After listening to Hagrid, Kael couldn't help but rub his forehead,
Out of seventy or eighty giants, only six or seven were persuaded, merely a tenth.
And if it's just like this, then fine, although the number is small, there are still some, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
But even this amount is still an unknown...
Just like Hagrid said earlier, only if they refuse to obey the rule of the Centaur, might they join our side.
If that Centaur is as bloodthirsty and brutal as Hagrid described, how could he tolerate his giant subordinates betraying him and leaving?
Moreover, even if they manage to escape by chance, they only "might" join.
Two conditions, each with a lower probability than the last.
To put it bluntly, Hagrid's trip was a complete waste.
Kael tapped his fingers on the table and said thoughtfully, "How strong are the giants?"
"Very powerful," Hagrid said, "Like Fire Dragons, the giants can ignore most magic, plus they possess immense strength and incredible endurance. When wizards encounter them, they can only wait for death, they can't even run... why are you asking this?"
"It's nothing, just asking casually. After all, they'll become our enemies soon; it's always good to gather more information," Kael said.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Are there any other giants elsewhere?"
"No, they're all there," Hagrid shook his head sadly,
"There used to be over a hundred tribes worldwide, but now there are only so many left. Wizards killed some, but most died due to infighting. Giants aren't suited to live tightly together, but to survive and avoid being killed by wizards, they must stick together."
"I see." Kael glanced at Hagrid.
It was clear to him that Hagrid had feelings for the giants... no, it's not feelings, it should be said that it's a bloodline resonance, given that Hagrid's mother was a giant, this connection is destined.
He cared about the giant tribes, no matter how much he disliked the violent giants, Hagrid couldn't be completely indifferent to their plight.
Kael thought for a moment and asked, "You said earlier that the giants were inclined toward the Death Eaters because the Centaur liked slaughter, correct?"
Hagrid nodded.
The previous Centaur actually had thoughts of standing with us, but who would've thought, at this crucial moment, he died, beheaded by the Centaur.
Both Maxime's and my efforts disappeared in the blink of an eye.
"I estimate the Death Eaters had planned in advance, which is why they prepared the Goblin Treasure Sword beforehand." Kael paused slightly, then lowered his voice instinctively, "If... I mean if the giants switched to a new Centaur, would the situation change?"
"It might, but it's very difficult," Hagrid said, "The Centaur is the tallest among the giants there, towering three feet higher than the others. Plus that sharp Goblin Treasure Sword, no giant can match him."
"Not even you?" Kael asked.
"No," Hagrid said earnestly, "The biggest reason giants hate wizards is that wizards use magic against them. If I use magic to kill a giant, they'd immediately stand against us.
"Even the Death Eaters, when recruiting them, merely provided weapons to the Centaur without directly helping him kill the previous Centaur for the same reason."
The room fell silent again, with only the crackling of flame in the fireplace.
"What if it's Fantastic Beasts?" Kael's voice sounded somewhat ethereal, "Like a lost Fire Dragon... or some other more lethal creature."
"That's even less likely," Hagrid gestured dismissively, "There are at least seventy giants there; no Fantastic Beast would want to provoke them, not even a Fire Dragon."
The copper pot on the stove emitted a hum.
"Alright, Kael, this isn't something you should worry about," Hagrid picked up the copper pot, poured the boiling water into two bucket-shaped cups.
"Tell me about the situation at Hogwarts; I'm still unaware of what's been happening lately... how is Harry..."
"Though I don't wish for you to worry," Kael sighed, "His recent situation isn't promising; he encountered Dementors during the holidays."
"Dementors! How is that possible, it can't be true!" Hagrid's voice suddenly rose.
"It is true," Kael said, "Dementors attacked Little Whinging, but rest assured, Harry is fine. He used the Patronus Charm to drive those creatures away. However, because of this, he was magically interrogated, the reason being that he used magic in front of Muggles."
"How could they do that!" Hagrid exclaimed angrily, "Harry did it to save his life, what did he do wrong?"
"Don't worry, with Professor Dumbledore's help, Harry is fine now," Kael said.
"Now, his trouble lies with Umbridge."
"Who is Umbridge?"
"Someone from the Ministry of Magic, she..."
As Kael was speaking, he suddenly stopped and said loudly in Hagrid's puzzled gaze, "If you continue to be stubborn, Harry's situation will only worsen. Choosing the Ministry of Magic is the right path."
"Kael, what are you talking about..."
His words were drowned out by a sudden knock at the door.
Hagrid looked towards the window by the door, a short and plump figure was waddling on the thin curtain.
Kael shook his head, signaling Hagrid to stay silent and go open the door.
Though Hagrid didn't understand, he did as indicated and pushed away Fang, who was clawing at the door, and opened it.
Umbridge stood at the doorway, wearing a pink fleece cloak and a matching earmuffed hat.
She was less than half as tall as Hagrid, and had to lean back to see his face.
Her voice was loud and slow as she said, "So, you are Hagrid, is that correct?"
She entered the house before Hagrid could answer.
"Ah, Kael," she said in surprise, "No wonder I found the voice familiar earlier; turns out you are here too."
"Yes, Professor Umbridge," Kael said, "I have a good relationship with Hagrid, and don't want to see him go astray."
"A wise choice," Umbridge said happily, though her laugh made Hagrid uncomfortable.
"Hmm... I don't mean to be rude," Hagrid looked at her, "But who are you anyway."
"My name is Dolores Umbridge."
"You're the Umbridge?" Hagrid unconsciously looked at Kael.
Kael's behavior earlier was strange, could it be because of this person?
Hagrid thought inwardly but did not show it.
"But I remember you being with the Ministry of Magic, I've seen you, beside Fudge."
"That's correct, I am the Senior Deputy Minister responsible for the Minister," Umbridge said, "And currently the Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Hogwarts Senior Investigator."
"Then you are quite courageous," Hagrid seemed not to have heard the latter part of her sentence, "Not many are willing to teach that now... would you care for a cup of tea."
He poured another cup of water and grabbed some tea leaves.
Umbridge looked at the chipped cup, her eyebrows furrowed.
"No need," she said, trying to mask the disgust in her tone.
"I've come this time to tell you... As the Senior Investigator, my essential task is to investigate other professors' teachings."
"You're going to investigate us?"
"Yes, the Minister is determined to clear unqualified professors."
Perhaps because Kael was there, Umbridge did not say much and prepared to leave after taking a lap around the room.
"We'll meet again soon," Umbridge said from the step outside, "Hagrid, I hope by then you can make the right choice."