Chapter 1417: Trap
Chapter 1417: Trap
"The mysterious person is indeed never idle. They've caused quite a stir as soon as they returned."
"The British magical community is certainly facing one calamity after another these days!"
Sirius Black put down the boring Muggle newspaper from the human world and looked up at the grim-faced Kingsley across from him. "Are you alright?"
Kingsley, who had once been the Muggle Prime Minister's assistant, knew more about Muggles than most wizards. Muggles were not sheep to be slaughtered, nor were they fools, especially when a series of accidents occurred. They would eventually uncover the truth.
Even though the Muggle Prime Minister had been obliviated and temporarily forgotten about the wizarding world, they would eventually find clues in this string of incidents.
Whether it was the massacred village residents, the destroyed important transportation bridges, or the damaged reservoir, there were always traces of wizards to be found.
Moreover, the recent flood had inundated numerous Muggle villages, leaving countless Muggles homeless.
How would this situation be resolved?
Kingsley couldn't imagine the Muggles tolerating such a ridiculous excuse.
No regime or person would tolerate such provocation.
"I think your worries are a bit unnecessary," Sirius said, picking up another newspaper from the side and tapping on it with his finger. "The Muggle Prime Minister has already been sent for treatment due to mental issues caused by overwork, so their side is in just as much disarray. Moreover, I don't think this is the time to worry about such things, at least not until you take over as the Minister of Magic... What's wrong, Remus? You don't look so good."
Seeing Remus Lupin approaching with a stern expression, Sirius easily sensed that something was amiss.
"The Death Eaters seem to be targeting another village," Lupin said as he and Bill Weasley sat down in the armchairs beside them. After downing the Butterbeer that Sirius handed him, he began to relay the news he had heard at the reopened Hog's Head pub.
"This is probably a trap!" Sirius exclaimed suddenly.
"We also believe it's a trap," Bill agreed. "The Death Eaters must think we're idiots if they believe we wouldn't see through such an obvious ploy."
However, that was precisely why they were troubled. It was a scheme, a blatant message conveyed through those Dark wizards' mouths, clearly stating their intention to turn the villagers into Inferi and daring the Order of the Phoenix to stop them if they could.
"The mysterious person is still in Britain," Lupin said bitterly. "I suspect they want to use this opportunity to lure us out. Now what do we do?"
"We can't save them all," Sirius shook his head. "Unless Anderson is willing to help deal with the mysterious person, we don't stand a chance."
While they had struck hard against the Death Eaters, they had not cowered in the face of the mysterious person either. But the gap in strength was undeniable, and some things weren't worth attempting, as it would only lead to meaningless sacrifices.
"Should we contact Anderson first and inform him about this?" Bill suggested. "Perhaps he'll have some ideas."
Bill would never forget Charlie's death, and he now valued Albert's suggestions more than anyone else's. That guy truly had a way with certain things.
In fact, the fact that none of them had encountered any trouble so far was proof of that.
"Don't even think about it, Anderson will never agree. That guy's too rational; he won't risk stepping into a trap set by others." Moody, who had walked in, reminded them. "Even less likely is he to allow himself to be led by the nose by the mysterious person."
"Is training over on your end?"
"Yes, it's over. They're making quick progress." Moody stuffed the empty bottle back into his pocket, picked up the newspaper from the table, glanced at it, and then threw it back.
"Let's contact Albert first and see if he has any better ideas." Bill suggested again.
"Don't pin too much hope on him."
Sirius took out the communication bookmark used to contact Albert in emergencies and briefly informed him of what had happened.
They didn't really expect to be able to solve the problem.
It was an unsolvable problem.
The atmosphere was oppressive throughout the evening. During dinner, when they brought up the matter, everyone was surprised that even Harry thought they shouldn't step into the enemy's trap.
"What does Albert say?" Hermione asked.
"He hasn't replied yet." Sirius shook his head. "Why don't you send him another message?"
"I think he'll probably suggest that we directly get rid of the Death Eaters and solve the problem at its root. That's the only solution right now."
Ron, who was eating dessert after dinner, suddenly interjected, "As long as we take care of those Death Eaters, even the mysterious person probably won't want to get directly involved."
"Shut up, Ron."
"Some things have to be done sooner or later. Do you expect us to cower and beg for peace and forgiveness from the mysterious person?" Ron scoffed, "Think about Charlie."
The atmosphere changed abruptly.
Charlie's death was undoubtedly a sore spot for the Weasley family.
In the end, under Mrs. Weasley's stern gaze, Ron quietly continued eating.
Ever since Sirius' plan successfully netted them some Galleons, their meals had noticeably improved, and those who had initially disagreed with the plan had fallen silent. Although they were currently eating, continuing to nag would only irritate them further.
Ron's words left many people silent, and those who had originally thought that directly killing the Death Eaters was too extreme began to consider the issue.
They were no longer mere spectators, but affected individuals with their interests at stake.
Many were surprised to find that this was indeed a good solution.
As for the meager guilt over killing the Dark wizards, it had long been kicked into a corner.
"We can't save everyone."
Albert replied not long after dinner, his opinion was undoubtedly polite, but his attitude was clear—he disagreed with stepping into the trap and fighting the Death Eaters head-on.
As they discussed the possibility of evacuating the villagers in low voices, another message came from the other side.
"Don't let the mysterious person think that this is our weakness, or it will only harm more ordinary people."
"Can we evacuate the residents of that village in advance and minimize Muggle casualties?" Hestia also offered her opinion.
"It's difficult. We can't be sure if there are Death Eaters ambushing that village. Since they've set such a trap, they must be prepared. Moreover..." Harry calmly reminded them in the face of everyone's surprised gazes, not to indulge in any fantasies, "Even if we really succeed in rescuing the villagers, the Death Eaters can just find another place... If they really want to do that, we simply can't stop them. I think that's what Albert means."
"I think that after this incident, many wizards will start to doubt us." Tonks didn't look happy; she disliked those who only knew how to spout nonsense.
"Perhaps that's one of their goals."
"To suppress us in this way?"
Everyone suddenly felt that it was very likely that this was indeed the reason. The growth of the anti-Voldemort force made them feel threatened, and Voldemort and the Death Eaters were trying to suppress them.
But did they expect them not to resist and bow down to Voldemort, just to beg for that pathetic peace?
Was that possible?
Impossible! (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
