Chapter 525: The Holiday Ends
Chapter 525: The Holiday Ends
Five days after the New Year, Liam and his friends, accompanied by Lupin, headed to the Burrow. The Ministry of Magic would arrange a one-time Floo Network connection the next day to help students return to school quickly and safely.
"Oh, you're finally here! Come in quickly!" As they stepped into the garden of the Burrow, Mrs. Weasley came out to greet them and led them into the house. "I still have some breakfast pastries left. Would you like some?"
"Thank you, but no. We've already had breakfast", Hermione politely declined. Lupin stayed downstairs to chat with Mrs. Weasley, while Liam and the others went upstairs to find Harry and the others.
At the third-floor landing, Hermione turned to find Ginny, while Liam continued up to the fifth floor and stopped at Ron's room. He knocked on the door, and it opened. Harry opened the door, and Ron, who had been writing something at the table, turned around with a quill in hand.
"Hey, you're finally here", Harry said as Liam entered the room. Harry and Ron both stepped forward to hug him. Ron then added, "I thought you and Hermione wouldn't come this Christmas."
"I promised, so of course I would come", Liam said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "By the way, you two look a bit down. What happened during the holiday? Can you tell me?"
"Well", Harry and Ron exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. Harry then said, "I told Mr. Weasley what I overheard in the corridor, but he thought I was overreacting. He believes Snape and Malfoy's conversation was a ruse to uncover what Malfoy is up to. I should trust Professor Dumbledore's judgment and believe in Snape."
"What about Sirius Black?" Liam asked about Harry's godfather's opinion.
"Sirius Black definitely supports Harry's view", Ron chimed in. "But it doesn't matter much because Sirius has always believed Snape is a Dark Wizard and a Death Eater. Plus, with the increased magical security in the castle, he can't do much at the school."
"That sounds tough. It seems we'll have to fight this battle alone. But Harry, don't worry", Liam said, looking up at Harry, who stood in the center of the room. "I can help you with this, like providing some alchemical devices that can be used in the castle."
"Thanks a lot, mate", Ron patted Liam on the shoulder. "That will cost a pretty penny, though. Hogwarts Castle has extensive defensive magic, so the materials for certain alchemical devices can be extremely expensive."
"Harry, don't be so flustered", Liam said, sensing Harry's initial hesitation. "I understand you might have had some doubts, but Ron is right. I've been busy with a lot of work for the Order of the Phoenix this term, so I haven't had much time for other things. Providing these alchemical devices is a big favor."
"Don't worry about it", Liam said with a proud smile. "You should know that as a skilled alchemist, I'll never lack for money."
"That sounds incredibly enviable", Ron said with a grin. "By the way, thank you for the Christmas gift. The wizard robe that cleans itself and has basic defensive enchantments is amazing. I saw Fred and George selling one for 10 Galleons."
"I appreciate it too, thanks for the Wizard Robe you gave me", Harry said. "By the way, Rufus Scrimgeour came to see me earlier and said a lot of things."
"Such as—" Liam drawled, prompting Harry to continue.
"First, he told me that Umbridge has repented for her actions last year and has chosen to exile herself to Northern Europe." Harry's face brightened at this, clearly pleased with Umbridge's departure. However, his expression soon returned to its usual calm. "He tried to win me over with this news, and then he said I have an obligation to cooperate with the Ministry of Magic."
"Obligation?" Liam frowned at the word. "I've read many books, including Muggle ones that discuss obligations. They say that obligations should be matched with rights. I want to know what rights the Ministry of Magic can offer you?"
"Nothing, just the promise to introduce me to a few bigwigs in the Ministry", Harry said, sounding somewhat angry. "I tried to tell him that I don't like some of the things the Ministry does, like imprisoning Stan Shunpike. But he immediately changed his tone, acting as if I'm only 16 and don't understand much. He told me the situation is dangerous and that certain measures are necessary."
"Another politician whose brain is as useless as his backside", Liam sighed. If it were Slughorn, he would have jumped at the chance to meet influential people. But Harry is an upright person who can't stand such tactics. "Actually, it's not hard to find and capture the Death Eaters on the outskirts. But as the Minister of Magic, he's unwilling to offend the Pureblood Families, who are the cornerstone of the Ministry."
Glancing at Harry and Ron, who both looked indignant, Liam continued in a calm tone, "Of course, I understand the need to avoid internal strife during wartime and the desire to boost morale. But I can't understand why he insists on arresting innocent people as scapegoats. There are plenty of truly evil Dark Wizards in Diagon Alley who could easily be taken into custody."
"You're right. It would be much better to lock up those Dark Wizards from Knockturn Alley who have harmed others and send them to Azkaban", Harry agreed, shrugging. "So I refused his invitation, and he called me a complete Dumbledore's man." He spread his hands. "We didn't get along, but I still feel a bit guilty, considering he did get rid of Umbridge."
"You don't need to feel guilty", Liam said, looking at Harry. While Harry can be naive and emotional at times, he is a good and honest person. That's why Liam is willing to be friends with him.
He whispered to Harry and Ron, "I know why Umbridge didn't come back, but it involves Lupin, so I hope you can keep it confidential."
Seeing Harry and Ron nod solemnly, Liam continued, "Here's what happened—." Liam then quietly explained how Umbridge had tried to kill innocent people to claim credit but was foiled, leaving out the part about treating Werewolves, as Lupin believed it should only be made public once all the Werewolves at the plantation were treated.
"I knew it. The Ministry of Magic and Umbridge wouldn't suddenly turn into good guys. As the saying goes: A fox may grow gray, but never good", Ron said, finishing Liam's story.
"But this is a good thing", Harry smiled. "Now I can be a complete Dumbledore's man."
(End of Chapter)
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