Chapter 1419: A Deterrent Fading Away
Chapter 1419: A Deterrent Fading Away
Compared to Albert's indifferent reaction to this matter, the Defense Association was once again thrown into a frenzy upon receiving the news.
Far from being a plot to lure them into a trap, it was clear that the mysterious figure was issuing a declaration of war to the entire resistance group.
It was as if the figure was daring them to come, boldly waiting for them to take the bait.
Because of this, everyone felt a surge of anger and frustration, their fists clenched in anticipation of confronting the despicable schemes and knocking their adversaries to the ground.
However, despite their focus on preparing for battle, they never received notification of the assembly, leading many to realize that Albert did not support their intention to walk into the enemy's trap.
As a result, the atmosphere at the Association headquarters became somewhat radicalized, with numerous members believing that they ought to take some form of action instead of standing by and watching the residents of a village be slaughtered.
Small groups could often be seen gathering, passionately discussing the situation with indignation.
It was unclear if they were outraged on behalf of the innocent villagers who would soon perish or disappointed that they would not be able to engage in the fight against the Death Eaters.
Undoubtedly, their initial fantasies of chasing down the enemy and emerging victorious had vanished.
During this period, the Association members exuded confidence, even in the face of the possibility of confronting Voldemort. They displayed no signs of fear or anxiety and did not view their aspirations as unrealistic.
In their minds, Albert would deal with Voldemort while they took on the unpleasant task of confronting the Death Eaters.
Unfortunately, their expectations were destined to be shattered.
Kenneth shook his head as he faced the emotionally charged members before him, "If this operation were safe enough, Albert wouldn't mind letting you participate. But blindly stepping into someone else's trap is out of the question."
"Why not?" one of them asked, with several others chiming in agreement, evidently believing that Albert had the means to lead them to victory.
"Of course, it's out of concern for your safety," Kenneth replied. "The Death Eaters aren't truly fools. Previously, they were mostly concerned about Albert's threat."
"Okay, even if the Death Eaters are fools, what about the mysterious figure?"
Kenneth felt that these individuals had been intoxicated by their successive victories.
"Do you truly believe that a carefully laid trap meant for us would be easy to overcome? Without Albert's protection, if we forcefully charge in, who knows how many of us will be left standing."
"But..."
"Even sacrificing one of us is a loss for us. And even if we somehow win, what then? We still won't be able to deal with the mysterious figure."
Noticing that the other person was about to argue further, Kenneth decisively voiced his opinion.
"What if the mysterious figure continues their schemes? What if they keep using Muggle villages as leverage against us? Are we going to keep falling into the traps they so meticulously set for us, allowing more Muggles to be dragged into this wizarding war and becoming innocent casualties?"
"They're capable of doing that, don't expect any nobility from them. Because if the situation were reversed, we would probably do the same."
Seeing the stunned expressions on their faces, Kenneth continued, "So don't do anything foolish. We need to trust Albert's judgment. That guy is smarter than any of us, and he always makes the right calls. He ensures our victory while minimizing casualties."
Kenneth scanned the group and added, "I know you're not afraid to sacrifice yourselves, but don't let the enemy lead you by the nose. That will only put us at a disadvantage."
In the current situation, they could only try to calm everyone's emotions and prevent anyone from doing something reckless.
In fact, Fred, George, and Sanaa had all noticed that the Defense Association was becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
Once the confident members stopped heeding their commands and arrangements, the situation could easily spiral out of control, potentially endangering everyone.
"Keep an eye on them for the next few days... and, by the way, explain the mysterious figure's plot to them." Sanaa said to a group of team members she had gathered in the office.
"I'd like to believe that there's no one in the Association who would do something rash without thinking, but some precautions are necessary."
"Is this Albert's intention?" Lee Jordan asked, raising his hand, "That guy hasn't given us any word at all during this time."
"No, he hasn't replied, but I think he knows," Sanaa said, slapping a piece of parchment on the table. "There was a similar incident before, and he left an emergency plan for us then."
"We can't possibly step into someone else's trap, especially when the one setting it is the mysterious figure. No one knows what painful price we'll have to pay if we recklessly walk into it." Sanaa scanned the room, continuing, "Remember, the purpose of this trap is to eliminate us. We can't let our people die meaningless deaths."
"You all understand that we can't save everyone. And if we go this time, what about the next time and the time after that?"
"We'll help keep an eye on them," Cedric volunteered, and the others quickly followed suit.
"Great, let's hold an assembly soon and expose the mysterious figure's plot to them. In the meantime, assign them more intensive training tasks!"
The group exchanged glances and turned to leave to notify the others about the assembly.
"Why don't you tell them yourself?" Sanaa asked as the door closed behind Fred and the others.
"The outcome would be the same, and I hate repeating myself," Albert's figure appeared out of thin air.
"It also prevents them from thinking that I'm scared," Albert continued, shaking his head. "You know, the members of the Association are very emotional right now. They're itching for a fight with the mysterious figure and the Death Eaters. But life is precious, and it's not worth risking it for such matters."
"I still think..." Sanaa began, but Albert interrupted her.
"They already know, they're just unwilling to accept it. To be honest, it's annoying to talk to a group of people who refuse to listen."
"But if even you can't convince them..."
"There are no 'ifs'. We just need to lay out the specifics for them and let them make their own choices." Albert said quietly, "They're all adults, and they need to take responsibility for their actions. If they do something foolish and lose their lives, it's their own fault."
While it was possible to apparate near the Defense Association headquarters, no one would do something so foolish. Once someone left, they wouldn't be able to apparate back.
This was a precaution to prevent the Death Eaters from capturing someone and extracting the location of the headquarters from their memory.
Because of this, Albert trusted that they would make the right choice. People need to grow up.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
