The Prisoners of Hogwarts

Chapter 325 Abandoning the Stone Tower Merchant Guild

Chapter 325 Abandoning the Stone Tower Merchant Guild (6.2K) (2/2)

The rough, black rocks gleamed with a damp, cold luster under the moonlight, and the salty sea breeze, carrying fine mist, lashed against Lynch's face.

He stood on the edge of the island, watching the dark seawater churn with white foam at his feet, and once again felt the heavy sense of isolation from the world in this secluded place.

As Lynch and Reggie regained their footing from the pull of the key and their feet touched the rough rocky ground of the island, several cloaked figures silently emerged from the shadows of the surrounding jagged rocks, as if they had grown out of the rocks themselves.

The tips of the wands gleamed faintly in the dim light, pointing at the newcomers. Only when Lynch's face and Reggie's silent figure were clearly seen did the wands fall down in unison.

The leader quickly pulled down his hood, revealing himself to be Mr. A, who looked alert.

He clenched his right fist against his chest and gave a crisp salute: "Your Excellency, Mr. Reggie."

The surrounding wary wizards also put away their wands and made the same salute.

Lynch nodded slightly: "How is it, Andrew?"

"All is well, sir. Nothing amiss," Mr. A replied, then stepped aside. "They've arrived."

Accompanied by Mr. A, Lynch and Reggie passed through the rock crevice cleverly concealed by multiple illusions and protective magic, and followed the narrow downward passage to once again enter the secret chamber known as "The Deep Rock Chamber".

The original rock walls gleamed with a bluish-gray luster under the magical cold light, and four core members dressed in black robes were already seated around the round stone table in the center.

Ms. A (internal oversight), Mr. M (logistics), and Mr. K (responsible for external infiltration and special channels) and Ms. V (responsible for secret research and the collection of some unconventional supplies) under Reggie's command. Along with Mr. A (combat) and Reggie (intelligence) who led them in, the seven members of the First Order's highest decision-making body were now present.

Lynch sat down in the seat reserved for him, the hem of his black overcoat draped over the side of the chair.

Without exchanging pleasantries, he scanned the crowd with his gaze: "Let's begin."

Reggie spoke first, his hoarse voice echoing low in the stone chamber: "Regarding the Intelligence Department, the most important development comes from the chain reaction triggered by the changes at the top of the Ministry of Magic. After Barty Crouch stepped down as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, the investigation into many 'grey areas' has slowed down. This means that many pure-blood families, who were suffocated under Crouch's leadership, can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

He paused briefly to allow the information to be fully understood before continuing, "According to multiple reliable sources, these families, particularly the Nott, Carroll, and Avery families, are not content with merely escaping the pressure. They seem to believe this is a good opportunity to re-demonstrate their power and even test the limits of the Ministry of Magic. The scattered information we've intercepted and the movements we've observed suggest that they are planning a significant public operation, likely targeting this summer's Quidditch World Cup. The specific form is unclear, but the intention is obvious: to create chaos, demonstrate influence, and test the public's and the Ministry of Magic's reactions under pressure."

Ms. A followed up on Reggie's words, her voice clear and calm, as if presenting a pre-verified account: "Internal Oversight Department. With the full assistance of the Hounds, a systematic screening of logistics and related departments has been largely completed."

In addition to G, who has already been dealt with, three other mid-level positions were found to have minor violations involving the falsification of losses during short-distance transportation. Five other minor violations were also discovered, including two falsified expense reports and a missing warehouse security patrol record. All have been handled according to internal regulations, with the personnel involved receiving warnings, fines, or reassignments. No new, systematic networks of corruption or dereliction of duty have been identified. However, the screening process also revealed some problems: the division of responsibilities for some positions remains unclear, leaving potential risks for future supervision; some early members, due to the Chamber of Commerce's successful development in recent years, have developed a complacent attitude and lack sufficient awareness of potential risks. The Supervision Department has begun revising more detailed job specifications and plans to conduct a new round of disciplinary briefings.

Next up was Mr. A, who stood tall and spoke in a steady voice: "Combat Department. Currently, there are forty-seven combat and guard wizards in the department, working in three shifts to handle routine defenses of the Chamber of Commerce's main warehouses, factories, important transport routes, and headquarters island. Last month, we thwarted two infiltration attempts targeting the Chamber of Commerce's northern warehouse. The intruders were unidentified, their methods were professional, and they escaped quickly after being discovered. However, analysis of the residual spells leaned towards dark magic, indicating they were not ordinary bandits. Following the infiltration incidents, we have fully upgraded the security magic at the northern warehouse and increased the frequency of unscheduled patrols. In terms of transportation, we have carried out seventeen medium- and long-distance escort missions of important supplies in the past two months, all of which arrived safely. But—we feel the pressure is increasing. There are more eyes watching on some regular routes. The loyalty of our personnel is beyond question, but being on high alert for a long time is causing fatigue to accumulate."

Mr. M continued his report: "Logistics Department. The Chamber of Commerce's overall operating data continues to grow, but the growth rate has slowed by three percentage points compared to the previous quarter. The main profit points are still concentrated on several specific potion ingredients, basic alchemy materials, and some custom-made magical items. In terms of inventory, key material reserves have reached the predetermined safety line, but procurement costs have been affected by market fluctuations, rising by an average of five percent. The alchemy workshop's output is stable, and testing of three new protective ornaments is nearing completion. Cash flow is sufficient, but—the Ministry of Magic is increasing its scrutiny of Gringotts' large non-family treasury transactions. We were questioned about the purpose of our two recent raw material payments exceeding five thousand Galleons."

Mr. K then added, his voice slightly hoarse: "Regarding external infiltration, we've confirmed in several non-critical positions within the Ministry of Magic that the new Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, Burns, operates with a 'law-based' style, which objectively creates more space for the pure-blood families' activities. Regarding the unusual developments at the Quidditch World Cup, we've also heard rumors from lower-ranking staff in the Department of Magical Sports, mentioning that this year's security budget application has encountered non-technical resistance and that some families are demanding far more from the VIP boxes than in previous years. Several factions in Knockturn Alley have been interacting closely recently, with unusual financial flows, and there are traces of transactions at Gringotts Bank, a pure-blood family's vault, behind them."

Finally, Ms. V's account was concise and direct: "The secret research project is progressing as planned. The basic framework verification for the new protective magic has been completed. The next step requires more rare materials for physical enchanting tests. Regarding the sourcing of unconventional resources, the prices of several key materials on the international market have increased by 20% in the past month. Suppliers have indicated a sudden increase in demand, and buyers are requesting anonymity." We suspect this is related to certain families beginning to stockpile resources.

After the report was completed, a brief silence fell over the stone chamber, broken only by the steady hum of the magic lamps.

Everyone is processing this information, piecing together a picture of undercurrents.

Lin Qi leaned back slightly, the chair back making a soft creak. His dark eyes appeared exceptionally deep in the cold light, slowly sweeping over each solemn face.

"Very well, the situation is clear now." He finally spoke, his voice calm. "The purebloods have caught their breath and want to use the World Cup to show their fangs again. They need chaos to declare their existence, test the limits of all sides, and fight for their own survival."

He leaned forward slightly: "They want to cause trouble, so why don't we—lend them a hand?"

These words caused subtle changes in the expressions of everyone except Reggie.

Mr. A's brow twitched, Mr. M looked puzzled, Mr. K and Ms. V exchanged a glance, while Ms. A maintained her aloof listening posture.

"Combat Department," Lynch's gaze fell on Mr. A, "select an elite squad. The number of people doesn't need to be large, but they must be absolutely reliable and highly adaptable. Their mission is to infiltrate the stadium and surrounding camps during the World Cup and closely monitor the Nott, Caro, and Avery families, as well as any wizards who may be connected with the remnants of the Death Eaters."

He paused, his tone emphasizing, each word crystal clear: "If, and I mean if, these people do indeed begin creating chaos as planned—whether it's arson, demolition, inciting riots, or some other trick—our people must secretly 'assist' them without revealing themselves."

"Assistance?" Mr. A asked in a deep voice, his voice clearly filled with confusion.

"Yes, assistance," Lynch nodded. "For example, subtly removing minor obstacles in the Ministry of Magic's path when their efforts to maintain order are unexpectedly hampered; or, when their plans are about to fall apart due to unforeseen circumstances, providing a tiny, insignificant coincidence," to keep things moving. The sole purpose is to ensure this chaos achieves their desired, or even exceeded, effect, so that everyone can see clearly what kind of celebration those self-proclaimed noble families and their followers can produce."

"However," Lynch's tone shifted, his gaze sharp as ice, "there is an ironclad rule that must be absolutely followed: no casualties must be caused. Especially Muggles and unrelated ordinary wizards. Our assistance" is limited to advancing the event itself, and must never become a direct instigator of violence. Quite the opposite,

His voice turned serious and resolute: "When chaos erupts, when people are injured, terrified, or put in danger, our people must immediately switch roles. In the gaps before the Ministry of Magic can react, they must discreetly rescue the wounded, help evacuate the elderly and infirm, and protect the innocent caught in the crossfire. The methods must be clean, the traces must be erased, but the work must be done."

Mr. A, pondering this seemingly contradictory order, frowned deeply: "Sir, this—to instigate chaos, prevent casualties and provide rescue, and ensure our own undetected—we may be short-handed."

Lynch calmly accepted Mr. A's concerns. "I know we're short-staffed, Mr. A. So, this isn't just a matter for the combat department." His gaze shifted to the other core members at the table.

"From this moment forward, all field personnel in the Intelligence Department, Logistics Department, and even the Inspection Department need to reassess the priorities of their current tasks." Lynch's voice was unquestionable. "Those directly related to the Quidditch World Cup operation will be given the highest priority."

Other routine chamber of commerce operations, market expansion, and non-urgent internal audits can be scaled down and slowed down. The saved manpower and energy can be temporarily allocated to Mr. A for unified coordination to support the World Cup operation.

Upon hearing this, Mr. M immediately looked troubled: "Mr. Lynch, the operation of the logistics department is interconnected, especially now that procurement costs are rising and the Ministry of Magic's review is becoming stricter. Many aspects require more manpower to coordinate and deal with. Suddenly withdrawing some key personnel may affect the Chamber of Commerce's daily supply and order fulfillment, and may even cause losses and arouse the suspicion of our partners."

Mr. K slowly began to speak: "Many of our external infiltration lines need to be maintained, and intelligence gathering cannot be interrupted, especially during this sensitive period. The direction of the Ministry of Magic, the movements of pure-blood families, the unusual activity in Knockturn Alley—every single line could be crucial to the overall situation."

Lin Qi listened patiently until their voices faded before slowly saying, "The problems you mentioned all exist. My solution is simple: temporarily transfer the less core chamber of commerce work that cannot be maintained due to staff reductions to others."

"To whom should it be handed over?" Mr. M asked, somewhat surprised.

"Transfer them to the Chamber of Commerce, to those agents and associates we all know are backed by Nott, Carlo, Avery, or other pure-blood families," Lynch said clearly. "Temporarily relinquish those business segments that require dealing with people, have complicated procedures, and are profitable but not vital, and let their people take over and manage them."

These words plunged the stone chamber into an instant deathly silence.

Even Mr. A frowned.

Ms. V spoke first: "Your Excellency, this is too risky! Those families have long coveted our Chamber of Commerce, but haven't had the opportunity. Now, voluntarily relinquishing management rights, even if it's just peripheral business, is tantamount to opening the door to thieves! It's easy for their people to come in, but it will be almost impossible to take them back! They will become increasingly demanding, slowly eroding and eventually dismantling or even seizing the Chamber of Commerce from within!"

"That's right!" Mr. M agreed. "This is the culmination of our years of hard work! To willingly hand over power to a potential enemy is tantamount to suicide! And it will discourage those who work diligently below us!"

Mr. K calmly added, "Introducing uncontrollable and hostile external forces carries immense risks."

Despite the fierce and unanimous opposition from his subordinates, Lin Qi's expression remained unwavering.

He even nodded slightly.

"You're all right," he admitted. "Letting them in, taking root, and then trying to get rid of them is indeed incredibly difficult, if not impossible."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over each face filled with confusion and anxiety, and then, in an almost cold and calm tone, he uttered a shocking statement: "So, I never thought of taking it back."

,silence.

A deeper silence than before, as if even the faint chirping of the magic lamps had been frozen.

Under the bewildered and shocked gazes of the crowd, Lin Qi stood up, his black coat rustling slightly with the movement.

"I have gathered you all here to announce the final decision: the First Order will begin its complete withdrawal from the Stone Tower Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately."

"The Chamber of Commerce, as a tool for us to accumulate initial strength and acquire resources, has completed its historical mission. It is no longer a fortress that needs to be fully protected, but rather an outer shell that we need to actively remove—and which can even be used to set traps!"

Lynch's words were like ice water, extinguishing all debates about the gains and losses of the Chamber of Commerce's power, leaving behind a vaster, more profound space.

A silence, more chilling than any cold-blooded strategic intent, followed. He did not immediately assign specific tasks, but allowed the silence to linger for a moment, letting the words "complete withdrawal" take root in everyone's minds.

Then he spoke again, his voice not loud, but it penetrated the entire stone chamber: "Don't forget why we're sitting here today."

His gaze slowly swept over each face: "It's not because of how many Galleons the Stone Tower Merchant Guild earns each year, nor because it gives us some leverage in front of certain bureaucrats in the Ministry of Magic."

"We established the First Order, gathered here, not to run another Gringotts or Knockturn Alley. But for a more fundamental and difficult goal: to destroy the old magical order, centered on bloodline, which has created countless tragedies and oppressions. To wipe Voldemort and his followers, along with the fear and hatred they spread, from this world. To build a new system on the ruins of the old world—a world that values ​​ability and contribution above all else, regardless of birth or bloodline, where every talented and idealistic wizard, regardless of their parents, can receive protection, respect, and a fair path to advancement."

His words echoed through the rough rock face: "The Stone Tower Merchant Guild was, and only was, a tool for us to achieve this goal. It provided us with lifeblood, allowing us to breathe and grow. But now, times have changed!"

"As you know, the shadow of Voldemort's return is no longer a prophecy, but an approaching reality. The old forces are regrouping and stirring. Continuing to carry this overly large and conspicuous business empire will only make us the most conspicuous target before the real storm arrives, and we will be consumed and defeated in advance."

"Therefore," Lynch's voice was firm and resolute, "we must shrink back. Completely shrink our control and presence within the Stone Tower Chamber of Commerce."

O

He looked at Mr. M and Reggie, who was in charge of the coordination: "Starting today, the Logistics Department and all related departments will initiate the highest priority transfer procedure. The objective: to transfer our funds, core resources, and key technical data safely through all available covert channels, without alerting outsiders, especially the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts, and those covetous pure-blood families. The list must be accurate, and the steps must be secure."

He particularly emphasized the importance of sharp insight: "Remember the premise—don't draw attention." If the assessment deems a certain amount of funding...

If the transfer of a certain batch of supplies carries too high a risk, potentially exposing our intentions or the transfer network, then it's better to abandon it. Galleons, goods, and even some fixed facilities can be discarded. These things can be acquired again in the future.

His gaze swept over everyone, his words carrying an undeniable resolve: "But people are different. Our people—every one of our brothers and sisters who shares our ideals, possesses key skills, and has withstood trials—are the First Order's most precious and irreplaceable asset. Protecting them, safely and orderly separating them from the Chamber of Commerce's framework, and transferring them to prepared covert locations or new identities—this is the core of the entire contraction plan, above all else. Funds can be lost, but people must be preserved. In the future, no matter what darkness we face, our cause will rely on people, on our beliefs, not on the Galleons in Gringotts' vaults."

He paused slightly, allowing the core principle that "people are the most important" to be deeply imprinted in everyone's mind.

The "specific transfer" steps will begin as I just described. Gradually hand over the non-core, tedious business to the eager, pure-blooded agents within the Chamber of Commerce. Let them fight over and grab the shell we're gradually hollowing out. This is both a smokescreen to divert attention and a cover for our personnel withdrawal. During this process, Ms. A's monitoring department and Reggie's intelligence department must work closely together to ensure our personnel leave without leaving a trace, and to ensure the transfer is natural and smooth, without arousing premature suspicion or vigilance on the other side.

Lynch concluded, "This is a strategic shift, a proactive molting. The goal is to make the First Order lighter, more covert, and more resilient, shedding its massive, burdensome shell and retaining its most essential vitality. All actions must serve this ultimate purpose. Understand?"

"Understood!" This time, the response was without hesitation, their voices deep and firm.

"Very good." Lin Qi nodded.

"There are two things that need to be made particularly clear." He tapped his finger lightly on the cold stone tabletop. "Of all the assets that need to be evaluated and might be abandoned, there is one thing that we must absolutely ensure we keep in our own hands, at all costs: the master board of the information board," and the alchemical array and magical protocols that maintain its core operation.

He looked at Mr. M, who was in charge of this part, and Ms. V, who might be involved in technology transfer.

"The master board is the foundation of all our information networks. Without it, we become deaf and blind. There is no room for discussion on this point."

He paused slightly before continuing, "Secondly, we will completely separate the news sections that are currently disseminated through the Chamber of Commerce system from business information."

Personnel, editing processes, and anonymous submission and publication channels were all moved underground and directly controlled by the intelligence department, proceeding simultaneously with the separation from the Chamber of Commerce.

Lynch's self-illumination swept over Reggie and Mr. K.

"At any time, especially in the coming period when public opinion is bound to become more chaotic, a system that can avoid censorship..."

"A mouthpiece conveying a specific message" is as important as an army of wands. We must be able to tell our own stories, reveal the truths that need to be revealed, even if it's just throwing a pebble into a cacophony. This ability must be preserved and strengthened.

He concluded, "Remember! Funds, shops, and supplies can be abandoned as needed, but the network of talent, core communication technologies, and independent channels for expression—these are the backbone and nerves of the First Order's future. Strip away the bloated body, and we must become more agile, more resilient, and more lethal. Ten months to withdraw! Go and execute!"

"Yes!" This time the response was shorter and more resolute.

"Go and prepare yourselves. Reggie, oversee everything." Lynch sat back down and waved his hand.

Everyone stood up solemnly and left the secret room quickly and quietly.

Lin Qi remained alone in the main seat of the stone chamber, the flickering cold light reflecting two eerie flames in his dark eyes.

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