Chapter 1504: Flexible Moral Compass
Chapter 1504: Flexible Moral Compass
Under the influence of the broadcast from the Wizarding Wireless Network, a foreboding atmosphere loomed over the entire British magical community in recent days.
Especially with the Death Eaters' search parties active again across Britain, people sensed that something was about to happen. They anxiously gathered around their radios, hoping to glean any useful information from the daily broadcasts.
The peculiarities in Britain soon affected the European Ministries of Magic, who had been secretly observing the situation.
Fearing that the International Confederation of Wizards would once again send Auror forces to Britain, the Death Eaters mobilized a large number of their members to closely monitor the activities of other countries.
However, the calmer Europe remained and the less interested they seemed in Britain, the more anxious the Death Eaters became. They knew it was the calm before the storm, a prelude to the hidden blades in the shadows striking at them.
How could they not feel fear after Albert, with Scrimgeour's help, had left the Death Eaters in a state of disarray? If the International Confederation of Wizards intervened this time, the blow would be even more devastating. In the event of a surprise attack by the Auror forces, how many of them could hope to survive?
The fear and anxiety permeating their minds compelled the Death Eaters, led by Yaxley, to resort to more radical means of obtaining information. This included the use of Legilimency to forcibly probe the memories of individuals and the use of Veritaserum to pry for intelligence.
Ironically, the actions of the Death Eaters played into Kingsley's hands and helped him convince the International Confederation of Wizards, even though the politicians outright rejected the idea of engaging in the upcoming battle and eradicating the Death Eaters once and for all. Nonetheless, Kingsley's true purpose was served.
While they were reluctant to take risks, they were more than happy to see Voldemort and his Death Eaters meet their downfall. Moreover, the previous embarrassment of the International Confederation of Wizards being controlled needed to be washed away with the blood of their enemies.
Thus, when Kingsley reintroduced the win-win plan, they readily agreed and pledged their cooperation to help the anti-Voldemort alliance defeat the Death Eaters.
All it took was a small amount of financial aid and the fabrication of a false rumor to intimidate the Death Eaters who were spying on them. In return, the International Confederation of Wizards would gain some credit for defeating the Dark Wizard, improving their reputation.
Even if the British anti-Voldemort alliance failed, they could still create significant troubles for Voldemort at a minimal cost to themselves.
As for being deceived?
They didn't think Kingsley would cheat them for those two thousand Galleons, unless he intended to abscond after this deal, which was obviously impossible.
"They agreed, but I still don't trust them. You know what kind of people those politicians are."
After securing the cooperation of the European Ministries, Kingsley immediately sent a message to Albert. Although he could guess part of Albert's intention, he still couldn't fully understand it.
"There will be forces compelling them to do so."
It wasn't until that evening that Kingsley received Albert's reply, "As long as they help us bear the pressure from the Death Eaters and buy us some time, that will be enough."
As Albert predicted, the Death Eaters finally obtained useful information. For instance: Europe intended to dispatch an elite force of over two hundred Aurors to collaborate with Britain's anti-Voldemort forces to eradicate the Dark Wizards lurking in the country.
Naturally, the Death Eaters didn't believe this nonsense. They would suspect it was one of Albert's schemes, but they would still send more wizards to monitor the movements of the European Ministries.
"Once they do that, they will inevitably trigger the nerves of the various Ministries of Magic. It's an unsolvable dilemma. Even if they suspect it's a trap from the beginning, they will have to grit their teeth and take the bait." Albert had no qualms about sharing insignificant secrets with the McDougal sisters as after-dinner conversation.
"Why?" Katrina was perplexed. "If the Death Eaters realize it's a trap, why would they still take the bait?"
Any sane person wouldn't make such a foolish move.
"Because they can't afford not to."
"Can't afford not to?"
"Because the last time I joined forces with Scrimgeour, we inflicted heavy casualties on the Dark Wizards. And this time, it's no different from the last; we're borrowing the knife of others to kill. At least, that's how they see it, and this time it's even more ruthless."
"Even if they see through it, it won't help."
Isabel knew that Albert definitely had a backup plan. While it might be challenging to get both sides to engage in direct combat, it wouldn't be difficult to have them restrain the Death Eaters. After all, there was an Unforgivable Curse called the Killing Curse.
Everyone knew that Albert didn't like Dark Magic and rarely used it, but Isabel, who had once helped to finish off Smith, was well aware that Albert didn't need to resort to Dark Magic because he could easily solve problems without it.
Her husband had a flexible moral compass, and to win this Wizarding War, Albert had no qualms about using the Killing Curse to achieve his goals.
"Yes, they have no chance, and I won't give them one," Albert said confidently. Now that he had come this far, he couldn't turn back.
Katrina gazed at his confident and handsome face, feeling a little mesmerized. She didn't quite understand where Albert's confidence came from, but it was clear that he had already made thorough arrangements regarding the Dark Wizard.
"When do you plan to make your move?"
"Friday night," Albert sighed. "I just don't know how many people will die this time."
"Why not eliminate the Dark Wizard and put an end to this Wizarding War directly?" Katrina believed that Albert had the ability, just like Dumbledore once did.
"Because doing so would entail a great risk," Albert replied with a hint of self-mockery in his tone. "I don't consider myself great enough to bear the burden of the entire British magical community."
"To do so would be arrogant, and arrogance always comes at a price," Isabel said, suspecting that her sister was being foolish.
"Sorry."
Katrina also realized how rude her words had been. No one deserved to be accused in such a manner.
"The Dark Wizard will never defeat me because he has already lost to Dumbledore," Albert said contemplatively. "I'm just fulfilling his dying request, polishing the plan while I'm at it, and making sure that the plan sees its end, ensuring that the Dark Wizard is banished for good."
"Do you plan to take action yourself?" Isabel still didn't want her husband to take unnecessary risks.
"Not necessarily. It depends on Harry Potter. If he can solve the problem of the Dark Wizard smoothly, I'd be happy to leave the opportunity to him." Albert didn't know if Harry would be able to come back to life as he did in the novel.
"If Harry fails, I'll have to step in and clean up the mess, taking care of the Dark Wizard."
Albert knew what Isabel was worried about and whispered reassuringly, "I still have Dumbledore's ultimate weapon. That guy doesn't stand a chance."
"Moreover, isn't there your promise?" He whispered in Isabel's ear, "I can't bear to..."
(End of Chapter)
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