Chapter 1383: Concerns
Chapter 1383: Concerns
Unlike the celebratory atmosphere of the post-rescue celebration held by the Defense Association, the mood among the members of the Order of the Phoenix was considerably more somber as they convened for an emergency meeting to discuss the previous night's events.
They couldn't help but feel dismayed by George's use of Albert's portal key to send off the five relatives. It had been a shocking display of cowardice that none of them had anticipated, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths.
Having experienced the previous Wizarding War, the members of the Order were well aware that not all witches and wizards would bravely stand against the Death Eaters. However, the extent of fear and self-preservation displayed by the five relatives had caught them off guard, and those who had gone to rescue them couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort.
"That's the harsh reality," Moody grumbled, dissatisfied with the oppressive atmosphere that hung in the air. "You all should know that from the last war. We can't rely on most witches and wizards to join our fight; it's enough that they're not our enemies."
The behavior of the five had indeed affected the morale of the group, causing them to question the purpose of their desperate struggle against the Death Eaters to restore peace to the British magical community. Was it really worth risking their lives for people like that? They certainly didn't deserve such sacrifices.
"You don't need to comfort us; their actions were disgusting," said Diggory, his face twisted in disgust. "To be honest, I even suspect they were under the Imperius Curse. I don't think they deserved our help. If I had known they were such cowards, I would have left them to their fate."
"That's enough, Diggory," interrupted Sirius. "They weren't warriors, and you can't expect—"
"No one is born a warrior, Remus," Sirius cut in. "I'm sure those five would have met a horrible end in some dark corner if Albert had left them to their own devices."
"It was intentional," Moody stated.
"What was?"
"I'm saying Anderson did it on purpose," Moody said firmly. "It seems he wants to drag more people into this mess. Did you hear the broadcast tonight? Those five are now being used as negative examples to warn others not to fall for the Death Eaters' lies."
"I don't see the problem with that," Hermione interjected. "He just doesn't want us to fight alone. The Order alone can't defeat the Death Eaters; we need more like-minded allies."
"We do need more allies," Sirius agreed with Hermione. "Albert has succeeded in gaining the support of many witches and wizards. Otherwise, we would have been powerless to help those people last night."
Arthur, for his part, didn't see an issue with it either. He was well aware that the Order alone stood no chance against the Death Eaters, and the emergence of the Defense Association had given them the strength to push back.
"The students at Hogwarts admire him a lot," Hestia Jones suddenly spoke up.
"I don't think that's a problem," Sirius said, echoing Dumbledore's earlier words. "As Anderson said, no one can afford to sit this one out. I don't want Harry to face this alone. Why should he bear the burden of restoring peace to the British magical community by himself while others watch safely from the sidelines?"
Were those people really worth risking their lives for? Sirius didn't consider himself that noble.
"I really don't understand what you're all trying to say," Mrs. Weasley said, looking confused.
"His methods are too radical," Moody stated, drawing surprised glances from the group, as they hadn't expected him to use the word "radical."
"And many, many people could die because of it."
The group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.
The topic of death always weighed heavily on them.
"Isn't defeating the Death Eaters and winning this war the most important thing?" Hermione finally asked, her voice laced with determination.
"People die in wars, and we've already sacrificed so much," she continued, her eyes flashing. "For one, I refuse to be thrown into Azkaban just because I'm a Muggle-born. You've all been there, and you know how many Muggle-born witches and wizards died in that damn prison, never receiving the help they desperately needed."
"Hermione—" Ron began, looking uneasy.
"Winning this war is the most important thing," Kingsley interrupted, his emotions complex. He knew more about the situation than most in the room. "Since Dumbledore founded the Order, countless lives have been lost. We must win!"
Kingsley had been one of the core participants in Scrimgeour's plan, and he understood Moody's concerns. However, they had limited choices. Defeating the Death Eaters was the top priority, regardless of whether they were being used by others or not—something he didn't particularly care about.
Ultimately, the level of trust between the two sides was not high, and that was simply the reality of their situation.
"We can't assume that everything is Anderson's scheme," Kingsley said, changing the subject. "Those who think they can stay neutral will also be dragged into this mess when the situation escalates. I believe that, if necessary, we can persuade the Aurors. They haven't truly sided with the Death Eaters; they're just seeking a decent salary by remaining in the Ministry."
"Do you think they'll be willing?" someone asked. "If I were them, I wouldn't want to get involved in this war again."
"They will be willing," Kingsley asserted. "Don't forget how many Death Eaters the Aurors have taken down. Do you really think those Death Eaters won't seek revenge? The Aurors have no choice but to side with us." Kingsley, too, suspected that this might be part of Albert's plan—to bring the Aurors to their side. Having such reliable allies was reassuring.
"What if they refuse?"
"If they refuse, we can always use another method of persuasion," Kingsley said, his eyes glinting dangerously.
"But—"
Everyone knew what Kingsley was referring to, but did they really want to resort to that?
"There's also this," Kingsley continued, his jaw clenched. "I think we should publicize this incident and make sure others give up their unrealistic fantasies. I don't know what else the Death Eaters are capable of, but I'm certain this won't be the last time they cross the line."
He hesitated for a moment before revealing the plan Scrimgeour had initially intended to carry out.
The group listened, stunned.
Mobilize the entire Ministry to fight against the Death Eaters?
If that happened, the Death Eaters would be like rats scurrying across the street, hunted by everyone.
"This proposal was originally suggested to Scrimgeour by Anderson," Moody recalled. "Dumbledore didn't agree because he thought it would result in a lot of casualties."
"In fact, not long after Dumbledore's death, Scrimgeour was murdered, and the plan fell apart. But now I suspect..."
"That was Scrimgeour's idea, and I was there," Kingsley said, puzzled by Moody's concern. "Perhaps Mr. Anderson did offer him some assistance, but Scrimgeour wasn't easily influenced, especially since he was already the Minister of Magic."
(End of Chapter)
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