Chapter 1766: War Without Victors (216)
Harry had barely stepped into the Auror Office and had no time to catch his breath before his colleagues called him to Godwin Robards's office for a meeting. Naturally, it was about that morning's meeting with the goblins.
In truth, even if Godwin Robards had not specifically explained it, everyone knew what it was about.
The Ministry of Magic had distrusted goblins from the very beginning. Sending Royden Poke, the representative of the Magical Creatures Management Control Division, to Chipping Clodbury, a small town in England, to negotiate with the goblins was more about demonstrating the Ministry's sincerity in maintaining peace to the British magical world. It was meant to let everyone know that the Ministry loved peace and wished to settle the chaotic disputes between goblins and wizards.
Yes, yes, that was right. It was exactly that hypocritical.
Even if the Ministry had never intended to easily end its dispute with the goblins, it could not appear overly forceful in public. Doing so would only push potential allies to the other side.
After all, what Kingsley intended to do next was rather "earth-shattering," so they could not be too forceful from the outset, nor could they let people think the Ministry of Magic looked too ugly in its methods.
Both Kingsley and the Ministry of Magic needed to save face.
The best option was to make people believe the Ministry had been forced to act against the goblins. As for what Kingsley wanted to achieve, they could reach an agreement in private once the goblins had been completely subdued.
Many people might find that hypocritical, but at least everyone could keep up appearances.
That was important, especially for a government institution like the Ministry of Magic. Very important. "Harry, you'll lead the team