The Conflict Begins

Harry's account had ended, but one crucial point had been left unsaid.

Barty Crouch Jr. was finished. He had died at Professor Breen's hands, but if they revealed that, they would have to explain why Professor Breen had been there.

Remus and Sirius both glanced at Amosta, whether deliberately or not. They knew he had entered the tournament disguised as Fleur's sister. Everything Harry had seen, he had seen too. Yet throughout the entire account, Amosta had done nothing. He had stood by and watched Voldemort return!

There had to be some crucial information that had not been revealed.

But under the circumstances, neither of them was sure whether it was appropriate to press him.

"As you can see, Fudge and the Ministry's attitude—"

In the public ward, where a pin could have been heard falling, Dumbledore spoke again.

"Although we expected this, the Ministry of Magic's inaction has undoubtedly changed the entire situation. We cannot sit and wait for death. We must strike first and restrain Voldemort's actions. Minerva—"

Dumbledore's eyes burned as he first turned to Professor McGonagall.

"Could you go and see Hagrid? Ask him to wait for me in my office. I have something I need him to do."

Professor McGonagall glanced at Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the hospital beds, then nodded and hurried away with brisk footsteps.

"Sirius, I need you to leave at once. Notify Arabella Figg and Mundungus Fletcher—the old hands. You may bring them to your ancestral home first. I will go there afterward and speak with them personally."

Sirius looked at Amosta. He wanted to clear up his doubts with Amosta first.

"Go on first, Sirius. We can talk when there's a suitable opportunity later."

Amosta said.

Sirius nodded. He looked at Harry with some reluctance. At a time like