Chapter 735: The Meeting
Chapter 735: The Meeting
Although the temperature in Britain was still a bit low in April, at least it wasn't as cold in places where sunlight shone. Stepping on the golden sunlight, Liam and Hermione walked through the main gate of Hogwarts Castle's courtyard.
There were still patrols on duty, but they might have been instructed by Dumbledore beforehand, as the patrol members immediately opened the gate for Ryan and the others when they saw them.
"Nice to see you, Penelope", Liam recognized the person leading the patrol at the school gate. "Aren't you still working at the shop? How did you end up on patrol now?"
"Hogsmeade has its own defense force, and naturally, all of us capable wizards joined", Penelope explained. After Ryan and the others entered, she tapped the iron gate with her wand.
With the help of magic, the castle gate closed quickly. Penelope turned to Liam and continued, "Previously, the area was guarded by professionals sent by the Ministry of Magic. However, with the situation improving recently, the Ministry of Magic plans to reclaim some regions. After discussing with Headmaster Dumbledore, he decided to send those professionals to where they are needed, and we volunteers maintain the order here."
"How is the safety situation?" Hermione stepped forward, curious. "After all, Hogwarts is a primary target for those damned Death Eaters. Are you all still safe here?"
"Of course, we are very safe!" Penelope lightly flicked her hair. "Firstly, most of our team has been trained by you. In terms of combat skills, we are not far off from the average Hit-Wizard who has undergone professional training. You know, even Percy's training at the Ministry of Magic is at our level, and they are elite personnel under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Secondly, the war situation is gradually turning in our favor. I believe there won't be any enemy surprise attacks here in the short term. Of course, we won't let our guard down at any moment."
At this point, Penelope took out a small identification badge from her clothes. "For example, I use this to verify that you are really you. Of course, it's also because I trust that no one could obtain a part of your body to impersonate you, given your abilities."
"Lastly and most importantly", Penelope's face showed a sense of pride. "We have Professor Dumbledore stationed at Hogwarts Castle, the safest place in the British wizarding world. Even if the Dark Lord himself were to come, he wouldn't gain any advantage here."
"You're right. Hogwarts Castle, with Professor Dumbledore's protection, is indeed the safest place in Britain", Liam said, looking at the vast and towering castle. Regardless of what Dumbledore did in his youth, he devoted his later life entirely to the school and its students. It is precisely because of him that the castle has become an impregnable fortress in everyone's eyes.
"Oh, right. Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you in the Headmaster's office", Penelope suddenly remembered something and called out to Liam as he and the others walked a distance away from the patrol. "Just go to the entrance of the Headmaster's office; the Stone Gargoyle statue will open the door for you."
"Got it, thanks, senior", Liam waved again. Ryan and the others then followed the path into the castle. Unlike previous visits, it was now class time, so the corridors were empty. Naturally, they didn't run into any familiar faces.
"Do you think Professor Dumbledore called us all here for something specific?" Hermione asked curiously. The night before, they had received a letter from Lupin, who informed them that Professor Dumbledore had also invited him to the meeting today.
“I guess it’s probably due to the current situation,” Liam analyzed. “You see, we’ve almost completely compressed the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters’ activities to the London area. At the same time, their wealth and manpower have been reduced to a very dangerous level. It’s indeed time for us to discuss our next move.”
Upon arriving at the Headmaster's Office, the two Stone Gargoyles, as expected, jumped aside to reveal the Spiral Staircase as soon as they saw Ryan and the others. Familiar with the route, they ascended the stairs and entered the Headmaster's Office. Liam found that Professor Lupin was the only one present, standing on the carpet by the fireplace, while the Headmaster was nowhere to be seen.
“I just got here myself. Dumbledore left a message saying he had some business to attend to this morning and asked us to wait here,” Lupin explained, pointing to a box on the corner of the desk. “He also left us a box of snacks, so feel free to help yourselves.”
“Professor Lupin,” Liam said after hearing Professor Lupin’s words. He stepped forward and embraced the professor, then greeted him. “It’s been a long time. Why are you here so early? We left right after breakfast, but we still arrived after you.”
“That’s because I arrived in Hogsmeade last night with a group of Werewolves who were rotating shifts to set up defenses. This morning, I had a sandwich and a coffee before coming here,” Lupin replied, looking at Liam seriously. “I must thank you for killing Fenrir Greyback, even though, as your professor, I shouldn’t say this.”
“Don’t mention it. It was just something I did during the battle. After all, it was a fight, and Greyback was my enemy. Killing him was inevitable, not something I did specifically for you,” Liam responded seriously. After all, Lupin was a good person who always thought of his friends, and Liam didn’t want him to carry too much of a psychological burden over this.
“Of course, of course, I understand,” Lupin said, smiling and patting Liam on the shoulder. “I owe you so much already, and this is just a small part of it.”
As they were talking, the door opened again, and Minister of Magic Madam Bones walked in. Seeing Lupin patting Liam on the shoulder, she asked with a smile, “What are you two chatting about? You look quite cheerful.”
“Oh, we were just catching up on everyone’s recent situations. We’ve all been so busy that we haven’t seen each other in months,” Lupin quickly changed the subject, as it was best not to discuss killing in front of the Minister of Magic, even if it was in the context of war.
“You’re right. It has been a long time since we’ve all met,” Madam Bones nodded slightly and conjured a few chairs for everyone to sit down. After a few minutes of waiting and realizing Professor Dumbledore hadn’t arrived, she turned to Lupin and asked, “How’s Tonks doing? I heard she’s pregnant, and the birth of a new life is a very good sign for us.”
“Yes, both mother and child are doing well,” Lupin’s face lit up, and he seemed younger. “If I’m not mistaken, the baby will be born this month.”
“I’m glad to hear that good news,” Dumbledore’s voice suddenly echoed. Liam looked up to see the Headmaster’s Office door at the top of the stairs open, and Professor Dumbledore walked out. “There have been various good tidings lately, and this is truly wonderful.”
“Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore,” “Albus, good morning,” “Professor Dumbledore, good morning!” Ryan and the others stood up to greet Dumbledore as he descended the stairs.
“Good morning to you all,” Dumbledore said, walking behind his desk and sitting down. He then gestured for everyone to sit. “I’ve called you all here today to discuss our next steps.”
(End of Chapter)
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