Chapter 1477: Albert's Scheme
Chapter 1477: Albert's Scheme
Babajide had disappeared! Some said he was in hiding, others claimed he was dead, and there were even rumors that he had been captured by a mysterious figure.
Regardless, the president of the International Confederation of Wizards had vanished without a trace.
The situation in Europe's wizarding community was also dire. According to unreliable rumors, several parliamentarians and their families had been found dead in their homes. Many witches and wizards suspected Voldemort's involvement, but no Dark Mark had been found at any of the scenes.
This led some to speculate that it was the work of bounty hunters seeking revenge. However, the group of bounty hunters previously hired by the parliamentarians had dispersed after realizing they wouldn't receive their desired compensation. They left this troubled place, and very few were willing to remain in Europe.
No one was foolish enough to stick around and wait for Voldemort's inevitable retaliation after the failed assassination attempt.
Only a fool would pin their hopes on the enemy having mercy.
Albert put down the newspaper and sighed softly, "Those guys are truly a bunch of good-for-nothings."
While he hadn't expected the International Confederation of Wizards to withstand Voldemort's pressure, their immediate collapse came as a surprise.
And Babajide's disappearance was partly due to Albert himself.
He had warned Babajide that Voldemort would seek retribution against the Confederation.
Faced with the prospect of continued blame and the threat to his family, the president chose to abandon his responsibilities and go into hiding to avoid Voldemort's wrath.
Whoever wanted to take on the role of president of the International Confederation of Wizards could have it. Babajide had no intention of carrying that burden any longer.
When it's time to let go, do it immediately.
"Is the situation in the outside world that bad?"
Although Hermione couldn't read the foreign language in the newspaper, she could guess the reason from Albert's words and expression.
"The International Confederation of Wizards is even worse than I imagined... They've practically given up resistance and were easily crushed by the mysterious wizard," Albert folded the newspaper and looked up at the three who were exercising as usual, "You guys need to step up your efforts."
"I'm willing, but that curse-breaking spell is not easy to master," Ron asked, "Why did they just give up resistance? Don't they worry about their Ministry of Magic being controlled by the mysterious wizard?"
They didn't worry at all.
Voldemort's control over the British Ministry of Magic was largely due to the support of his Death Eaters.
In other countries outside of Britain, Voldemort lacked a strong network of supporters. Even if he used the Imperius Curse to control individuals in other nations, it would be difficult for him to dominate their ministries as easily as he had in Britain.
This was also Voldemort's clever strategy. Unless absolutely necessary, other countries had no desire to interfere in Britain's internal affairs.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron thought of something—Moody had suspected that the direct confrontation between the International Confederation of Wizards and Voldemort was somehow related to Albert.
It seemed that suspicion was true.
"Is there really no easier way than mastering the Blasting Curse? Must we rely on it?"
Harry was open to stalling for more time, but the worsening situation clearly didn't allow for much optimism.
"This is the simplest and most efficient method," Albert said, looking at the trio, "Otherwise, why would I waste time insisting that you must master this damn Dark Magic?"
The three exchanged glances, each falling silent.
"How about letting Hermione give it a try?" Ron suggested.
"Hermione's magical power isn't particularly strong, and I don't think she has the courage to use such dangerous magic," Albert glanced at Hermione, dismissing Ron's idea, "She's more level-headed than you two. It means she won't take such a risk lightly, and you also need someone who can control the Devil's Fire in time to prevent you from burning yourselves to death.
"Well, I guess we just have to keep practicing."
The trio's morale was low, but there was nothing else they could do. Failing repeatedly was indeed a huge blow to their confidence.
"I've thought of a way that might help you grasp the knack faster, but it may involve some risk."
Sensing the gloomy atmosphere, Albert suddenly spoke up.
"What is it?"
"Use this."
As he spoke, Albert pulled out a bottle of pills from his pocket. Each bottle contained golden potions.
"You want us to take Felix Felicis to practice?"
The trio's expressions were filled with surprise, unable to keep up with Albert's train of thought.
"Think of it as a minimum guarantee so that you can perform as needed while under the influence of the potion." Albert explained.
"Isn't that the case?"
Ron was even more confused. With the help of Felix Felicis, they didn't need to spend a lot of time training in the Cursed-Breaking Spell. All they needed to do was take the potion during their training, and everything would fall into place.
"Of course not."
"Not what?"
"Felix Felicis is never a luck-enhancing potion, but rather a... stimulant. It can stimulate and enhance the user's physical abilities in a short period." Albert glanced at Ron, feeling the need to explain further to dispel any fantasies they might have about the potion.
"For example, if your punching power is normally a ten, but you only manage to punch with a strength of three, taking Felix Felicis will allow you to exert at least eight to nine-tenths of your full strength. And this strength is something you inherently possess, not something that the potion creates out of thin air."
Albert reminded them, "If you haven't learned the Blasting Curse, nor the curse-breaking spell, and haven't undergone rigorous training, then how can you expect to skillfully use the Blasting Curse just because you took Felix Felicis?"
"So, does that mean we've now achieved a preliminary entry-level?" Hermione's expression was peculiarly odd.
"You go first, Harry."
Harry took the Felix Felicis pill that Albert handed him, popped it into his mouth, and then began to summon the Blasting Curse, feeling the magical changes the potion brought about.
Indeed, as Albert had said, the Blasting Curse was even smoother than Harry had imagined.
At least the ball of Devil's Fire in front of him was no longer as uncontrollable as before; instead, it was as docile as a lamb.
Hermione and Ron stared at this scene, dumbfounded.
"Very good. In the remaining time, I want you to try to master it and find the knack of controlling the Devil's Fire before the Felix Felicis completely wears off."
Following his intuition, Harry continued to attempt to master the Devil's Fire.
Albert, standing by his side, provided guidance with his words, helping him understand how to harness such power.
With the help of Felix Felicis, Harry's progress was astonishing.
Soon, he discovered that he could shape the Devil's Fire into other forms and easily suppress its power.
The feeling of completely mastering the Devil's Fire was incredible.
"Don't get carried away, Harry. Remember, you just took Felix Felicis, and the annual dosage of the potion needs to be strictly controlled, so don't waste this precious time."
Albert's words brought Harry back to his senses from his excitement.
Unfortunately, the effect of the Felix Felicis pill was short-lived, and it soon lost its potency.
Harry also quickly realized that the effects of the potion were fading, and the Devil's Fire that had been obedient to him earlier was now disobedient again.
"Calm down and think about how you did it before. Recall that feeling." Albert continued to guide him, "You should have confidence in yourself and believe that you can master the Blasting Curse."
"Look, you're almost there."
(End of Chapter)
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