A magical journey that begins in Azkaban

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

"Lemon Snow..." After he whispered the password, the stone beast did not change at all. Rogge frowned slightly. It seemed that Dumbledore had changed his password this year.

Taking into account the principal's preference for sweets, Roger began to list various candies in the magical world. When he read "sour lollipop", the stone beast finally made some movement and slowly turned around, revealing the spiral staircase leading to the principal's office.

The principal's office is as old and mysterious as ever, with portraits of past principals hanging on the walls. They are either meditating or smiling, secretly watching everyone who enters the room. A certain portrait seems to be sleeping, and the quietness of the room is broken by the occasional snoring or sniffling sound.

Roger's eyes quickly swept across the room, and finally landed on a piece of exquisite silverware on the table. It slowly spits out misty smoke and spins silently, as if telling an unknown secret.

"Roger, what's the matter?" 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 sent some talismans to Delis." Rogge did not go around the bush and went straight to the point. "I happened to hear some news that they seemed 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 Rogge and continued to listen. The principals on the wall were also awakened by the news and listened intently.

"Not only the Ministry of Magic, but also other magical circles seem to be involved." Rogge continued, with a hint of worry in his tone, "They plan to cede the east coast to prevent the MACUSA from falling to the Dark Lord."

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

Rogge asked doubtfully: "Principal, aren't you the chairman of the federation? You don't even know. This is really puzzling."

Dumbledore didn't answer immediately. He narrowed his eyes and fell into thought.

Although the International Federation of Magic is nominally a high-level organization, it actually does not have much real power. It is more like a platform for the major magic circles to exchange opinions and quarrel fiercely.

Although he holds the title of federation president, his day-to-day work is relatively easy.

If Rogge's news is true, then it makes sense for the members of the Federation to bypass him and conduct 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 kind of thing that was destined to violate the laws of the magical world. And Arthur and other members of the Order of the Phoenix who worked in the Ministry of Magic were completely unaware of the news.

If it hadn't been for Rogge's accidental discovery, I'm afraid he wouldn't have learned about it from the newspaper until after the negotiations were completed. What worries him most is that even Snape has not received relevant information.

Dumbledore felt that he had lost his keen eyes and ears, and Fletcher, who was originally able to collect information from the underground world, had also passed away long ago.

"Thank you, Rogge." Dumbledore still remained calm and asked softly: "As for the antidote to the snake-man virus, can you make a breakthrough before Christmas?"

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

"Let the snake people recover." Dumbledore answered simply and directly.

"all?"

"certainly."

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

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

"Considering the number of infected people, even if all the resources of the magical world are exhausted, it is impossible to cure them." Rogge took a deep breath and said firmly: "I suggest giving up on them and protecting the uninfected Muggles. "

He paused, studying Dumbledore's expression. The principal remained calm, and his inner thoughts could not be detected from his face.

"I can prepare a stabilizer for the snake people based on the method used to treat blood monsters. This will stop their physical mutations and restore part of their thinking ability."

Dumbledore was silent for a moment, and then asked softly: "In other words, they will become a new species?"

"Yes, just like werewolves to wizards, they will become a new subspecies of Muggles." Rogge 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 estimate that the potion to protect Muggles will be ready?"

The corners of Rogge's eyes twitched slightly, it seemed that Dumbledore didn't fully believe in his potion skills. He secretly thought that the principal might seek help from others to find a solution to the snake-man virus.

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

He touched his chin and pretended 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 understand 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 towns. Although Muggles now have masks and protective clothing, there is no difference in essence."

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

He sighed heavily, and then said in a pleading tone: "Rogge, 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, Rogge nodded firmly and agreed. But he did not tell Dumbledore that the essence of famine has never been a problem of insufficient bread, but a problem of distribution. This problem is far more complicated than any potion.

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

If Rogge stood in Dumbledore's position and had the same influence. Then, he would not hesitate to throw away the confidentiality law and let those grain merchants understand why the flowers are so red.

Magic cannot conjure food out of thin air, and potions cannot cure the greed of people's hearts. Even if Roger took out the potion to prevent the snake-man virus before Halloween, no one planted seeds on those barren and fertile lands.

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

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

However, Roger respects his opinions and will prepare potions according to his requirements. He will let Dumbledore understand that the operating logic of Muggle society will not change because of Dumbledore's wishes.

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

But he also knew that he had to stop the negotiations between the Ministry of Magic and Voldemort. Voldemort must be secretly plotting some conspiracy, and he must stand firmly on the opposite side of the magic world.

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

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

"If there is a place ruled by dark wizards and dark races in the magic world, it will 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 see what's going on."

A picture frame on the wall was soon empty, while other portraits were still discussing what might happen in the future with relish.

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

But there is no way. If the Ministry of Magic wants to operate normally, it must rely on these people. Even if there are bugs in it, she has to pinch her nose and admit it.

In addition, the negotiations with the Dark Lord are coming to an end. Even if Dumbledore wants to stop it now, it's too late.

"Voldemort will never negotiate!" Dumbledore warned seriously, "We have only one way to go, which 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 Confederation. 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, the entire North America will become the Dark Lord's possession. Then what? Will his ambition stop here?" Her words revealed an unconcealable worry, as if a hurricane from North America was going to engulf the entire world.

Amelia took a deep breath and continued, "It's just sacrificing some Muggles. He has promised that as long as you agree to his conditions, the snake virus will be no longer contagious."

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

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

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

"Do you think this is what I want to see?" Amelia's emotions suddenly exploded, and she pounded the table with her fists, roaring hysterically: "I sit in the position of minister, and I am under unprecedented pressure every day!"

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

"Do you know that in addition to the British magic world preparing for war, other magic circles are already preparing for peace celebrations!"

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

"The peace talks he proposed are 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 tense atmosphere of war? All wizards are discussing wealth and land. No one cares about the Muggles 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 and lose my position as minister the next day."

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

"Why do you think the International Magical Federation bypasses you? The greatest white wizard of this century!" Amelia smiled helplessly, and a hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes, "Albus, you are too strong, so strong that others are afraid."

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

"Do you think hiding in Hogwarts as the principal will make everyone ignore your existence?" She shook her head firmly and said ruthlessly: "That's impossible! In addition to those glorious titles, even pictures have your appearance."

Amelia took a few deep breaths and her emotions 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 be loyal to their own beautiful ideas. If you like, I can arrange Arthur to lead 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 began to deal with work mechanically.

Dumbledore looked at the conspicuous white hair on her head, and could no longer criticize the Ministry of Magic's choice in his heart: "Sorry, Amelia."

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

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