they can be trusted," Albert said bluntly. "To be frank, I don't trust them, and I won't give them the chance to betray us. We can't afford such a betrayal."
"Of course, we will provide them with humanitarian aid, and those who stay behind need to prepare for that."
Albert turned to Sandra. "Any issues on your end?"
"None at all, but I'll need sufficient manpower." Sandra nodded, accepting the task. She had become quite adept at handling such matters, often helping to manage the headquarters of the Defense Association.
"Good. Hannah, you'll also need to make some preparations. I can't guarantee that like-minded partners will be willing to join us." Albert's meaning was clear: those who wanted to join would be offered shelter, while those who didn't would simply be given some assistance and left to their own devices after a brief recovery.
After all, they weren't running a charity.
No one objected, as those present shared a dislike for fence-sitters and cowards who lacked the courage to resist.
Joining the Defense Association didn't necessarily require combat; logistical support was always needed, as evidenced by the fact that more than half of the current group had been left behind to handle logistical tasks due to their lack of qualifications.
"Excellent. Those whose names were called, stay here. The rest of you, wait outside for a moment, and I'll assign your tasks shortly."
Only twenty-three people remained.
Albert asked them to cast their Patronuses one by one, dismissing four of them because their Patronus Charms weren't proficient enough to summon their Patronuses under the influence of Dementors.
"Azkaban is the headquarters of the Dementors, and the number of Dementors there far exceeds your imagination," Albert explained bluntly. "If you can't summon your Patronus under their pressure, you'll only be a burden if you come along. This is a matter of life and death, and I can't afford to joke around with people's lives."
Only with this attitude could everyone rest assured.
"I'm glad to see that more of you are able to participate in the operation. It shows that you've improved. I dare say that when the Ministry of Magic restores peace, you will all be qualified to apply for the Auror position, and you can consider it then."
The group exchanged glances, unsure why Albert had brought up this topic.
"I can secretly tell you that the next Minister of Magic will be Kingsley, so you don't have to worry at all."
"Alright, I won't beat around the bush anymore. Now, let's discuss our next course of action." Albert raised his wand and tapped the blackboard behind him, causing it to unfold and reveal some text.
"I believe you're all aware of the incidents in Hogsmeade. According to the latest information I just received from Sirius, the members of the Order of the Phoenix have successfully incited the foreign dark wizards to create trouble for the Death Eaters. In other words, before leaving Britain, these foreigners will raid Hogsmeade just like the Death Eaters did before. Therefore, our plan will take place at night while the outsiders distract the Death Eaters. We will seize this opportunity to break into Azkaban and rescue the prisoners being held there. It will likely take between half an hour to an hour, preferably less than half an hour, as the shorter the time, the safer it is. I believe the Death Eaters, attracted by the situation in Hogsmeade, won't be able to react in time."
"Why don't we cooperate with those outsiders and join forces to crush the Death Eaters?" Kenneth spoke for the others. "I mean, we could use Polyjuice Potion to infiltrate their group and strike back at the Death Eaters, or even finish them off completely. If another batch of Death Eaters dies, Voldemort will be left all alone."
"I understand your point, but we don't need to take that risk, and we don't want those foreign dark wizards to stay here. What if they're absorbed by Voldemort? Remember, dark wizards mostly rely on strength, and those outsiders are far superior to the current batch of Death Eaters. So, it's best if they leave Britain."
Albert's words were directed not only at Kenneth but also at anyone else who might have similar doubts.
He quickly brought the topic back to the discussion, outlining how they would suppress Azkaban comprehensively and carry out the rescue operation, as well as what to do in case of unexpected accidents and how to withdraw in an orderly manner afterward.
Albert had a plan for everything, even providing solutions for potential problems.
This was an elite combat squad that could hold their ground until reinforcements arrived, even if Voldemort himself showed up.
No matter how powerful a wizard was, there were always limits. This was evident in the case of Bogrod, who had been killed by the Death Eaters.
In Albert's original plan, Bogrod was supposed to be the one leading the foreign dark wizards to seek revenge against the Death Eaters.
Unfortunately, he had been betrayed and ambushed by his temporary team and other foreign dark wizards, resulting in his untimely demise.
This setback forced Albert to activate his backup plan.
Of course, Albert wasn't too worried about the plan falling apart, especially with the help of Felix Felicis. The only real complication was the absence of someone to draw Voldemort and the Death Eaters' hatred.
(End of Chapter)
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