Chapter 794: Plans and Protection
Chapter 794: Plans and Protection
Fred and George found the idea of Kyle killing seventy Death Eaters utterly laughable; they didn't believe it for a second.
Strictly speaking, Kyle hadn't done that either. He roughly calculated, and even if he counted the Serpent's most impressive feats, including the initial ambush and subsequent indiscriminate attacks, there were only about thirty or so.
The main reason was the Serpent's unstoppable gaze; in a situation with fewer people, it was almost certain death if you were seen. The Death Eaters were caught off guard.
Norbert joined later, and although the Dragon's destructive power was astonishing, in terms of efficiency, it still fell short of the Serpent by a significant margin. All in all, he only accounted for a fraction of the total.
So when Kingsley mentioned this earlier, Kyle could honestly say that he hadn't killed all the Death Eaters.
Because he had only taken care of half of them, and as for the rest, Kyle wasn't sure what happened.
It was possible that Voldemort had them eliminated to silence them, as he had spoken the surname "Riddle" quite audibly earlier.
A Muggle father had always been Voldemort's taboo, and if he wanted to maintain his identity as a pure-blooded Slytherin descendant, he would undoubtedly eliminate any Death Eater who might have overheard this secret.
Given Voldemort's character, it was unlikely that he would waste time scrutinizing each one; the simplest method was to eliminate them all, ensuring no mistakes.
Of course, these were just Kyle's speculations based on Voldemort's personality. Only Voldemort himself knew what happened after Kyle fled.
Meanwhile, at the dining table...
"Molly, Sirius, you've got the wrong idea," Kingsley sighed. He seemed to want to explain something but thought better of it and remained silent.
The reason he asked was purely out of habit as an Auror, and Moody thought the same.
Or, if anyone else were here today, even Dumbledore, they would want to get to the bottom of it.
But now, there was no need for that, as they didn't believe Kyle could kill so many Death Eaters in fifteen minutes.
Fifteen minutes, seventy... On average, that's nearly five per minute. Even if they were facing Boarhounds, it's impossible to be that fast.
Even if one were to stretch their imagination, assuming seventy Boarhounds, they would still run once they realized the danger. Not to mention seventy Death Eaters.
In a place like Godric's Valley, if one wanted to escape, it wouldn't be that easy to catch them.
So, there must be something they didn't know about, and it had nothing to do with Kyle.
"I'm sorry," Kingsley said, turning to Kyle. "This is my duty, and I hope you understand."
"Of course," Kyle replied. "And I don't mind."
Both men smiled at each other, and no one spoke further. It seemed that the matter was put to rest.
Seeing the atmosphere turn a little stiff, Mr. Weasley took the initiative to change the topic. "By the way, has anyone seen Dumbledore? His Phoenix is here, but he's nowhere to be found."
As he spoke, he unconsciously glanced at the Fox sleeping on Kyle's shoulder, wondering if it was due to excessive use of Apparition or simply being tired. The Fox slept soundly, undisturbed by the many voices around it.
However, in response to Mr. Weasley's question, everyone shook their heads, all indicating that they didn't know what was going on. It seemed that no one had seen him since noon.
Thus, everyone's attention once again turned to Kyle.
There was no choice; Sirius had just said that Kyle could command the actions of the Phoenix, and the Fox sleeping on his shoulder further validated that statement.
If anyone present knew Dumbledore's whereabouts, their first thought would be to ask Kyle.
"Don't look at me; I don't know either," Kyle shrugged. "Dumbledore only said he had important matters to attend to and asked me to help take care of the Fox."
His explanation was the same as at the Hog's Head. In fact, this was what they had agreed upon in advance at Bathilda's house.
Dumbledore didn't want too many people to know he was using a Time Turner, so he came up with this vague reason... Since he was always running around, it wouldn't raise suspicions for a short while, but not for too long.
So, for now, Kyle could only buy time day by day. Dumbledore's name, in a certain sense, had become a symbol, and as long as he was around, it gave people a sense of invincibility.
This confidence was essential when facing the Death Eaters.
At this moment, Mrs. Weasley brought out some late-night snacks. It wasn't extravagant, just ordinary sandwiches with corned beef and fried ham, but they paired well with whiskey.
Of course, only those rescued by the Fox were drinking, while the others who had rushed over from the Ministry remained sober.
When everyone was mostly sober again, the conversation once again turned to the Death Eaters.
"I never expected their numbers to grow so much." Mr. Weasley said with concern.
"Indeed." Sirius nodded in agreement.
The number of Death Eaters they had encountered before was small, usually just a few at a time, but now the situation had changed.
Deploying seventy Death Eaters... This number was almost the same as the peak of Voldemort's power over a decade ago.
Although most of them were just fillers, with varying levels of strength, it was still a troublesome matter for the Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry of Magic.
Voldemort hadn't even appeared, and yet Bellatrix alone could bring out seventy Death Eaters, indirectly indicating that their numbers were likely much higher than seventy.
Bellatrix was like this, as were Antonin Dolohov, Lucius Malfoy, Bartemius Crouch Jr., Dolphine, Axolotl... They were all Death Eaters trusted by Voldemort.
Based on this calculation, the number of Death Eaters was at least five times higher, around three hundred and fifty.
In comparison, their side seemed a bit weak.
The Order of the Phoenix, including old members and new recruits, had barely thirty people, and the number of Aurors was similar. There were more combat-oriented members, but they didn't exceed a hundred.
Even if you added security and other combat personnel, their numbers could barely reach two hundred.
A maximum of two hundred versus at least three hundred and fifty; the disparity was evident.
For a moment, everyone's faces showed a look of helplessness.
"Everyone, don't be so pessimistic. We've experienced even more uneven wars," Lupin consoled them. "During the last war, the number of Death Eaters was thirty times ours, but they still lost."
However, his words didn't seem to have much effect.
Everyone present knew the reason for the Death Eaters' defeat last time... It had nothing to do with the Ministry of Magic or the Order of the Phoenix. The most crucial reason was that Voldemort had died.
Or, to be more precise, others believed he had died.
The savior in the prophecy had defeated the arrogant Dark Lord, leaving the Death Eaters leaderless. Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard, seized the opportunity to lead the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix to defeat them.
This sounded exhilarating, but ultimately, it was still a matter of luck. If Voldemort hadn't died, no one could guarantee a favorable outcome.
Even if they won, it would likely be due to a stroke of luck.
At this thought, some people couldn't help but look at Harry...
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Nothing," Kingsley said. "I just wanted to remind you that after losing seventy Death Eaters, the Death Eaters won't let it go. He will definitely find a way to retaliate."
"So, for the next period, if there's nothing particularly important, it's best for you to leave this place."
"But I can't hide here forever." Harry frowned. "School is about to start, and I have to go to King's Cross Station."
"About that... I think it's best not to go to King's Cross Station." Kingsley suggested.
"Then how do we get to school?" Hermione asked anxiously.
"It's not the only way to get to Hogwarts, dear." Mrs. Weasley walked over and placed a basket of fried potatoes on the table. "We'll find a way to get you to Hogwarts safely. Portkeys and the Floo Network are both good options."
"I prefer Apparition." Sirius said. "Apparating them to Hogsmeade is the most secure method. To be honest, I don't trust the Floo Network under the Ministry of Magic's supervision."
"I agree." Lupin said, glancing at Kingsley. "Of course, this isn't directed at you. I just suspect that the Death Eaters might have turned the Transportation Department, and there are quite a few wizards among them who are proficient in the Imperius Curse."
"I understand, Remus." Kingsley nodded. "No matter the method, the ultimate goal is to ensure Harry Potter's safe arrival at Hogwarts."
"Once he's at Hogwarts, under Dumbledore's protection, he'll be safe."
As they spoke, Kyle sat there without saying a word.
This year's Hogwarts might not be so safe after all.
The only good news now was that besides him, no one else knew Dumbledore's whereabouts. Without concrete information, Voldemort wouldn't dare to act recklessly.
"Right, we also need to arrange some people to go to Hogsmeade." Moody said. "Last year, someone tried to assassinate Kyle using cursed Dark Magic items."
"It was Malfoy." Harry suddenly spoke up. "He admitted it in the tower, and it was also him who had Rosmerta use the Imperius Curse on Slughorn and gave him the Love Potion."
"Malfoy?" Ron was surprised. "What did he say? I've never heard you mention this before."
"Didn't I?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Of course not. If you don't believe me, ask Hermione." Ron said.
Hermione nodded, "No."
"That might be what I forgot." Harry said, "He said a lot that day, and even admitted that he had wanted to kill Kyle and Dumbledore since he entered school, but he never succeeded."
"You kept such an important thing from us?" Ron exclaimed, unable to accept it for a moment.
After all, in most other times, Harry would tell them about anything that happened, but now he had changed his mind?
"I didn't do it on purpose, I really forgot." Harry hurriedly explained, "You know, something even more unbelievable happened that day, if it wasn't for Alastor's mention just now, I might not have remembered."
Harry was talking about Kyle rushing into the tower and the scene of the tower being washed with fierce flames, protected by Dumbledore. He witnessed the entire tower filled with raging flames, a terrifying scene like the end of the world, which made him forget everything else.
Also because of this, when Kingsley said that Kyle had defeated seventy Death Eaters on his own, he didn't doubt it at all and almost subconsciously believed it.
And after hearing his explanation, Ron also nodded and reluctantly believed it.
"Hmm, Malfoy... just as I guessed." Moody snorted, "But he probably won't be going to Hogwarts this year."
"That's great." Harry couldn't help but laugh.
No Malfoy at Hogwarts... this was like a dream come true.
"In my opinion, Dumbledore is too kind." Hagrid said in a deep voice, "The Malfoy family is all bad, but Dumbledore believes he was deceived. Lucius is just as evil deep down."
"Don't say that, Hagrid." Mr. Weasley waved his hand, "Dumbledore must have his reasons. We just need to trust him."
Hagrid didn't speak, he took a bottle of brandy, opened the cork and drank it in one gulp.
"Anyway..." Moody continued, "Although the culprit from last year has left the school, none of us can guarantee that there aren't such people among the students this year, and whether they will target Harry again.
"For safety, it's best to have someone stay in Hogsmeade for an extended period after Hogwarts opens.
"On one hand, it's to protect Harry, and on the other hand, it can provide quick support when special situations arise."
"No problem, I agree."
"I agree too..."
"That's the best."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Harry didn't want everyone to do extra things for him, but he also knew that his words didn't count, so he sat there silently.
Moody scanned the crowd, "Mundungus, you go..."
"Alastor." Sirius suddenly spoke up, interrupting him.
"Let me handle this."
"You?" Moody frowned, hesitating.
He certainly believed that Sirius could get the job done, but the issue was that ability was only secondary; they needed someone discreet.
Whether it was to protect Harry or anything else, once discovered, the effect would be greatly diminished... no Death Eater would be foolish enough to go after Harry when he was with them.
And when it came to hiding, aside from Nymphadora Tonks, Mundungus was the more suitable choice.
"Let someone else do it." Moody said, "Your face is too recognizable, almost all Death Eaters know you, and they know you're Harry's godfather.
"Having Dumbledore and the professors on the surface is enough, there's no need to add more people."
"I can take Polyjuice Potion." Sirius said, "And more importantly, I have a business in Hogsmeade, so I have a legitimate reason to stay there."
"Business?"
"The Shrieking Shack." Sirius laughed, "Remus and I bought it. Now it's ours."
"It's yours and Kyle's." Lupin corrected, "I don't have that much money. Kyle lent it to me, and I need to repay him first."
As soon as this was mentioned, Sirius's expression turned sour. He still couldn't understand why Lupin chose to borrow money from Kyle with interest instead of asking him directly, even though he could have given it to Lupin.
Chris also reacted strongly.
He knew Kyle had made some money in the past few years, but he wasn't clear on the amount, and he hadn't asked about it.
How could Kyle already have his own business right after graduating? And in Hogsmeade? As far as he knew, the prices there weren't cheap.
As the only village in Britain with only wizards, Hogsmeade had always been famous, so even the long-abandoned Shrieking Shack was likely to cost at least three thousand Galleons.
Even if you subtracted the half that Sirius owned, it was still one thousand five hundred Galleons, which was more than Chris's salary for several months. Could the small businesses they did at school earn so much?
Oh, right, the Triwizard Tournament.
Chris suddenly remembered that the prize for the Triwizard Tournament champion was one thousand Galleons, which made it more reasonable.
...
(End of Chapter)
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