Chapter 270 - Undulations (1/2)
It was rather dark with dawn still a way's away as two cloaked figures arrived at the entrance of an old flat. The taller of the two taps his wand against the door, while the other whispers, ”England.” The door clicks with a soft creak opens just a smidgeon as the two push their way inside, before closing the door behind them.
Three wands are instantly pointed at the two figures as one of the figures sighs, ”How many times have we told you not to come in pairs?”
”Sorry, but we were in a hurry,” the taller wizard answered as he removed his hood to reveal his handsome features, Gideon Prewett.
”We were already running late and tired from a last-minute errand for the Order,” the large-nosed wizard grunted, Fabian Prewett. ”And if I clearly remember, both Gideon and I were shouted there too for being late!” The other three wizards lowered their wand at the response as that had indeed been the case.
The rugged Scottish Auror, Alastor Moody snorts. ”And exactly what's the excuse this time around?”
”We heard something interesting,” Gideon said with a gleam in his eye. ”Dumbledore had us meet with the Bones brothers. And Edgar Bones had something of interest to note as according to him it is rather strange that there haven't been any move movements as of late.”
”We know that already,” Alastor snapped. ”The Death Eaters are targeting either the Malfoy wedding or the Quidditch World Cup. And as the Minister of Magic Jenkins is more worried about the international visiting wizards, we've all been pulled for security. Not to mention that none of us are to be present at the Malfoy wedding except for Alphard here as he was the only one of us who's been so cordially invited.”
”No, I was referring to the fact the underworld has gone quiet,” Gideon finished with a grin and some relish at seeing the surprise on Alastor's face.
”The underworld?” The worn, slim face of Percius Clements asked. He'd been rather tired as of late as he'd been running on his own without a partner. He would be getting one sooner or later, but hopefully not from the latest batch of Auror's graduating from the academy.
Gideon glances at his brother, Fabian, who says, ”According to Bones, there's something strange going on. Normally he'd hazard to say that one of the underworld leaders was planning something, but it's more like they're waiting for the other shoe to drop according to his informants. There's still plenty of petty and medium-sized transactions going on, but nothing big.”
The contemplative silence is broken by a hacking cough from Alphard Black. The tired, gaunt man looked so much sicker than the last time they'd seen him. Everyone had every right to be concerned due to his worsening health, Alphard could become gravely ill at any given moment.
Wiping his mouth clean of red flecks, Alphard pauses to swallow one of the white floral smelling pills from his tin can kept in his pocket. With a tired sigh, he leaned back in the chair. ”My apologies,” Alphard croaked before hoarsely adding, ”But I can't help but wonder if one of the underworld leaders is waiting for an attack to occur. However, the question is why? As far as we know neither side had fought with each other as of yet. And they both stand to lose as the underworld would ban any sales to known Death Eaters and the Death Eaters cannot risk losing valuable selling channels.”
There is a bit of silence as everyone solemnly contemplates the question. ”But what if there is something more to it?” Gideon slowly answered much to their surprise. ”The loss of a family member to one of the underworld leaders. They'd never take that standing down and would certainly avenge themselves when the time was right.”
”That does make sense,” Percius slowly said. ”But those dead in the attacks have very little connections to the underworld or distant family relations. Nor would any of the underworld members admit to having muggle relations.”
”No, it still could work,” Alphard rasped in a hoarse voice. ”What if it was a minor incident for us? The disappearance of a random witch or wizard, which is a common enough occurrence in our field of work, but to the underworld that only holds two meanings, either said individual is doing a runner or they're dead, plain and simple.
In that case, it is possible that one of the underworld Potenate's will have realized in passing connection what could have truly transpired. But without any evidence, the underworld Potenate's can't very well cut off all loose ties for they themselves would be left in the dark and be vulnerable to enemy attacks.”
”Mm, that would make sense,” Alastor growled. ”I heard it right from Elphinstone's mouth, that there have been three unofficial goblin deaths. The first two were two goblin guards killed in an attempt to rob Gringotts vault during the winter auction. And the second was an upcoming young goblin teller that went missing not long after. The missing goblin is presumed dead given that the ritual magic performed by goblin mothers on the first shed tooth was intact and said the tooth was later found cracked in pieces by the widow.”
Gideon lets out an impressed whistle. ”And the goblin managed to keep that under wraps, how?”
”A vow or gold, I would hazard to say,” Fabian drily replied to his brother's question.
”I suppose that does explain why the goblins of Gringotts are now seen traveling in pairs,” Percius murmured as he stroked his chin in thought. ”Though the question is which side is responsible? I'd hazard to guess the Death Eaters, but the underworld is known for its ruthlessness.”