บท 220: Chapter 220: "A Night of Reckoning"
Back at the Quidditch World Cup campgrounds, a festive atmosphere reigned. Most people were oblivious to the danger lurking in the shadows, celebrating Ireland's win with fireworks, parties, and plenty of drinking.
This joyous scene was a stark contrast to the tension building in the temporary Auror headquarters. Sirius and Amelia had gathered what few Aurors they could, their faces grim as they discussed potential threats.
"It's not enough," Sirius muttered, running a hand through his hair. "If there's a real attack, we're in trouble."
Amelia nodded her face tight with worry. "I know. But we need Aurors to protect other areas like the Ministry and Diagon Alley. We're spread too thin."
Their discussion was interrupted by the arrival of a silvery Patronus, its message urgent: St. Mungo's was under attack. Sirius thought this might be a diversion, but the dilemma was clear on Amelia's face - stay for a potential threat or respond to a confirmed one?
"Go," Sirius urged. "I'll handle things here if anything happens."
With a reluctant nod, Amelia left with a group of Aurors, leaving Sirius with a skeleton crew to defend the campgrounds from what could be a real Death Eater attack.
---
On the outskirts of the camp, a different scene was unfolding. Five figures in black cloaks and silver masks stood before the Roberts family cottage, their intentions sinister. Mr. Roberts was the site's Muggle manager.
"Is this really necessary?" one Death Eater whispered, fear evident in his voice. "If we get caught, the Imperius excuse won't work this time."
"It is," another replied firmly. "We must remind the wizarding world why we were feared. It's time to revive their nightmares about us."
A third Death Eater chimed in, "Reckon the Dark Lord'll be back soon. We've betrayed him, but we can show we're still loyal tonight. We've been workin' to weaken the Ministry and Aurors for years. Time to see if it paid off."
Their debate was cut short by an impatient member. "Enough yappin'. I'm itchin' for some action. Let's put these Muggles in their place. The nerve of the Ministry, lettin' Muggles at the World Cup. This fella had the gall to charge me for puttin' up a tent. Been steamed about it all day."
The Death Eaters cast a spell, and the cottage door exploded inward. Mr. Roberts came out, waving a stick in a sad attempt at defense. He always used it to scare off troublemakers. He did not have a gun license.
"Who are you lot? Why'd you blow up my cabin with fireworks? Clear off, or I'm callin' the police!" he shouted, his voice shaking. Their outfits looked mighty scary.
One Death Eater sneered, "A mere Muggle threatenin' us. Just kill him and the others inside."
Another disagreed, "Nah, don't kill 'em. Been years since we had some fun. Let's enjoy the night."
A Death Eater raised his wand, a nasty curse ready - but it never came. Instead, a loud crack split the air, and the Death Eater dropped to the ground. His friends were confused, but Mr. Roberts knew that the sound was a gunshot and got even more scared. He didn't want to be in the middle of what looked like some weird gang fight.
The dark-robed figures were all mixed up as someone new showed up. A big, muscular fella wearing a cowboy hat walked up to Mr. Roberts, carrying an AK-47.
"Howdy there, Mr. Roberts," the newcomer drawled in a thick and funny American accent. "Sorry, I'm late. Name's Colton. Headquarters sent me to keep an eye on you and your kin. Said somethin' fishy was goin' on 'round these parts."
Mr. Roberts, wide-eyed, stammered, "That's... good. But did you just kill that person?"
Colton shrugged nonchalantly. "Yep. My gut told me he was bad news. Don't know how, but I trust my instincts. Takin' risks ain't my style, so I just put him down."
The Death Eaters, caught off guard by this unexpected development, struggled to comprehend what was happening. Their confusion quickly turned to rage as they realized one of their own had fallen.
"He's dead! The filthy Muggle killed him!" one yelled.
"How in Merlin's name? I didn't see any spell. Did he do it with that Muggle contraption?" another wondered.
Before they could get their act together, 'Colton' - who was, of course, Harry in disguise - spoke up, "Now, y'all listen here. I'm gonna have to warn you to vamoosh, or you'll be joinin' your buddy down there. It's a legal requirement, don't ya know. By the way, which Satan-worshippin' cult do y'all belong to? Thought that this kinda thing only happened back in the States. Seen these get-ups there a few times."
A Death Eater snarled, "This Muggle is infuriating. Kill him!"
Colton sighed, "Well, can't say I didn't warn ya." and opened fire again. Another Death Eater bit the dust.
Panic set in among the remaining attackers as the night air filled with the sound of gunfire. Harry systematically took down the Death Eaters, who were too stunned to react effectively, their wands useless against the speed and unfamiliarity of bullets.
The lack of magical flashes kept the rest of the campground in the dark about the deadly showdown happening on its edges. They figured the bangs were just some weird fireworks.
As the last Death Eater fell, Mr. Roberts emerged from his hiding place, shaking. "Is this... legal? Won't you get in trouble?"
Harry, maintaining his funny American persona, reassured him. "Don't you worry 'bout that. These boys were dressed for no good, and we were outnumbered. The threat was big enough to call this self-defense. Anyhow, if trouble comes knockin', headquarters'll handle it. Wouldn't be the first time. Now, let's get you and your family somewhere safe. Don't know if the folks in that there camp are part of the same outfit. I ain't got enough bullets for all of 'em if they are. Your safety's my number one priority."
Quickly, Harry ushered the Roberts family into their van and sent them away from the campsite. Once they were gone, he turned his attention to covering his tracks. With some subtle wandless magic, he got rid of any signs of bullets and gunpowder, aiming to throw off any magical investigation.
As he surveyed the scene of his handiwork, Harry felt a mix of satisfaction and unease. He had eliminated a significant threat, but at what cost? The ease with which he had taken lives, even those of Death Eaters, weighed heavily on him. However, Harry reminded himself of the atrocities these men had committed and would continue to commit if left unchecked. Reminding himself that this was a necessary evil made it easier to swallow.
Shaking off these thoughts, Harry turned back towards the campground. His night wasn't over yet - there might be more Death Eaters to deal with, more innocent lives to protect.
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