Chapter 480 - Anomalies (2/2)
”Nothing beyond that Runcorn is being rather low key given the circ.u.mstances,” Gideon muttered. ”And that new order members will be sworn into the Order since Professor Dumbledore is rather concerned about the present situation.”
”Well, that is expected given the circ.u.mstances,” Percius muttered. ”What of the underworld?”
”Nothing there,” Fabian warily shook his head. ”Though apparently rumors have it that Sanderson is on vacation. Whether he has been killed or is on the run, we'll only with time.”
The Auror's warily nod their heads as Alastor mutters under his breath, ”Good Riddance.”
They all are silent for a moment, before Fabian says, ”Though I am concerned at one thing.” They all turn to stare at him as Fabian continues, ”Might we be underestimating Riddle and his potential allies?”
”What do you mean?” Alastor furrowed his brows.
”Well, we are assuming that Riddle will align himself with dark creatures like the once existing werewolves,” Fabian slowly said. ”But what if it's something that much worse and terrifying.”
”Like what Vampires?” Gideon sarcastically sputtered. ”Those bloodthirsty leeches wouldn't dare! And not to mention the fact, they would hate to be second best when in comparison to the werewolves. They'd turn their snotty noses up at Riddle without even a pause.”
”Giants,” Percius thoughtfully interrupted.
The entire room goes deadly silent as Gideon says in disbelief, ”But Giants live on the fringes of the world. Ever since, the last wizarding, giant war, Giants have stayed on their mountains and away from wizards and humans alike.”
”And that is exactly why they are the perfect allies,” Percius slowly whispered. ”They want their freedom and they still thirst for vengeance after all this time. And remember even the good giants and the half giants at that time were cast into the wild with their full-blooded giant brethren. And any giant that does fall in love with humans or wizards alike, afterward, they are outcasts in all existing societies, whether it be human, wizard, or giant alike.”
”The perfect storm in other words,” Fabian drily commented.
”Exactly,” Percius muttered. ”And Giants are not easy to take down, no. They tend to be magically resilient and are immensely powerful. To take even a single giant down, many wizards have to be highly creative.”
”Shall we be on the lookout then?” Gideon asked. ”I mean, it should be fairly obvious to spot them, wouldn't you think?”
”Not necessarily,” Alastor grumbled. ”They've got their own type of magic, and those can wield Giant magic are far and rare, but still they exist and are called, Shamans. Giant Shamans allow for Giants to pass by unseen in the land when traveling. If they are indeed coming, we won't know until they attack.”
”Then there's nothing we can do?” Gideon flatly asked with clenched fists.
”No, there is nothing that can be done except watch and wait for the signs,” Percius softly said with a sigh.
They all solemnly glance at each other before nodding in unspoken agreement. ”Take care and be safe,” they all seem to say to each other via their eyes. Without a single word, the meeting is broken as Gideon and Fabian are the first to leave as usual.
Once the two brothers are gone, Alastor rumbles, ”What did you not want to say before them?”
”There is something vital that we've missed,” Percius slowly said causing Alastor to furrow his brow with concern.
”Whatever do you mean?” Alastor gruffly asked.
”During the Quidditch World Cup, there was a string of disappearances that went unreported,” Percius explained causing Alastor to visibly startle.
”At first, I thought it was nothing really, just a group of wizards transferring overseas really. But friends and coworkers all reported that said individuals have not given any indication of said transfers. When I went to speak to the spouses and family members, all of them did not recall said, individual. They'd all been thoroughly obliviated,” Percius quietly said.
”Riddle?” Alastor worriedly asked.
”None of them were Death Eater affiliated nor bore any Death Eater mark like those at last year's Christmas raid,” Percius answered. ”Unlike those presumed Death Eater's, the family members of said individuals have either been disowned or they'd distanced themselves away from them. And each of the presumed dead among the potential Death Eaters can all be accounted for.”
”Are you suggesting that there is someone else in the shadows using Riddle to their advantage, Percius?”
”Once every possible option is discarded, then the only the implausible explanation is left.”
”What of the underworld? Is this not a possible mode of their operations?”
”No, they'd kill to serve as a warning to others and most certainly don't obliviate an entire family including children. And when they do obliviate, it is witnesses to said incriminating event. This is not their typical mode of apparatus, whatsoever.”
Alastor sighs and rubs his face. ”Just when things seem to be turning around, it seems that the next turn seems to be worse. I'll try to keep an eye out for said inconsistencies,” Alastor muttered. ”Though I bet Scrimgeour will pick up right on it. And I would have never thought or even guess that there would be someone who was even more cautious than me.”
Percius weakly smiles and says, ”Well, only you would be paired up with such a said individual.”
Alastor snorts and rises to his feet, ”Best be going. And Percius take care.”
”I will,” Percius said, waiting for Alastor to leave, before leaving a few minutes after.
That night both Aurors did not get much sleep. Their minds kept wandering and wandering in circles. The next morning both men had arrived at the Ministry of Magic with dark circles under their eyes. And their Auror partners wisely did not comment on the subject.