https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1586-A-War-with-No-Victors-Thirty-Six-/12529304/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1588-A-War-with-No-Victors-Thirty-Eight-/12529306/
Chapter 1587: A War Without Victors (Thirty-Seven)
Chapter 1587: A War Without Victors (Thirty-Seven)
Albert wasn't lying; he did have an appointment with Kingsley at noon, and it was most likely regarding the Umbridge incident.
While Kingsley used the incident to teach a lesson to those "pure-bloods" who were still unrepentant and causing trouble, the consequences of his actions were equally severe. By doing so, he had offended not only those who bore a grudge against Umbridge but also the wizards who were harmed by her actions.
As the Minister of Magic was unable to deliver justice or help them seek vengeance, it was natural that he would fall out of favor with the people.
Hence, Kingsley took the initiative to approach Albert, hoping that he would act as a mediator and broker a secret deal that could never be spoken of. With this, he aimed to gain the understanding of his former supporters.
As absurd as it sounded, their new minister genuinely wanted both sides to come to a private agreement and coexist peacefully.
"Why are you so certain that Nelson Tobin is behind this?" Albert asked, looking up from the steak on his plate, which wasn't particularly appetizing. "Just because he has a deep-seated hatred for Umbridge?"
"Yes, I can't think of a reason for Nelson Tobin not to be involved, but I'm sure there are others involved as well." Kingsley almost blatantly displayed his suspicion.
In truth, Kingsley not only suspected those wizards who already had a grudge against Umbridge but also Albert's interference in the matter. However, he couldn't find any reason or evidence to support his suspicion.
Of course, Kingsley wasn't foolish enough to bring this up in front of Albert.
"So, you want Harry to try negotiating with them?" Albert raised his eyebrows slightly, sensing that Kingsley didn't truly expect Harry to be able to persuade them to cooperate.
As expected, Kingsley soon said, "If Harry fails in this negotiation, I hope you can lend him a hand. There's no need to let the situation escalate further. All they want is to kill Umbridge, but I have my own difficulties on this matter. You should understand that."
"I don't think Harry will fail," Albert said. "For those seeking revenge, as long as their goal is achieved, that's enough."
After finishing the last piece of steak on his plate, Albert picked up the glass of red wine by his side and took a sip. "But I'm afraid you won't be able to gain the support of as many people as before."
"That's a double-edged sword, and sometimes sacrifices have to be made," Kingsley said, clearly having already prepared himself mentally.
"You're becoming more and more like a qualified politician," Albert remarked lightly, commenting on the changes he saw in Kingsley.
"Necessity," Kingsley replied, his expression unchanged, as he faced Albert's mockery with honesty. "If you were in my position, you would understand why I had to make that decision."
To be frank, although Kingsley had become the interim minister and was already poised to secure the position permanently, now that he had taken the largest piece of the cake, he naturally had to share the remaining benefits with others.
That's politics! Whether in the Muggle world or the wizarding world, it was the same.
Following the usual precedent, after the Second Wizarding War, it was unlikely that Kingsley would have exterminated the pure-blood families who had sided with Voldemort.
The most he could have done was to punish the main culprits; he wouldn't have been able to wipe out entire pure-blood families, and the British wizarding community wouldn't have allowed it either.
However, unlike the previous war, the Second Wizarding War had left the pure-bloods who had sided with Voldemort in a dire state. Some of the sore losers refused to back down gracefully and continued to occupy "comfortable" positions within the various departments of the Ministry, much to Kingsley's chagrin. He wanted to find someone to teach them a lesson.
Thus, Kingsley set his sights on Nelson Tobin, who harbored animosity towards certain pure-blood families who had supported Voldemort. Kingsley also wanted to use this opportunity to suppress those individuals, as there was a basis for cooperation between them.
There was another reason as well.
Kingsley wanted to oust those individuals because they would hinder his upcoming reforms. Any reform required bloodshed and sacrifice, so the clever Kingsley had prepared himself in advance.
Let the "pure-blood" supremacists who opposed him face the bloodshed, and let Nelson Tobin, consumed by his thirst for revenge, make the sacrifice.
He believed that Nelson Tobin wouldn't object, but the only problem at the moment was that after the Umbridge incident, Kingsley was clearly unable to convince Nelson Tobin. Hence, they needed Albert to act as a guarantor.
However, Albert had no interest in being dragged into the turmoil again, so he suggested that Harry handle the matter. After all, Harry would eventually become the Head of the Auror Office, and it was only fitting that he understood the deeper intricacies.
While Albert was chatting with Kingsley, Harry and Ron took the initiative to find Nelson Tobin.
Although Nelson Tobin vehemently denied any involvement in the matter, both parties tacitly reached a certain understanding.
Nelson Tobin's denial didn't really matter, as Harry only needed to convey his words. However, as Albert had expected, after the Umbridge incident, Kingsley's credibility had completely collapsed in the eyes of many. No one dared to trust his character or his vague and ridiculous assurances.
Therefore, with Nelson at the forefront, they sought Albert's help, or more accurately, they sought clarification.
"This is merely a mutual exploitation," Albert said, assessing the young boy before him as he calmly explained the pros and cons of cooperating with Kingsley. "Including what I'm telling you now, this is what Kingsley wants you to hear."
"In this collaboration, Kingsley will undoubtedly be the ultimate winner. The best outcome for you is to live out the rest of your life in seclusion after your revenge, and the worst-case scenario is to be struck down by an Auror during one of your missions, forever bearing the brunt of the blame." Albert laid out the possibilities.
"The outcome doesn't seem too bad," Nelson Tobin nodded, indicating his acceptance. To achieve revenge, one had to be prepared to pay a price.
"Life isn't just about revenge," Albert advised kindly.
"If you were in my shoes, you wouldn't give up on revenge so easily either," Nelson Tobin said, aware that Albert's words came from a good place. Nonetheless, he shook his head. "I won't give up easily. Those damn beasts must pay for what they've done."
"Alright, I know nothing then," Albert said. He had expected as much, and he felt that he had done his part by offering a word of advice, honoring the bond they had forged when they fought against Voldemort together.
"I hope I can count on your help," Nelson Tobin said, his lips pressed together as he pleaded with Albert. He knew that with Albert's assistance, his quest for revenge would be much smoother.
"If you want my advice, then I suggest you agree to Kingsley's proposal, at least pretend to agree. Perhaps Kingsley will ultimately come out on top, but you won't lose too badly. After all, you have nothing left to lose," Albert offered his suggestion.
(End of Chapter)
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