Chapter 294

"Welcome, please have a seat," Lucius said, "Let me introduce this new member: Dolores Umbridge, Senior Inspector of the Ministry of Magic, who will attend our meetings as an advisor and offer guidance."

Harry glanced at her, then turned his gaze away. Sirius had said her Animagus form was a toad—he didn't quite believe it; he thought she was just a toad who'd learned a few human-transformation charms.

"You needn't feel restrained—you may continue discussing Horcruxes and how to deal with the Order of the Phoenix," she said in a saccharine, affected tone. "The Ministry will not interfere or obstruct; in fact, I'll do my best to offer suggestions. We merely hope to modestly contain the scale of this war."

"We advise against resolving issues through violence or conflict. We encourage equal dialogue, cooperation, and exchange. We hope to see the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters set aside their grievances, suspend their disputes, and gradually resolve differences through negotiation…"

"Enough nonsense," Bellatrix interrupted impatiently. "We and the Order of the Phoenix are mortal enemies. Unless they hand over the Horcruxes and allow us to resurrect the Dark Lord."

"Calm down, Bellatrix," Lucius cautioned. "If the Ministry intends to act as mediator, let's at least see what goodwill they're offering—what favors are they prepared to promise?"

Under the expectant gazes of all present, Umbridge's expression grew uneasy. She forced herself to speak: "We can serve as a bridge, overseeing negotiations. Without communication, hatred will only deepen…"

Before she could launch into another long-winded speech, Bellatrix interrupted again: "So you're offering nothing at all—and still expect us to obey?"

"Merely offering suggestions…" Umbridge's voice grew much softer.

"If what she says makes sense, it's not entirely unreasonable to listen," Snape said slowly. "Write a more detailed report. Bring it to us next time."

Harry glanced at Snape. He suspected Snape had deliberately avoided Order meetings out of concern that the Ministry might leak information. He instinctively worried for his godfather—but quickly reassured himself: Sirius adapted his clothing and makeup according to his role, and besides, Sirius and Regulus were brothers; at most, people might suspect their relationship had improved, not that they were the same person.

"Severus, you're rarely so fair-minded," Lucius smiled. "I hear you've been busy lately—how's things at the school?"

"The students seem to be organizing," Snape replied with a dismissive tone that served as cover. "But it's all childish nonsense."

"I must devote time to Potions—that's unavoidable," Snape continued leisurely. "The Headmaster's duties are also time-consuming. Of course, one of the Headmaster's key responsibilities is safeguarding that painting."

"The Crown and the Painting are the most important artifacts at Hogwarts. As for the students? Let them be." Snape shook his head slightly, then turned to Umbridge. "By the way, Miss Umbridge, I hope you'll begin drafting that report promptly. It should be no less than twenty inches long—otherwise, it won't be taken seriously."

"Oh, of course," Umbridge sat perfectly still. "I'm already brainstorming."

"Perhaps Severus means you need a quieter place to compose your report," Lucius issued a more direct dismissal. "I can have Dobby show you to a guest room."

"No, this place is fine," Umbridge replied with a forced smile. She wasn't entirely clueless—she simply refused to leave.

Lucius gave a glance. Antonin immediately spoke bluntly: "Do you need us to spell it out? We don't want you listening to the rest of this meeting."

"Mostly because you're ugly. Sitting here ruins the mood," Bellatrix drawled lazily.

"How dare you question the Ministry's authority? And you have no right to insult my appearance!" Umbridge sprang to her feet. "I demand you apologize immediately."

"To be fair," Sirius murmured to Harry, "Bellatrix really does look better than her."

"Stop pretending and playing the fool," Bellatrix rose as well. "You think a few words entitle you to eavesdrop on our secrets? Dream on!"

"You're defying the Minister—I'll write this down in my report!"

"And what about you? Why did the Ministry send the Order a handsome lad but gave us a toad?"

"And you're any better? You're a promiscuous, shameless woman!"

"Shut up, you shrew!"

"What? You're insane!"

"What?! Crucio!" Bellatrix shrieked.

"Oh, no, no, no," Lucius quickly raised his hand—but only slightly.

Fortunately, Bellatrix didn't draw her wand; her wandless magic wasn't strong enough to sustain a full Cruciatus Curse. Umbridge turned deathly pale, slid off her chair, and struggled to rise.

Harry, still possessing some moral restraint, moved to help—but Sirius subtly blocked him. He settled for a blunt remark: "She's connected to the Yingzheng Prefecture. Is this really appropriate?"

"Hmph," Bellatrix scoffed, then sat back down, examining her nails with indifference.

Lucius frowned, then clapped his hands. The meeting room door swung open. Massive Crabbe and massive Goyle peered in curiously.

"Miss Umbridge is suddenly unwell. Have Dobby find her a guest room," he said, then glanced at Bellatrix and added, "Don't let her leave until the healer arrives."

"Please sit, Hufa," Lucius smiled again as the two giants dragged Umbridge out. "We still have some influence in the Ministry. No need to worry about this."

Harry wanted to say more, but decided Hufa shouldn't get too involved. He raised an eyebrow and sat back down.

"Let's return to the matter at hand. Have you investigated this Nix in Tianchao? Can you prove she's lying?"

"Probably not," Sirius replied immediately—he'd anticipated the question. "She married into a Tianchao dark wizard family. Communication is nearly impossible."

"Actually, Rodolphus wrote to the head of the Magical Institute," Bellatrix said. "They confirmed Nix and Tangmen are real. The family has peculiar habits—especially their preference for marrying blood-cursed beast-people. Known examples include rabbits, sharks, and even a witch who can turn into grass."

"So even the Goat's tricks won't work?" Lucius's face darkened. "These people have raised the public's tolerance threshold all at once."

Harry only now grasped this layer. He silently admired Zhang Qiu's meticulous planning: if you're going to lie, make it flawless—she'd already protected this weakness.

"That was William's idea. Let him study it," Harry said, noting William's absence and seizing the chance to badmouth him. "All these boring conspiracies, hiding behind shadows—so annoying."

"Exactly! I always said open war is simplest," Bellatrix said, perhaps buoyed by winning the argument. "Do you have any leads on the seventh Horcrux?"

Harry hesitated. Continuing to play dumb was safe—but yielded no progress. If he began laying groundwork for the diary, he might pressure Lucius into making a mistake. The risk? Perhaps none—if he framed it right.

"I've searched every corner of Europe—every place Tom might have hidden a Horcrux," he said cautiously, in a logical tone. "I suspect the final Horcrux must still be within Hogwarts."

"The diadem is the Horcrux at Hogwarts. The Dark Lord wouldn't hide two Horcruxes in the same place," Snape said. Harry found this odd. But from Lucius's grim expression, he clearly connected it to the diary—so Harry decided to add a little more.

"The diadem was originally hidden in Albania. Tom must have left another Horcrux behind at Hogwarts."

Snape's expression darkened. "I won't allow you to search the school—that would disrupt its operations. I'll keep watch for you."

Perhaps Lucius suspected Snape wanted to claim sole credit for finding the Horcrux. But Harry believed Snape was protecting the students. That meant Lucius would worry Snape was truly searching—while Harry felt this was enough.

"Then I leave it to you," Harry shrugged casually. "I'll check other places he once mentioned."

Under Lucius's deliberate steering, the conversation drifted into sordid insider deals: who'd been awarded the Merlin Order, smuggling magical artifacts. To prove their influence in the Ministry, Lucius, Antonin, and Bellatrix spoke with growing excitement; Sirius occasionally chimed in.

As these men freely discussed the Ministry's scandals, Harry sat on pins and needles. He kept refilling his small flask with Polyjuice Potion. By the time he could barely tolerate its bitterness, the meeting finally ended.

Harry now only wanted to return to school and finish his remaining homework before dinner. Then he'd prepare for the third weekend meeting—figuring out how to keep conning Draco.