"Master, there's something you don't know," Augurey said with a chuckle.
"In Northern Europe, it's best not to cross the border casually. Even though the Ministry of Magic is mostly unified here, there are still Auror patrols and monitoring spells along the borders."
She explained that frequently crossing back and forth would easily draw the attention of the local Ministry officials.
Once they catch on, the Pure Land Society would also find out about the club's smuggling activities in Northern Europe, especially since all incidents happened at the border crossings.
"As for passing through Finnmark County, where Durmstrang is located, you don't need to worry too much. Yes, there's a large community of wizards there, but because of that, the Pure Land Society's control is relatively loose."
"The harsh natural environment in the north means patrols are rare outside the main areas. While running into them isn't impossible, compared to other routes, the chances are pretty low."
She continued,
"Plus, I'm sure you understand the idea of hiding in plain sight. If we move quickly enough during the transfer, we can pass through this dangerous zone without raising suspicion. With the guards we've arranged, the safety factor is definitely much higher, far better than a straight-line transfer."
"The biggest challenge is the weather," she added.
"You've seen how extreme the north can be. Even though it's not winter yet, temperatures are already below freezing. We might face blizzards or other harsh conditions. So our main concern has to be protecting the magical creatures from the cold."
It was clear that Augurey had spent years in Northern Europe.
She knew the terrain, the routes, and the environment inside out.
Even Alex couldn't help but nod in approval after hearing her thorough plan.
Northern Europe was a risky place, and there was no way to avoid danger entirely.
Although the route she picked was more complicated, it was much safer overall.
The most dangerous part would only be in Finnmark County.
"Alright, we'll follow your plan," Thunderbird said, rolling up the map and putting it away.
"I'll get in touch with the Black Dragon."
They had already prepared the goods and were ready to set out at any moment.
In fact, they were scheduled to arrive at their destination right on time the day after tomorrow.
Thunderbird's tone suddenly grew serious as he added,
"This shipment is the largest we've ever handled. We need to give it our all and move all the raw materials that have been stockpiled in the Americas for a long time. This mission is crucial, and success is absolutely essential."
Seeing Thunderbird so serious, Augurey nodded in response.
"Don't worry. For this operation, I've reached out to the contacts I've built over the years and gathered plenty of help. But since the route is long and passes through some wizarding territories..."
"I'll escort you through the transshipment in Northern Europe," Thunderbird interrupted firmly.
"I won't let Britain suffer another defeat like before."
His voice carried a strong resolve, which made Augurey breathe a sigh of relief.
Honestly, the route she had planned was relatively safe, but Northern Europe, where silver weapons were fiercely feared, could be unpredictable.
After their conversation, Thunderbird lifted his chin and pointed toward the stone house.
"Have all the people you called gathered?"
"Yes," Augurey replied, glancing at the house.
"I've invited ten Death Eater wizards and six werewolves. They're capable and will help share the burden during transport."
"Good. Let me meet them myself," Thunderbird said, striding inside.
The stone house was brightly lit and already crowded with people, some gathered around the fireplace warming themselves, others sitting in small groups chatting quietly.
As soon as Thunderbird entered, everyone's attention turned to him, and two figures stepped forward to greet him.
One was tall with tangled gray hair and a beard.
Despite the cold Northern European weather, he wore only a fur coat loosely draped over his broad, bare chest.
A fierce grin spread across his scarred face, revealing sharp teeth and sores around his mouth.
This was Fenrir Greyback, the werewolf wizard who had once slipped through Alex's grasp.
The other wizard looked far less wild than Fenrir.
He was dressed in a sharp, plush suit with a dark magic robe draped over it.
His light golden hair was neatly combed, and his face looked just as it had before; Yaxley bore a slight resemblance to him.
"Are you the leader of this operation," he said with a sneer, stepping up to Thunderbird in a rude, almost mocking manner.
"I've worked with Silver Wand before. I even knew one of you, Sac Leopard. Shame about how he died in Romania. What's your code name? Maybe we've met before."
"Stay away from me, you filthy bastard," Thunderbird snapped, not acknowledging the insult directly but lifting his chin arrogantly and looking down on Fenrir as if shooing away a bothersome stray dog.
"You! Say that again if you dare!" Fenrir growled, his voice low and threatening, like a wolf ready to pounce.
As a werewolf who believed in werewolf supremacy, Fenrir hated being mistaken for an ordinary animal.
Even though he had long since abandoned his humanity, he couldn't tolerate disrespect from others.
Thunderbird's scorn only fueled Fenrir's rage.
Suddenly, Fenrir and five others stepped forward, their eyes blazing with aggression as they fixed their gaze on Thunderbird like hunters sizing up prey.
Nearby, a sorcerer who had accompanied Fenrir edged back, surprised by the Silver Wand's boldness and the werewolves' quick temper.
He didn't want to get caught up in any trouble but was curious to see how the Silver Wand would handle the situation.
"Oh, I meant," Thunderbird began, still holding his head high, a faint chuckle escaping him.
"You dirty, stupid bastard, stay away from me. Don't spread your disgusting saliva around; I don't want to catch some incurable disease. Rabies, maybe? It's no wonder your dumb dog can't hear properly. Can't you understand? Beast! Beast! Beast!"
"Ow!" Fenrir snapped, clearly stung by the insult.
Fenrir roared furiously when he heard Thunderbird speak to him so disrespectfully.
His face twisted into a fierce snarl, and without bothering to pull out his wand, he raised his sharp claws and leapt high, charging straight at Thunderbird.
The pack of werewolves behind him mirrored his aggression, baring their teeth and rushing forward with snarls.
But Thunderbird simply snorted coldly, unfazed by the advancing werewolves.
Instead of backing down, he took a step forward and casually raised his right hand.
Boom!
Fenrir, flying toward him, suddenly slammed into an invisible iron wall with a heavy impact that made him dizzy.
Before he could recover, Thunderbird stepped forward and delivered a powerful kick to Fenrir's chest.