Chapter 1456: Dragging Others Down
Chapter 1456: Dragging Others Down
Isobel had just finished washing her hair when she heard the door open outside the bathroom. She grabbed a towel from the side to dry her hair and pushed open the half-closed door. She ran into Albert returning to the room and kissed his cheek before asking with a smile, "Dear, has something good happened recently?"
"No good news, but plenty of bad news."
Albert took the towel from Isobel, gestured for her to sit in the nearby armchair, and began to help dry her hair.
"Bad news?"
"I received a message from the Order of the Phoenix saying that the British wizarding world is in chaos due to Dark Wizards."
"You seem pleased to see this."
Isobel observed her husband's expression in the mirror, sensing that Albert was indeed glad about the current situation.
"It's not a matter of being pleased or not," Albert said softly. "The conflict between the Death Eaters and regular wizards is severe, and it was only a matter of time before they clashed."
"The problem is, not everyone welcomes war. There must be many who strive to remain neutral, right?"
Isobel knew this had something to do with Albert. He had organized a Defense Association with many young wizards, teaching them how to fight Dark Wizards. Now, the Defense Association had grown to a point where it posed a threat to the Death Eaters.
"To be honest, I really detest those who try to remain neutral at this point," Albert said with contempt. "Things have progressed this far, and those who don't take a stand are simply delusional. Thankfully, the harsh reality is teaching them a lesson."
"Perhaps that's why people yearn for heroes and saviors." Isobel spoke softly.
"Putting hope in others is foolish. Many have suffered in this storm sweeping through the British wizarding world."
Albert put down the towel and ran his hand through Isobel's smooth red hair. "There, it's almost dry. Let's take a shower together!"
This had become a little pleasure in the lives of the young couple.
"So, why were you happy just now?"
Isobel tied up her dry hair with a hairband and asked curiously.
"Oh, you mean about this!" Albert paused, then explained with a laugh, "Others have finally decided to use their brains. I imagine the Chairman of the International Wizarding Federation, Babajide Akinbade, must be having a headache lately."
"I don't think so," Isobel said. "If the International Wizarding Federation truly wanted to get involved in the wizarding war in Britain, they would have sent Aurors by now."
"I guess they'll send a token force to Britain and maybe even condemn the crimes of the Death Eaters, but that's probably it," Albert estimated.
"You'll find out in a few days," Albert said as he reached for the bathroom door.
As Albert predicted, Babajide Akinbade, the Chairman of the International Wizarding Federation, had indeed been facing a headache lately.
He had received yet another letter from Britain, containing photographs of Muggle villages massacred by Dark Wizards and bodies turned into Inferi.
Every once in a while, Babajide would receive a letter denouncing the crimes of Voldemort, his Death Eaters, and their Dark Wizard followers.
Unfortunately, Kingsley's letters did not evoke sympathy from Babajide for the British wizards. Instead, they infuriated the Chairman, and he felt like tossing the letter into the fireplace.
However, his rationality prevailed, and he stored the letters in a drawer instead. He knew he couldn't do that, as it would only bring him trouble later on.
Babajide didn't care how many Muggles were slaughtered in Britain or how many were turned into Inferi. His concern was the exposure of wizards to the Muggle world, which was the responsibility and obligation of the International Wizarding Federation.
He could pretend to be ignorant, but he couldn't afford to be complacent about the press in various countries.
Once the wizard named Kingsley Shacklebolt completely lost hope in the International Wizarding Federation, he would likely share the news directly with the press in other countries, quickly spreading it throughout the global wizarding community.
Then, the International Wizarding Federation would face its biggest crisis of trust.
Just thinking about the consequences was terrifying.
The worst part was that, regardless, the biggest trouble would land on his head as the person in charge.
At that time, he would have to resign and leave! Babajide truly didn't want to take the fall, but he also knew that bringing it up now would be useless. Each country had its own agenda and didn't want to interfere in Britain's wizarding war. Some wizards even took pleasure in Britain's misfortune.
Who could blame them, given how much hatred the British Ministry of Magic had garnered over the years?
Of course, the main reason for this reluctance to interfere was the presence of the formidable Voldemort.
Even Dumbledore had fallen victim to them, and getting involved now would likely result in numerous casualties.
No one wanted such a troublesome situation on their hands.
Therefore, convening the International Wizarding Federation to discuss this matter was a thankless task. Otherwise, why hadn't the so-called interference coalition been formed yet, not even a shadow of it? Everyone was pretending not to know about it.
Honestly, Babajide didn't want to bring up the topic either, but he also didn't want to take the blame.
With a sigh of helplessness, Babajide picked up his quill and began writing another letter, mentioning the need to convene another meeting.
As Babajide had guessed, not all members were willing to attend this meeting, and many glared at him, blaming him for deliberately causing trouble.
Once everyone had gathered, Babajide stood up and immediately addressed the reason for the meeting, leaving no room for complaints.
"I have recently received numerous letters from Britain detailing the heinous crimes committed by Death Eaters and their followers." Babajide paused as he noticed the indifferent expressions on their faces and continued, "In Britain, a large number of Muggles have been slaughtered by Dark Wizards, and the British wizarding world is at risk of exposure to Muggles. I know what you're thinking, but we cannot let this continue. It will eventually come to light."
Babajide then pulled out the stack of photographs Kingsley had sent him, selected one, and enlarged it for everyone to see. "I have taken the time to verify this information, and the situation in Britain is indeed dire. The Dark Wizards have even created an army of Inferi."
"We are already in the process of forming an intervention coalition," someone reminded him loudly.
"I heard about that months ago," Babajide acknowledged. "You can take your time forming the coalition, but the situation in Britain cannot wait. I have been receiving letters from Britain, and so can you and the press in your countries. If this spreads throughout the wizarding world, you should be aware of the consequences."
"This is a blatant threat!"
"Is it necessary?" Babajide countered. "The situation in Britain has deteriorated significantly. Many vicious wizards have flooded into that country, making life difficult for the wizards there. Some are even trying to flee. If we let Dark Wizards take over that country, you know what will happen. Don't underestimate the Muggles."
(End of Chapter)
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