The Leader's Role Can't Be Shaken Off, Snape's Plausible Explanation

As soon as the words fell, all the students stared at Aberforth Dumbledore in astonishment, and whispers rose throughout the Great Hall.

Dumbledore had a brother? They did look very alike. Did this mean they now had the strength to contend with the Dark Lord once more?

Seeing this, Aaron decided to add fuel to the fire and secretly summoned the Phoenix.

A mass of flames blazed above the Great Hall, and a clear cry rang out from within, stirring the hearts of the lost and confused.

Then Fawkes flew out. Bathed in fire, he circled the Great Hall twice before landing steadily on Aberforth's shoulder.

At this sight, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff erupted into thunderous cheers. Few of them had ever seen Aberforth, but they knew Albus's Phoenix.

Their morale soared in an instant, but Aberforth was not happy in the slightest.

This wasn't just showing his face. This was making a damn spectacle of himself.

Now that the Phoenix had appeared, even if he denied being the leader of the Phoenix Society in front of everyone, no one would believe him.

"Ahem!" Aaron coughed twice. "Those willing to stay and fight, remain where you are and await orders. Those who want to leave, go to the shelter with Draco.

Crabbe, Goyle, assist Draco in managing the evacuees. If anyone refuses to cooperate, slap them. Move it!"

The Slytherins all stood up, not a single one remaining behind. Ravenclaw kept some upper-year students, Hufflepuff had relatively more, and over half of Gryffindor stayed. Professor McGonagall had no choice but to step in personally and forcibly drive away the younger wizards.

The students filed out in a long line, following closely behind Draco.

Aaron gave Aberforth a look. Under the expectant gazes of most of the crowd, he reluctantly walked