Chapter 799: This Kid is Freakishly Strong, Yet Surprisingly Cautious...
Chapter 799: This Kid is Freakishly Strong, Yet Surprisingly Cautious...
After Lucius and Draco left, the Meeting Room once again fell into silence. Ivan sat alone by the fireplace, lost in thought for a long while before suddenly speaking up.
"Dawgert, what do you think?"
The dim flames in the hearth suddenly surged, the crimson flames converging to form Dawgert's large face. His deep, resonant voice followed.
"Lucius is a man who knows when to act. He probably really wants to betray the Dark Lord and join us. The 700,000 Galleons he offered is a sign of his sincerity. I believe what he said is trustworthy!"
"Besides, the Malfoy family is one of the most powerful in the British Wizarding World. With their support, many things will become much easier..."
Ivan nodded. Including the Malfoy family, they had gained the support of nearly four-tenths of the Wizarding World's elite in the past few months. Once Fudge fell, the next Minister of Magic would undoubtedly be one of theirs.
"By the way, who is our candidate?" Ivan asked curiously.
"Piers Sinkin!" Dawgert replied.
"The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?" Ivan was somewhat surprised. He had always thought Pierce was a hardliner.
"I investigated for over a month and found that this old man isn't as clean as he appears. He's actually easier to deal with than we imagined", Dawgert said, sounding quite pleased with himself.
Over the past few days, he had met with the two most likely candidates for Minister of Magic. Rufus Scrimgeour was as stubborn as Ivan had described, like a rock in a latrine—both foul and hard.
But the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Pierce, was different. He had a beloved family as a weakness and plenty of dirt to dig up, so there was no need to worry about him betraying them.
"Since that's the case, let's arrange a meeting. I'll personally brand him with the Magic Mark and welcome the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement into our ranks", Ivan said nonchalantly. He trusted someone he could directly control more than any amount of dirt.
"I'm sure Sinkin will feel honored..." Dawgert chuckled, knowing full well that Ivan could influence, punish, or even kill those marked with the Magic Mark.
However, Dawgert was smart enough not to mention this and instead asked, "Should we proceed with the original plan? What about Lucius?"
"Of course, just some minor adjustments. Everything else remains the same! When the operation begins, Master Malfoy will understand what he needs to do. We can say we made a last-minute change; it won't be a lie, will it?" Ivan said casually.
"You really are cautious... But you're right. If we had told him everything, Lucius might not have agreed so readily!" Dawgert shook his head, sighing.
"Better to be cautious. If something goes wrong with Lucius, and Voldemort learns our entire plan, we'll be the ones facing a massacre!"
"Even if the Ministry of Magic and the Dark Lord join forces, they won't be our match..." Dawgert muttered to himself. This kid is freakishly strong, yet always surprisingly cautious...
Among the over a hundred participants in the operation, only he and Asia knew the true plan. Fenrir and Gryson might have guessed some parts, but the rest of the Wizards were in the dark, only aware of their specific roles.
According to Ivan, even if someone were to suddenly betray them, it wouldn't affect the entire plan.
"Have you taken care of everything I asked you to do?" Ivan asked again.
"Mrs. Edgecombe from the Floo Network Authority has joined us. She assured us that all fireplaces leading in and out of the headquarters will be shut down when necessary! Also, we have people in the Department of Mysteries. Once the operation begins, Pierce will send people to help us capture it as quickly as possible!"
Dawgert spoke at length, then paused and added, "According to reliable sources, Fudge will be convening a meeting with the high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic that day. Not one of them will be able to escape!"
Ivan nodded, understanding that capturing Fudge was a crucial part of this operation. He also planned to use his identity as Voldemort to eliminate some political enemies.
"What about the Daily Prophet?" Ivan continued.
As Ivan spoke, the flames in the fireplace suddenly rose higher. Dawgert's face showed a hint of anger, but he moved aside slightly, and the flame's projection shrank. Another head-sized projection appeared beside it, belonging to Gryson!
"Lord Hals, please allow me to report personally. The editor-in-chief of the Daily Prophet retired yesterday. It won't be long before the newspaper speaks for us", Gryson said confidently.
"Excellent work, Gryson. You've moved faster than I imagined!" Ivan was very pleased. The Daily Prophet was the most influential newspaper in the Wizarding World and the mouthpiece of the Ministry of Magic. Controlling it meant controlling the public opinion of the Wizarding World!
This was a critical part of the plan, essential for the legitimacy of their actions!
In just five months, Gryson had managed to take control of the Daily Prophet without anyone noticing. His abilities were evident. As for the legality of his methods, Ivan wasn't interested.
"Once this is over, I will establish a Department of Propaganda within the Ministry of Magic, and Gryson, you will be the first Head!" Ivan promised.
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Hals!" Gryson said, his voice trembling with excitement, causing the flames to flicker.
"Then, let's prepare for the operation, everyone!" Ivan stood up and declared loudly. "For the future of the Wizarding World!"
"For the future of the Wizarding World!" Dawgert and Gryson responded in unison, and the two flame projections shattered instantly.
Ivan waved his hand to extinguish the remaining flames and gazed at the golden fireplace, feeling a bit at a loss.
Earlier, he had turned the entire fireplace to gold to intimidate Lucius. While it was indeed impressive, it now posed a significant problem.
Moving such a large fireplace would be no easy task.
Leaving it here was also out of the question—it would be too conspicuous!
And after expending so much magic, it would be a waste to let it go to waste!
"I should have turned the table or the sofa to gold..." Ivan sighed, regretting his decision.
As Ivan was contemplating this, a series of footsteps echoed outside the door, accompanied by a raspy voice.
"Who... who is in the Meeting Room?"
"Filch? What bad timing", Ivan raised an eyebrow and casually waved his wand to lock the Meeting Room door.
Outside, Filch soon reached the door and struggled with the lock, shouting, "Come out now! I've caught you!"
(End of Chapter)
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