Chapter 254 - Secret Keeper (2/2)

”Everything,” Alastor said. ”Rockwood was an unspeakable that disappeared roughly two years ago. And none of you find that odd?”

”And how would you know that, Moody?” Edgar interrupted. ”Neither my brother nor I were aware.”

”Simple, Scrimgeour was assigned to the investigation,” Alastor candidly replied. ”And would you like to know the connection that he found in Rockwood's personal belongings?

A note referring to a Dark Lord. Exactly the same name heard by the witnesses at both the Malfoy Manor and at the Caithness village, where Auror Vinovich lost her life. Now, tell me, if there isn't a connection?”

Both Bones stiffly nod in acceptant of the answer as Dumbledore intervenes, ”Thank you, Moody.” Alastor sniffs as Dumbledore takes a step forward causing his dark blue robes to swish. ”I have gathered you all here to share information between all of us and if need be to intervene.”

”Then what are you proposing, Professor?” Edgar frowned. ”Because this goes everything I know about rouge, vigilante groups.”

”Don't be stupid, Auror Bones,” Elphias Doge snapped. ”I was here when Grindelwald took to terrorizing all of Europe. Do you think it was the members of the ministry that stopped him? No, in the end, it was solely one man, and he is standing right before us.

We are not here to avenge anyone, but to prevent future deaths! That is what we are here to do! I will not stand by and watch friends and family members die once again, because I had not the power to intervene!” Not realizing he'd risen to his feet; Doge has the decency to flush as he sits back down.

”Our deepest apologies, Wizengamot, Doge,” Both brothers said as they nodded to the old wizard. Doge waves his hand at them as they knew they have been forgiven.

”Then will you all accept to be put under the Fidelieus charm with me as the Secret Keeper?”

”Aye,” Alastor said first, followed by the Prewett brothers, and then by Doge.

”We'll accept, Professor,” Edgar finally agreed. ”But don't give us any cause to regret.”

”Thank you,” Dumbledore whispered, before lifting his voice to chant a long, complex incantation. A strange like binding spell is felt by all seven members of the room including the figure standing outside of the door as something inside them is bound to remain unspoken. Dumbledore glows brightly for a moment as golden light power pours over him, before the glowing sparks fade away.

”It is done,” Dumbledore reverently said as he lowered his wand.

”We best be leaving in pairs at most,” Alastor rasped. ”I don't believe that the fireplace is hooked to the floo network.”

”That is indeed correct,” Dumbledore replied.

”My brother and I best be going, first then,” Jacques steadily said. ”With the Quidditch World Cup rapidly approaching, the department is rushing to issue portkeys and ensure the legalities of everything that is being transported in and out of the country.” The two brothers gave them a brisk nod, before going out the door.

Slowly rising to his feet, Doge said, ”A pleasure gentlemen, I'll be seeing you all later,” before going on his way. The Prewett brothers were next with Alastor being the last to go.

Dumbledore stares into the fire as he listens to the crackling of the flames. Long shadows are cast over his flames causing his twice-broken nose to look more crooked than usual. ”I know you're there, Aberforth,” Dumbledore quietly said.

The door is pushed open to reveal the tall, broader shoulder man. ”Ever the chess master, Albus,” Aberforth spat. ”Do they know that you're sending them to their deaths?”

”They are serving a worthy cause,” Albus said without being able to turn to face his younger brother.

”Worthy cause?!” Aberforth spat. ”Now, where have I heard that before?”

Clenching his fists, Aberforth hisses, ”A worthy cause! I remember what your cause brought us last time, your cause cost us, Ariana's life!

Dumbledore remains silent as Aberforth's lips turn into a pained sneer. ”There, I thought so. As usual, you have nothing to say for yourself, Albus.”

Aberforth turns to storm away, before pausing to glance at his brothers back. ”You always have to be right about everything, Albus. But look where's that's brought us?” Before slamming the door shut behind him leaving his older brother to musings. He had customers to attend too. And unlike his brother, he most certainly was not loaded with money.