Chapter 257: Albus, You Were Right
Chapter 257: Albus, You Were Right
Although Harry's hastily cast Iron Armor Charm wasn't particularly powerful, it still managed to astonish the audience.
The speed and agility with which he executed a challenging and complex spell left many Ministry employees in awe, as they knew that not many could achieve such a feat.
The crowd buzzed with whispers, some with looks of shame on their faces.
Scrimgeour, the Head of the Auror Office, turned and asked, "Has Harry Potter ever considered becoming an Auror after graduation?"
Professor McGonagall, who had just sent all the teams into the maze, returned to the audience to observe the students' performance.
Upon hearing this, she paused for a moment before responding, "Harry is still too young to consider such matters... But he could become a Seeker for the National Team—he has exceptional talent in that area as well."
Someone nearby chuckled, "It seems like the talent runs in the family—I remember James was an excellent flyer too."
"Indeed," another former classmate reminisced, "He was a Seeker for Gryffindor, but he could easily catch the Golden Snitch."
Scrimgeour, unaffected by the surrounding chatter, continued to watch Professor McGonagall, speaking earnestly, "If he wishes to become an Auror, I'd make an exception even if he falls short in certain subjects. Please convey this to him—he has remarkable talent, and I eagerly await his addition to the elite wizarding force."
Professor McGonagall was slightly taken aback, as Harry was only in his second year, and Aurors typically only accepted the best witches and wizards.
In reality, due to the declining standards of Hogwarts students in recent years, fewer graduates were accepted into the Auror ranks, with only one accepted last year.
Considering Harry's character, Professor McGonagall nodded slightly, "I'll pass on your message... But ultimately, it's up to Harry to decide his future path."
Scrimgeour's voice lowered, "Of course."
Meanwhile, they didn't neglect the live feed on the FlowMirror.
In the original storyline, Harry had stumbled through challenges and crises, relying on a combination of luck, talent, support from elders and friends, and the author's favoritism.
But now, he skillfully utilized various spells, advancing fearlessly when needed and retreating decisively when necessary. He worked seamlessly with his friends and occasionally protected nearby students.
Even compared to the exceptional, nearly adult teams, this team of second-year students held their own.
One could say that Harry perfectly met, if not exceeded, the expectations of the "Young Savior."
An elderly wizard, holding Dumbledore's hand, was on the verge of tears.
"Albus, I once begged you... begged you to let me adopt that poor child, promising to love him as my own flesh and blood. But you refused..."
"Later, when I heard you sent him to his Muggle relatives, I thought you had finally lost your mind... I attended James and Lily's wedding and knew what kind of people they were, so I said harsh words to you..."
"I owe you an apology—I'm sorry, Albus... You were right... You've raised this child exceptionally well..."
"I'm sorry I called you a cockroach with a syrup-soaked brain, an irredeemable idiot..."
Even with Dumbledore's strong heart, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed at this moment.
Professor McGonagall stood beside him, her expression tense as she stared ahead, as if she hadn't heard a word the old wizard had said.
But Dumbledore's vision had not diminished with age, and he could tell that his Deputy Headmistress was secretly amused.
Dumbledore patted the old wizard's arm and said helplessly, "I didn't really do much... I'm also surprised by Harry's exceptional growth."
This was the truth, but no one around believed it.
The old wizard automatically ignored Dumbledore's words and muttered, "I should have realized it. You must have had a long-term plan for him... If I had taken him home, I would have spoiled him, and that would have truly ruined the child..."
Dumbledore tried to change the subject, "Actually, the other children are also very talented. Look, almost all of them can cast the Iron Armor Charm..."
The old wizard said, "If Lily could see Harry now, she would be so happy! You don't know, she even gave me a radio, which I've kept until now. But after she was killed, I couldn't bear to turn it on again..."
His words silenced those around him, and some sentimental witches even had slightly moist eyes.
Only Fudge, sitting at the front but feeling as if he was forced to be invisible, had a dark expression.
He felt he wasn't getting the respect he deserved.
But more importantly, he carefully observed and noticed the performances of the young witches and wizards beyond the chosen one.
Their skilled use of the Iron Armor Charm, Stupor Charm, Petrificus Totalus, and Disarming Charm...
Fudge also had children, who had already graduated from school and were working in the Ministry of Magic under his arrangement.
Despite his limited abilities, Fudge genuinely believed that his children were good-for-nothing, and he feared they might even mess up simple tasks like recording visitor names.
But the children before him...
Their performances seemed to confirm the rumors—
Dumbledore was training a powerful army in Hogwarts, preparing to seize control of the wizarding world and oust the current Minister—Fudge himself—from power.
Fudge felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being pushed to the edge of a cliff by a dragon, but for some reason, the dragon hadn't pushed him off yet.
He trembled, wanting to speak up several times, but he dared not use the authority of the Ministry to pressure Dumbledore as he had before.
Even talking to him normally put Fudge under a lot of pressure.
Fudge stared at the massive, seemingly endless maze before him with a gaze as if he were looking at a monster.
Perhaps he could sign a new education decree to prohibit Hogwarts from holding similar games or competitions.
Or he could contact Malfoy and others, using the influence of the school board to force Dumbledore out of the school.
Fudge envisioned himself dominating Hogwarts while Dumbledore retreated like a defeated dog...
Then, he sadly realized that if Dumbledore truly intended to seize power, his orders might not even leave the Ministry before the Headmaster showed up at his door.
It would be better to gain some leverage while he was still in office...
Suddenly, Fudge recalled the suggestion made by the French Minister of Magic during the International Wizarding Conference.
Restart the Triwizard Tournament.
Now, it seemed like a brilliant idea...
As he viewed the talented young witches and wizards in the FlowMirror with a new perspective, Fudge gradually broke into a smile.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
