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It was as if Dumbledore knew that none other than Severus Snape was about to enter the kitchen like an inaudible shadow. The potions professor looked a little battered and paler than ever. Against this pallor, his hooked nose and greasy hair took on an even greater contrast.
"Headmaster," he nodded in greeting, and without taking a seat beside anyone else, he took a seat in the dark corner of the kitchen.
"Severus," nodded Dumbledore. "So, now that everyone is here, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Knight. Some are already familiar with him. Some have only heard of him. So..."
The Headmaster took a few moments to introduce me to those present. The dark-skinned wizard in the purple robe turned out to be none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt, an auror of middle rank. I already knew Lupine, Moody, and Tonks. Emelina Vance, a middle-aged, stately witch in dark robes, gave a pleasant impression of restraint and reasonableness. Dedalus Diggle was a strange character in strange clothes. Judging by his age, he is already an old man. Obviously, he's a little crazy, but that can be said about many adult wizards I know. Mundungus Fletcher is a shorty swindler. He could be useful since he's obviously widely known in narrow circles and can extract information. True, I wouldn't trust him with anything at all, let alone my life. Arthur Weasley - there's not much to say about him.
"Well, and this," the Headmaster pointed his hand toward me. "Maximilian Knight. He's the one you can go to with sensitive questions if Professor Snape is unavailable."
"Let me say a few words at once," I drew the attention of those present. "I will not help Lupin and Fletcher."
"But why not?" Emeline Vance, who was already introduced to me, asked calmly.
"Lupine, for obvious reasons. And Fletcher ... Well, I'm not going to deal with removing curses and other crap from things that he safely stole somewhere. Quite frankly, I expected more from your Order than that. An old disabled militant with a grudge against the enemy. A former convict stuck in the past. Thief and crook. A werewolf whose entire trustworthy image is a product of the delusion of others. I bet the hypocritical knacker Charlie Weasley is also included in your Order, along with the cunning brother Bill."
"Don't slander my children!" Molly was indignant. Arthur silently supported her with a stern look and agreeable nods.
"It's not slander. It's a fact. I have nothing much to say about the others, but I am sure that many here are also far from saints. Nymphadora. What is your sin?"
"Me? I'm not to blame for anything! I am for justice."
"Unfortunately, this metaphysical matter is completely unattainable. But at least someone here is ideological. But like I told the Headmaster, I will provide all possible assistance."
"That's good," Dumbledore nodded. "That's exactly what we've been missing."
"But I will not join any orders. I will simply provide assistance to those in need at my discretion. By a happy coincidence, it will be the wizards sitting in front of me who will be in need."
The Headmaster smiled into his beard, and I didn't really follow the reactions of the others.
"Since we have solved this issue, Severus, tell us how things are going in the camp of the enemies? And you, Mr. Knight, since you are not a member of the Order, I will ask you to leave the meeting. Your friends from the House are currently living upstairs, as Mrs. Weasley said. I think you would like to talk to them."
"With all due respect, Professor Snape," I nodded to the potions master who had taken a step out of the dark corner. "I doubt that you will tell me something new for me. I bet the Dark Lord has set up his headquarters in Malfoy Manor. The current Head, Draco, is, frankly, a stupid weakling. But getting his support is important to the Dark Lord, for it is practically a bottomless purse. I believe Azkaban was attacked not only for the sake of manpower but also for the sake of Aunt Bellatrix - it was her release and presence that would allow him to enlist the support of Narcissa Malfoy, and subsequently Draco himself. The Ministry's current policy of denial is extremely beneficial to the Dark Lord and gives the former prisoners time to regain their strength and time to recruit a new life force. For example, enlist the support of werewolves from the Greyback pack. I believe he has sent ambassadors to the giants as well. He could get their support simply by promising to «smash, stew, and eat stupid humans.» With access to the Malfoy money, there is wide access to the Ministry. It seems to me that at least five or six people from different departments are already dancing to the tune of the Dark Lord. The Department of Mysteries, the DMLE, and the Aurors Office - without a doubt. And please, don't tell me about honor and so on. Wizards are people. People are vile creatures. I hope that the meaning of this equation has not escaped anyone? And now…
Rising from my seat, I bowed to everyone.
"Before I leave your undoubtedly decent society, leaving you to enjoy Professor Snape's useless report, I would like to ask him one question..."
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