Chapter 631: The Big Picture
Chapter 631: The Big Picture
Liam had not expected to stay for more than a couple of days, thinking that Professor Dumbledore would resolve all the issues and send a replacement team. However, days turned into weeks, and it wasn't until a week later, on a certain morning, that a five-person team led by Mad-Eye Moody finally arrived to relieve them.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. We've finally managed to organize a team to take over. You can now return to the School; we'll handle things here", Mad-Eye Moody said upon seeing Liam. "By the way, Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you in the Headmaster's Office. He has something to discuss with you."
"Alright, I'll explain how to use the new Magic Defense System to the new team. Then Hermione and I will head back to the School", Liam replied. After briefing the new team, Liam and Hermione Apparated away from the hall. Before they left, they noticed the Azkaban Guards smiling, likely relieved to hear that their loved ones were safe.
With a soft pop, Liam and Hermione appeared outside Hogsmeade. In times of war, it was best to keep certain things hidden, as every extra day of secrecy could provide an advantage.
"What's going on here? Why is everyone in Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked, looking around at the colorful tents and the Wizards moving between them. The scene reminded her of the Quidditch World Cup, except that the faces of the people were not filled with joy but with worry.
As they walked through Hogsmeade, Liam noticed that many of the people in the tents were elderly, sick, or injured, not the reinforcements he had imagined Dumbledore had gathered.
"Perhaps they've all come here seeking protection from Professor Dumbledore. It seems the British wizarding world is indeed in chaos", Liam thought to himself as he and Hermione approached the gates of Hogwarts. The gates were closed, and a group of Wizards were patrolling inside.
"Liam, you're back?" The patrol team, led by Percy Weasley, approached them and helped open the School's gates.
"You did a great job. We heard about your exploits on the Hogwarts Radio", Percy said, sounding excited. "Hurry inside. By the way, Headmaster Dumbledore asked me to tell you to go to his office as soon as you return."
"Thanks, Mad-Eye Moody already informed us. We'll head there now", Liam nodded to Percy and walked up the path toward the castle.
It was class time, and the corridors were quiet. When they reached the Headmaster's Office, Liam was about to ask for the password when the two stone gargoyles guarding the door stepped aside, and the staircase began to rise.
They ascended the stairs and stood before the oak door, which opened on its own as the bronze handle turned. Inside, Professor Dumbledore, looking weary, was reading a document. He looked up as the door creaked open.
"Ah, Liam and Hermione. You must have been quite busy this week. Please, sit down and have something to eat while I finish up this paperwork."
With a wave of his wand, two comfortable armchairs and a small coffee table appeared in the office. The table was laden with a large silver platter of assorted pastries, a steaming teapot, and two teacups.
Liam and Hermione didn't hesitate to help themselves, having skipped breakfast when Mad-Eye Moody relieved them.
As they finished eating, Professor Dumbledore completed his work. He looked at the nearly empty platter and asked, "Was the food at Azkaban that bad? Would you like more?"
"Thank you, but no need. We’ve already eaten our fill." Liam finished the remaining tea in his cup and said, "When the Dementors were around, these Wizard guards needed to keep their morale up with good food and entertainment, so the food at Azkaban is actually on par with Hogwarts. We’re just hungry because we were on patrol last night and got called back this morning without having breakfast."
"I am truly sorry, Liam. Making you come here for a talk when you’re both hungry and tired." Dumbledore said apologetically. "But the current situation demands that we cherish every minute, as things are continuously deteriorating."
"I understand." Liam nodded. "While I was at Azkaban, I listened to the Wizarding radio from London through that radio. I heard about the Muggle-Born Registration Committee and that you and Madam Bones are wanted—"
"Yes, yes." Dumbledore nodded. "But that’s not the worst of it. The more concerning news is that Voldemort and his followers have taken complete control of London’s magical and Diagon Alley, as well as over 90% of Britain’s magical material production and trade. I’ve even had to implement a rationing system during Potions classes to ensure everyone has enough potion ingredients."
"You are the greatest White Wizard! How could the situation have become so dire?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"Actually, it makes sense." Dumbledore spread his hands. "Most of Britain’s magical farms and alchemical material production sites belong to the Pureblood Families, and now that they’ve sided with Voldemort, they’ve naturally cut off our supply."
Dumbledore then looked at Liam, "And I must thank you. If it weren’t for you establishing your own magical herb plantation and setting up trade with China, we might not even have the remaining 10%."
"It’s what I should do." Liam replied. "But I really don’t understand how things could have gotten so bad. Everything seemed normal when we arrived at school that morning."
"This is all my fault, an old man’s overconfidence and misplaced trust." Dumbledore gave a wry smile. "I thought my influence and Scrimgeour’s capabilities would be enough to keep those restless individuals in check. But I didn’t realize how deeply the Death Eaters had infiltrated the Ministry of Magic. In a flash, control of the Ministry shifted, and I only managed to gather the escaped refugees."
Liam finally understood what had happened. Headmaster Dumbledore wasn’t unprepared; he might even have planned to coordinate with the Ministry of Magic to attack Voldemort from both sides when Voldemort struck.
During the conflict at the end of last term, even with Voldemort leading the charge, the Ministry of Magic held out for several hours. That was more than enough time for Dumbledore to rally his forces and launch a counterattack once he received the news.
But this time, the situation changed abruptly. With the help of insiders, Voldemort swiftly dismantled the core command of the Ministry of Magic. In this chaos, the Ministry, now leaderless, could not resist Voldemort’s control.
Moreover, after the last war, Dumbledore’s actions had significantly reduced the influence of the Pureblood Families. When Voldemort overtook the Ministry, these families, who had actual control, quickly aligned with him, swiftly establishing a Voldemort-controlled Ministry. As a result, those loyal to Dumbledore had no choice but to go into hiding.
This is the root cause of the current dire situation. The rapid fall of the Ministry of Magic exposed a series of issues, and it took Dumbledore’s side a full week to finally understand the entire situation, emerge from the chaos, and re-establish order.
(End of Chapter)
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