The Heads of the International Magical Cooperation Department wore complicated expressions. Some had tightly furrowed brows, some shook their heads helplessly, and others showed clear signs of fatigue.
As their sighs faded, the Conference Hall was shrouded in silence, as if even the air had frozen solid.
That Head's report on the Auror's sacrifice was like the last straw, crushing the last trace of hope in everyone's hearts.
Aurors were well-trained elite wizards, yet these elite wizards, proficient in Defence Against the Dark Arts and able to deal with all kinds of Dark magic, had seemed so fragile and helpless in the instant the trigger was pulled.
The report mercilessly revealed one fact: in this age of violent change, the magic that wizards took pride in could appear so pale and powerless when facing Muggle force.
"In any case..." a low voice rang out, breaking the oppressive silence. "Mr. Dubois, thank you for your addition!"
Jacob Kowalski sighed and looked at the Head who had given the report, his face carrying sincere grief.
"This is indeed crucial information. The three issues Mr. Dumbledore summarized are the greatest difficulties we currently need to face."
Dumbledore continued, "Mr. Kowalski is right. Remembrance and vigilance must proceed at the same time."
"Without a doubt, the best way to honor the dead is to do everything in our power to protect the living. What we need to do right now is think..."
"Think about what we should do to stop such tragedies from happening again, and to prevent more colleagues we cherish from making such painful sacrifices."
"Perhaps we should try..." a relatively young-faced Head suggested, "interfering with the tools those Muggles use to aim? I've heard some magic can do that."
A Head with a black beard shook his head. "It would be