"Without evidence, it's best not to suspect anyone without good reason. For now, we should focus on how to handle what's coming," Dumbledore said thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed.
Emmeline Vance listened quietly to everyone's guesses, then said, "What do you think, Professor Dumbledore? The places we need to guard are too spread out, and the Ministry won't have many people available at the time."
As if he had worked something out, Dumbledore turned to Gideon Prewett and said, "Here's what we'll do. I'll persuade the Longbottom couple to spend Christmas with the Potter couple. I'll ask Marlene what she thinks, too. Perhaps spending Christmas together at the Burrow would be a good choice."
Gideon Prewett smiled and said warmly, "I'm sure Molly will welcome them with open arms."
"Good. That brings the number of places we need to guard down to two. We can even set up an ambush nearby ahead of time. They'd better show up. If they make me spend the whole night standing out in the cold for nothing, I won't let them get away with it," Mad-Eye Moody said with a chuckle.
"That sounds good, too. But we'd better not explain the reason for the arrangement in advance. We might have a chance to deal the Death Eaters a serious blow this time—and perhaps even take the opportunity to uncover the traitor," Edgar Bones said, nodding in agreement.
Seeing that everyone accepted his plan, Dumbledore nodded as well. "Then it's settled. Moody, Emmeline, I'll leave you to look after the Potters and the Longbottoms. Edgar, I'm counting on you to handle the Weasley family. I'll be ready to provide support wherever needed, in case the Dark Lord himself shows up."
The others all nodded in agreement, then got to their feet and left one after another.