Chapter 1505: On the Brink
Chapter 1505: On the Brink
Knock, knock, knock! After a rapid succession of knocks, the door to the room was pushed open from the outside. Ron rushed in and shouted at Harry, who was bidding farewell to Ginny, "Harry, Albert's here, and he's waiting for you!"
"You're really absent-minded," Hermione said helplessly to Ron. "Let's go out first and leave them alone."
"It's not like we're parting forever."
Ron grumbled as he was pulled away by Hermione.
"I bet that mysterious guy won't live past tonight," Ginny said, turning back to Harry as the bedroom door closed again. "Ron really lacks awareness. No wonder Hermione has been out of his reach."
"Don't worry, I'll be back," Harry said, ignoring the comment.
"I know," Ginny replied.
"We've made all the necessary preparations, and we have Albert with us," Harry looked into Ginny's eyes and continued, "So promise me, stay here and don't go to Hogwarts, for me and for our child."
"I will," Ginny's smile faded, and she nodded solemnly.
"Also, let's get married after the war ends."
As he spoke, Harry took out a ring he had prepared beforehand and slipped it onto the ring finger of Ginny's outstretched left hand.
Ginny's lips quivered as she fought back happy tears.
Just as she leaned in to kiss and embrace Harry, she saw him reaching into his pocket again.
"You keep this for now."
Harry didn't give the weeping girl time to react and forced a key into her hand.
"No... Hermione said you'll definitely be fine," Ginny's eyes filled with tears. She knew Harry was entrusting her with his final wishes.
"Of course, I'll be fine. Even Albert said I'll definitely survive this Wizarding War," Harry gently hugged Ginny as she buried her face in his chest. He kissed her forehead and added, "I'm just temporarily entrusting you with the key."
"Alright, I should go now. Can't keep them waiting too long."
Harry released Ginny from his embrace, turned, and left the bedroom without looking back. He made his way to the room they had prepared earlier, where he met up with Hermione and Ron. He also saw Albert, who seemed to be in deep conversation with the other two.
"Each bottle of Felix Felicis should last for about two hours. Remember to take them separately, and the timing should be sufficient, but we must hurry," Albert placed the bottles containing the Liquid Luck into Hermione's palm and addressed the trio, "After you successfully retrieve or destroy the Hufflepuff Cup from Gringotts, head straight to the safe house we used last time. I'll have Dobby take you to Hogwarts."
"Do we really have enough time to destroy the last Horcrux hidden in Hogwarts?" Ron asked worriedly. He was well aware that once they started their mission, it would be impossible to keep it a secret from the Death Eaters loyal to Voldemort.
"You don't have to worry about that. The Ravenclaw Diadem hidden in Hogwarts was actually destroyed a long time ago," Harry decided not to hide the truth any longer. Facing the trio's astonished expressions, he quietly explained, "Dumbledore asked me not to tell you earlier because he wanted you to return to Hogwarts and deal with the issue of the mysterious person."
"Once that person finds out you're destroying his Horcruxes, he'll do everything in his power to stop you. What you need to do is end this enmity between you decisively before he can react, preventing him from hiding like a coward once he realizes all his Horcruxes are gone," Albert added.
"Also, the plan will officially commence half an hour after you leave here, so you must hurry and infiltrate Gringotts," Albert stressed the urgency of their mission.
"Is the Hufflepuff Cup in the Gringotts vault the last Horcrux?" Ron finally understood why Albert had been so insistent on their mission.
If they succeeded in destroying the cup, Voldemort would no longer be invincible. The fear he instilled in people would dissipate, and he would become mortal once more.
"It seems you've got everything planned out."
After popping a Felix Felicis potion into his mouth and returning the bottle to Hermione, Harry said, "But this works out well. I'm one step closer to fulfilling my destiny."
Hermione and Ron each took a potion, feeling the effects of the Liquid Luck as they murmured with closed eyes, "This feeling is quite peculiar... Alright, I think we should go meet the house-elves now."
"They're in your care."
Albert waved his wand and addressed the appearing Dobby, "Take them with you."
The house-elf reached out and grabbed Harry's hand, and with a swish of his apparition, they vanished.
"They're gone?" Fred poked his head into the room after hearing the popping sounds.
"Yes, let's get going." Albert beckoned Fred to make the final preparations.
"What about the Death Eaters? That lie won't hold them off for long," Fred said, aware of Albert's fabrication about foreign ministries sending Aurors to apprehend British Death Eaters.
"They will believe it." Albert's confidence stemmed from having placed the Imperius Curse on Voldemort's right-hand man, Yaxley.
The two walked into the conference room.
"They've left?"
"Just now."
"Are you sure we don't need to..." Sirius still seemed uncertain.
"You should trust Harry, and your godson," Albert said calmly. "Are you done on your end?"
"We've gone over the plan again, but are you certain we can truly put an end to the mystery man today?" Lupin asked.
"If things go well with Harry, and we really don't have a choice." Albert spoke softly, "If we don't seize this opportunity, things could get much worse."
"We trust your judgment." Kingsley was decisive; there was no room for hesitation now. "We've waited too long for this day."
"Get everyone willing to go to Hogwarts ready. Once you have complete control of the school, Dobby will take them there directly," Albert said, glancing at his watch. "Remember, the plan officially starts in half an hour. As for the broadcast from the Wizarding Watch, we'll begin after Harry completes his task."
"Will there be enough time?" Lupin frowned, concerned about the timing.
"Yes. It will take the Death Eaters several hours to gather their forces and attack Hogwarts. Their efficiency is nothing compared to ours," Albert assured him.
"Any idea how many will join us?" Arthur asked suddenly.
"Hard to say, but I don't expect a large number. Most civilians are cowards, and it's normal that we can't rely on them."
"Yet we still did it."
"Because we needed something to divert the Death Eaters' attention, whether they believe it or not. As long as it divides their focus, that's enough," Albert explained calmly. "I never expected anything from them. The idea was to have them play a part before the final battle. Victory is never instantaneous; it's built on accumulating small advantages."
Turning to Kingsley, he asked, "Have you been in touch with the Aurors?"
"About a third of them are unwilling," Kingsley replied, looking at Moody. "But we can't be sure if there's a spy among them."
"After Harry's task is done, have Fred and George bring a group with them to join you," Albert instructed.
"Won't you be coming with us?" Moody frowned.
"I'm busy. Before I deal with the mystery man, I need to meet someone," Albert replied.
(End of Chapter)
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