Chapter 315 - Walden Macnair? (2/2)
”And what of you, Auror Bones?” Dumbledore quietly interjected as they all paused to glance at Edgar Bones.
Edgar presses his lips into a thin line and says, ”I'm not sure if it's anything really, but Albert Runcorn has been seen in the company of Antonin Dolohov and Walden Macnair as of late. It is not strange to be seen in the company of Macnair as he is seeking to enter the Ministry of Magic after having traveled abroad for several years and has since returned from the continent. But Dolohov, well, he's never been one to show much interest in the affairs of the ministry.”
Alastor's eyes flash in recognition of the name and Dumbledore does not miss it. ”Have you something to add to Auror Bone's account, Moody?”
Alastor unconsciously rubs the scar under his jaw. ”I have a reason to believe that Dolohov is a part of this dark group that follows the Dark Lord,” Alastor carefully said. ”He was seen often in the company of Rodolphus Lestrange, who I might add is the elder brother of the recently deceased Rabastan Lestrange.”
Alastor paused before adding, ”I and Scrimgeour alongside Auror Clements have come to the conclusion that following Lestrange is the key to unraveling this whole mystery. But Rodolphus Lestrange is not easily seen nor much less followed. But Dolohov is and is much more careless given his arrogant haughty nature. I think if we play our cards right with Dolohov, we'll have begun to unravel the tapestry and find the source.”
”Then I do believe we have our next step gentlemen,” Dumbledore said. ”I shall shake the tree from my end and see what falls. But I trust that Dolohov, Runcorn, and Macnair will all be under close watch from now on.”
The men in the room nod as Doge says, ”I'll personally keep an eye on the application of Macnair. If he truly wishes to join the ministry, I'll see where he's trying to get into and why. And keep an eye on Runcorn's actions within the ministry. If he's up to something, I'll scout it out.”
”Just try to stay out of danger, old man,” Alastor grumbled earning himself a glare from Doge.
”I'll have you know, Auror Moody, that I was already serving as a prominent ministry member when you were still in diapers!” Doge hissed indignantly.
”Exactly,” Alastor muttered under his breath as various degrees of smiles appeared across the room.
Hiding a smile, Dumbledore says, ”In that case, let us all depart. It is a lovely summer night. Let us enjoy some peace, while we still can.” The men begin to depart slowly in pairs until only Dumbledore remains in the room. Without glancing at the door, he says, ”You don't need to linger during a meeting and wait just outside the door, Aberforth.”
Aberforth sneers and says, ”So you'll be taking the Prince twins as apprentices?”
”Yes, I will,” Dumbledore said not turning around to face his brother standing in the doorway.
Aberforth seems to weigh the pro's and con's in his mind, before saying, ”I've seen the Prince girl. She doesn't remind you of anyone. Albus?”
Dumbledore rises from his seat and turns to face his brother. His baby blue eyes don't sparkle as he solemnly says, ”Whatever do you mean, Aberforth?”
”Those of her eyes that seem to see too much,” Aberforth ventured to say. ”They do not remind you of another pair of such eyes.”
Something flashes across Dumbledore's face as he hoarsely says, ”Her eyes are midnight black indigo. They look nothing alike.”
”Keep telling yourself that,” Aberforth wolfishly grinned. ”But keep looking and you'll soon see what I mean.” Turning away, Aberforth marches away in satisfaction leaving Dumbledore staring after his younger brother.
Whatever did Aberforth mean by that? Feeling rather unsettled Dumbledore soon left. But all the way back to Hogwarts he seemed rather lost in thought. Was it merely one final last jab or was there something more to it?