https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1254-A-Few-Things-Before-the-Holidays/12528183/
Chapter 1253: The Cruel Truth (Part II)
Chapter 1253: The Cruel Truth (Part II)
"So, it was Snape who overheard the prophecy and told Voldemort, which led him to hunt down my family." Harry's eyes widened in shock as he murmured.
Dumbledore had never told him this, or rather, Dumbledore dared not tell him.
"Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked, concerned by Harry's pale face.
"But why did Snape end up siding with Dumbledore?" Ron's confusion deepened. "That's unusual, isn't it? I mean, why would Dumbledore believe Snape's lies? I don't think Dumbledore was clueless about all this..."
"You can take this as a story," Albert said as he waved his wand, conjuring a few cups of steaming milk tea. He took a sip from one of the cups and began to narrate, "Snape's mother was Eileen Prince, a pure-blood descendant of the Prince family. I recall she left behind a book called 'Advanced Potion-making'. She was quite a talented potion genius, and Snape likely inherited that book, accounting for his talent in potions. Of course, he also has a natural aptitude for it. I believe that copy of 'Advanced Potion-making' is still at Hogwarts."
"It must be your copy of 'Advanced Potion-making'," Hermione said, turning to Harry. "The Half-Blood Prince must refer to Snape."
"What a disgusting nickname," Harry said with distaste.
"Do you have any fancy nicknames yourself?" Ron tried to divert the topic.
"Do you think I need a grander new name to sound impressive?" Albert scoffed. "And stop changing the subject; your time is limited."
"What does this have to do with what you were saying?" Hermione steered the conversation back on track.
"Snape obviously didn't enjoy the privileges of a pure-blood wizard. His father was a Muggle, which means Snape himself originated from the Muggle world, even though he knew he was a wizard," Albert continued. "And Snape's hatred for you stems from your father, believe me. This reason is absolutely certain, unlike your relationship with Malfoy. Otherwise, such hatred wouldn't extend to you."
"You're right. I may dislike Malfoy, but I don't hold the same level of animosity toward his son," Harry admitted, having always felt that Snape's hostility toward him was unreasonable.
"The only possible explanation is your mother, Lily Evans," Albert suddenly dropped a bombshell. "Snape most likely had feelings for your mother, and they probably knew each other from a very young age and were quite close."
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared at him in astonishment, Albert continued calmly, "Only by having his love taken away would Snape develop such a deep-seated hatred for James Potter, which even extended to you. And it is only under these circumstances that Dumbledore would accept Snape, because Dumbledore believes in love, and I'm sure you're familiar with his theories on love!"
"But why would Snape tell the prophecy to Voldemort?" Harry asked, perplexed. "I think he must have known... the consequences of doing so."
"Harry, you can look at it from a different perspective," Albert said meaningfully.
"A different perspective?"
"After Snape told the prophecy to Voldemort, he probably begged him to spare Lily. I believe there's a high chance that Voldemort would have agreed to Snape's humble plea," Albert said, spreading his hands. "That way, Lily Potter would lose her son and husband and become alone again, which would suit Snape just fine."
"He truly disgusts me."
After a moment of silence, Harry's face contorted with disgust. He had never imagined that things were like this from the very beginning.
Albert's words made him feel like he was seeing the truth of the entire incident. All he needed was some time to confirm it with Sirius and Lupin.
"Yes, I think so too," Albert nodded and smiled. "But that's very Slytherin, isn't it? Using any means necessary to achieve one's goals."
"But my mother still died! She was killed by Voldemort!"
"Voldemort has never been one to heed the advice of his subordinates. At the very least, he didn't care about these issues. Otherwise, if he had just stunned your mother, a lot of what followed could have been avoided," Albert took another sip of his milk tea and added self-mockingly, "It's his own doing, and it also led Snape to turn to Dumbledore."
"Snape wanted revenge?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"I think that's partly true. He's seeking revenge on Voldemort in his own way," Albert said suggestively. "Of course, I won't deny that Snape is a very devoted person. As for how credible my speculation is, you can always ask Sirius and Lupin to verify it when you have the chance. As your father's good friends, they should know more about the situation back then."
"How do you know so much?" Hermione asked, unable to hold back her curiosity. She felt that Albert's story was more than just a story.
"It's a story pieced together from various sources. As for how much of it is true, you can judge for yourselves," Albert said. "You can also choose to treat it as mere entertainment and not take it seriously. As for whether Snape is still trustworthy, I believe you have your own judgment." Smiling, Albert put down his teacup, stood up from the sofa, and checked his pocket watch. "Well, I think we should head to Dumbledore's funeral now."
"You still haven't explained why Dumbledore wanted Snape to kill him!" Harry said hastily, reaching out to grab Albert, afraid that he would disappear in the blink of an eye.
"It was to pave the way for your victory over Voldemort, of course. Saving Malfoy and Snape was just a side benefit," Albert stopped and turned, "But in doing so, he really messed things up for Scrimgeour and those who were willing to believe in him.
"What do you make of Albert's words? Do you think there's any truth to them?" Harry asked, turning to Hermione as he watched Albert's retreating figure.
"Who knows, it's all so incredible. If what Albert said is true, what will you do?" Hermione shook her head, her expression uncertain.
"What can I do? How am I supposed to know?" Harry sighed in helplessness. "I still don't trust Snape, even if he did kill Dumbledore under his instruction. I don't want to believe him or care about what he's up to. We should just focus on our own business."
"Come on, the funeral is about to start. Let's not be late," Ron reminded them.
Dumbledore's funeral was held by the Black Lake, where hundreds of chairs had been set up, occupied by a diverse crowd. Some were ragged, while others were neat and tidy; there were elderly folks and young adults, all whispering amongst themselves.
Hardly anyone noticed Albert as he passed by.
"Scrimgeour is looking for you!" Lee Jordan suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
Albert pulled a chair and sat down, shaking his head. "I've already given him more help than I should have."
"If Minister Scrimgeour knew, he'd be heartbroken. He really counts on you," Lee Jordan added, feeling sorry for the minister.
"So, what should we do now?" Hannah asked, her eyes fixed on Albert. With Dumbledore's death, many things had changed, and it seemed like Albert's prediction was coming true—the worst times were upon them.
"What can we do?" Albert spoke softly. "You should focus on improving your dueling skills to ensure your safety. Then, within your capabilities, help those in need. I'm afraid the entire British wizarding world is in for a rough time."
"Maybe you could lead us," Lee Jordan suggested suddenly. "Everyone was so excited during our last mission."
"You can't expect every mission to be that smooth. War is cruel and unforgiving," Albert countered, shaking his head. "If you take it lightly, you will pay the price eventually."
"I think everyone needs you to lead them forward, especially during times like these. It's important to have a reliable pillar to lean on," Hannah said kindly. She believed that as long as Albert was around, the Defense Association would be fine.
"But you can't rely on me for everything," Albert objected, turning to face her.
Just then, a slight commotion stirred in the crowd, and the mournful melody of a song rose from the depths of the Black Lake. People looked around, curious about the source, and spotted a choir of merpeople with their heads poking out of the water, singing in tribute to Dumbledore.
It was their way of expressing their grief and paying their respects.
The centaurs also made an appearance at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, standing silently and bidding farewell to Dumbledore in their own unique way.
After a short eulogy by the small man standing on the platform, dazzling white flames engulfed Dumbledore's body and the table it rested on. Eventually, the flames died down, revealing a white marble tomb that encased both the body and the table.
Despite the conclusion of the funeral, Albert found himself cornered by Scrimgeour once again.
"You know I need your help," Scrimgeour said, his tone laced with frustration at Albert's refusal to lend a hand earlier.
"Is this your last-ditch effort?" Albert countered, unperturbed by the minister's attitude.
"Perhaps," Scrimgeour admitted.
"Actually, you should head back to the Ministry as soon as possible. I suspect you'll soon receive news about the mysterious figure taking control of Azkaban and releasing the prisoners," Albert offered kindly.
"Why are you telling me this now?" Scrimgeour asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Because it doesn't matter if you know beforehand or not. The mysterious figure won't engage in a direct confrontation with you. He will release the prisoners, and by then, it will be too late to do anything. At least this way, no one can blame you. After all, what can you do against such a cunning opponent?" Albert explained, his tone filled with meaning.
"Well, thank you for providing me with an excuse, at least," Scrimgeour said sarcastically.
"You're welcome," Albert replied, unfazed by the minister's tone.
Scrimgeour glared at Albert, at a loss for words.
"This is your last chance," Albert said calmly. "If you can't make up your mind, then hand over the decision-making power to someone else. After all, you've done your best."
"Do you think this was how it was always meant to be?" Scrimgeour asked suddenly. "Do you truly believe Harry Potter can defeat the mysterious figure?"
"It's his destiny," Albert whispered.
"Damn it, I know you don't buy into that nonsense," Scrimgeour said, his eyes searching Albert's face. He sighed heavily. "It seems like you and Dumbledore have found a way to end this war, but you're not willing to share it with us."
"If you want answers, go ask Dumbledore. He's the one who put you in this position," Albert replied bluntly.
"That's why I dislike that old man," Scrimgeour grumbled.
"The feeling is mutual, I'm sure," Albert said with a hint of amusement. "I'm not a fan of politicians, and we'll never see eye to eye. In the end, whoever has the most power will win, and the other will be left to suffer the consequences. At least I didn't lie to you or leave you without a way out."
"So, I should really thank you, then?" Scrimgeour asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he began to walk away.
"What did the minister want from you?" George asked, curious.
"He's not ready to give up. He wants to make one last desperate attempt, but Dumbledore has put him in a tight spot, and he's running out of time," Albert explained, shaking his head.
"So, you're giving up on him?"
"It's not about giving up. We were always just cooperating, and now I'm reminding him that his time is almost up," Albert said, turning to face George. "If he wants to survive, he should run while he still can."
"I don't think he'll do that," George said, his eyes following Scrimgeour's retreating back.
"I know," Albert agreed.
(End of Chapter)
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