Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures

“Scrimgeour wants to find out why Dumbledore left those things to us. He seems to suspect they hold some way of defeating Voldemort.”

“That’s not surprising. For over a month now, he’s been shut away in his office, clearly poring over what Dumbledore left behind,” said Lupin. “Scrimgeour’s pinned all his hopes on unrealistic notions — like the idea that Dumbledore might have left behind some weapon to counter Voldemort, and that with it the Ministry could win. From another angle, it shows he’s run out of real options. Especially after Azkaban’s latest mass breakout, the Ministry’s been trapped in deep contradiction. They can’t even decide whether to authorize extreme measures against Dark wizards, because too many officials oppose it. Ridiculous! But without harsher methods, what Auror would risk their life to capture Death Eaters? Even if they manage to, what’s the point?”

It was bitterly ironic. The Ministry locked up Death Eaters one day, only for them to escape a few days later.

That only emboldened the Death Eaters and Dark wizards. Why should they fear the Ministry or its Aurors?

As long as they weren’t killed on the spot, even if they were eventually captured and imprisoned in a Wizarding prison, they’d be broken out soon enough.

This had happened many times already. In fact, it had become a perfect way of proving loyalty to Voldemort. Death Eaters and Dark wizards fought more fiercely, knowing the Ministry could do little to them. Being sent to Azkaban was no deterrent — almost a badge of honor.

In the past, wizards feared Azkaban because they feared the cruel torture of the Dementors who guarded it.

Now, without the evil brain beneath the island and without Dementors, Azkaban was nothing more than a grim, dreadful fortress.

The failure to capture Death Eaters was a source of public disapproval, with the Ministry of Magic accused of inaction. However, what to do with those who were captured now presented a challenge.

The current situation was such that the Ministry lacked even a suitable place to detain Dark wizards and was unable to deal with them.

Evan had always felt that the Ministry was treating the whole matter far too lightly, but under the Ministry’s current system and circumstances, it was difficult to authorize Aurors to take extreme measures against Dark wizards. In this respect, Scrimgeour was not as good as Barty Crouch. He might have been a competent Auror, but he was no seasoned politician.

“I believe Scrimgeour should understand this, and should also be clear that what Dumbledore left behind can’t help him at all,” said Evan. “I gave him some advice afterwards, but he obviously didn’t listen. But there’s no need to wait so long. Lupin, you just said Scrimgeour plans to act tomorrow morning?”

“That’s the news from Kingsley,” said Lupin worriedly. “Scrimgeour’s being reckless — he’s gambling with lives!”

“That’s still better than sitting back and waiting for destruction. That’s what a Minister and a veteran Auror should be like,” said Sirius gravely. “He knows he has no way out, but because of his responsibility and duty, some things must be faced head-on and cannot be avoided. Even if it means dying, people will remember him as a true hero, not a coward who did nothing. To be honest, my evaluation of Scrimgeour has improved a little now that he plans to do this. Over the past year he’s made so many foolish decisions, every bit as disappointing as Fudge.”

“Instead of waiting for destruction, it is possible that they could simply attack Malfoy Manor and fight the Death Eaters for a chance of survival. But I still find it too strange. Since even the Order of the Phoenix knows that the Ministry is going to attack Malfoy Manor, Voldemort and the Death Eaters cannot be unaware of it. The odds were already against the Ministry, and now an open attack is suicide. Is Scrimgeour really planning to die?” Evan analyzed. “If he were serious about striking, it should have been done in secret. He’s never underestimated Voldemort’s power. It’s not like him. His strategy has always been to preserve the Ministry first, then strike the Death Eaters later.”

“Preserve the Ministry!” Sirius gave a cold laugh. “The Ministry’s been rotten to the core for years — at least half the wizards in there are on Voldemort’s side.”

“That’s why Scrimgeour’s previous actions were doomed to fail. The destruction of the Ministry is only a matter of time. He’s simply unable to reverse the situation and lead such a Ministry to victory in the war. Of course, his decision to attack Malfoy Manor and have a decisive battle with Voldemort is only speeding up the fall,” said Evan. “Throwing the Ministry’s last strength into a single gamble… From what I know of Scrimgeour, this isn’t like him.”

“You are not the only one who thinks that. The Order of the Phoenix also thinks this matter is very suspicious. Whether Scrimgeour really intends to have a decisive battle or has other plans, we need to wait and see before we can make a judgment,” said Lupin. “Moody’s already got people watching the Ministry. He sent me here to warn you all — stay alert.”

There was a moment’s silence. Everyone seemed to be thinking about the real purpose of Scrimgeour’s move.

“Ah,” Sirius finally sighed. “Scrimgeour has always been a respectable Auror. I may not agree with many of his choices, but I’ve never doubted the man himself. He must know exactly how bad things are, but instead of walking away from the mess Fudge left, he stood his ground because the Ministry needed him. Whatever happens, I hope he succeeds. Scrimgeour may not be the most likable ally — but he is one we can trust.”

“If he really does march on Malfoy Manor now, it might not be the worst thing. Voldemort isn’t even in the country at the moment — he’s …”

Harry was about to tell them about his dream that Voldemort was looking for Gregorovitch in Germany, but he stopped short. Mrs. Weasley had just stormed out of the Burrow in her nightdress, furious, shouting at Evan and Harry to get upstairs to bed.

Ron, who had been watching from the window, hadn’t dared jump down like Evan; he’d taken the stairs instead. As he’d expected, no matter how careful and quiet he tried to be, he still woke his mother.

Mrs. Weasley looked deeply troubled by the Ministry’s latest move. She had always disapproved of Sirius, Evan, and Harry discussing matters like these.

With her intervention, the discussion ended quickly. Evan and Harry were sent back upstairs to bed.

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