Chapter 1487: The Avenger
Chapter 1487: The Avenger
Ever since Lee Jordan and Kingsley Shacklebolt used the Wizarding Wireless Network to broadcast the news that the International Confederation of Wizards would no longer be aiding Britain, a despairing gloom had settled over the entire British wizarding community.
With Kingsley's help, people had learned from newspapers around the world that the renowned International Confederation of Wizards was likely under Voldemort's control.
"To be honest, we don't understand why you have to crush everyone's hope like this," said Neville and Hannah as they approached Albert on one of his visits to check in on the Dumbledore's Army members who were still recuperating. The topic of the Wizarding Wireless Network broadcasts had been weighing on everyone's minds.
The shelter's atmosphere had become oppressive due to the broadcast's content.
"It's important to face reality," Albert replied bluntly. "If people believe that international allies will come to our rescue and defeat Voldemort, will they truly muster the courage to stand up and fight?"
Neville and Hannah exchanged glances, both remaining silent as they had their own speculations, though they didn't voice them.
"When people endure their suffering quietly, waiting in vain for the International Confederation's Aurors to arrive, what do you think will happen to their morale?" Albert continued, his tone frank. "They will feel betrayed by the Wizarding Wireless Network, believing us to be liars, and all their anger will be directed at us because they no longer have the courage to face Death Eaters and Voldemort."
Albert was blunt in his speech because Neville and Hannah were helping to manage the shelter, and they needed to understand the truth more than anyone else there, rather than indulging in unrealistic fantasies.
"I have to admit, the mood here is quite gloomy, and people are losing hope," Hannah said helplessly. "The news about the International Confederation has really shaken their confidence."
"Putting all your hope in others is foolish," Albert interjected. "That's why I took the time to write the 'Self-Defense Guide,' hoping that people would gain the strength to take action instead of pinning all their hopes on Harry. That's too much burden for him to bear alone."
Neville and Hannah shared a look, thinking, 'We're also putting our hopes on you!' But they didn't say it aloud. Instead, they invited Albert to stay and give a lecture to lift the oppressive atmosphere in the shelter.
Although Albert needed to continue Harry's lessons, he eventually agreed, understanding that having hope snatched away could be devastating.
His lectures were well-received as they were packed with practical knowledge. However, claiming that everyone benefited immensely would be an exaggeration.
Many things had their prerequisites, and in the case of the wizarding duels Albert taught, most of the attendees could only broaden their understanding as their repertoire of spells was neither wide enough nor practiced enough to truly utilize the dueling techniques Albert demonstrated. Even Neville and Hannah, who were called upon to demonstrate, were only marginally better than the rest.
"You shouldn't have much trouble dealing with ordinary Dark wizards," Albert assured the group, "but don't rely solely on the Ironskin Charm, as most Dark magic can penetrate it and harm you. Your opponents are indeed capable of that, although fortunately, they lack proper training, making them far less formidable than you might imagine."
"Could you teach us some practical Dark magic, sir?" someone from the crowd asked, raising their hand.
"It's not that I'm unwilling to teach you, but Dark magic is more challenging to master and use than regular spells," Albert explained, tapping his finger against his temple. "To unleash the true lethality of Dark magic, you must also be ruthless in your heart. And using it frequently can distort one's personality."
"What do you mean?"
"It means you must have the resolve to take down your opponent," Albert elaborated. "Otherwise, you'll subconsciously hold back, resulting in mediocre Dark magic that might as well be replaced by standard spells for better results."
Albert surveyed everyone present and said solemnly, "Moreover, ordinary spells can also yield unexpected results."
As he spoke, he raised his hand in a gesture for quiet and continued, "Remember, as long as you can take away and destroy their wand, most witches and wizards pose little threat to you. A simple Stunning Spell will easily knock them out, so there's really no need to worry about Dark magic."
However, not everyone heeded his words. As Albert prepared to leave, the only Slytherin student in the shelter approached him, hoping to learn some Dark magic spells.
"Do I look like someone adept at Dark magic to you?" Albert asked jokingly.
"Sorry, sir, but I believe you must have some knowledge of it," Nelson Tobin said, bowing his head in apology. He knew that the man before him, like Dumbledore, did not favor the use of Dark magic and did not rely on it.
"You don't need to apologize. I just hope that you won't be too extreme in your actions, as that can easily cost you your life... Never mind." Albert also knew that he couldn't change the other's mind, so he took him aside to a secluded spot and, as requested, taught him some basic Dark magic. He wanted to see if Nelson had any talent for it first before proceeding further.
He was well aware that someone like Nelson Tobin, driven by revenge, couldn't be easily swayed by mere words. In this case, it was better to indulge him a little.
However, talent was necessary to master Dark magic, especially the more powerful spells. This was also the reason why some Death Eaters considered themselves superior.
If Nelson Tobin had the talent and was willing to work hard, he could become a formidable weapon against the Death Eaters.
"You don't seem very happy."
As Albert prepared to leave, he saw Hagrid waiting for him.
"Didn't you see everything?" Albert asked.
"Then why did you teach him Dark magic?" Hagrid asked, puzzled.
"Even if I didn't teach him, Nelson Tobin would find a way to learn Dark magic on his own. It might even make things worse. In this case, it's better for me to guide him," Albert explained. "That guy's mind is filled with thoughts of revenge, but I can't convince him to give up his hatred, nor do I have any reason to stop him.
"If I were in his position, I might do the same." Hagrid also sighed, as he, too, yearned for revenge and could understand Nelson's feelings.
"Exactly."
"Is the situation outside really that bad?" Hagrid led Albert to his room and poured him a cup of amber-colored tea, seemingly wanting to gather some information from him.
Nowadays, Hagrid also openly used the wand hidden in his umbrella. After all, the Ministry of Magic was under the control of the Death Eaters, and even if they wanted to cause trouble for him, they could come up with plenty of other excuses.
"It's indeed dire. You should have received news from the Order of the Phoenix as well, right?" Albert replied.
"I think their information isn't as reliable as yours, and..." Hagrid hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more.
"Don't overthink it. If the Death Eaters truly control the International Confederation of Wizards, you should be glad," Albert said.
"Why?"
The people who had been eavesdropping from the neighboring room finally revealed themselves.
"Because it means the Death Eaters now have more enemies, and we're no longer fighting alone. That's crucial," Albert said softly. "So, Kingsley's decision to involve the International Confederation was the right move. And if the International Confederation is indeed under their control, trust me, the other European countries won't tolerate their authority being undermined."
"Do you think we can really defeat the Death Eaters? I heard..."
"We should believe in Harry," Albert interrupted. "But defeating the Death Eaters isn't just our responsibility. All witches and wizards in Britain should unite for this cause."
(End of Chapter)
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