The office was silent.
"A prison break."
Bill broke the silence first, his eyes fixed on the model.
"Honestly, this sounds insane. Azkaban is an isolated island out at sea, and there are Dementors and Anti-Apparition Jinxes... especially since Sirius escaped, security has only gotten tighter. A direct assault on the prison?"
"That would be declaring war on the entire wizarding world. Is he really ready for that?"
"He doesn't need to be ready."
Douglas glanced at him.
"He wants to announce his return to the entire wizarding world.
What could be more dramatic and intimidating than breaching that supposedly impregnable fortress and freeing his most loyal, most fanatical servants?"
The reason certainly wasn't that simple. Douglas didn't elaborate, and, as usual, the others didn't ask.
Lupin studied the tactical map.
"Besides, if he doesn't get Bellatrix and those other lunatics out, who's going to do his dirty work?"
"Then what are we waiting for?"
Sirius's fists clenched instantly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
"Let's go right now and blow those bastards sky-high along with that wretched island! I've had enough of that hellhole!"
"Should we notify the Ministry of Magic now? Have Scrimgeour bring the Aurors to set up an ambush. He owes me plenty of favors, and he'll definitely believe me. If we set up an inescapable net there..."
"Calm down, Padfoot."
Lupin held his slightly trembling shoulder and looked at Douglas.
"Is the intelligence reliable? How much time do we have to prepare?"
"The source is absolutely reliable, but I can't disclose it."
Douglas answered concisely.
"We have three days until the fifteenth."
"Three days..."
Bill rubbed his chin, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
"That's enough time to prepare a big present for them. Are we notifying the Ministry? How about letting Percy earn some