Chapter 645: The Giants' Predicament
Chapter 645: The Giants' Predicament
After listening to Hagrid's story, Kyle rubbed his forehead, deep in thought. Out of the seventy to eighty giants, only six or seven had been convinced, barely a tenth of the total.
Moreover, even if this was the case, although the number was small, there were still some who might join them, so it wasn't a completely fruitless trip.
But even this small number was still an unknown factor...
As Hagrid had just said, only if they were unwilling to submit to Gogmagog's rule would they consider joining their side.
If Gogmagog was as bloodthirsty and brutal as Hagrid had described, how could he possibly tolerate his giant followers betraying him and leaving?
Additionally, even if they managed to escape, it was only "possible" that they would join them.
Two conditions, each with a lower probability than the other.
To put it bluntly, Kyle felt that Hagrid's trip had been completely in vain.
Kyle tapped his finger on the table and said thoughtfully, "How strong are the giants?"
"Very strong," Hagrid replied. "Giants, like dragons, can ignore most magic, and they have immense strength and endurance. A wizard encountering them can only wait for death; they can't even run away... Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, just asking. After all, they'll soon become our enemies, and it's always good to know more about them," Kyle said.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Hagrid, are there any giants in other places?"
"No, they're all there," Hagrid shook his head, his tone somewhat sad. "There used to be about a hundred tribes worldwide, but now there are only that many left. Wizards killed some, but most died from 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 stay together."
"I see," Kyle said, glancing at Hagrid.
He could tell that Hagrid had an emotional connection with the giants... No, it wasn't just an emotional connection; it was a resonance between bloodlines. After all, Hagrid's mother was a giant, so this connection was inevitable.
He cared about the giants' tribes, even though he didn't like the brutal giants. Hagrid couldn't help but be concerned about their situation.
Kyle thought for a moment and asked, "You said that it's because the giant Gorg, or Gogmagog, loves killing and leans towards the Death Eaters, right?"
Hagrid nodded.
The previous giant leader, Gorg, had already considered siding with them, but who could have predicted that at this critical moment, he would be killed, beheaded by Gogmagog.
Their efforts with Maximus had also been in vain.
The Death Eaters must have planned this, which was why they had prepared the elf sword in advance. Kyle sighed and unconsciously lowered his voice, saying, "If... I mean, if the giants were to choose a new leader, would the situation change?"
"Maybe, but it's very difficult," Hagrid said. "Gogmagog is the tallest giant there, over three feet taller than the others. With that sharp elf sword, no giant can rival him. Let alone us."
"Not even you?" Kyle asked.
"No," Hagrid said seriously. "The main reason giants hate wizards is because wizards use magic on them. If I were to use magic to kill a giant, they would immediately stand against us.
"Even if the Death Eaters wanted to recruit them, they would only provide weapons to Gogmagog instead of directly helping him kill the previous leader, Gorg. It's the same principle."
The room fell silent again, and only the crackling of the fireplace could be heard.
"What about magical creatures, then?" Kyle's voice sounded a bit distant. "Like a lost dragon... or some other even more deadly creature."
"That's even less likely," Hagrid waved his hand. "There are at least seventy giants there. No magical creature would dare provoke them, not even a dragon."
The copper kettle on the stove let out a whistling sound.
"Enough, Kyle. This isn't something you should be concerned about.
"Hagrid picked up the copper kettle and poured the boiling water into two bucket-shaped cups.
'Tell me about Hogwarts,' he said, 'I haven't heard much about what's been going on lately... How's Harry doing...'
Kyle sighed, 'I don't want to worry you, but things haven't been going well for him lately. He encountered a Banshee during the holidays.'
'A Banshee! How is that possible, it can't be true!' Hagrid's voice rose sharply.
'It's true,' Kyle said, 'The Banshee attacked Hogsmeade, but don't worry, Harry is fine. He used the Patronus Charm to drive those guys away.'
'But that's why he was interrogated by the Magical Interrogation for using magic in front of Muggles.'
'How could they do that!' Hagrid exclaimed angrily, 'Harry was just trying to save his life, he did nothing wrong.'
'Rest assured, with Professor Dumbledore's help, Harry is fine now,' Kyle said.
'The trouble he's facing now is Umbridge.'
'Who's Umbridge?'
'She's from the Ministry of Magic... She...'
Just then, Kyle suddenly stopped, and in response to Hagrid's puzzled gaze, he said loudly, 'If you continue down this path, Harry's situation will only get worse. Choosing the Ministry is the right way to go.'
'Kyle, what are you talking about...' Hagrid's words were drowned out by a sudden burst of loud knocking.
Hagrid looked towards the window next to the door, and saw a short, plump figure moving behind the thin curtain.
Kyle shook his head, signaling Hagrid not to speak, and to open the door.
Although confused, Hagrid complied. He kicked Yaya, who was scratching at the door, to the side and opened the door.
Umbridge stood at the doorway, wearing a pink furry cloak and a matching earmuff hat.
She was barely half Hagrid's height, so she had to tilt her head back to see his face.
'So,' her voice was loud and slow, 'you're Hagrid, right?'
Before Hagrid could answer, she walked into the house.
'Ah, Kyle,' she said in surprise, 'No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity in this house earlier. So, you're here too.'
'Yes, Professor Umbridge,' Kyle replied, 'Hagrid and I have a good relationship, and I don't want to see him go down the wrong path.'
'A wise choice,' Umbridge laughed happily, although her laughter made Hagrid feel uncomfortable.
'Well... I don't want to be impolite,' Hagrid looked at her, 'but who are you exactly?'
'My name is Dolores Umbridge.'
'So, you're that Umbridge?' Hagrid glanced at Kyle instinctively.
Kyle's behavior earlier was so strange; could it be because of this person?
Hagrid wondered, but he didn't show it on the surface.
'But I thought you were from the Ministry of Magic? I've seen you beside Fudge.'
'Yes, I'm the Senior Deputy Minister responsible to the Minister,' Umbridge said, 'and now, I'm also the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and the Senior Investigator at Hogwarts.'
'Then you're very brave,' Hagrid seemed to have completely missed her last statement, 'not many people are willing to teach this... How about a cup of tea?'
He poured another cup of water and grabbed a handful of tea leaves.
Umbridge looked at the chipped cup, her eyebrows furrowed.
'No need,' she tried to hide the discomfort in her tone, 'I'm here to tell you... As the Senior Investigator, I have a necessary task to investigate the teaching of other professors.'
'You want to investigate us?'
'Yes, the Minister aims to remove unqualified professors.'
Perhaps it was because of Kyle's presence, but Umbridge didn't say much. She simply walked around the house and prepared to leave.
'We'll be seeing each other again soon,' Umbridge stood on the steps outside the door and turned back, 'Hagrid, I hope you'll make the right choice when the time comes.'
(End of Chapter)
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