Chapter 972: Roach's Efficiency
Chapter 972: Roach's Efficiency
Kyle didn't comment on which school was more impressive, Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, but he genuinely disliked the way people like Roach and Grindelwald conducted themselves.
They had rushed over without a word, pointing and gesturing as if Hogwarts was inferior to their alma mater in every way.
Since Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were so impressive, why didn't they win the Triwizard Tournament last time?
"Are you thinking of something impolite?" Roach asked, looking at him.
"No, how could I?" Kyle repeatedly denying it, "I was just thinking about the exams. You know, N.E.W.T. results are important for every wizard."
"And as a qualified professor, it's natural to have such concerns."
"Is that so?"
"Of course."
Roach looked at Kyle again.
He didn't believe a word she said, but he didn't bother to argue.
"The thing," Roach reached out her hand, "You know what I want. Don't disappoint me."
"It's ready." Kyle took out the album he always carried with him and handed it to Roach.
She was about to open it habitually.
"I advise you not to do that." Kyle placed his hand on the album, "This is for your own good. Grindelwald probably wouldn't like the contents of this album to be seen by a third person, even if that person is his most loyal follower."
"If you're checking its safety, then rest assured. Even if I'm stupid, I wouldn't think that just an album could take down Grindelwald."
Roach didn't speak.
Neither did Kyle.
In fact, the force he used to hold the album wasn't strong. If Roach insisted, he could easily break free, but he didn't do that.
After a brief stalemate, Roach smiled, "Okay, I'll take your advice."
She put the album into a small handbag, then raised her head,
"Aren't you going to invite me for a drink? It's not very gentlemanly to have a nearly hundred-year-old lady standing in the courtyard outside the school gate."
"Oh, it's my negligence." Kyle slightly sidestepped and extended his hand, "Then, Ms. Roach, may I invite you to lunch?"
"I'd be delighted." Roach took two steps forward, following his hand.
"Where are you taking me?"
"How about Hogsmeade?" Kyle suggested, "Madam Rosmerta at The Three Broomsticks makes excellent scones, and her homemade orange marmalade is quite tasty."
"No need to go that far." Roach turned to look at the castle behind her, "I've heard that Hogwarts food is quite unique, made by house-elves. I'd like to try it."
"It's not that great, just average." Kyle said casually, "Also, it's the day of the N.E.W.T. exams for the students, so it's better for strangers not to go to the castle."
"What if I insist on going?" Roach narrowed her eyes.
"That's possible..." Kyle's voice was calm, "But if you go now, you might be mistaken for a wizard helping students cheat. If you're not careful, the professors might catch you and lock you in the dungeon, which would be a bit embarrassing."
"After all, the Hogwarts dungeon hasn't been used for a long time, and the environment isn't great."
"That professor, is it you?"
"Who knows?" Kyle shrugged, "It could be other professors as well."
"In that case, since the students are taking exams, I won't disturb them." Roach smiled and turned to walk towards the school gate.
Kyle followed behind her.
They arrived at The Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, and due to the ongoing exams at the school, there were few people around, only two wizards sitting at the bar, drinking and chatting.
Roach found a seat by the window and turned to look at the quiet street outside.
"Is it okay to talk here?" she said softly, "I don't want to cause trouble for him."
"No problem." Kyle waved his wand.
"And even if you shout for Grindelwald to come here, others would just think you're drunk and wouldn't take it seriously."
"That's true." Roach laughed at herself. The young wizards nowadays might not even know who Grindelwald was.
If it wasn't for Dumbledore...
Roach suddenly shook her head and stopped her train of thought.
Just then, Madam Rosmerta also arrived with Kyle's order.
Two plates of orange marmalade scones, a bottle of butterbeer, and a glass of wine.
"I'm not sure about your preferences, but since you attend Beauxbatons, I thought you might enjoy some grape wine."
"You're a clever one," Roach said, taking a small sip from the glass.
The wine was average, but she gradually accepted it, considering they were in Britain.
British wizards preferred fiery whiskey and butterbeer, and wine sales were not as popular.
She took another bite of the scone... it did taste good, at least Kyle was being truthful about that.
"Tell me about your plan... regarding those who covet the Horcruxes." Roach put down her utensils after a few bites.
"How can I assist you, or if you need me to, I can help you devise a plan. It's just a minor matter, not too troublesome."
"This plan isn't needed yet," Kyle shook his head. "If no one is after the Horcruxes, we won't need to do this."
"Do you really think so?" Roach twirled the glass in her hand.
"I did some investigation these past few days, and the news about the Horcruxes has already spread in Britain."
"But we haven't received any information."
"That's because you're at Hogwarts," Roach chuckled. "If you're willing to leave this school and visit where the rats gather, you'd likely reach a different conclusion."
Kyle furrowed his brows.
Upon reflection, he realized he hadn't ventured much beyond Hogwarts recently.
And when Roach mentioned the gathering place of rats, he thought of someone—Mundungus, the Phoenix Society member who didn't quite fit in. Mundungus had provided much information, things one wouldn't hear within Hogwarts or the Ministry of Magic.
However, Mundungus probably knew that others didn't like him, and after Dumbledore's funeral, he rarely showed up.
No wonder Kyle felt like something was missing—the absence of black market news. No wonder Dumbledore had him join the Phoenix Society.
"But how did you find out about this?" Kyle asked, frowning.
"Is it difficult?" Roach smiled lightly. "I just wandered around for a couple of days, and I pretty much figured out what I needed to know."
"What do you know?"
"I need a set of British robes," Roach looked at him. "Although your food and wine are a mess, the robe craftsmanship is decent. My previous styles are a bit outdated."
"No problem," Kyle nodded without hesitation. "The Fashionable Wizard's Clothing Store has the most innovative designs, right across the street."
"I trust your judgment," Roach took another small sip of wine.
"First, there were two people who leaked this information, both Wizengamot members who attended that hearing a few days ago."
"But you don't have to worry. Probably due to the recently concluded war, most of the capable and ambitious wizards seeking Horcruxes died at Hogwarts, so this news hasn't caused much of a stir in Britain."
"On the contrary, it has caused quite a stir in other countries."
"That's good," Kyle breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't causing trouble at his doorstep, he didn't care about or have control over other places.
"You and Dumbledore are indeed different," Roach said, looking at him.
"Professor Dumbledore took on too much. I don't want to be as tired as him," Kyle said.
"But you can't ignore this matter. What if that Voldemort is a Brit?" Roach continued. "Whether it's about searching for clues or something else, those people will definitely come here."
"But..." Roach leaned in, "with just a little price, I can help you deal with them. What do you think?"
(To be continued in Chapter 6, Book 9)
"No need," Kyle refused without hesitation.
Unlike Grindelwald, Roach's price wasn't easy to pay.
Besides, they were just a few foreign wizards. The Auror Office in the Ministry of Magic wasn't just for show.
"What a pity," Roach said softly.
"What else do you know?" Kyle continued to ask. "Grindelwald didn't just ask you to help with this. You must know more than just a little bit."
"I received the payment in advance," he said, pointing to Roach's handbag, indicating that the album was the payment he gave to Grindelwald.
"It's not that simple," Roach cut a piece of scone. "While you were leisurely playing wizard with those young wizards at school, I've already found the culprit behind this matter."
"Who is it?"
"It's quite a coincidence. It's your old friend."
"Roach thought for a moment, 'He even collaborated with others to revoke Dumbledore's position as the Chief Wizard of the International Confederation of Wizards.'
'Of course, none of this matters now. You won't be able to find him even if you wanted to.'
'He escaped?'
'Do you think I would let him get away?' Roach laughed, a joyful laugh.
'You killed him...'
'It's obvious, isn't it?' Roach brushed a strand of hair aside, 'Is the International Confederation of Wizards really so weak now? Such a weak, arrogant, and conceited fool was able to judge Dumbledore.'
'So, how is it? I still have good intentions, right?'
'I don't think so.' Kyle looked up, 'Did you kill him out of good faith, or was it because of Grindelwald's orders?'
Given that the person had offended Dumbledore, it was impossible for Grindelwald to let him off.
'Our goals are aligned, aren't they?' Roach said with a smile, 'And rest assured, I found him in Hungary, not in Britain. Since coming here, I have been very much in compliance with the Wizardry Law.'
Kyle took a sip of butterbeer.
To be honest, he never expected that this matter would also involve the International Confederation of Wizards.
But upon careful consideration, it wasn't surprising. There were many unusual aspects to Dumbledore's dismissal at the time.
Voldemort's power and influence were mainly in Britain. Even in neighboring France, they were indifferent to his resurrection and didn't take it to heart.
When Dumbledore announced the news of his return, Fudge's excitement was understandable, but why did the International Confederation of Wizards get involved and directly expel him from his position as Chief Wizard?
What did it matter to them whether Voldemort lived or died?
As for helping Fudge, it was even more ridiculous. Fudge was a Minister of Magic who needed Dumbledore's support to stabilize his position, and he certainly didn't have the clout to get the International Confederation of Wizards to cooperate with him.
So, it must have been others who wanted to target Dumbledore.
Of course, now it seems unnecessary to think about these things.
Dumbledore didn't care, and Grindelwald didn't have a big heart to let bygones be bygones.
Kyle glanced at Roach again.
'Did you find all this out in the past few days?'
Just before the exam, he had met with Grindelwald and reached an agreement.
Only a few days had passed since then, and the leaker, the instigator, and the attitudes of wizards from various countries towards Horcruxes were all laid out before him.
Wasn't the efficiency a bit too high?
'Was it difficult?' Roach propped his chin up with his fingers, 'This matter isn't as complicated as you think. Everything has its basis, and at most, it was just a little troublesome.'
'Fortunately, we are good at handling such matters, plus a little coincidence... If I had more people to use, I could have come to you even earlier.'
As Roach spoke, Kyle kept his eyes on him.
It was not surprising that everything had its basis and that they were good at handling such matters, but it was impossible to say that everything was as it seemed.
Oh, and that one phrase... a little coincidence.
Kyle was skeptical. He felt that Roach had initially acted on Grindelwald's orders to deal with the wizard who had targeted Dumbledore, and it was only during this process that he happened to discover the wizard's connection to Horcruxes.
Of course, all of this was Kyle's speculation, and it was also possible that Roach's professional abilities were indeed very strong.
'Can you tell me about your plan now?' Roach continued.
'Do you want me to take care of those who want to come to Britain? I've just had a seventy-year break, and I still enjoy keeping myself busy.'
'Or you can just give me a list. Considering our past cooperation, I can offer you a very good discount.'
'No need. I don't intend to kill them, at least not for now.' Kyle said after a moment of silence, 'And I've already paid the reward. There's no need to pay extra for a list.'
'But the list isn't part of the cooperation.'
'Then I don't want the list.' Kyle said, 'I will also spread the word later, and you just need to lead them to the forest where Nurmengard is located. That shouldn't be a problem, right?'
'Aren't you afraid there will be loose ends?'
'No.' Kyle said, 'And I want those loose ends.'
Roach seemed to have not expected Kyle to say this, and he didn't react for a moment.
He wanted the loose ends... Why couldn't she understand what Kyle was saying?
...
(End of Chapter)
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