Chapter 801: Angry and Helpless Malfoy
Chapter 801: Angry and Helpless Malfoy
The only thing that gave Ivan some relief was that he had previously modified Notte's memory, and over the past two years, Notte had been under strict surveillance, unable to access any important information.
"Have Fenrir send more people to find Notte as soon as possible", Ivan instructed.
Dobby nodded in acknowledgment, noting down the order. Then, as if remembering something, he mentioned that Lucius Malfoy had transported one million Galleons to the Knockturn Alley Treasury over the course of three days.
"One million Galleons? Wasn't it supposed to be seven hundred thousand?" Ivan paused, somewhat surprised.
"Master Malfoy said the additional three hundred thousand Galleons were offered by his friends to show their sincerity", Dobby explained.
Ivan understood now. It seemed the Pureblood Wizards were quite sensible...
With this sudden influx of funds, Ivan's mood improved considerably. Money might not solve everything, but it certainly could handle most of the problems he usually encountered.
For instance, the upcoming Wizarding War, with its initial preparations, post-war compensation, and subsequent administrative costs, had been a significant concern. Now, all these issues were resolved.
"Tell Lucius that once this operation is over, I'll help remove the Dark Mark from their bodies", Ivan said after some thought.
This would be the most desirable reward for the former Death Eaters. After all, if their betrayal were to be exposed, the Dark Mark would turn into a ticking time bomb, allowing Voldemort to easily locate and kill them.
"Yes, Master!"
With that, Dobby snapped his fingers and disappeared on the spot.
...
Days passed, and on the eve of Halloween, Ivan received a secret report from Lucius. Voldemort was set to launch a surprise attack at eleven o'clock the next morning, during the Aurors' shift change.
Their own operation was scheduled for nine o'clock, two hours earlier. If everything went according to plan, Voldemort would arrive too late to make a difference.
In fact, Ivan wanted to act even earlier for added security, but Ministry of Magic officials typically started work at nine. Acting too early might mean the Ministry's doors weren't even open yet!
"Too bad Halloween isn't a holiday. Looks like I'll have to skip class for a day", Ivan remarked, glancing at his schedule. As a law-abiding student, this was his first time skipping class.
...
On Halloween morning, Ivan, eager to deliver a surprise to the Minister of Magic, got up early. After a quick breakfast, he left Hogwarts Castle without a trace.
Six months had passed since the last battle, and the Wizarding Market, once devastated, had been fully restored, no longer looking as desolate as before.
By the time Ivan arrived, over a hundred Wizards were already lined up and waiting.
"Lord Hals!" Seeing Ivan materialize on the magic podium, Dawgert and the others hurried over.
"Is everyone in position, Dawgert?" Ivan asked.
"Seventeen-three Wizards in total. Thirteen have already been taken into the Ministry of Magic by Pierce, and the rest are here", Dawgert replied excitedly.
"Excellent!" Ivan nodded in satisfaction. "Follow the plan. You and Fenrir will lead a hundred and twenty Wizards to lie in wait near the headquarters. Once I take care of the Aurors, you'll join forces with the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and storm in."
Dawgert and Fenrir responded promptly. They had rehearsed this plan several times and knew exactly what to do.
Turning to Asia, Ivan continued, "Mom, you'll lead fifteen Aurors to provide support and prevent any escapees..."
The support mission is the least dangerous of all operations, only stepping in as a backup when absolutely necessary.
After assigning tasks to the majority of the group, Ivan's expression turned more serious. He looked at the remaining twenty-five Wizards and spoke.
"Lucius, Macnair, Goyle, Crabbe, you and the rest follow me!"
"We need to complete the most perilous part of the plan. If anyone falls in battle, I promise to take care of your families and provide a compensation of ten thousand Galleons!" Ivan scanned the Wizards below him, adding solemnly.
Ten thousand Galleons?
The Wizards present were all astonished. For ordinary Wizards, ten thousand Galleons was an unimaginable sum, one that they might not accumulate even if they went without food and drink for over a decade!
However, most of those participating in the operation knew that this was blood money!
By standing here, they had already prepared themselves for death!
Lucius, Goyle, and the others, who were not fully aware of the situation, exchanged uneasy glances, sensing something amiss. But before they could ask, Ivan spoke up first.
"Some of you might still be unclear about the specifics of the mission, so let me reiterate it!
I will give some of you Polyjuice Potion. From now on, you will be Death Eaters, accompanying the Dark Lord to Azkaban to rescue the imprisoned comrades. Then, we will join forces and attack the Ministry of Magic..."
"What? Attack... the Ministry of Magic?!" Lucius Malfoy was completely stunned, and Goyle, Crabbe, and the others wore equally shocked expressions.
"Wait... Lord Hals, this is not what we agreed on!" Lucius Malfoy stepped forward urgently, questioning.
Their initial task was merely to rescue the prisoners and cause chaos in the Wizarding World, declaring the Dark Lord's return.
The risk was significant but still within an acceptable range.
However, the current situation was entirely different. They would need to directly confront the official forces!
With just twenty-five Wizards and seventy-one Death Eaters, most of whom had been imprisoned for over a decade and were in poor condition, attacking the Ministry of Magic, which had over a hundred Aurors and more than two hundred clerks on duty?
This was sheer madness, no different from a suicide mission. Even if they survived by some miracle, they would still face the Ministry of Magic's manhunt!
Lucius Malfoy's anger surged, but when he met Ivan's cold, icy gaze, the courage in his heart vanished, leaving only overwhelming fear...
Macnair stepped in at the right moment, holding back Lucius and saying regretfully, "This is my oversight, Malfoy. Lord Hals revised the entire plan a few days ago, and I should have informed you in time."
Lucius glared fiercely at Macnair, wanting to lash out, but ultimately held back.
He knew very well that a plan to attack the Ministry of Magic couldn't have been formulated in just a few days, meaning he had been kept in the dark from the beginning. Macnair was at most a scapegoat.
What made Lucius even more helpless was that it was too late to back out now. He had no choice but to see this through.
Having betrayed the Dark Lord, he had no way out, especially with his son Draco at school, his life hanging by a thread at the mercy of their enemies.
Seeing that Lucius had calmed down somewhat, Ivan spoke to reassure him.
"Relax, Lucius. I have no intention of sending anyone to their death! I will personally handle the Ministry of Magic's Aurors, and your task is not to engage the guards...
When the Ministry of Magic is on the brink of defeat and Pierce arrives with reinforcements, you will act as spies and join Macnair in 'rebelling' against the Dark Lord, attacking the Death Eaters... and leaving them all behind in the Ministry of Magic!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
