Chapter 82
Chapter : Repercussions and Plans
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Harry’s POV
The news of the attack on Marauders Inc. had spread through Hogwarts like wildfire. Even though we were miles away, it felt close, too close. During breakfast, students were gathered in clusters, some whispering nervously about werewolves, others discussing the men in black suits who had fought them. The Daily Prophet had been flooded with stories, but none of them matched what Alex told us later that day.
“It was organized, well-planned,” he said, his expression grim as he explained the attack to me, Hermione, and Daphne. “They used Greyback’s werewolves. The werewolves got through goblin wards, which shouldn't be possible. It was coordinated, not some random attack.”
Hermione bit her lip, concern clouding her eyes. “But why would they go after Marauders Inc.? They make harmless products, nothing that would threaten anyone.”
“It's not about what they’re making,” Daphne replied thoughtfully. “It’s about who is behind it. Purebloods are used to calling the shots, and Alex is challenging that.” She glanced around, lowering her voice. “And people like Malfoy… they won’t stand for it.”
I thought of Sirius and the lengths he was going to just to keep Marauders Inc. running, how he’d been making something different and meaningful in the wizarding world. And now this. I didn’t want to say it out loud, but I feared it wouldn’t be the last attack. If Voldemort’s followers were already on the move, things were going to get darker.
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Sirius’s POV
The shop was a mess, the walls bearing the marks of the battle. Glass shards littered the floor, and several shelves lay toppled, products scattered everywhere. But for all the destruction, I felt a surge of pride—our employees had defended this place, and they’d stood tall against werewolves and Death Eaters. And then, there were the men from Men in Black Security. Whoever Alex had recruited for that team knew what they were doing, and it seemed our enemies weren’t prepared for muggle weapons.
I gathered my staff for a debrief. “Thank you all for your courage last night,” I said, looking each of them in the eye. “I know it wasn’t what you signed up for, but you defended this shop like true Marauders. This isn’t the last we’ll see of attacks like this, and if any of you want to leave, I’ll understand.” But no one stepped back. Every single one of them stood firm, and I couldn’t have been prouder.
Afterward, I met with Remus, Marlene, and Alex. The conversation turned quickly to the larger issue—werewolf prejudice. The attack had only deepened the divide. The public fear and hatred for werewolves would be rising, and I knew Remus was feeling it. The attacks weren’t just hurting Marauders Inc.; they were stirring up a storm of anti-werewolf sentiment.
Alex, as usual, had a plan. “What if we start a werewolf relief organization?” he suggested, eyes gleaming with that spark of brilliance I’d come to admire. “If we could secure a village—a place where werewolves could go during the full moon, it would be safer for everyone.”
Remus looked at Alex, shocked. “An entire village? That’s… ambitious.”
“Yes, it is. But it’s also practical,” Alex replied. “We could help those who want jobs too, like working with muggle products—repairing them for resale in the muggle world. It’s low-risk work, and it gives them a way to make a living without facing constant discrimination.”
It was brilliant. And, with Andromeda’s connections, maybe it was even possible. We discussed the logistics for hours, hammering out ideas, responsibilities, and finances. And as we spoke, I felt a surge of hope. If we could pull this off, we could change lives—starting with Remus.
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Minister Fudge’s POV
The morning edition of the Daily Prophet was a disaster, painting the attack on Marauders Inc. as a terrifying breach of security. The article insinuated that if places like Marauders Inc. could be attacked, nowhere was safe. Worse still, the article included whispers of “men in black” wielding silver bullets and muggle weapons, as if our magical protections were somehow inadequate.
My hands clenched as I read through the editorial calling for a no-confidence motion. This wasn’t good. The press was starting to question my ability to protect the wizarding world. Lucius Malfoy had assured me that a little nudge against the Marauders Inc. would remind the wizarding public of the importance of pureblood traditions, but this was beyond control.
Now, the Daily Prophet was all but calling for my resignation. I’d have to act fast to regain control of the narrative, perhaps by tightening restrictions on werewolves or pushing for stronger protections around Diagon Alley. I’d call a meeting with the Wizengamot by the end of the week. There would be no vote of no-confidence—not while I was in charge.
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Daily Prophet Article
Werewolf Attack on Diagon Alley: Dark Times for Marauders Inc.!
Late last night, Diagon Alley was the scene of a brutal attack as werewolves, led by infamous Fenrir Greyback, assaulted the Marauders Inc. shop. The attack breached heavy goblin wards and left several wounded, though fortunately, no lives were lost.
Witnesses described a valiant defense from Marauders Inc. employees and the sudden arrival of mysterious “men in black” who employed muggle firearms to drive the werewolves back. Who are these enigmatic defenders? And is it wise to rely on muggle methods for security in the wizarding world?
Minister Cornelius Fudge has yet to comment on this shocking event. However, rumors suggest he may soon face a motion of no-confidence.
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Quibbler Article
Attack or Propaganda? The Mystery of the Men in Black!
Could the werewolf attack on Marauders Inc. be more than it seems? Rumors suggest the recent appearance of “men in black”—muggle agents wielding silver weapons—may be part of a larger conspiracy. Are they government operatives? Alien hunters? And what about the werewolves themselves? Were they under the control of secret dark forces? Readers, stay vigilant, for the truth is rarely as it seems!
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Sirius’s POV
I’d been around long enough to know that werewolf prejudice ran deep. But the attack last night would only fuel it. Remus was among my closest friends, and I could feel his anxiety about what was to come. People would start calling for tighter restrictions, and werewolves would face more hatred than ever.
I gathered Remus, Marlene, and Alex for a private meeting at Grimmauld Place, trying to make sense of the situation. We needed a plan that could help werewolves beyond just protection.
Alex, ever resourceful, suggested, “Let’s create a village for them. A safe haven where they can go during the full moon, and a place where they can find work and build a community.” He went on to explain how we could set up a job program involving muggle products that were easy to repair and resell, helping werewolves earn an income.
Marlene nodded thoughtfully. “It’s ambitious, but it could work. We’d need someone to handle the politics and make it acceptable to the Ministry.”
“Andromeda,” I said immediately. She was already skilled in dealing with both the magical and muggle worlds, and if anyone could navigate the bureaucratic minefield, it was her.
“Right,” Alex continued, “I can handle the logistical side with muggle business connections, and we could set up a potion supply for wolfsbane. It’d be like a self-sustaining ecosystem for them.”
I looked at Remus, whose eyes glimmered with something I hadn’t seen in a long time: hope.
“It’s a brilliant plan,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “If we can pull this off… it would mean the world for werewolves like me.”
As we talked late into the night, planning the first steps, I realized that this could be a turning point. Not just for Remus, but for all magical creatures who deserved a fair chance at life.