https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1701-A-War-Without-a-Victor-Part-151-/12938239/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1703-A-War-Without-a-Victor-Part-153-/12938241/
Chapter 1702: A War Without Victors (Part 152)
Chapter 1702: A War Without Victors (Part 152)
The letters and Christmas gifts sent out soon received replies. The adults didn't insist on receiving gifts on Christmas day itself, after all, the exchange of letters and gifts was merely a way to maintain relationships.
As a return gift, Albert also received a large number of Christmas presents in advance, many of which included books.
The content of the letters was mostly the same, expressing astonishment at Albert's ability to kill Voldemort or chatting about the book, Guide to Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Of course, some people, upon learning from Albert's letters about his plan to travel the world, recommended interesting places to visit in their countries.
"I heard you're planning to start your world tour next summer?" Kingsley asked, already knowing the answer, and specifically invited Albert to visit the island being prepared for werewolves.
"You're quite well-informed," Albert didn't expose him, but carefully examined the island before him, and turned to ask Kingsley, "How many werewolves have registered their identities?"
"Not many, just a few."
Kingsley didn't feel embarrassed, even when his sore spot was touched.
"Two?"
Albert could guess the situation and also understood why Kingsley had invited him to see the future werewolf village.
If the werewolf plan failed, Kingsley would become a laughingstock, so he would never allow that to happen.
He himself didn't have a good solution, but he believed Albert would.
"That's about right!"
Kingsley didn't look at Albert but gazed at the village under construction, "We still need some time, and it's a bit challenging to develop this place."
"We're wizards, aren't we? This shouldn't be a difficult task."
Indeed, many small islands were unsuitable for large-scale farming or animal husbandry, but they could use the Seamless Expansion Charm to create a vast space.
"As you know, before we see the results, we can't invest too much funding," Kingsley sighed, feeling helpless. He found that the construction required more Galleons than he had anticipated after the initial investment.
Even though the Ministry of Magic could acquire many building materials from Muggles for free, constructing the village was still a time-consuming and laborious task.
"You should have more confidence in yourself," Albert spoke bluntly.
"Tell me your thoughts!"
Kingsley knew that if he didn't get straight to the point, Albert might choose to feign ignorance.
"My thoughts?"
Albert stopped walking and tilted his head, repeating the question.
"If there aren't enough werewolves, you can consider collaborating with other departments in the Ministry."
"Your idea is too idealistic. Unless they see the results here, no one will be willing to cooperate. The world is never that simple, or else I..."
"Of course, I understand."
Albert interrupted Kingsley's incessant complaints.
"This is like an alternative to Azkaban Prison. As long as it's managed with enough gentleness and force, I believe the werewolves will be willing to lower their heads. It depends on how much power you wield and how much you're willing to invest here."
"This..." Kingsley hesitated.
"The lack of credibility itself is a troublesome issue," Albert reminded him.
"Restoring the Ministry's credibility takes time."
Kingsley had no better solution; it was a mess left by the previous ministers, not his problem.
"But I can't afford to wait, and I can't afford the consequences of failure." Kingsley said, and he pulled out a notebook from his pocket, determined to find a solution to the issue of werewolves refusing to register.
Albert's approach was explosive, at least in Kingsley's opinion, and he seemed to have no other choice.
With the Ministry's authorization, the major newspapers unanimously began a massive publicity campaign about the "Werewolf Settlement," essentially dangling a carrot in front of the werewolves, such as addressing their employment issues.
By registering, they would be guaranteed a job: building their own homes.
Overall, it seemed beneficial for the werewolves.
As for those unwilling to join, if caught, they faced the risk of being killed on the spot during the full moon.
The Ministry intended to force the werewolves to choose between the carrot and the stick.
Once these reports were published, the entire British magical community was in an uproar, and everyone realized the Ministry's determination to deal with the werewolves.
But it was to no avail.
There was no other way; it was no longer an issue of credibility.
So, Kingsley was forced to drop the biggest bomb: a bounty.
Fifty Galleons were offered for reporting a single werewolf.
The entire British magical community went into a frenzy.
Everyone was frantically searching for traces of werewolves.
Under the high-pressure coercion of the Ministry, the werewolves in Britain had limited choices.
Either they submitted to control during the full moon, left the British magical community, or... faced death. The most distressing part for the werewolves was that if they were caught due to a report, their salary for the following year would be forfeited, with a portion used to pay the bounty on themselves.
This was the main reason the Ministry was not stingy with the bounty; it wasn't their Galleons to pay anyway.
As for those werewolves who didn't want to work and got caught?
They would face death.
The charge was already decided: Crime Endangering Public Order.
By killing a few as a warning to the others, no werewolf would dare to defy the Ministry.
As for the issue of reputation, there was no need to worry. To solve the werewolf problem, extraordinary measures were necessary.
Besides, the Ministry had given them two chances; if they didn't seize the opportunity and got killed, it was their own fault.
Most importantly, with the collective backing of the British magical press, a social trend was formed.
Kingsley, the driving force behind the werewolf plan, received overwhelming praise.
It had to be said that Albert's method was quite effective; apart from a small number of werewolves who registered with the Ministry, the majority were forced to join due to reports from those around them.
It was not only a matter of killing the chicken to scare the monkey but also a warning to others.
Anyone who dared to challenge the Ministry became the chicken for the law-enforcement monkeys.
One unlucky werewolf, reported for attempting to escape, was immediately killed by the Auror, Bolt, who had developed a deep hatred for werewolves who refused to cooperate and intended to cause harm after being bitten himself.
This incident quickly spread throughout the Ministry, causing a significant impact, but after the newspapers' embellishment, the Aurors' aggressive actions soon gained everyone's understanding.
If you had Werewolf Madness, it wasn't your fault, but if you had it and tried to turn others into werewolves, then you deserved to die.
Since death was deserved, it was time to face it.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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