Chapter 259: Karkaroff
Chapter 259: Karkaroff
Aside from the few professors involved, no one else knew what had transpired at Hogwarts that night.
The students in the castle continued to live their simple and happy school lives.
Only a few would occasionally mention the recent collective nightmare that had affected the entire student body when discussing the approaching Triwizard Tournament, chuckling about how some had overreacted, saying it was no big deal.
However, the students were unaware of the full extent of the situation. Four days after it was resolved, Dumbledore finally returned to Hogwarts.
During his absence, Professor Mcgonagall had not kept the events of the castle a secret from him.
Upon learning the entire sequence of events, Dumbledore immediately summoned Sherlock to his office.
The continuous days of travel had taken a toll on the elderly Dumbledore, who now looked exhausted, lying back in his chair behind the desk. He sighed and said to Sherlock,
"I knew he would make a move, but I did not expect it to come so soon."
Sherlock shrugged indifferently.
"I think it's better they acted sooner rather than later. Prolonging it would have kept us on edge. Besides, their choice of target actually worked in our favor. They probably didn't expect that Vera, who has been guarding the Fidelius at the German Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries, would come to teach at Hogwarts this year."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Fortune did indeed favor us this time, but they won't give up after this setback."
At this, a glint of light reflected off Dumbledore's crescent-moon glasses.
"The Triwizard Tournament will bring many outsiders into the castle, including wizards from the other two magical schools and officials from the British Ministry of Magic. This will be a perfect opportunity for them, even if they know we will be on our guard."
Sherlock narrowed his eyes.
"Professor, have you considered whether the current officials at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, led by Fudge, would be an asset if that person were to return to the wizarding world? Do you think Fudge, with his character, would be of any help?"
Dumbledore understood what Sherlock was implying. He steepled his fingers under his chin and thought for a moment before speaking in a grave tone.
"No, given Fudge's nature, the Ministry of Magic will not be our main ally." He paused, then continued, "But with his cowardly mindset, he won't dare to help us, nor will he side with Voldemort. For us, the Ministry of Magic remaining neutral and independently opposing the resurgent Death Eaters might be the best outcome."
As the official organization of the wizarding world, if it were to join forces with Dumbledore's faction, internal coordination and command would become a significant issue.
If they followed the Ministry of Magic, why would Dumbledore have formed the Order of the Phoenix separately?
But if they followed Dumbledore, what position would it leave Minister Fudge in, especially given his strong desire for power?
Therefore, according to Dumbledore's plan, once Voldemort fully returned, the Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry of Magic operating independently to combat the Death Eaters would be the optimal scenario.
After all, most members of the Order of the Phoenix are also employees of the Ministry of Magic, creating a subtle connection between the two, but not so tight that it leads to internal conflicts.
While Dumbledore's idea is indeed good, Sherlock still feels that it is only the best-case scenario in his mind.
If any other unforeseen events occur, and the Ministry of Magic fails to hold up its end, the Order of the Phoenix will find itself in a precarious position.
However, Sherlock did not elaborate further on this. He knew very well that Dumbledore instinctively shied away from political matters.
After some casual conversation, the topic quickly shifted to the upcoming Triwizard Tournament.
"The day before Halloween, students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, accompanied by their headmasters, will arrive at Hogwarts. I heard that when you took Harry on a trip to France, you became acquainted with one of the Beauxbatons girls?"
Dumbledore asked with a smile as he looked at Sherlock.
Hearing this, Sherlock recalled the half-veela girl who had been sending him gifts and occasional letters every Christmas for the past two years.
"It's Fleur Delacour. She's a bit naive. If it weren't for Harry and me, she would have been kidnapped by human traffickers."
Sherlock recounted the story, and Dumbledore couldn't help but smile broadly.
He seemed to enjoy hearing about Sherlock's adventures with Harry in France, even though Sherlock had told him the story several times before.
"Beauxbatons isn't a problem. The key concern is Durmstrang."
Dumbledore's expression turned serious, indicating that they were now discussing the real issue.
Sherlock had also heard about the magic school located in the far north of Europe.
"I've heard that the school has a very lax attitude toward Dark Magic. Some students are even openly researching it?"
Dumbledore shook his head.
"Those are just rumors. While Durmstrang does turn a blind eye to students studying Dark Magic, it hasn't crossed any major lines. There have never been reports of students dying due to Dark Magic there."
"The real problem lies with their headmaster."
Sherlock furrowed his brow.
"Who is their headmaster?"
"Igor Karkaroff."
This name was not unfamiliar to Sherlock. In fact, he had even encountered Karkaroff directly over a decade ago!
"Because Karkaroff is the current headmaster of Durmstrang and will be staying at Hogwarts for the entire semester, I specifically hired Mad-Eye Moody. The Auror who captured him years ago was Mad-Eye Moody, and Karkaroff has a natural fear of him. I want Mad-Eye Moody to keep an eye on him."
After listening to Dumbledore, Sherlock rubbed his chin thoughtfully and asked,
"Given that Karkaroff was once a loyal follower of Voldemort, what are the chances that he will re-pledge his allegiance to his old master?"
(End of Chapter)
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