Chapter 1499: The Last Lesson (Part 2)
Chapter 1499: The Last Lesson (Part 2)
"Highlighting the key points before the final exam" undoubtedly boosted everyone's confidence for the "finals," even livening up the usually subdued classroom.
If it weren't for Albert still highlighting the important parts, the people in the conference room would probably have started discussing the Battle of Hogwarts.
But for now, there was something even more important—listening quietly as Albert finished teaching this crucial final lesson.
"Next..."
Albert posted another picture on the blackboard, this time of a suspicious figure cloaked in black, clearly not someone to be trusted.
Everyone present knew this was a Dark Wizard.
"I'm not sure exactly how many Dark Wizards have joined forces with Voldemort, but their numbers are likely significant, as there are indications that Dark Wizards from all over Europe are gathering in Britain."
"Of course, the situation isn't as dire as you might think. As we know, most of the Dark Wizards who have joined Voldemort are opportunists. They won't be fanatically loyal to him because their primary concern is their own gain."
"However, we must not underestimate them just because they are a ragtag group used as cannon fodder by Voldemort. Their sheer numbers make them the greatest threat you will face in this war."
"And the reason is—"
Albert pinned a picture of a Death Eater wearing a mask to the board.
"According to my latest information, Voldemort has carefully selected his Death Eaters, and there are no weaklings among them now. They may not even wear their masks during the Battle of Hogwarts, so we can't predict if these despicable and treacherous individuals will continue to hide among the cannon fodder. That could easily lead to our downfall."
In Albert's plan, the real force against the Death Eaters was the Defense Association.
As for the Order of the Phoenix?
Albert had never pinned any hopes on them.
Even though the members of the Order were quite powerful, their numbers were few, and in the upcoming large-scale melee, they were far less reliable than the Defense Association.
After finishing his reminders, Albert paused to give everyone enough time to digest what he had just said.
"Aside from the members of the Defense Association and the Order of the Phoenix, who else will be participating in the Battle of Hogwarts?"
After some whispered discussions, Susan raised her hand to ask a question.
The room fell silent as everyone listened intently.
The answer was crucial.
This war would determine the future of the entire British wizarding world, and it was clear they couldn't rely solely on themselves and the Order of the Phoenix.
Especially before Albert established the Defense Association, were they supposed to just depend on the Order of the Phoenix?
If so, the situation would be utterly hopeless.
"The Defense Association, that is, us; and the well-known Order of the Phoenix will both be taking part in the Battle of Hogwarts. Then there's Hogwarts itself. Once we occupy the school, the professors will join us, and I expect a small portion of the students will also be willing to fight alongside us."
"The numbers are still vastly different."
Someone muttered under their breath.
Murmurs filled the conference room once more.
"Quiet!" Albert signaled for silence and continued, "Hogwarts has a spell to defend against external invaders, and we'll also have a bunch of knight puppets as cannon fodder. Moreover—the centaurs from the Forbidden Forest will be on our side as well."
"In addition," Albert said in a reassuring tone, "we have two safe houses. Safe House Number 1 is filled with Muggle-born wizards who have suffered under Voldemort and students who were forced to leave Hogwarts. They will likely join us and stand up for themselves."
"As for Safe House Number 2, I'm not sure how many will be willing to fight, but I believe not everyone will want to just sit and wait for death, especially now that we have a chance to turn the tide."
"What about the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic?" Susan asked.
"I'm not counting on them for now. According to Scrimgeour, the Aurors should be joining us to resist Voldemort, but ever since they defected to him, I can't be sure how many Aurors will remain neutral or help us win this Wizarding War."
"However, we will send word to the Wizarding Watch to notify all British wizards who support us. If those who secretly back us can muster the courage to stand with us, they will still be a force to be reckoned with. But, just like those Aurors who defected to Voldemort, we cannot pin our hopes on them."
If Albert could unite this group, it would be Voldemort who should be afraid.
"What about international support? Will the International Confederation of Wizards send Aurors to aid us?" Susan asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"It's unlikely. Those people are politicians. Even if they verbally commit to sending reinforcements, they'll probably be like Muggle police, showing up only after everything is over. So, I've never expected anything from them."
Albert had a very low opinion of those people, but he wasn't slandering them—he was just stating facts.
"But don't worry, because our numbers aren't as small as you think."
All of this was the result of Albert's efforts to weaken Voldemort's power and expand his own advantages.
Now, they were no longer fighting alone, nor did they need to rashly involve themselves in a massive battle they hadn't prepared for.
Compared to the members of the Order of the Phoenix and the Defense Association, the people living in Safe House Number 1 were surprisingly enthusiastic about the upcoming Battle of Hogwarts.
Perhaps it was because they weren't expected to participate in the battle.
When Albert's message was conveyed to them through Hagrid, the entire safe house erupted in excitement, and most people expressed their willingness to join. As a result, it had become commonplace to ask others whether they would be participating in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Whether it was for their own sake or something else, more and more people were declaring that they would go to Hogwarts to support Harry Potter, so much so that Hagrid organized a grand party in support of "Harry Potter" and took the opportunity to educate them on the key points Albert had highlighted.
Everyone was well aware that this battle would determine the future of the British wizarding world and their own destinies.
No one wanted to miss it, and no one was afraid.
This wasn't due to ignorance, as they all knew that Albert had prepared thoroughly.
All they needed to do was follow Harry and defeat Voldemort to end this damned Wizarding War and restore peace to their lives.
Ironically, a large portion of the adults were timid and even unwilling to participate in the upcoming Battle of Hogwarts.
They seemed to have forgotten that they were being sheltered and fed here precisely because they needed to stand bravely at this critical moment, standing beside Harry so he wouldn't have to face Voldemort and his Death Eaters alone.
Of course, Albert wasn't a villain, and he didn't force them, as he knew that even if these "cowardly" adults didn't want to participate in the final battle at Hogwarts, someone would push them to make a choice.
Sometimes, you have no choice but to fight.
Unless you want to become a laughingstock to the entire British wizarding world.
Deserters were rarely tolerated, and once you fled, there would be no place for you in the British wizarding world.
(End of Chapter)
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