Chapter 645: The Giants' Predicament
Chapter 645: The Giants' Predicament
Hearing Hagrid's account, Kyle rubbed his forehead in dismay. Out of the seventy to eighty giants, only six or seven were persuaded, a mere one-tenth of the total.
And if that wasn't bad enough, while the number was already sparse, it was still better than nothing and not a completely futile trip.
But even this small number was still just an unknown variable...
As Hagrid had just mentioned, they would only join his side if they were unwilling to submit to the rule of the Gurg.
If this Gurg was as bloodthirsty and brutal as Hagrid described, how could he possibly tolerate his giants betraying him and fleeing to join Kyle?
Moreover, even if they managed to escape, they would only "possibly" join him.
Two conditions, each with a lower probability than the other.
To put it bluntly, Hagrid's trip had been entirely fruitless.
Kyle tapped his finger on the table thoughtfully. "How strong are the giants?"
"Very strong," Hagrid replied. "Giants, like dragons, can ignore most magic. They possess immense strength and endurance that far surpasses that of wizards. If a wizard encounters them, they can only await their doom; they can't even attempt to flee..." He trailed off, curious about Kyle's question.
"It's nothing. I was just curious, since they will be our enemies from now on, it's always good to know more about them," Kyle explained.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Hagrid, are there any other giants elsewhere?"
Hagrid shook his head. "No, they're all there. Well, all that are left, at least." His voice carried a hint of sadness. "There used to be over a hundred tribes worldwide, but now there are only a few left. Some were killed by wizards, but most died due to infighting. Giants aren't suited to living in close quarters, but to survive and avoid being killed by wizards, they have no choice but to stick together."
"I see," Kyle said, glancing at Hagrid.
He could tell that Hagrid had an affinity for the giants... no, it wasn't just affinity, it was a resonance of blood. After all, Hagrid's mother was a giant, and this connection was inevitable.
Hagrid cared about the giants' tribe, and no matter how much he disliked their violent nature, he couldn't help but be moved by their plight.
Kyle pondered for a moment before asking, "You mentioned that the reason the giants favor the Death Eaters is because of the Gurg, Gogg, who enjoys killing, right?"
Hagrid nodded.
The previous Gurg had actually considered siding with them, but who could have foreseen that at this critical juncture, he would die, his head chopped off by Gogg.
In an instant, the efforts of Kyle and Maxim had also come to naught.
"The Death Eaters must have planned this in advance, which is why they prepared the goblin's sword beforehand," Kyle mused, lowering his voice unconsciously. "If... I mean, if the giants were to choose a new Gurg, would the situation change?"
"Perhaps, but it's difficult," Hagrid said. "Gogg is the tallest and most robust giant there, standing over three feet taller than the others. Coupled with the goblin's sharp sword, he has become invincible among the giants."
"What about you? Could you beat him?" Kyle asked.
"No," Hagrid answered seriously. "The main reason giants hate wizards is because wizards use magic against them. If I were to kill a giant with magic, they would immediately turn against us.
"Even the Death Eaters, when trying to recruit them, only provided Gogg with a weapon instead of directly helping him kill the previous Gurg. It's the same principle."
The room fell silent once more, the only sound coming from the crackling fireplace.
"What about magical beasts?" Kyle's voice sounded somewhat ethereal. "For example, a lost dragon... or some other even more deadly creature."
"That's even more impossible," Hagrid waved his hand dismissively. "There are at least seventy giants there, and no magical beast would willingly provoke them, not even dragons."
The copper kettle on the stove let out a low hum.
"Alright, Kyle, this isn't something you should concern yourself with.
"While I don't want to worry you..." Kyle sighed, "things haven't been going well for him lately. He encountered Dementors during the holidays."
"Dementors?! That can't be true!" Hagrid's voice rose in alarm.
"It's true," Kyle confirmed. "Dementors attacked Little Whinging, but rest assured, Harry is fine. He drove them off with the Patronus Charm. However, because of this incident, he was interrogated by the Ministry for using magic in front of Muggles."
"How could they do that?! Harry was just trying to protect himself. He did nothing wrong," Hagrid said angrily.
"Don't worry, with Professor Dumbledore's help, Harry is out of trouble now," Kyle reassured him.
"His current problem is Umbridge."
"Who's Umbridge?"
"She's from the Ministry, and..."
Just then, Kyle suddenly stopped and, ignoring Hagrid's confused look, said loudly, "If you continue down this misguided path, things will only get worse for Harry. Choosing the Ministry is the right decision."
"Kyle, what are you talking about...?"
His words were interrupted by a sudden, rapid knocking on the door.
Hagrid looked towards the window next to the door, where a short, stout figure loomed behind the thin curtain.
Kyle shook his head, signaling Hagrid to be quiet and not say anything.
Although Hagrid was puzzled, he nodded and stepped aside, pushing Fang away from the door with his foot before opening it.
Umbridge stood at the doorway, clad in a pink velvet cloak and a matching hat with ear flaps.
She barely reached half of Hagrid's height and had to tilt her head back to look up at him.
"So, you're Hagrid, are you?" Her voice was loud and slow.
Without waiting for Hagrid's reply, she marched into the room.
"Oh, Kyle," she said, sounding surprised. "No wonder I recognized the voice. So, you're here too."
"Yes, Professor Umbridge," Kyle said. "Hagrid and I are quite close, and I don't want to see him led astray."
"A wise choice," Umbridge said, smiling broadly, although her smile made Hagrid feel uncomfortable.
"Well... I don't mean to be rude," Hagrid said, eyeing her, "but who exactly are you?"
"My name is Dolores Umbridge."
"You're that Umbridge?" Hagrid glanced instinctively at Kyle.
Kyle's behavior earlier had been strange. Could it have something to do with this person? Hagrid wondered, although he didn't show it.
"But I thought you were from the Ministry? I've seen you with Fudge," Hagrid said.
"That's right. I'm the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, responsible directly to him," Umbridge said. "And now I'm also the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts."
"Then you're brave," Hagrid said, seemingly oblivious to the latter part of her statement. "Not many people are willing to teach that these days... Care for some tea?"
He poured another cup of water and scooped a handful of tea leaves into it.
Umbridge frowned at the chipped cup.
"No, thank you," she said, trying to hide her disgust.
"I'm here to inform you... As High Inquisitor, it is my duty to investigate the teaching of other professors," she said.
"You want to investigate us?"
"Yes, the Minister is determined to get rid of any unqualified professors."
Perhaps due to Kyle's presence, Umbridge didn't stay long. After a brief walk around the room, she prepared to leave.
"We'll be seeing each other soon," Umbridge said, standing on the steps outside the door. "Hagrid, I hope you'll make the right choice when the time comes."
(End of Chapter)
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