Chapter 323: Stance
Chapter 323: Stance
Whether Crouch had ever seen the current Voldemort was a crucial question.
Even if he had substantial evidence that Voldemort was secretly planning some "return of the Dark Lord", he had never seen Voldemort in person.
Dumbledore looked at him, his eyes filled with a somewhat enigmatic gaze.
"What do you plan to do next? Return to the Ministry of Magic? How will you talk about Voldemort?"
Crouch took a deep breath.
"My stance has never changed. I only brought Barty Crouch Jr. out of Azkaban to make amends for my wife. The relationship between me and Voldemort can never be reconciled, and it is absolutely impossible to be harmonized. After returning to the Ministry, I will disclose this matter. At the very least, I want the Ministry to be prepared early."
This response was undoubtedly the most satisfactory.
Sherlock, Dumbledore, and Mad-Eye Moody, who were seated here, were all well aware that Voldemort was regaining his strength.
They had not spoken about it publicly or warned the Ministry of Magic, knowing that with the current Minister, Fudge, he would never admit to it.
Instead, he would likely suppress anyone who spoke the truth to maintain his authority. During his tenure, he would ensure that the once-infamous Dark Lord could not return in any form.
While he could not stop Voldemort, he could silence those who revealed such information, preserving his power for as long as possible.
However, if such news came from someone like Crouch, it would be a different story. Despite being continuously marginalized by Fudge, Crouch still held significant influence within the Ministry of Magic.
Just as Dumbledore's reputation in the Wizarding World far exceeded anyone else's, when his personal views contradicted those of the magical government, the majority of the public would still trust the government.
After all, the credibility of the magical government had been built over several centuries. Crouch, as a high-ranking official within the government, would be leveraging a portion of that credibility when he spoke.
With Crouch's stance confirmed, the conversation was nearing its end.
Before it concluded, Crouch, with a complex expression, addressed Sherlock.
"To say that I don't hate you for killing Barty Crouch Jr. would be a lie. He was my own son, and I was the one who sent him to Azkaban. If he died there, I would hate myself. But your actions and stance in killing him were entirely justified. Moreover, you saved me this time, so even if I have some reservations, I have no right to be dissatisfied with you. I must thank you."
He stood up and bowed deeply to Sherlock.
"Thank you for saving me, and thank you for giving Barty Crouch Jr. a release."
His actions earned Sherlock a higher regard.
Previously, because of his son, Sherlock had a rather average opinion of Crouch. Now, it was clear that he was a man of principle, which explained why Dumbledore and Mad-Eye Moody trusted his character so much.
"As you said, Mr. Crouch, I was just doing my duty. There's no need to express gratitude."
Crouch and Mad-Eye Moody then left the headmaster's office, but Sherlock lingered, showing no signs of leaving.
After the other two had left, he stared at Dumbledore and said seriously,
"I have a plan."
Dumbledore blinked and smiled.
"I think this is definitely not a simple plan."
Sherlock didn't beat around the bush and directly laid out everything he had in mind.
At first, Dumbledore's face still carried a smile, but as Sherlock continued, the smile gradually faded, and his expression became increasingly serious.
When Sherlock finished speaking, Dumbledore picked up his teacup and drank the now lukewarm tea inside.
Silence fell over the office.
Dumbledore seemed to be deep in thought, pondering what Sherlock had just said. Finally, he shook his head solemnly.
"It's too risky. Don't forget, you are also one of their targets."
"That's true, but if I'm prepared, can they really pose a threat to me?" Sherlock said earnestly. "Besides, I've seen Voldemort at the height of his power. What could possibly scare me now?"
"I still think it's not a good idea. Your proposal is sound, but perhaps Mad-Eye Moody is better suited for this role."
"I have no intention of belittling Mad-Eye Moody, but he has his limitations. His body isn't suited for hiding, and I am the best person for this job. Moreover, nothing is entirely without risk, Professor. This risk is within our capacity to handle."
Sherlock stared into Dumbledore's eyes, and Dumbledore did not look away. They held each other's gaze for a long moment.
Finally, Dumbledore shook his head again.
"It's too early to decide on the plan you've proposed. I need more time to think about it. There might be a more suitable candidate."
Sherlock knew that Dumbledore wasn't indecisive; this matter simply required careful consideration. So, he didn't press and instead turned to leave the office.
Before he went, he left one final thought.
"Without certain individuals, the course of history still moves forward. No one is indispensable, and no one is invincible. We all face risks, Professor Dumbledore."
Sherlock's figure disappeared behind the door of the Headmaster's Office.
Dumbledore sat in silence, his hands clasped together, supporting his chin. The moon-shaped glasses on his face reflected the flickering light of the fireplace.
...
The results of the second task quickly spread throughout the castle.
Despite finishing last, Harry did not face much criticism from the students. Most of them felt sympathetic, knowing that he had encountered an accident during the task.
If not for the mishap, Harry would have been the first to find the hostage, and he would have won the task.
Ron, of course, didn't blame Harry for not rescuing him from the water.
"It's not your fault. You being in this competition was part of someone's plan, and that person interfered with this task."
Hermione voiced her concern.
"I wonder if the professors can catch that person."
Harry wasn't too worried about the attack. The aftermath of the incident no longer involved him, and he felt a bit relieved.
"Thankfully, that gossipy reporter seems to have disappeared. Otherwise, I would be in trouble again."
(End of Chapter)
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