Chapter 1432: Digging His Own Grave
Chapter 1432: Digging His Own Grave
"Do you really think what we're doing will work?" Hagrid muttered as he gulped down the drink in his hand, watching the relatives of the Order members walk away.
"I don't know, but I think it should prevent them from doing something stupid," Mr. Tonks replied, pouring himself a mug of warm butterbeer. "Either way, we've done what we can."
The two men were following Albert's suggestion to give the relatives of the Order members a gentle reminder and warning, hoping to save their lives in the process.
Albert had made it clear that there was a high probability that these people would be caught and killed by Death Eaters if they left this safe house, but it was difficult to convince them without proof.
Most people were stubborn that way, and Albert could only sigh at their foolishness.
Hagrid and Tonks, of course, weren't going to pass up the chance to save lives, and it would also lessen the burden on Albert.
"What if there are still some who don't believe us and insist on leaving?" Tonks pulled out a map he had prepared beforehand and turned to Hagrid. "Should we tie that guy up to prevent him from endangering himself and his family?"
"That's not a bad idea," Hagrid said as he put down his mug and stood up. "After all, staying alive is the most important thing."
In a short while, Hagrid returned with a middle-aged wizard bound and gagged.
"I just don't understand what they're thinking, rushing to their deaths like this," Tonks shook his head, truly unable to fathom their mindset.
"Maybe they just trust their own judgment more than Albert's warning," Hagrid replied bitterly. "I used to be like that too."
The mention of this brought a bitter taste to Hagrid's mouth, and he took the mug of butterbeer that Tonks offered, downing it in one gulp before continuing, "Humans only seem to realize their mistakes after they've suffered the consequences."
"So, are you saying that those who leave this safe house will definitely die?" Mr. Tonks asked curiously. He didn't know Albert as well as Hagrid, and while he was willing to believe him, he still had some doubts.
"Most likely," Hagrid replied after draining his mug. "Otherwise, Albert wouldn't have specifically asked us to come here and watch over them."
"But I doubt they'll just take our word for it," Hagrid added, "They'll probably need to see a few deaths before they realize how foolish they've been."
"Will there be deaths?" Tonks asked, surprised.
"I have a feeling there will be," Hagrid said, "Because I used to be that stubborn too. It wasn't until I was captured and almost lost my head in Azkaban that I realized how stupid I'd been." With that, Hagrid headed back to his room.
As Hagrid had expected, there were always a few stubborn individuals who refused to listen. At that moment, a group of them were gathered together, discussing the strange events of the day.
To be honest, everyone's feelings were complicated. They were grateful to Albert and the others for risking their lives to save them, but at the same time, they blamed Albert for dragging them and their families into this crisis.
"So, you've decided to join them?" Mr. Thompson asked, surprised at Mr. Diggory's decision.
"What else can we do? We really have no choice," Mr. Diggory replied helplessly. "Cedric secretly told me that Albert suspects we might have tracking magic on us."
Mr. Diggory felt helpless because Cedric had explicitly discussed this with him, and after the last incident, Cedric's attitude was firm. If they didn't cooperate, their memories would be modified, and they would have to wait for the war to end before they could be restored.
Humans tend to be followers, and after Mr. Diggory voiced his opinion, the others also expressed their willingness to stay and observe the situation before making a decision.
However, just two days after settling down in the safe house, they received some terrible news from the radio. The homes of the rescued wizards had been ransacked by Death Eaters, and their houses had been burned down.
This was a huge blow to the relatives who had just escaped from the Ministry of Magic's prison. Some even thought that their escape had been the most foolish decision they could have made.
Mr. Thompson seemed to agree with this sentiment.
However, the reason he wanted to leave the safe house temporarily was not because of this, but because he wanted to send a letter to his wife, telling her that he was safe and asking her to hide carefully.
Not long after Mr. Thompson left the safe house, he was captured by Death Eaters.
Just as Albert had predicted, someone had cast a tracking spell on them, and they were being watched constantly.
The capture of a fugitive delighted Yaxley.
After all, recapturing a fugitive could make up for his previous mistakes.
Perhaps they could extract some useful information from this man.
When Mr. Thompson was brought before Voldemort, his legs turned weak, and as soon as he was released, he fell to the ground, his face filled with terror as he looked at the sinister Dark Lord.
At that moment, Mr. Thompson regretted not heeding Albert's warning, but it was too late.
"I'm a pureblood, I haven't joined the Order of the Phoenix, and I can tell you anything you want to know," Mr. Thompson said quickly, his mind racing as he tried to come up with the best way to save himself.
These words surprised everyone present.
Voldemort looked the man up and down, easily seeing through his small scheme. He twisted his lips and asked, "What useful information can you offer me?"
"I know the location of the safe house," Mr. Thompson said, relieved that he had something to offer.
"I already know that," Voldemort said, raising his wand. "It seems you don't have any valuable information for me."
"No, wait, I'm willing to join you... Ah!"
A piercing scream filled the room as Voldemort's wand struck down.
After a long while, Voldemort lowered his wand, leaving Mr. Thompson lying on the ground like a puddle of mud.
"Let's see... what secrets are you hiding?"
In the past, Voldemort might have welcomed another pureblood joining his cause, but things were different now. He was more concerned about that Muggle-born and worried that this man was part of a plot against him.
So, without hesitation, Voldemort invaded the man's mind, seeking more useful information.
This action, however, revealed to Voldemort that Kevin Thompson, a member of the defense association, was the son of Mr. Thompson.
The subsequent result was just as Albert had predicted. Not only did Mr. Thompson suffer the Cruciatus Curse courtesy of Voldemort, but he also ended up endangering his son.
Upon learning this information, Voldemort naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass. He intended to use Mr. Thompson to capture his son, a member of the defense association, who would be a much more valuable captive.
And getting the son to cooperate would be a simple matter.
(End of Chapter)
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