Contrary to the first time Shepard was invited, there wasn't the entire Advance Guard in the kitchen. She didn't have time to ponder, as Dumbledore promptly began the session after escorting Hermione out of the room.
"I summoned all of you here because of grave circonstances that transpired mere hours ago. At 11:20, all communications from the Ministry ceased."
A collective gasp of shock and surprise rippled through the room, as several members were unaware of this development.
"Upon inspection, it became evident that a pink mist had spread across the entire area. Several hours later, the mist still hasn't dissipated, as I have personally witnessed."
The elderly wizard produced a bowl filled with a thick liquid and, with a flick of his wand, a holographic image materialized. It showed a vast entrance shrouded in the pink mist, obscuring any further view.
"I will now yield the floor to Alastor, who will explain our plan."
The former Auror, delivered his report with a grim countenance.
"Contrary to what Albus said, the Ministry has not fallen. At least, not yet. But the bad news is that we have lost all contact with all personnel, including the Minister and Amelia Bones, within the mist. The good news is that the only members within the area of effect are Arthur, Kingsley, and Tonks. Most of the Aurors were on duty outside."
Moody then gestured to the hologram floating in the air.
"Our goal will be to assess the situation, obtain samples of the mist, and cover the exit for the Aurors. Standard teams. Albus will lead the Aurors into the mist to attempt the extraction of the Minister, Bones, and the heads of departments."
"Fudge is a priority while we are supposed to let the others rot there?" Hestia asked, her anger evident.
Moody responded, "I don't like it either. But we don't know how dangerous it will be. We don't know if we will be able to save anyone. So we have to prioritize, and Fudge remains the top administrator."
Shepard concurred with a nod. Even if it seemed heartless and/or pointless in case of Fudge, prioritizing the leaders was necessary to maintain the chain of command. After Sovereign, the Citadel Council had been far less appreciative of her decision to save than expected. Nonetheless, she knew that sacrificing her superiors was not an option if she wanted to remain a Specter.
"Considering the unknown effect of the mist, everyone will be in fully sealed suits with the Headbubble Charm. We know the mist is potion-based, but we do not know if inhalation or skin contact is required for it to take effect. So, take no risks. Now..."
Moody's intense gaze fell on Shepard.
"Now, the only question that remains is Shepard's involvement."
"I will take it from here, Alastor," Albus said, expressing his gratitude. "Shepard, I wished to discuss this with you privately."
Moody and the rest of the Guard left the room and the door closed behind them. The sound of voices were suddenly cut off, probably because of privacy wards set up by Dumbledore.
"Mad-Eye, what is this about?" Hestia asked. "I thought Shepard's role had already been settled."
The grizzly Auror winced.
"Albus wouldn't tell me about it. He seems conviced she is the solution to the war but I'll be damned if I know why !"
Elphias stoked his chin thoughtfully.
"It wouldn't surprised me if it was just one more of Albus' intuitions. Something he can hardly explain himself but usually, it yields good results."
The wait was much longer than any of the members expected. They had enough time to transfigure and enchant their clothes as the mission required. Only after 30 minutes did the door finally open. Shepard emerged, her expression positively murderous, clad in a full suit of futuristic medieval armor that looked distinctly imposing.
She walked straigh up to Moody and spoke icily.
"Dumbledore wishes to speak with you."
Moody wasn't pleased with Shepard's tone, but they had already delayed their departure too long because of her and Dumbledore, and there was no time to waste.
"We leave in 10 minutes. Everyone, get ready for Apparition!" He ordered before re-entering the kitchen, which closed again.
The look on Shepard's face was enough to discourage most members of the Guard from asking questions. Elphias Doge, however, was a bit too curious to heed the warning.
"Miss Shepard, what is this armor? It seems inspired by old medieval armor," he inquired.
The red glowing eyes of the Commander bore into the old man. Many would have backed down, but despite his gentle demeanor, Elphias remained a veteran of Grindelwald's war, and he had faced far more intimidating figures than an enraged warrior in full armor. Shepard acknowledged the courage of the man, and while her tone remained cold, her anger was barely perceptible as she replied.
"Blood Dragon Armor. The armor I used in my war. Dumbledore restored it."
"Isn't it a good thing to reclaim what rightfully belongs to you?" Elphias asked, perplexed.
The sudden appearance of a blue aura around Shepard's hands made Elphias realize that he might have pushed too far.
"Not when it's used to thrust me into a war I had no intention of joining in the first place," Shepard declared before donning her helmet, leaving no room for further discussion. As the elderly man backed down, he couldn't help but wonder about the source of Shepard's fury. During their initial meeting, she was certainly angry when Dumbledore tried to recruit her, but today, her fury seemed on a different level. Was it solely because of Dumbledore's persuasion, or was there more to it? A question for another time, Elphias decided, for a moment when Shepard didn't look ready to lash out at the next word. Even if he wasn't intimidated by her, he wasn't suicidal as to tickle the sleeping dragon.
His contemplation was interrupted as Alastor stormed out of the kitchen, appearing equally angered. What in the world could Dumbledore possibly have said to provoke such reactions?
"Everyone in position!" Moody barked.
Immediately, the group arranged themselves in a tight, circular formation, covering all possible angles of attack.
"Apparition in 3... 2... 1... Go!"