A magical journey that begins in Azkaban.

Chapter 503: Dumbledore's Frustration

Roger hurriedly left the Ministry of Magic and went straight to the entrance of the headmaster's office and stood in front of the silent statue.

"Lemon Sherbet..." He whispered the password, but the stone beast did not change. Roger frowned slightly. It seemed that Dumbledore had changed the password again this year.

Considering the principal's preference for candy, Roger began to list all kinds of candy in the magic world. When he read "sour lollipop", the stone beast finally moved, slowly turned around, revealing the spiral staircase leading to the principal's office.

The principal's office was as ancient and mysterious as ever, with portraits of past principals hanging on the walls. They were either in deep thought or smiling, secretly watching everyone who entered the room. One of the portraits seemed to be sleeping, occasionally snoring or sniffling, breaking the silence in the room.

Roger's eyes quickly swept across the room, finally landing on an exquisite silverware on the table. It slowly emitted misty smoke and rotated silently, as if telling an unknown secret.

"Rogge, is there anything wrong?" Dumbledore's gentle voice sounded, he took off his glasses and looked at him curiously.

"Principal, I went to the Ministry of Magic today and delivered some amulets to Dawlish." Roger didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "I happened to hear some news that they seem to be negotiating with the Dark Lord."

Dumbledore's kind expression gradually faded, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes. He did not interrupt Roger and continued to listen. The headmasters on the wall were also awakened by the news and listened attentively.

"It's not just the Ministry of Magic. It seems that other magical communities are involved." Roger continued, with a hint of worry in his tone, "They plan to cede the East Coast to prevent the United States Magical Congress from turning to the Dark Lord."

Dumbledore nodded slightly, his tone becoming serious and deep: "This is indeed shocking news. The International Magical Confederation did not disclose these matters to me."

Roger asked doubtfully: "Principal, aren't you the chairman of the Federation? It's really puzzling that even you don't know."

Dumbledore did not answer immediately. He narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

Although the International Confederation of Magic is nominally a high-level organization, it does not actually have much real power and is more like a platform for major magical communities to exchange ideas and have heated arguments.

Although he holds the title of president of the federation, his daily work is relatively easy.

If Rogge's information was true, then it made sense for the Federation members to bypass him in such negotiations. But what about the Wizengamot and the Order of the Phoenix?
As the chief wizard of the Wizengamot, he knew nothing about this matter that was bound to violate the laws of the wizarding world. Arthur and other members of the Order of the Phoenix working in the Ministry of Magic were also completely unaware of the incident.

If it wasn't for Roger's accidental discovery, he would probably have learned about it from the newspaper after the negotiations were completed. What worried him most was that even Snape didn't get the relevant information.

Dumbledore felt that he had lost his keen eyes and ears, and Fletch, who could have gathered information from the underground world, had long since passed away.

"Thank you, Roger." Dumbledore remained calm and asked softly, "Regarding the antidote for the snake-man virus, can you make a breakthrough before Christmas?"

"I need some experiments, and I want to know what the definition of the antidote is?" Rogge looked straight into his eyes, waiting for the principal's answer.

"Restore the snake people." Dumbledore's answer was simple and direct.

"all?"

"of course."

"Principal, this is difficult." Rogge's expression became heavy, and he expressed his opinion tactfully: "The Snakeman virus is a complex combination of the blood curse and the dragon pox virus, as well as unknown magical elements."

"Those Muggles infected with the virus have had their bodies completely changed from their skin to their bone marrow, from their blood to their nerves. It will be a long and arduous process to restore them to their original state."

"Considering the number of infected people, it is impossible to cure them even if all the resources of the wizarding world are exhausted." Roger took a deep breath and said firmly: "I suggest that we abandon them and protect the uninfected Muggles."

He paused, observing Dumbledore's expression. The headmaster remained calm, his face revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

"I can prepare a stabilizer for the snakemen based on the method used to treat the blood demon orcs. This will stop their physical changes and restore some of their thinking abilities."

Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then asked softly, "So, they will become a new species?"

"Yes, just like werewolves are to wizards, they will become a new subspecies of Muggles." Roger said no more. He believed that Dumbledore would understand and accept this plan.

After a period of careful consideration, Dumbledore did not give a clear opinion: "I will consider your suggestion carefully. So, when do you think you can prepare the potion to protect Muggles?"

Roger's eyes twitched slightly. It seemed that Dumbledore did not fully believe in his potion skills. He secretly thought that the headmaster might seek help from others to find a solution to the snake virus.

But Roger dared to assert that in the wizarding world, apart from him and Baldwin, even Snape could not develop an antidote. As for other potion masters, Roger did not care at all.

He stroked his chin, pretending to think seriously. After some consideration, he finally said with some embarrassment: "The first batch of potions can be prepared around Halloween."

"But if Muggles take good personal protection, there is no need for special potions..."

Dumbledore shook his head and interrupted him: "I know what you mean. In the middle of the fourteenth century, the Black Death swept across Europe.

At that time, there were healers wearing crow masks to examine patients in the town. Although the Muggles now wear masks and protective clothing, there is no difference in essence. "

"These protective measures can help isolate Muggles from the viruses in the air, but they cannot isolate the fear in their hearts. The fields are being abandoned and food is becoming scarce. They need confidence and need to get back to work." Dumbledore's voice was full of sympathy and responsibility.

He sighed heavily, and then said in a pleading tone: "Rog, wizards may be able to wait, but Muggles cannot. In many parts of the world, famine has already occurred. Please speed up the preparation of the potion, at least before the snow falls, you can sow the seeds of hope in the world."

Faced with the headmaster's request, Roger nodded firmly and agreed. But he did not tell Dumbledore that the essence of famine was never a problem of insufficient bread, but a problem of distribution. This problem was far more complicated than any potion.

Those wealthy businessmen who can make the futures market turn the tide never care about the cold death figures in the newspapers. In their eyes, the only meaningful thing is the rising line charts on the asset table.

If Roger stood in Dumbledore's position and had the same influence, he would not hesitate to throw aside the Statute of Secrecy and let those grain merchants know why the flowers are so red. Magic cannot conjure food out of thin air, and potions cannot cure people's greed. Even if Roger took out a potion to prevent the snake-man virus before Halloween, no one would plant seeds in those barren and fertile lands.

Because money needs to be famine-added, and because seeds need to be purchased separately...

Although Dumbledore had a deep love for Muggles, he had never been a Muggle for a day. He was born a wizard and naturally had an "I think" mentality.

However, Roger respected his opinion and would prepare the potion according to his requirements. He would let Dumbledore understand that the operating logic of Muggle society would not change because of Dumbledore's wishes.

After Roger left, Dumbledore stared out the empty window for a long time. Deep down, he had some doubts about Roger's motives for telling him the news.

But he also knew that he had to stop the negotiations between the Ministry of Magic and Voldemort. Voldemort must be plotting something in secret, and he had to stand firmly against the wizarding world.

"Fox." He changed into a formal magic robe, raised his hand, and tightly grasped the long golden tail of the phoenix. With a flash of flame, he disappeared.

"Dumbledore's gone again?" the portrait on the wall muttered. "He's always so busy."

"Yeah, but what they just discussed is really disturbing."

"If the wizarding world were to become a place ruled by dark wizards and dark races, it would be a real hell."

"I guess Dumbledore must have gone to the Ministry of Magic. I happen to have a picture frame there, so I can go and take a look."

One frame on the wall quickly became empty, while other portraits continued to discuss with gusto possible future scenarios.

In the Minister's office, Amelia was not surprised by Dumbledore's sudden visit and questioning. In her opinion, the Ministry of Magic was like a sieve, full of spies from pure-blood wizards, the Order of the Phoenix, and other forces.

But there was no other way. If the Ministry of Magic wanted to function properly, it had to rely on these people. Even if there were bedbugs in it, she had to accept it.

Moreover, the negotiations with the Dark Lord were drawing to a close. Even if Dumbledore wanted to stop it now, it was too late.

"Voldemort will never negotiate!" Dumbledore warned sternly, "The only way we can go is to destroy him."

"Albus, this is not my choice, nor is it my decision." Amelia responded calmly, "This is the consensus of the International Magical Federation. In addition, it is your unwillingness to take action against the snake people that has caused the situation to deteriorate again and again!"

"If we continue to stand idly by, all of North America will fall into the Dark Lord's hands. And then what? Will his ambition stop here?" Her words revealed an unconcealable worry, as if a hurricane from North America was about to engulf the entire world.

Amelia took a deep breath and continued, "It's just a sacrifice of some Muggles. He has promised that as long as you agree to his conditions, he will eliminate the infectiousness of the snake-man virus."

"Conditions?" Dumbledore frowned and asked quickly, "What conditions did he propose?"

"I don't know." Amelia shook her head, a sense of helplessness in her eyes: "Everything is not arranged by us. The specific details need to wait until next time to be determined."

Dumbledore couldn't help but laugh at their naivety. He asked in a low voice: "Burns, have you forgotten how your brothers died? Think about Susan's parents, how they died tragically at the clutches of the Death Eaters!"

"Do you think this is what I want to see?" Amelia's emotions suddenly exploded. She pounded the table with her fists and roared hysterically: "I am sitting in the position of minister and I am enduring unprecedented pressure every day!"

"Pure-bloods, half-bloods, public opinion, and pressure from other wizarding communities!" She stared at the old man in front of her with a sharp gaze, her tone firm and resolute, "If it weren't for my insistence, this negotiation would have ended long ago!"

"Did you know that apart from the British wizarding world preparing for war, the rest of the wizarding world is already preparing for a peace celebration!"

"Dumbledore, I have fought against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. The wizards of the Burns family fell under their wands!" Her eyes flashed with hatred, and her tone was as firm as a rock: "I know better than you that Voldemort must be plotting something."

"The peace talks he proposed were undoubtedly a carefully designed scam! But I have no choice!" Amelia's voice was full of helplessness and sadness. "In the face of death, wizards are like ostriches, choosing to bury their heads in the sand and escape reality."

"Go to Diagon Alley and see if there is any tension of war. All the wizards are discussing wealth and land. No one cares about the Muggles that you care about. They only care about themselves or their pitiful sympathy."

"If I go against the mainstream opinion of the wizarding world, I swear to Merlin that I will be impeached the next day and lose my position as minister."

"Then all my efforts and measures will be overturned by the next minister."

"Why do you think the International Magical Federation avoided you? You are the greatest white wizard of this century!" Amelia smiled helplessly, with a hint of mockery in her eyes. "Albus, you are too strong. You are so strong that others are afraid of you."

"Voldemort said that all he wanted was an East Coast. What you want is to change the minds of all wizards."

"Do you think that by hiding in Hogwarts and becoming the headmaster, everyone will ignore your existence?" She shook her head firmly and said ruthlessly, "That's absolutely impossible! In addition to those glorious titles, you even appear in pictures."

Amelia took a few deep breaths and gradually calmed down. She said in a hoarse voice: "Let the negotiations continue, Albus."

"Before the truth is revealed, people who have never experienced it will only stick to their own beautiful assumptions. If you like, I can arrange for Arthur to lead the team during the next negotiation."

"He is a member of the Order of the Phoenix and will act according to your wishes." Amelia sighed tiredly, sat back at the large desk, and mechanically began to deal with work matters.

Dumbledore stared at the noticeable white hair on her head, and he could no longer blame the Ministry of Magic for its choice: "I'm sorry, Amelia."

Compared to the last time, Voldemort became more cunning after regaining his body. He began to absorb wizards other than pure-bloods, and even giants, goblins, and dementors were among his recruits.

The essence of the war has evolved from a struggle over the idea of ​​pure blood to a more complex struggle for power. Today's Death Eaters are all frustrated people who have been deprived of their power by the Ministry of Magic. They want to use Voldemort's power to subvert the wizarding world and take back everything they have lost.

(End of this chapter)