Chapter 101 "The Disappearance of Wilda Griffith"

On Sunday morning, Skyler received two owl-delivered letters. The first, from Slughorn, expressed gratitude for Gwenog's acquittal and included two VIP seats for the Liheid Hobby team, a gesture of appreciation for Skyler's assistance.

The second letter, from Scrimgeour, was hastily written, detailing the Aurors' expedition based on Skyler's provided clues.

Having followed the leads, Scrimgeour discovered Griffith's supposed location, but the kidnappers had preemptively vacated the premises.

Recognizing the complexity of the situation, Scrimgeour suspected an internal leak within the Auror department, prompting him to be cautious even with his own subordinates.

Planning to meet Skyler to discuss the matter, he had sought Dumbledore's approval for the rendezvous.

Skyler found Scrimgeour's unexpected visit intriguing, realizing that a seemingly minor missing person case could unravel numerous complexities within the British wizarding world.

Understanding the need for discretion, Skyler considered how to respond without revealing Professor Trelawney's invaluable divination abilities, a card he was not willing to expose lightly.

The meeting between Skyler and Scrimgeour unfolded in a discreet Hogwarts classroom, secured by Gawain Robards to prevent eavesdropping.

As the two engaged in a private discussion, the weight of the matter hung in the air.

"Mr. Scrimgeour, I suspect there's a mole within your Auror department, leaking information that led to the failure of our last operation," Skyler pointed out, addressing the root cause of the setback.

Scrimgeour snorted, acknowledging his own oversight, "This time, it's my carelessness. I've long been aware that some of my staff have questionable affiliations outside, deals that don't make it to the table. As long as it doesn't interfere with daily Auror work, I've turned a blind eye. Unfortunately, their audacity has increased."

He continued more seriously, "The issue is, I underestimated the complexity of this task initially. I assumed it was merely disgruntled fans causing a ruckus, possibly seeking a ransom. I wasn't vigilant enough regarding intelligence confidentiality. That, indeed, is my mistake. Now, Skyler, I need your help. Due to the public and media scrutiny, the pressure from above is immense. I must resolve this case."

Skyler, curious about the potential outcomes, asked, "What if you don't find any leads from me?"

Though the question was posed, Skyler already knew the probable bureaucratic response.

Scrimgeour's eyes gleamed with understanding; he grasped the implication.

Yet, he held a personal standard—finding a scapegoat was one thing, but not trying to solve the issue would be a betrayal of the ambitious young Auror he once was.

Slowly, Scrimgeour responded, "Are you suggesting..."

"Don't misunderstand, Mr. Scrimgeour," Skyler clarified. "I'm willing to assist, but reorganizing your Auror team is crucial. My involvement poses risks to my sources, and without adequate benefits, it's a delicate situation."

Scrimgeour, with determination, responded, "Don't worry, Skyler. I'll overhaul the team this time. Your help won't go unnoticed. I won't forget your support!"

Skyler awaited this assurance.

"Alright then, I'll take your word for it. Let's leave Hogwarts first. Apparating isn't possible here. You'll need to bring me along. The three of us, with Robards, should suffice for this mission."

They left through the Hogwarts gate, apparated to Diagon Alley, and stood at the three-way intersection in front of Gringotts.

Disguised as inconspicuous men in black, they entered Knockturn Alley.

Skyler had chosen this location, suspecting that Aurors might approach.

The kidnappers, in panic, would discuss their next move, inevitably mentioning Griffith's name.

Skyler cast the Imperius Curse on "Wilda Griffiths" to guide their path.

They passed storefronts, traversed alleys, and arrived at an inconspicuous dead end.

Skyler whispered, "This is it, you two."

Scrimgeour and Robards exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.

"Skyler, this matter might be more troublesome than we thought," Scrimgeour remarked.

After knowing the existence of Ghost Society, Knight of Walpurgis, and the Shadow Dragon. There is nothing more that could affect Skyler in terms of fear.

He simply looked at the two of them and inquired, "What is it?"

Robards explained, "Behind this alley is the notorious Black Crime Square. You can enter by hitting certain bricks, similar to the Leaky Cauldron's wall. The current problem isn't how to get in, but..."

Scrimgeour interjected, "I'm afraid there's much more behind Black Crime Square, closely tied to some high-ranking Ministry officials. For years, our Auror applications to sweep this place haven't been approved."

Skyler's eyes gleamed sharply. "Uncle, just say it straight—the so-called high-level people are Yaxley, Selwyn, and Delphini!"

Scrimgeour, slightly embarrassed, coughed and admitted, "You're right. The Lestrange family was also involved before, but after the recent incident, Lestrange is almost synonymous with annihilation."

Skyler smiled, "So Mr. Scrimgeour, tell me what's your plan now?"

Scrimgeour faced a dilemma. If he halts the investigation, he appears negligent, inviting criticism from media and the masses.

Yet, if he continues, he risks becoming a target for countless enemies, making his future life challenging.

"Rufus, I think—" Robards, with an unpleasant expression, leaned in and whispered to Scrimgeour, "Let's stick to the usual routine. Find a small-time thief with no connections, frame him, make him take the fall, and declare Griffith missing. While we'll still face blame for incompetence, at least we catch a criminal, and they won't have much to say..."

"We can't force our way in, right?" Robards questioned, "The last Auror supervisor attempting this was inexplicably dismissed within a week. Their family was robbed, and all members met unfortunate ends. The dark wizard who emerged was killed, and the supervisor, driven mad, ended up in St. Mungo's Hospital..."

The two fell into a contemplative silence for almost ten minutes. Finally, Scrimgeour spoke with difficulty, "Let's go!"

At this moment, Skyler interjected. His eyes gleamed with both mockery and unwavering resolve. "Mr. Scrimgeour, since you've made a decision, I won't stop you. You go ahead! I've chosen to stay here—even without you saying anything, I've guessed Griffith's fate. I can't stand by and watch her suffer, especially when I know there's still a chance to save her."

Skyler's tone carried solemnity and determination that couldn't be swayed by anything. "I don't want to hear her crying every night in my dreams, facing the burden of guilt."

"Skyler, you—" Scrimgeour didn't anticipate Skyler's response.

He had high hopes for this young man, and if anything happened to Skyler while working under Dumbledore, it wouldn't be a matter resolved by catching a scapegoat for the crime.

"I've already made up my mind, there is nothing more you can do to talk me into going with you unfortunately," Skyler's voice turned cold. "I won't be a burden for you. I'm going to set things right and inform my family, severing any ties between them and this matter. This way, my family won't trouble you—"

"However, I have to say," Skyler's voice softened, almost a murmur to himself, "I'm thoroughly disappointed! I believed that an Auror is a guardian of the wizarding world, a stalwart defender. Shouldn't Aurors be heroes, living up to their own conscience and the people's expectations?"

Without waiting for their response, Skyler produced a small piece of paper, lighting it with his wand. The paper transformed into a sparrow, fluttering its wings as it flew away.

With a casual wave, Skyler walked to the dead-end wall, closely inspecting the bricks' irregularities. As he reached out to touch a brick, a magic wand suddenly extended from his side, tapping a few bricks, causing the wall to part to the left and right.

Scrimgeour's face turned green, a clear sign of anger, yet his eyes sparked with a renewed, lion-like determination.

"I may be scorned by you, Skyler," Scrimgeour spoke softly, "but now you'll witness how I climb my way up to this point!" With those words, he led the somewhat reluctant Robards, striding forward.

Behind them, Skyler curled his lips into a slight smile, akin to a cunning fox. Everything is running according to his plans, not even the Shadow Dragons had their traces covered before Skyler's eyes.

Each and every plan they've made is already anticipated by Skyler, he already has a lot of counters on what to do and how to proceed to another one if his plans were to go awry.