Without a doubt, Jon's remarks instantly caused an uproar.
Professor Albus Dumbledore still commanded immense prestige, especially among the witches and wizards of the Order of the Phoenix present. Because of this, they found it difficult to accept what sounded like Jon's "criticism"—or even "slander"—of Dumbledore.
"Don't forget, Dumbledore led the Order of the Phoenix to defeat the Death Eaters and You-Know-Who!" Alastor Moody said gruffly. From his tone, it was clear he was somewhat angry.
"I'm not denying Professor Dumbledore's achievements," Jon said frankly. "But he isn't a saint. It's inevitable that there may have been some flaws in his thinking… I'm simply offering a small suggestion."
That statement was clearly much milder and helped calm some of the rising outrage.
Everyone present turned their attention to Jon, watching to see how the boy would continue.
"As I mentioned earlier, two years ago, when Voldemort had just returned to Britain…" Jon said calmly, briefly glancing at Harry Potter as he spoke.
"We should have had a clear advantage. We were the first to learn of Voldemort's return, and we even possessed the names of his core group of Death Eaters. But during our conflict with the Ministry of Magic, we wasted far too much time—so much that we ended up handing that advantage straight back to the Death Eaters."
Kingsley Shacklebolt frowned slightly and exchanged a glance with Remus Lupin beside him.
Jon paused, sweeping his gaze across the room before continuing.
"I think there's no doubt that the Order of the Phoenix's actions are just, and its motives are noble. The Death Eaters fear us—that's only natural. And the Ministry's suspicion of us is nothing more than petty suspicion from narrow-minded people…"
"…And precisely because of that, I believe Professor Dumbledore's approach to building the Order of the Phoenix had certain shortcomings."
A faint smile appeared on Jon's face as he went on.
"We are an organization that is inherently righteous. In a sense, everyone here—except for me, of course—is a hero of the wizarding world."
"For example, Mad-Eye." Jon looked toward Mad-Eye Moody. "A year ago at the Ministry, it was you who severely wounded Voldemort, putting an end to the Death Eaters' arrogance. Very few wizards can injure Voldemort, and you are one of them."
Moody looked slightly embarrassed by the praise and scratched his head with his scarred hand.
"And Remus…" Jon continued, turning to Remus Lupin. "You risked enormous danger by infiltrating the werewolves, living among those terrifying beasts day and night in order to protect the lives of both wizards and Muggles."
Lupin took a quiet breath. It was clear that his emotions were far less calm than his expression suggested.
"And Mr. Black…" Jon finally looked toward Sirius Black. "Even after years of misunderstanding from the Ministry and the entire wizarding world, you still quietly protected your godson—despite the constant risk that your soul might be taken by a Dementor at any moment. At the very least, Azkaban should have cleared your name."
"I was only doing what I was supposed to do," Sirius Black said in a low voice before glancing at Harry Potter.
...
"As I just said," Jon continued, "you are heroes. The Order of the Phoenix is made up of heroes."
"And heroes shouldn't remain unknown. At the very least, the wizarding world deserves to know who has been protecting them from the nightmare of the Death Eaters. The world should know the deeds of its heroes."
A small stir spread among the witches and wizards present.
Some looked excited. Some seemed hesitant. Others had fallen deep into thought.
"Just imagine," Jon said, his voice gradually lowering, "if two years ago the entire wizarding world had known about the sacrifices and efforts the Order of the Phoenix made during the First Wizarding War—the first war against Voldemort."
"Then when Dumbledore warned everyone that Voldemort had returned, could Fudge and his Ministry of Magic still have slandered him so easily?"
"And if the Order of the Phoenix—surrounded by the reputation of heroes—had openly identified which Death Eaters had once again pledged themselves to Voldemort, would those people still have been able to infiltrate the Ministry so brazenly?"
"So the only way forward is to remove some of the mystery surrounding the Order of the Phoenix. The wizarding world needs to understand what we truly are. Only then, when Voldemort returns again, will they believe us—and only then will we hold the initiative."
When Jon finished speaking, the living room of the Burrow fell into brief silence.
After a moment, Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke softly, though his voice sounded somewhat uneasy.
"Dumbledore kept the Order hidden in the shadows so that You-Know-Who wouldn't discover our real identities. That way we wouldn't be placed in danger. Otherwise, Death Eaters could attempt to assassinate us at any time."
"Of course, I know Professor Dumbledore must have his reasons," Jon replied with a smile. "But sometimes, standing openly in the light can actually be safer than hiding in the dark."
"So what you mean is…" Mad-Eye Moody thought for a moment before asking, "you want the entire Order of the Phoenix to reveal themselves? Isn't that a bit rash?"
"Of course not." Jon shook his head. "Some members of the Order will still remain in the shadows and continue operating in secrecy. But others should step forward and let the entire wizarding world know who we are."
"So what exactly are you planning to do, Jon?" Harry Potter asked quickly. He looked visibly excited by what Jon had just said.
"Simple publicity," Jon explained calmly. "Back then, the Ministry of Magic slandered Professor Dumbledore and you through propaganda. We can do the same thing—but everything we say will be the truth."
"Through The Quibbler?" Harry said eagerly. "I can help with that. I know the editor-in-chief—he's Luna's father."
"Hmm… that's worth considering," Jon said, pursing his lips slightly. "But I have an even better option."
"There's a reporter who's been trying to make trouble for me lately. I think I can use her to promote the Order of the Phoenix," Jon said with a smile. "Of course, I'll need to ask Miss Granger for a little help first."