Chapter 1463: Cannon Fodder
Chapter 1463: Cannon Fodder
"So, they're still organizing the Auror squad?"
This piece of news reached Albert through Harry's mouth as he was teaching the young wizard the Incendiary Curse.
With the International Confederation of Wizards remaining inactive, it was only natural for Kingsley to continue following up on the matter. However, the outcome was as Albert had predicted—the various foreign Ministries of Magic had little interest in interfering with Britain's chaotic situation, especially after learning of the country's current dire state. They certainly weren't eager to send their Aurors into harm's way.
After all, Voldemort didn't earn the title of the Dark Lord easily; his forces of Dark Wizards had already taught the International Confederation of Wizards a harsh lesson not long ago.
"I wonder what the various Ministries of Magic are thinking," Hermione said, perplexed. Initially, everyone had assumed that the Confederation's Aurors would strike hard and deal a heavy blow to Britain's Dark Wizards. Yet, they had taken so long just to organize a squad, and still, no one had seen any signs of them. As a result, many British wizards who had been eagerly awaiting their help felt that the Witch Watch was merely toying with their hopes.
"Engaging in a war with Dark Wizards is a risky endeavor. If Dark Wizards emerged in another country, would you be willing to risk your lives for the sake of justice?" Albert looked at the trio meaningfully. "Moreover, the enemy we face is someone as dangerous as the mysterious person."
The three friends exchanged glances and fell silent.
"Yeah, I guess they'd rather keep their distance. Where would they find the courage to willingly step into the path of such a dangerous individual?" Harry suddenly felt foolish. He now had a clearer understanding of the situation and no longer held any expectations for aid that would never come.
"Therefore, instead of relying on them, we should focus on defeating the mysterious person ourselves. It's foolish to pin our hopes on others," Albert reminded them.
"But you're also pinning your hopes on Harry," Ron retorted, unable to hold back.
"Ron," Hermione felt like facepalming. She thought Ron was being incredibly—stupid.
Your words are as good as calling Albert stupid to his face.
"This is Harry's destiny. Although I dislike the concept of destiny, I did promise Dumbledore that I would provide you with some help," Albert glanced at Ron and said indifferently, "Of course, you can also believe that I'm using you to defeat the mysterious person."
"You're right. It is foolish to pin our hopes on others," Harry agreed, and he practiced the Incendiary Curse with renewed vigor, his attitude improving significantly.
As for Ron, although he was as casual as ever, his state of mind had improved, and he was at least practicing seriously, whether or not he could master the spell was another matter.
"Umm..."
Before they left for the day, Harry approached Albert privately.
"What's the matter?" Albert asked.
"If I die, would you be the godfather of my child?" Harry brought up a topic that surprised even Albert.
"Your child with Ginny Weasley?"
"Although I can't be certain, I intend to have a child before the final battle. Probably..."
Harry felt a bit embarrassed talking about this, as he and Ginny weren't married. It was indeed quite shocking.
"I thought you'd have a better candidate in mind," Albert naturally guessed Harry's intention, but he was surprised that Harry had brought it up so directly.
"If I die, you're the most suitable person to provide shelter and ensure the safety of Ginny and our child. I sincerely thank you for that," Harry said earnestly.
To be honest, Harry had no regrets. Since he had made that decision, he wanted to make sure that he had prepared for the worst.
As for whether Albert would die in this Wizarding War?
Harry wasn't worried about that.
Albert would outlive them all.
There was no doubt about his character and reliability.
"Alright, but I don't think you'll die in this war," Albert said, a little surprised by Harry's change in attitude. He shifted his gaze toward the culprit, feeling quite impressed with Hermione.
"What were you two talking about?" Ron asked curiously.
"Albert said I won't die," Harry replied.
He clearly didn't want to discuss this matter with Ron, so he changed the subject.
"That's a good sign. Albert's predictions are usually accurate," Hermione chimed in, helping to divert the conversation. She had guessed why Harry had approached Albert, and it was an idea she had planted in Harry's mind. The results seemed much better than she had anticipated.
"By the way, Harry..." Ron hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I know I might be sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, but..."
"Ron, I think you shouldn't meddle in this," Hermione said, feeling exasperated with Ron. "The Weasley family is happy for Harry and Ginny to be together."
Ron opened his mouth, then closed it again under Hermione's insistent gaze. Deep down, he knew she was right.
"I'm just a little worried because what we're doing is dangerous," Ron added.
For some reason, Ron felt like Hermione and Harry were keeping something from him, and he hated that feeling of being left out, like a fool.
"Ginny isn't a fool. She understands our situation very well, and she doesn't expect us to get married in the end," Harry said, his lips twitching slightly. "Of course, if I can survive this Wizarding War, we'll probably end up together."
"Don't worry, Harry. Didn't Albert say you won't die? His predictions are always accurate, so you don't need to worry too much," Hermione consoled him. She had faith in Albert, and she was quite pleased when she heard the news. After all, she was the one who had brought Harry and Ginny together, and as Ginny's best friend, Hermione didn't want Ginny to spend the rest of her life alone.
Ron stole a glance at Hermione and sighed almost imperceptibly.
When the trio returned to the Phoenix headquarters, they found it strangely empty, with not a soul in sight. The unusual absence of people made them wary.
They exchanged glances and drew their wands.
"Harry, you're back!"
Ginny emerged from the kitchen and greeted Harry with a hug, causing Ron to shift his gaze away uncomfortably.
"Where is everyone?" Hermione asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Kingsley just returned. It seems the situation with the International Confederation of Wizards isn't very good. He said that the various Ministries of Magic are deliberately stalling and don't want to get involved, which is making it difficult to gather enough Aurors for the squad," Ginny explained.
"Oh..."
Ron didn't know what to say.
"So, what are they discussing now?" Harry asked curiously.
"I think they're planning to put some pressure on the various Ministries of Magic," Ginny said, not having a clear understanding of the specifics.
"Even if they do come, they probably won't be of much help," Ron said, confused about everyone's high expectations of the Confederation's Auror squad.
"At the very least, they can cause some trouble for the Death Eaters and buy us some time, even if they don't put in much effort," Hermione said meaningfully.
"Moreover, we're here too, aren't we?" Harry added suddenly.
"Oh, so we're the cannon fodder," Ron realized.
"No, we're calling in reinforcements," Ginny corrected him.
She felt like Ron was a bit slow on the uptake. Even if they were looking for cannon fodder, they shouldn't just say it outright.
(End of Chapter)
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