Showdown and Secrecy, the Self-Cultivation of an Undercover Agent

"Sir." Harry studied Abufus curiously, meeting his blue eyes. "Have we met somewhere before?"

"Hog's Head." Luna smiled. "He's the owner of the Hog's Head. We saw him when our organization held meetings there."

"This girl has a good memory," Abufus said.

"Harry, this is a venerable senior," Fred said with a raised brow. "He's over a hundred years old. Aaron brought him in, and the Phoenix Society's morale shot up."

"Abufus Dumbledore." Abufus gave a simple introduction. "Albus Dumbledore's younger brother, though our relationship wasn't particularly good.

I originally had no intention of getting involved in this mess, but Aaron offered terms I couldn't refuse."

Harry rose to his feet in surprise, filled with an indescribable joy.

Albus Dumbledore's brother had to be at least a Great wizard. His strength certainly wouldn't be lacking, and with his status, the Phoenix Society finally had a backbone again.

"Sir, you... I really never expected you to own a bar."

"I was merely gathering intelligence for Albus," Abufus said flatly. "He foresaw his own death and asked me to lend you a hand at a critical moment.

I had originally planned to send a House Elf to rescue you from the dungeons, but Aaron sent Fawkes instead. I have to admit, his method was safer."

"A House Elf?" Crabbe, who had remained silent until now, looked surprised. "You entrusted something so important to a House Elf?"

"Dobby is absolutely trustworthy. Besides, he used to be a servant of the Malfoy Family and can come and go from the dungeons freely."

Crabbe lowered his head without a word. Trusting a House Elf... these people seemed rather different from the wizards he had known before.

"All right, the old friends have more or less finished catching up.

Sirius, introduce them to Divine Thunder Hall