Chapter 711: Kyle's Decision
Chapter 711: Kyle's Decision
As the commotion outside gradually subsided, Kyle and his group escorted Mr. Forskoe out of Knockturn Alley, which was devoid of any light.
All twenty-five Death Eaters had been captured, a considerable number.
It was evident that they had planned something significant in Diagon Alley, possibly a major operation beyond abducting a few shop owners.
However, whatever their intentions were, they were now destined to fail.
Scrimgeour was tallying the Aurors' casualties, while Sirius and Mr. Weasley, along with the Phoenix Society members who had come to assist, were counting the Death Eaters and matching them with their wands.
"This is indeed a great victory!" Fred exclaimed with a smile, "Thanks to your intelligence, Kyle, the Dark Lord must be furious this time."
"I told you it wasn't my information, but that of an anonymous, righteous wizard," Kyle said earnestly.
He was becoming increasingly valuable to Voldemort, and if the Dark Lord ever became enraged and decided to confront him personally, what would he do... For his own safety, he decided to downplay his contributions.
Kyle approached Mr. Forskoe and asked, "Mr. Forskoe, do you know why the Death Eaters wanted to capture you?"
"That's what I'd like to know too," Mr. Forskoe replied, equally puzzled. As an ice cream vendor, why would he become a target for the Death Eaters? It couldn't be that they coveted his secret ice cream recipe, could it?
Even if that were the case, would it be worth more than two dozen Death Eaters fighting over it? That seemed a bit exaggerated.
If they had just asked, there would have been no need for the Death Eaters to take action; he would have willingly shared his secret recipe, regardless of the flavor.
Kyle noticed that Mr. Forskoe was genuinely unaware and not lying.
"Alright, Mr. Forskoe," Kyle continued, "If you think of anything, remember to inform us immediately. Also, for your safety, it's best to find a secure location during this time, as the Death Eaters might strike again."
"I suggest you stay in Diagon Alley. After today, the Ministry of Magic will increase its presence here, providing relatively more security."
"No, I'll stay in Diagon Alley," Mr. Forskoe insisted.
Having been attacked without reason, Mr. Forskoe seemed determined, saying, "Let the Death Eaters come if they want. No matter what they're after, I won't let them have their way!"
"I believe you have the resolve, Mr. Forskoe, but it's still necessary to remain vigilant," Kyle said, and then he turned and left.
There was much work to be done after the incident. The capture of over twenty Death Eaters had caused quite a stir, and the entire street had suffered varying degrees of damage.
Kyle took out his wand and extinguished the nearest burning fire. The bricks and stones on the ground slowly rose and returned to their original positions.
Mr. Forskoe, standing at the shop entrance, stared at Kyle's wand in a daze. Unconsciously, he thought of Ollivander, who the Death Eaters also targeted.
Ollivander's fame primarily came from his extensive knowledge of wands.
Suddenly, Mr. Forskoe seemed to have an idea, and he stretched out his hand, wanting to call out to Kyle, but after a moment's hesitation, he decided against it. With a serious expression, he returned to the shop.
Kyle, of course, was unaware of what was happening behind him.
After restoring Diagon Alley to its original state with the others, they prepared to return to the Ministry of Magic.
With over twenty captured Death Eaters, the Aurors were destined for overtime, and Kyle needed to quickly compile a detailed report... This was his primary duty as a senior ministerial assistant.
Meanwhile, the members of the Phoenix Society gathered and discussed, "We'll leave the rest to you; we won't be involved anymore."
Mr. Weasley said to Lupin, "I didn't even have time to inform Molly. I think she must be worried sick by now."
"Of course, that's the right thing to do," Lupin replied, "Sirius, you should head back too. I'm sure Harry is waiting for you."
Thinking of Harry, Sirius couldn't help but smile... It felt good to be worried about, like he had returned to his graduation days.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Sirius said, "Just don't let them escape again."
"Don't worry, they won't," Lupin assured him.
"Well, see you tomorrow," Mr. Weasley said, waving his hand, "Come on over, kids. We're going home."
"Coming, Dad," Fred and George ran ahead, followed by Bill and Charlie.
"I hope Mom left dinner for us; I'm starving," Fred said.
"But it's probably time for a late-night snack now," Charlie added.
"There will be something," Mr. Weasley said.
The group parted ways at the Cauldron Bar, with Kyle accompanying the Aurors back to the Ministry of Magic via a dedicated line.
Despite the late hour, the main hall was still brightly lit, and many people were present.
Upon seeing the captured Death Eaters brought back by the Aurors, the main hall erupted in uncontrollable cheers.
Twenty-five Death Eaters! This was their biggest catch since Voldemort's return, a true triumph.
The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones, was the first to approach, and she headed towards the Trial Chamber with the Aurors.
The elevators were all occupied, so Kyle and Chris had to wait for the next one.
"Kyle, it's late. Why don't you head back first?" Chris suggested.
"I was thinking the same, but Fudge is waiting for the report," Kyle sighed. "With such a significant event and the Ministry's first major victory, he must be eager to release the news."
"So this report must be submitted before tomorrow morning's printing of the Daily Prophet."
"How about... you help me write it?" Kyle glanced at Chris. "You've written so many reports; one more won't make a difference."
"Oh, I think I lost something." Chris suddenly slapped his forehead. "It must have dropped on the way. You go ahead, and I'll look for it."
After saying this, he lowered his head and quickly walked towards the other side of the main hall.
Kyle smirked and shook his head inwardly... If you don't want to write the report, just say so. Why make up an excuse about losing something? This crude excuse lacks any creativity.
As he was thinking, the elevator arrived.
Kyle stepped inside.
Since there were no other passengers, he quickly reached the first floor.
Fudge was not there, probably having gone to the Trial Chamber as well.
Kyle returned to his office and sat at his desk to start writing the report.
...
Due to the large number of Death Eaters and Aurors involved, by the time Kyle finished, it was already dawn.
He tossed the quill in his hand and rubbed his slightly sore wrists.
No wonder his father disliked writing reports so much; this thing was truly torturous.
He needed to find a solution.
A quick-writing quill? No, that would leave too obvious a trace, and its drawbacks were evident. It might be suitable for copying, but for writing reports, it was too forced and easily noticeable.
He needed to find a way to improve it. Although it was a bit troublesome, it would be worth it to save a significant amount of report-writing time.
With this thought, Kyle mustered his energy, picked up the thick stack of reports, and prepared to deliver them to the Minister's office next door.
As he walked down the corridor, he happened to meet Fudge exiting the elevator.
"Oh, Kyle, I was just coming to find you." Fudge looked delighted and said excitedly, "A great victory! We captured over twenty Death Eaters. It's been a long time since the magical world has had such exhilarating news."
"Haha, those who were previously unconcerned were all stunned when they saw the Death Eaters in the Trial Chamber."
"Yes," Kyle agreed. "Fortunately, the Auror Office didn't listen to them."
"Thanks to the information you provided, I can't wait to see everyone's expressions when they read tomorrow's newspaper," Fudge continued. "But before that, I need you to help organize the detailed process, as the entire front page tomorrow will be about this."
"I've already written it," Kyle handed over the stack of reports.
"Well done, Kyle. I knew I could count on you," Fudge said happily. "Rest assured, tomorrow you'll see your name in the most prominent place in the newspaper."
"No, Minister," Kyle shook his head. "This achievement belongs to the Auror Office. The Aurors captured the Death Eaters and protected the public. I merely assisted in the aftermath, and I didn't do anything else."
"Don't be modest," Fudge shook his head. "If not for the information you provided, they would have succeeded. You certainly deserve credit."
"No," Kyle insisted, shaking his head again. "I only received an anonymous letter."
"An anonymous letter..." Fudge frowned. "Where is that letter?"
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"I destroyed it after reading," Kyle said. "I think protective magic was applied to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Death Eaters."
"So cautious?" Fudge became even more puzzled. "But with such important news, who would inform us? Could it be a Death Eater?"
"I was thinking the same," Kyle replied. "After all, only Death Eaters would know the Dark Lord's plans."
"But with so many Death Eaters, who is this person?"
"I'm not sure," Kyle thought for a moment. "But the letter mentioned Professor Umbridge. The writer said that even after being subjected to the Cruciatus Curse twice, they still chose to betray the Dark Lord to resist the Death Eaters."
"So I believe this achievement should belong to Professor Umbridge."
"Have you decided? This is a great opportunity to enhance your reputation," Fudge said softly. "You could have kept this to yourself, as only you have read the letter. If you don't tell, no one will know."
"Of course, Minister. I've made my decision," Kyle said.
Fudge nodded, looking at Kyle with a hint of admiration. "Dolores would be proud to know that she once taught you."
"It's what I should do," Kyle said with a smile. "Minister, if there's nothing else, may I be excused for the day?"
"Oh, is it that late already? I didn't realize." Fudge exclaimed, "I was going to invite you to observe the trial, but if you insist on going home, of course, it's fine... Do you need a Ministry car to take you back?"
"No need, as long as the Ministry allows me to Apparate once," Kyle replied, "I missed the Apparition exam, so I'll have to wait until next year."
"Oh, right, you were busy capturing Dementors at that time," Fudge said nonchalantly, "Well, go ahead and use it. I approve."
"Also, let's skip the Apparition exam as a reward for this time."
"Minister, is this appropriate?"
"Don't worry, we all know that kind of exam is no challenge for you, right?"
...
After Fudge returned to his office with the report, Kyle took the elevator to the hall where Ministry employees Apparated.
When Kyle arrived at Grimmauld Place, a faint glow was already visible in the sky.
At this hour, Kyle had assumed everyone was asleep, but when he opened the door, he found the lights still on inside.
"It's okay, Dad, it's just Kyle returning."
Bill poked his head out of a room, "Come and eat something, or else Fred and George will finish it all."
"Hey, Bill, it's not as exaggerated as you say, Charlie's the one eating more!"
Hearing about food, Kyle hurried over.
The lit area was the kitchen, and besides Sirius, everyone who had returned earlier was there. On the table were several bottles of wine, a few loaves of bread, a plate of cornflakes, and a plate of pickled beef.
"Well, did you find out anything useful?" Mr. Weasley pushed a loaf of bread towards Kyle.
"I don't know," Kyle said, "I've been writing the report and didn't go to the trial chamber, but I think the Aurors won't get any useful information."
"Why?" Charlie was a bit puzzled.
"Do you know any of the captured Death Eaters?" Kyle asked.
Charlie pondered for a moment and shook his head.
He had seen them before, and they were all unfamiliar faces, none of whom he recognized.
"That's the reason," Kyle took a piece of bread, "This time, besides Antonin Dolohov, the others were probably just fillers, good at causing chaos but not necessarily knowing anything important."
"It's a pity Dolohov got away," Mr. Weasley said regretfully.
The Auror who had gone after him had lost Dolohov's trail deep in Knockturn Alley and returned empty-handed.
"There's no way, he's more familiar with Knockturn Alley than us," Charlie said, "Kyle, do you want some brandy?"
Kyle had already turned seventeen, so he could drink, but he glanced at the cornflakes and pickled beef on the table and hesitated.
He preferred eating something over drinking.
Just then, the house-elf Kreacher came over, eagerly asking, "Master Kyle, would you like some supper?"
Kyle looked at the remaining pickled beef and cornflakes, hesitated, and then nodded, "Just bring whatever, please."
"It's Kreacher's honor!" The elf screamed, his face lit up with excitement as he rushed into the kitchen.
"Shh, keep it down," Fred reminded him from the side, "Mom's been worried all night, and I hope we didn't wake her up just now."
"Sorry," Kyle said, "I forgot house-elves can be a bit excitable sometimes."
"It's not your fault," George said, "But I don't understand why that elf wasn't this eager when we returned."
"Yeah, he didn't even want to get us cups."
The two complained about the house-elf's differential treatment, but Mr. Weasley didn't find it strange.
He had already learned about Regulus from Sirius, and as the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher would naturally be more eager towards Kyle. There was nothing strange about it.
As they waited, Kyle suddenly thought of something and asked, "Mr. Weasley, do you know why the Death Eaters wanted to capture Forskoe?"
"I'm not sure, probably a case of mistaken identity," Mr. Weasley thought for a moment and said, "Or perhaps he somehow offended them.
Or maybe he spoke the Dark Lord's name." Bill said.
At this point, they couldn't think of any other reason why the Death Eaters would go to such lengths to capture an ice cream shop owner.
After a while, Kreacher returned with not only the sandwiches Kyle wanted but also fried potatoes, grilled sausages, and a whole roasted chicken.
Seeing this, Fred and George felt even more envious, and they turned their sorrow into appetite, grabbing the grilled sausages and stuffing them into their mouths.
Kreacher watched them from the side, his face darkening, but the two didn't care, and Fred even raised his eyebrows triumphantly at Kreacher before picking up a second sausage.
"I finally understand why Kreacher doesn't like us," Kyle said with a smile.
(End of Chapter)
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