Chương 324: Chapter 324: "Plans and Preparations"
The halls of Black Castle felt colder than usual as Harry strode through them, the echo of his footsteps swallowed by the weighty silence. When he entered the main study, the atmosphere was immediately oppressive. Arcturus, Sirius, and Amelia were already there, their faces grim enough to drain the last remnants of Harry's post-match euphoria.
"What's happened?" Harry asked without preamble, taking in the tension in the room.
Arcturus leaned forward, his weathered features shadowed under the dim light. "My sources have uncovered disturbing movements. While the dark forces have been quiet in the open, they're far from inactive. They're gathering allies at an unprecedented rate, consolidating power in the shadows."
Harry frowned. "We already knew that was happening. What's changed?"
"A name," Arcturus said quietly, "is being whispered through dark circles. A name that's forcing even the most reluctant dark families to fall in line."
Harry's mind churned through possibilities before landing on the obvious. "Grindelwald? Voldemort actually succeeded in freeing him? When?"
"We have no concrete confirmation," Arcturus replied, "But all the evidence points to a recent escape. Grindelwald's freedom is the only explanation for the sudden shift in allegiances across Europe."
Harry leaned back against a bookshelf, his fingers tapping idly. "I don't see why this changes anything. Grindelwald's been imprisoned in a magic-dampening cell for decades. He's old, weakened—hardly the threat he used to be."
"Harry's right," Sirius chimed in. "The man's practically a relic at this point. He's a symbol at best."
Arcturus shook his head. "You're both missing the bigger picture. Grindelwald's physical strength or magical prowess isn't the concern—it's his tactical mind, his influence. His European connections run deep, even now. Voldemort's first war was largely confined to Britain, but with Grindelwald's network at his disposal, Voldemort's reach could extend across the entire continent."
Amelia interjected, her tone sharp. "And that's what's most concerning. This is happening completely under the radar. My department has no intelligence on Grindelwald's escape, or any indication of a growing alliance. The Ministry doesn't even acknowledge Voldemort's return, let alone the emergence of a second Dark Lord. Fudge is content pretending everything is fine, while the world inches closer to chaos."
Sirius's expression darkened. "And where is Dumbledore in all of this? Grindelwald was his responsibility. The man should have been executed years ago, but Dumbledore chose to imprison him instead. He's the only one who can stop this from spiraling out of control, but he's been strangely silent. Why hasn't he acted?"
Even Harry felt a flicker of curiosity at Dumbledore's absence. He knew the headmaster's cursed arm was a death sentence, but by now, the curse should be controlled enough for him to continue fighting. Still, Harry kept the truth to himself. Sharing it, even with trusted allies, risked the news leaking out, which could cause more chaos than the Ministry's blindness already had.
"Something's wrong," Harry said slowly. "Dumbledore's been absent from Hogwarts far longer than usual. I can't remember the last time I saw him at the head table."
"Now that you mention it," Amelia added, "he hasn't been seen at the Ministry either. If Grindelwald is truly free, why hasn't Dumbledore moved to stop him?"
Sirius waved off their concerns with a casual shrug. "It's Dumbledore. He's probably off on some secret mission. He always turns up eventually."
Harry leaned forward, his voice steady and determined. "So now that we know what's happening, can the DMLE do anything to counter the Dark forces? Sirius? Amelia?"
Amelia let out a weary sigh, the weight of her position evident in her expression. "My hands are tied. The Wizengamot is practically in the dark faction's pocket. The best I can do is use the Aurors to create obstacles—small disruptions to slow their agenda within the Ministry. But unless Voldemort comes out into the open, there's little leverage to convince the wider wizarding world of the danger. Fear drives change, and right now, most people are too complacent to act."
Harry straightened, his gaze sharpening. "So the Ministry's useless, and the Order is content playing guard dog for a prophecy. Looks like it's up to me to do something."
"What are you planning?" Arcturus asked, though his knowing tone suggested he already had an idea.
"I need to damage their momentum," Harry said, his voice calm but firm. "Not just physically, but their morale. I can't allow Voldemort to keep gaining allies and building forces in secret. If potential allies see the risks outweigh the rewards, they'll think twice before joining his crusade."
"Absolutely not." Sirius's voice was sharp, his protective instincts flaring. "It's too dangerous, Harry. I won't allow it."
"There's no other choice," Harry countered, meeting Sirius's eyes without flinching. "I've trained my whole life for this. Waiting until the Dark Alliance becomes too strong isn't an option. If we don't act now, it'll be too late."
Arcturus nodded slowly, a grim understanding settling over his features. "Harry's right. If we want a chance to win this war, we must weaken Voldemort's momentum early. How do you intend to proceed?"
"Nothing too direct," Harry assured him. "It's too risky to target their strongholds at this stage. I need intelligence—when their forces move to recruit or intimidate potential allies, that's where I strike. Small, calculated moves. Grandfather, can you expand your network of informants? And Amelia, perhaps the Auror office could help gather intel."
Arcturus stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A sound strategy. But be cautious. Once they notice a pattern in your strikes, they'll adapt and set traps."
"You're not doing this alone," Sirius said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "If you're going, I'm coming. No discussions, no protests."
Before Harry could protest, a soft crack echoed through the room. Mira, his ever-loyal house-elf, appeared, her large eyes wide with excitement. "Master Harry, can I join you too?" she asked eagerly, bouncing on her feet.
Harry's lips twitched into a small smile, remembering how effectively Mira had controlled his clone during the vampire battle. "Actually, that would be helpful," he admitted.
Mira let out a gleeful cheer, hopping in place. "Yes! Mira will help! Fighting bad wizards will be fun!"
Sirius stared at the house-elf, then at Harry, clearly baffled. "Harry? You're choosing Mira over me?"
Harry's grin turned cheeky. "Trust me, Padfoot. I've got more confidence in Mira as backup than you. But since I'm accepting Mira, I suppose I can let you tag along. She can protect you."
Arcturus chuckled quietly, while Sirius gaped in mock indignation. "Protect me? She's a house-elf, Harry."
"She's more than capable," Harry said cryptically, unwilling to explain the truth about his battle with the vampire covenant. That fight had been too dangerous, and he had no desire to deal with Sirius or Amelia's lectures about reckless risks. They wouldn't understand—his Knight training demanded it. For now, that secret would remain his alone.
Suddenly, a voice cut through Harry's thoughts: "Medic reporting for service."
He turned toward the doorway and smiled at the sight of Emma standing there. It had been a while since he'd last seen her—between her family commitments and his school schedule, their paths rarely crossed anymore. But her presence brought a comforting warmth to the tense atmosphere of the room.
"Perfect timing," Harry said, his grin widening. "Sirius will definitely need your services."
"Hey!" Sirius protested, throwing his hands up. "Why am I suddenly the target? For your information, I've never been injured on Auror duty!"
"This is different," Harry replied, his tone teasing but firm. "This isn't just some patrol or a duel; it's war. We'll be outnumbered. Emma's skills will come in handy. But," he added, turning back to her, "you're staying here at the castle. No fieldwork."
Emma crossed her arms, pulling an exaggerated pout. "So sad. We used to have so many adventures when you were little. Now you've got a girlfriend and suddenly I'm yesterday's news."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Speaking of which, I should let Fleur know. If she finds out I told everyone but her, I'll never hear the end of it—and she might hex me for good measure. Besides, she can keep you company here."
Emma's expression softened, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Fleur's a good one, Harry. You'd better keep her happy."
Harry nodded, filing the thought away for later. With the broad strokes of their plan in place, he left the group to set things into motion. Arcturus, Amelia, and Sirius would focus on expanding the intelligence network, ensuring they had eyes on Voldemort's recruitment efforts. With the right information, Harry could dismantle those operations piece by piece.
The dark lords might think they were clever, gathering forces in the shadows. But shadows could be dangerous for both sides—and Harry had years of experience moving unseen.
As he returned to Hogwarts, a calm but determined resolve settled over him. The war was about to enter a new phase, and Harry intended to make the first move.
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