Chapter 656: Secret Talks
Chapter 656: Secret Talks
The atmosphere in the bar suddenly changed. Felix noticed two men casually slipping their hands into their pockets, and the man sitting across from him cleared his throat, with several hidden hands reappearing on the table.
"Mr. Heap, I assure you, there won't be any fighting tonight. We are here for peace."
"It doesn't look that way", Felix said, tilting his head slightly. "At least Madam Rosmerta won't agree." At that moment, the bar owner was quietly tending to her business behind the counter, seemingly oblivious to the tension building up.
"She'll be fine", Norwood paused, speaking with a firm voice. "Just to avoid trouble."
"Then remove it. Otherwise, I might think you have ill intentions."
Felix smiled, but his tone was unwavering.
After a few seconds of silence, Norwood nodded slightly. A flash of light from the corner, and Madam Rosmerta's eyes went from dazed to clear, but quickly turned to fear.
She let out a scream.
"Madam Rosmerta, I'll have another... an Iced Lemonade, please", Felix said gently. Madam Rosmerta glanced over, a bit flustered. "Oh, oh, all right, Mr. Heap." By the end of her sentence, she had regained her composure.
The clinking of glasses at the bar sounded jarring in the quiet space.
"Mr. Heap, I've been abroad these past few years, and every now and then I hear your name. But nothing compares to the invention of Custom Wands. Its impact has even surpassed Voldemort's downfall. Would you like to hear more?" the man asked.
Just then, Madam Rosmerta brought the lemonade over and placed it on Felix's side, giving him two drinks. The man across from him had nothing, and she didn't even ask if he wanted anything, instead giving him a harsh glare before quickly retreating behind the bar, peeking out with a wary look.
Felix pushed the glass across the table, gesturing for the man to take it. "On me."
"Thank you", Norwood said flatly, taking a sip. "Future World Corporation has grown into a behemoth, with shops in every magical community. I heard the merpeople tribes under the sea can now record their own songs."
Felix's heart skipped a beat. He had arranged for the company to recruit a batch of humanoid magical species during the summer. In his mind, this was the seed of a pan-magical alliance. Over the years, it would help the company expand its sales channels and provide valuable experience in dealing with different races, fostering a communication system based on mutual trust.
The widespread presence of the company's branches also served as a subtle check on Gringotts.
So far, the plan was progressing well.
"...As far as I know, almost every Ministry of Magic is in heated debate over Custom Wands. You see, although the number of Squibs remaining in the magical world is small, most live in the Muggle society, but they have relatives, especially those whose parents are still alive, who received the news almost immediately. Not all Squibs are willing to return, many have already started their own families, but it must be acknowledged that almost all Squibs have a deep-seated desire for magic. They don't mind having a wand, even if it's only for cleaning or moving small objects around."
The man grinned.
"A few days ago, a group of Squibs protested at the headquarters of the American Congress of Magic. They have supporters—many from well-known magical families with connections to the decision-makers in the Woolworth Building."
"What about the Reform Society? What are they doing?" Felix asked.
"Their ideals are good, but their methods are still naive. One day, they will stand at the decision-making table, grappling with these thorny issues. For now, their opinions are of little consequence."
The man's expression clearly showed his lack of respect. He continued:
"The new International Confederation of Wizards chairman, Babajide Ajibade, is in a bind. At least twelve countries' Ministries of Magic have proposed international laws to regulate Custom Wands and include Squibs in their management, with an effect similar to the Secrecy Act... I also heard that the British representative, under the direction of Madam Bones, submitted a proposal that is highly regarded. Ajibade is even considering resigning."
Clang! Madam Rosmerta's glass fell to the ground and shattered, drawing everyone's attention. She seemed frightened by their cold stares and fumbled to restore the glass to its original state. Then she forced a stiff smile at the crowd.
“So—” Felix said slowly, “what roles do you play, or rather, what roles do you intend to play—after showing off your impressive intelligence-gathering abilities? Goodness, I'm not sure whether to tell Minerva. She's deeply concerned about those children's futures. If she finds out her worries were for nothing, she'll be furious.”
“Professor Mcgonagall?” the man smiled slightly. “She's strict but earnest and responsible. Perhaps this information will comfort her: we only sent out three groups. In theory, the other families' requests should be genuine.”
“In theory?” Felix repeated.
“That's the crux of the matter. You seem to think we represent all the Acolytes, but that's far from the truth.” The man continued, “Mr. Heap, how much do you know about the Acolytes after 1945?”
Felix's fingers, resting on the table, paused.
“Scattered and in fear, everywhere?”
“More or less, but it's even more complicated.” The man said, “My grandfather was an Acolyte,” he stated plainly, “his position... he was responsible for mobilizing believers, relaying messages, and gathering intelligence within a country.”
Felix smirked, “A big shot, then.”
“Not exactly. There were dozens like him, spread out like Gringotts branches worldwide. Each country had a few people who, with noble intentions, worked for the sacred cause. The rest... were just civilians who shared our ideals.”
“So the claim of ten thousand Acolytes comes from this.” Felix nodded.
“After that world-shaking duel, yes, I didn't witness it myself. I read about it in my grandfather's diary. Even through the written words, I could feel the awe and despair he experienced... and the hopelessness.” The man's face paled, and he sounded a bit resentful.
“Hopelessness?”
“The two most powerful wizards in the world, at least at that time... I hold great respect for Mr. Dumbledore. The diary describes it: an invisible barrier of blades above the battlefield, separating two worlds. No one dared approach the front lines; a single ray of sunlight could easily kill any who ventured too close.”
Felix pondered this, setting aside the exaggerations. Could Transfiguration achieve that? Yes, if the object of transformation was the ubiquitous air... well, that would indeed be terrifying.
“After Mr. Grindelwald's defeat, there were several protests around the world. Perhaps that's why my grandfather wasn't held accountable. But from the people I visited following the diary, these former Acolytes either went into hiding or came under close scrutiny by the local Ministry of Magic.”
“Mr. Norwood, I doubt your purpose is merely to complain to me about how your family has been oppressed by the Ministry of Magic.” Felix interrupted.
“Of course not, Mr. Heap.” The man said immediately, “After Grindelwald, no one has been able to rally such a large force. A few who refused to accept defeat stirred up small-scale unrest, but their fates were not good. What was once a force capable of shaping magical history has become scattered pearls, some even manipulated by ambitious individuals... all because they lacked a leader.”
“I see. You want to rescue your former leader.”
“No, Mr. Heap.” The man said softly, “Mr. Grindelwald never set foot in Britain, even at the height of his power, let alone us dozen or so. What I mean is...”
“If Mr. Grindelwald had remained in Nurmengard, the world would have gradually forgotten him. But from the moment he stepped out of Nurmengard Castle, whether he likes it or not, he has returned to the public eye. Or, to put it another way... he has regained the ability to influence the magical world.”
“Even if he does nothing, even if he has changed his name, the world will still move because of him. We are just the first... and we can predict that more will follow.”
“It sounds like some kind of unspoken threat.”
“No,” the man said seriously. “It’s just a piece of advice. The two largest Wizard organizations—the Acolytes and the International Confederation of Wizards—are not monolithic. Leaks are almost inevitable, and when that happens, the whole world will focus on Hogwarts. Even Mr. Dumbledore…”
“Just the sound of it is troublesome enough,” Felix muttered. “So, what’s your good advice, Mr. Norwood?”
“Well…” The man fell silent for a moment, his tone becoming hesitant. “It’s just a suggestion, a vague idea…” Felix looked at him expectantly. “First, we need to get in touch with Mr. Grindelwald and understand his thoughts… Of course, we need an intermediary who won’t arouse suspicion. Students won’t do, and neither will professors who are unaware…”
“I’m a good fit,” Felix said eagerly.
“Yes,” the man seemed encouraged, his nostrils flaring slightly. His blue-green eyes grew deeper and emitted a faint glow. “The best would be to arrange a meeting, but not at school, as it could cause misunderstandings. We don’t want to bring any trouble to Mr. Grindelwald, do you understand? I have an informant in the International Confederation of Wizards who told me some secret things. There are rumors—” he lowered his voice.
Felix leaned forward, moving closer.
“The current chairman, Arkinbad, might break the agreement to deflect attention. I don’t want that to happen. I’m willing to stand with you and contribute my own strength, Mr. Heap. What about you?”
Felix looked hesitant. “Dumbledore—”
“Can’t tell him. I mean, we need to be cautious at first. Mr. Dumbledore has some prejudices against the Acolytes—understandably, given our past conflicts. I think, at least until we resolve Arkinbad’s issues, it’s best not to complicate things.”
Felix slowly closed his eyes, weighing the pros and cons.
“This is almost the best way. Mr. Heap, what do you think?”
“My thoughts—well, I need to confirm the truth first.”
“That’s easy. Remember the informant I mentioned? I have a meeting transcript from him, with Arkinbad’s own signature. It can’t be faked—”
“You’re quite resourceful, Mr. Dewitt.”
“Thank you! Mr. Heap, I’m absolutely certain that some of us are in danger. I just—what did you call me!” The man’s expression froze, almost disbelieving his own ears. He stared at Felix, dumbfounded, wondering how he knew his real name.
“Oh, I should apologize,” Felix said, spreading his hands.
“I was too irrational—Dumbledore is much better at this. He rarely invades someone’s mind directly, even if they are hostile. But I can’t control myself in daily life, to avoid losing too much fun. Listening to students explain why they didn’t finish their homework is one of my favorite pastimes.
“But when I encounter clear hostility, especially from a stranger I just met, my curiosity gets the better of me. If that person is also talking incessantly and seems to be considering my interests, the curiosity becomes even stronger…”
“What did you do to me?” The man’s expression darkened, and he finally turned pale, shouting.
“It wasn’t you… although you are the most intriguing to me now.” Felix whispered. The man drew a sharp breath, looking around. His companions seemed to be in some strange trance, two of them even snoring, though he hadn’t noticed before.
The man stumbled backward, his movements so abrupt that he knocked over a chair. He hurriedly pulled out his wand, pointing it at Felix, the tip trembling slightly.
He had said a lot today, most of it true, especially about Grindelwald and Dumbledore’s power. He could underestimate Heap’s intelligence, but not his combat skills.
Felix crossed his arms on the table, watching the man with interest, showing no intention of attacking.
The sound of chairs scraping against the floor echoed around them. Out of the corner of their eyes, they saw over a dozen wands drawn from various positions on the dazed Wizards—chests, waists, sides, sleeves. These Wizards raised their wands, ready to cast spells at any moment.
Dewitt’s composure was gone, his face twisted in a grimace.
(End of Chapter)
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