Hogwarts: Dumbledore reigned over the wizarding world

Chapter 206 The Werewolf Must Die

Isabella couldn't imagine what would happen then.

The best outcome would probably be for the more authoritative among the werewolves to seize control of the team and sideline her and Pandora.

In any case, to the werewolves, she and Pandora are still outsiders. Even though they have been consciously cultivating their relationship these days, there is still a gap in their status.

"Hopefully the situation won't get too bad. After dealing with the intruders, I need to talk to Pandora again... Speaking of which, who exactly were those two intruders?"

Looking back at the misty mountains above, Isabella suddenly felt a sense of unease, for some reason.

……

woo-

The howling wind filled his ears, and the violent turbulence made it almost impossible for Donald to distinguish whether the whistling in his ears was the sound of the wind or the horns being blown by the dark mass of wizards flying high in the sky.

The dark clouds that had lingered near New York had been left far behind. When Donald glanced back, he could only see a large, pale gray cloud shrouding the seaside city.

The torrential rain, like a hazy veil of smoke, flowed down from the clouds and gently glided across the now flattened land.

Along with them, the massive shadows of the dark clouds stretched and dragged by the morning sun shining obliquely from afar.

Once the clouds are gone, the sun must be shining brightly, but Donald won't be able to feel it.

He is currently sitting in a flying car.

woo-

The whistling in my ears continued for a while, then vanished instantly as a magic wand rose in my field of vision, and the flying car was enveloped in a thin film.

The originally turbulent air was blocked, the membrane trembled slightly, and the fierce wind became docile.

Donald turned around and saw Josiah Parker sitting opposite him:

"I'm sorry, dear Donald, I just like to enjoy the breeze when I fly high in the sky. I hope it hasn't bothered you at all?"

The Speaker said with a smile, his manner amiable.

Donald forced a smile: "No problem. It's an honor to ride in a flying car with you."

"Haha, I knew it. The Graves family are all generous people. We got along very well when Michael was still around. Now that you've taken over Michael's position, I believe my friendship with the Graves family will continue with you, right?"

Looking at the radiant smile on Speaker Parker's old face, Donald's heart sank.

He paused for a moment, then raised his eyelids slightly: "What kind of friendship do you want?"

"At least it has to match your current situation, and it has to match how the Graves family would react if they knew you had centrifugal tendencies, right?"

Donald closed his eyes slightly.

What he worried about most happened.

He didn't know exactly when Speaker Josiah Parker had planted a traitor in his ranks. Perhaps it was a long time ago? Or perhaps it was after Jack Graves' betrayal?
Neither possibility came as too much of a surprise to Donald.

Jack led a large group of people to rebel against the Graves family, and their actions had a serious consequence—a chain of suspicion naturally emerged between the family's upper echelons and the surviving Aurors. The family did not know whether there were any traitors lurking among the current Aurors.

The Aurors weren't stupid either. They knew they could no longer gain the trust of their families, and might even be eliminated one by one by the family in the future due to the chain of suspicion.

Tools that have lost their value can only meet this fate.

Therefore, those who still want to live will definitely need to find a way out for themselves, including Donald himself. However, it seems that he has chosen to side with Vaughn Weasley, while some others have chosen to side with the esteemed Speaker...

"Why choose to side with Josiah Parker? What good will it do besides humiliating the Graves family and provoking their furious revenge? It's incredibly foolish..."

Donald thought that when he opened his eyes again, his gaze was somewhat weak.

Across from him, Josiah Parker chuckled as he took in the change in his expression, and said calmly, "I have always admired you, Donald. If it weren't for your background, your achievements should definitely not have stopped at the level of deputy minister. Therefore, I hope you can consider your future more carefully. I will give you time."

"However, I also want you to understand that opportunities are never unlimited. After we deal with the beasts that Vaughn Weasley has summoned, I want to hear your answer, understand?"

He seemed to be asking a question, in a tone that sought his opinion.

But he didn't actually care whether Donald responded or not. After speaking, he stretched one hand out the window, waved his finger, and soon, wizards on broomsticks caught up, constantly reporting:

"Your Excellency Speaker, according to reports from MAC agents across the country, Kingsley Shackle and Dolores Umbridge have broken out from southwest of Boston."

"Your Excellency Speaker, it has been confirmed that there are four of them in total. After passing through Rentham and Vensocket, they are heading towards Grafton..."

"Combat information has been received from multiple locations; the operations staff and the Dreamcatcher management team are currently compiling and summarizing it..."

The messages were gathered together one by one.

Speaker Josiah Parker closed his eyes slightly, giving no instructions and seemingly just listening.

But Donald knew that the other party was just waiting for a significant result; in the face of the wizard's high mobility, any eyewitness information seemed to be delayed.

To accurately predict a wizard's actions, one must rely on reasoning based on a large amount of information gathered. Prophecy magic can only predict some high-impact events and does not provide definite results. Depending on the interpretation method, prophecies about the same event may present completely opposite conclusions.

As time went on, the intelligence gathered became more and more abundant and detailed.

At one point, a wizard who had rushed over reported loudly:
"Your Excellency Speaker, the latest intelligence indicates that in Grafton and Gardner, local agents have killed two Aurors who were escorting Shackleton's team. One of them was even abandoned by them. Meanwhile, Shackleton and Umbridge have taken the opportunity to escape the agents' sight and have completely disappeared."

Upon hearing this, Donald's heart skipped a beat.

The information that Josiah Parker wanted has arrived.

Sure enough, the Speaker, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and looked out the window at the drenched wizard: "The direction they were heading before they disappeared?"

"Northeast direction".

"What's there?"

"The Alabacia Mountains."

Snapped!
Josiah Parker slammed his wand into his palm and smiled. "Pass the word down: mobilize all agents stationed in the villages and towns of the Alabacia Mountains for a full-scale search. Also, send the Dreamcatcher there."

The official delivering the intelligence hesitated, his lips trembling as he spoke: "But Your Excellency Speaker, Alabacia..."

“I know that mountain range is very large, so…”

He turned to Donald and smiled gently, “Dear Donald, aren’t you going to do something? Like I said before, you are a very capable person. Over the years, MAC has solved many major cases under your command. It’s just that that idiot Michael has overshadowed your brilliance… Now, Congress needs to rely on your abilities!”

The old man's seemingly cloudy eyes revealed a captivating sharpness.

Donald's forehead beaded with sweat. After hesitating for a long time, he finally answered in a dry voice, "...In my experience, we could try focusing on areas where MAC's influence is weak..."

"Oh why?"

Donald sighed: "Everyone has the instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm. If a werewolf wants to hide, it will subconsciously choose an area where there are fewer agents."

"Ha—I knew you were talented!"

Josiah Parker laughed, then looked at the official who had delivered the intelligence, his smile fading: "Go, find those bugs!"

The official accepted the order and left.

Soon, the dense array of wizards high in the sky, accompanied by the long sound of horns, adjusted their direction, accelerated, and flew towards Alabacia with a heavy sense of oppression!

at the same time.

Isabella had already organized the werewolves, briefly explained the situation, calmed them down, and then led them to the training ground.

The so-called training ground is actually a simple wooden hut. Of course, the hut is enchanted with a seamless stretching spell to provide enough space for a team of more than 500 people to train inside.

When Isabella arrived, Pandora and Peters had already returned with their men.

However, the situation is not looking good...

In the empty space of the cabin, Pandora and Peters stood facing each other, with several half-werewolfs surrounding Peters.

Across from them, the expressionless Pandora slightly raised her hand, shielding a dark-skinned male wizard and a short, stout female wizard behind her.

Between the two, an envelope emitted a faint glow and floated in the air.

"...Mrs. Lovegood, why would you rather believe two strangers? They say they came on Mr. Weasley's orders, is that really true? I'm not surprised to find you so naive. I'm sorry, but I think they're more like spies!"

Noticing Isabella bringing people in, Peters, whose speech was slightly slurred, raised his voice slightly:

“Listen to the absurd orders they bring! They actually say that the great Potions Master, the benefactor of all werewolves, the man who swore to lead us into the sunlight… is going to evacuate America? To take us all with him?”

"...This is a rumor!"

Peters, looking furious, shouted, "Mr. Weasley promised to form the North American WAC, he promised to let us be the masters of our own destiny, wizards with such lofty ideals, such kind natures, and such resolute warriors, how could he possibly issue such a cowardly order?"

“These two people are definitely suspicious. How could you be so easily fooled? Please hand them over to me so I can interrogate them properly. Who are they? Are they spies carrying out false orders? Or are they lackeys of the Magic Congress?”

Pandora remained unmoved, simply staring coldly at Peters: "I'll say it again, I've confirmed it, they were indeed sent by Mr. Weasley..."

She glanced at the envelope floating between the two of them: "The envelope has a little magic spell that I developed. It can guide my location. In the entire magic world, only Vaughn and I know this spell!"

Peters' half-wolf face was expressionless.

Following Isabella into the cabin, the group, equally bewildered and trying to understand what was happening, heard Peters snort coldly:
"You say so, but what proof do you have?"

“No evidence is needed, and I know both of them. Kingsley Shackle, the current head of House Shackle, one of the 28 Holy Families of England, a senior Auror.” “The short, stout one is Dolores Umbridge, Cornelius Fudge’s trusted confidant…”

Before Pandora could finish speaking, Umbridge behind her suddenly said with a sweet smile, "Your Excellency Mrs. Lovegood, you may not know this, but Cornelius Fudge and I are just ordinary superiors and subordinates. I have always been loyal to Mr. Weasley!"

"..."

Pandora glanced at Umbridge in surprise, probably not expecting her to be so shameless as to still show loyalty even in this situation. For a moment, her tongue even got a little tied.

He paused for a moment before continuing, "I don't know exactly what happened outside, but since Vaughn sent them here, according to our agreement, they should use the magic I taught them as a means of communication..."

Just then, Umbridge's sweet voice chimed in again: "The envelope contains not only your magic, Mrs. Lovegood, but also a new spell developed by Mr. Weasley himself, which is said to be able to record coordinates. Mr. Weasley is truly a genius!"

"……Shut up!"

"Yes, Mrs. Lovegood."

"call--"

Pandora let out a long breath and stared at John Peters: "...It is clear that the situation outside has deteriorated to the point that he has to make a choice, and that choice is to temporarily evacuate North America."

A light shone in Peters' eyes.

On the other side, Isabella, who had joined halfway through, and the werewolves finally understood why the current situation had arisen.

Isabella inwardly cried out in alarm.

Not long ago, she was still thinking about the problem of werewolves becoming increasingly unruly and was planning to resolve this hidden danger after the full moon.

Unexpectedly, it broke out ahead of schedule!

Her anxiety made her momentarily forget about the two men Vaughn had sent; instead, she immediately looked behind her, and her heart sank—

The werewolves behind them clearly understood what had happened, and a buzzing discussion instantly filled the air.

Isabella even saw some werewolves secretly drawing their wands.

Damn!

On a cool morning, sweat trickled down Isabella's forehead, quickly soaking her robes. She looked anxiously at the werewolves she was on good terms with.

But she was disappointed to find that they avoided her gaze with shifty eyes.

Only the one closest to her whispered, "I'm sorry, Isabella... We don't want to leave, we can't leave. I have a child; she's in foster care. I can't abandon her..."

"...FK!"

Isabella muttered a curse under her breath, but she didn't know who she was cursing at.

Not far away, Pandora, who had also noticed the shift in atmosphere, was still trying to persuade Peters: "John, I understand your concerns, but Vaughn has decided to leave. If you don't leave, have you considered what will happen to you and the other werewolves?"

“You have come together, you have formed a powerful force, a force beyond the control of the Magic Congress, and with the stimulation of the WAC organization, do you think those Woolworth lords will continue to indulge you?”

Peters remained silent, his gaze wandering.

He's not stupid; on the contrary, aside from his werewolf identity, he's a very powerful and intelligent wizard.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to establish himself as the number two in this group of over 500 people in such a short time.

After a moment of thought, he raised his head again with a strange expression: "Of course I understand what you're saying. I even know that even if Woolworth doesn't settle scores with us and we lose Mr. Weasley's wolfsbane potion, we'll still be reduced to living like rats in the street."

"Ugh……"

He sighed, "Now that we've laid everything out on the table, I'll admit it. I've considered this situation before and even thought of a solution, although I don't want to do it that way, but..."

"Like Dickinson's poem, 'If I had never seen the light, I could have endured the darkness!' If we lived in hell, we might have always held firm to our principles, but you and Mr. Weasley have brought us to heaven... We've seen hope, and to return to despair would truly drive us mad!"

He slowly drew his wand.

The wolf's ferocious eyes were chilling:
“Mr. Weasley is a kind and sentimental wizard. I think that if it were for you, for Ms. Rozier, and for these two new guests who have come today, perhaps… he would give us the formula for the wolfsbane potion!”

As he moved, the werewolves surrounding him also drew their wands.

Then, more and more!
Isabella looked around and felt dizzy. She saw werewolves following Peters without hesitation, and she also saw others hesitate before making the same choice.

Of the more than 500 people, only a few dozen hadn't drawn their wands after a few breaths, but judging from their expressions, they were hesitant.

Is this the group that Vaughn is trying to save?

She suddenly began to waver on the cause that Vaughn had been pursuing.

Of course, now was not the time to think about those things. She closed her eyes slightly, gathered her emotions, and then slowly drew the wand from her waist.

Kingsley, Umbridge, and Pandora all made the same move as her!

“You have disappointed me, and disappointed Vaughn…” The powerful magic vibrated the air, Pandora’s golden hair fluttered, and her pale skin faintly glowed.

Her eyes became empty and dull.

Just like this space, which has been enchanted with a spell that stretches without leaving a trace, a heavy atmosphere weighs on everyone's heart.

The battle is about to break out!
Then--

A whooshing sound, growing louder and louder as it approached, quickly entered the space, accompanied by a shrill, terrified wolf howl:

"Enemy attack——!"

The instant I heard that piercing warning sound.

Isabella was already waving her wand, creating vortexes in the air. The next second, amidst a violent crackling sound, her entire being, including the space around her, was stretched into messy lines by a twisted yet natural force, like a crumpled painting.

Flashing, spinning rapidly.

Apparition!

Such a swift reaction was something Isabella could never have done before last year. Even though she was an outstanding graduate of Hogwarts and got 9 O's in the NEWTs (Ultimate Wizarding Level Exams), like all other wizards, her Apparition skills were not high in the context of the "advances" in the magical world's technology.

Compared to safe Floo Powder and Portkeys, the dangerous magic Apparition is something few wizards would be willing to study in detail unless they were Aurors.

Especially in England's peaceful environment, it seems rather unnecessary.

However, during her year in America, Isabella's Apparition skills improved by leaps and bounds.

That's why they say the environment is the best training ground for people.

In this damned land of North America, the dangerous, previously unlearnable Apparition technique seems so safe.

The werewolves, who also lived on this damned land, reacted in the same way as Isabella. The moment their vision entered the distorted space, Isabella noticed that vortices suddenly appeared in the vast room, with crackling sounds filling the air.

A moment later, her stomach churned and she squeezed the contents of her stomach out of the air.

The moist forest air filled her nostrils. Isabella quickly scanned her surroundings and found herself in an oak grove not far from the camp.

The trees are tall and straight, their canopies extending out like umbrellas to block out the sky. Only a few rays of sunlight shine through the gaps in the leaves, and a light mist drifts among them.

The tranquil atmosphere made time seem to slow down and become peaceful.

But Isabella felt a chill run down her spine—the memory coordinates she recalled when she Apparated were not here at all!

Crackling!

Soft popping sounds echoed through the woods, and the air currents stirred up by the spatial disturbances blew up fallen leaves, causing werewolves to fall out of the distorted vortexes one by one.

A startled, terrified cry shattered the forest's tranquility in an instant:
"Damn it, where am I?"

"Near the camp!"

"This isn't the place I want to reveal myself; I'm going to Greenfield!"

"Damn it... something is interfering with the space!"

"What else could it be but the damn Dreamcatcher, the Magic Congress!"

Their extensive experience of being captured and hunted allowed the werewolves to quickly grasp their predicament after a brief moment of panic.

A werewolf quickly determined his direction and ran towards a small hill. When he climbed the hill, he was immediately stunned.

"Oh my god—"

Isabella, who was right behind him, soon saw what had caused the werewolf to let out a fearful sigh—

Below is a hillside, with a gentle slope that slopes down, covered with rocks, weeds, shrubs, and sparse woodland, extending all the way down to a large, hill-like platform rising up in the valley at the bottom.

Tall trees cover the area, and treehouses are partially hidden among the dense branches. On the open ground near the river, there is also a wooden house hastily built with rough logs.

Everything was just as Isabella had known for the past ten days.

That's the camp.

When she woke up in the morning, she saw the clouds rising from the valley passing over the treehouse and climbing up the mountain, and she saw the shimmering waves on the winding river.

And now, all those beautiful scenes are shrouded in dense shadows.

(End of this chapter)