Chapter 950: No More Pretenses, Time to Show My Cards, No Free Rides
Chapter 950: No More Pretenses, Time to Show My Cards, No Free Rides
Albert didn't take the initiative to discuss sparring with Professor Dumbledore, but the latter sought him out first. The timing of this meeting was rather intriguing, as it was the last Friday of May, and at 9 p.m., the champions were expected to be at the Quidditch stadium, where Professor Dumbledore would reveal the third task. Yet, here he was, summoned to the headmaster's office at 8 p.m.?
"Good evening, Professor," Albert said, knocking on the office door promptly.
"Take a seat, Mr. Anderson," Dumbledore said, looking up from his magazine and gesturing for Albert to find a seat.
"What brings you here?" Albert asked, pulling a chair and sitting down gracefully. He looked up at the elderly man sitting across from him, a smile playing on his lips.
"You seem rather anxious lately," Dumbledore remarked, his tone conveying more curiosity than concern, as if he found it peculiar that Albert could experience such emotions.
Glancing at the steaming cup of tea on the desk, Albert knew that another pointless conversation was imminent, and he suddenly felt a surge of helplessness and irritation. "It's because I feel very insecure," he blurted out.
"Is it because of your premonitions?" Dumbledore inquired, recalling Filius Flitwick's words: 'He seems rather insecure.' "It's because I have no desire to die," Albert stated bluntly.
Watching Albert struggle like a drowning child, Dumbledore fell silent for a long moment.
To be honest, Dumbledore didn't think anyone could pose a threat to Albert's life.
Especially after his conversation with Filius about Albert, he was well aware that the young genius before him was far more capable than he had been upon graduating.
With Albert's abilities, coupled with his intelligence and cautious nature, there were very few who could match him. Even if he encountered Death Eaters or even Voldemort himself, Albert would likely emerge unscathed.
"Harry Potter is a jinx, and being dragged into his messes without sufficient strength makes me doubt if he'll survive while I end up perishing due to his bad luck," Albert admitted candidly. He had no intention of getting too close to Potter, lest he became another casualty of the protagonist's journey. After all, it was common knowledge that protagonists in novels were troublemakers, and those around them often suffered.
Dumbledore felt perplexed, but then he recalled that Albert was a seer, and some peculiarities didn't seem so peculiar anymore.
"Your power is already formidable, surpassing that of most wizards. I daresay there are very few in the magical world who could rival you," Dumbledore said to Albert. "What you need now is not more experience, but to use your clever mind and fearless spirit to truly empower yourself."
"No, the best way is to keep getting stronger, to the point where my enemies can't kill me. That's when I'll truly be safe," Albert acknowledged that Dumbledore made a valid point, but given the headmaster's apparent disregard for his own life, he preferred to trust his own methods.
Dumbledore fell silent once more, suddenly understanding why Albert was so determined to strengthen himself. While he couldn't say that Albert's theory was entirely wrong, there was more to it… "To be honest, I'd like to know just how big the gap is between us. I'm sure no enemy will be stronger than you," Albert hinted at his desire to spar with Dumbledore, his suggestion veiled in ambiguity.
"A truly exceptional wizard considers more than just magical power. If we were to compare magical power alone, yours might even surpass mine," Dumbledore said as he picked up his tea cup and took a sip of the honey-laced milk tea. He pretended not to understand Albert's hint and continued, "What you need now is the accumulation of time—not just extensive knowledge, astonishing insight, and rich experience, but also proficiency in various types of magic and an understanding of dark magic that surpasses that of the average person. Not to mention, you need unparalleled courage and boldness."
"That sounds more like you're trying to convince someone else," Albert disagreed with Dumbledore's words. "I'd rather duel with others and perhaps absorb their experiences to strengthen myself. At least, when facing dangerous individuals like the mysterious man, even if I can't defeat them, I'll be able to escape at the first opportunity."
"However, you're right about one thing. I don't have the courage to face death, at least not yet. Because I'm still young, I haven't lived enough, and I don't want to die, nor do I want to perish in some mysterious way like Potter's family," Albert said calmly, his gaze steady as he prepared to lay his cards on the table.
They were all adults here, and there was no point in trying to deceive each other.
Discussing such matters felt rather juvenile.
It was time to get down to business—their time was precious, and there was no need to beat around the bush. Being direct would benefit everyone involved.
"I know you want to deal with the mysterious man, and I can help you solve a lot of problems, like those dangerous Horcruxes. I believe it's normal for the mysterious man to create a bunch of Horcruxes in his pursuit of eternal life. You've already destroyed the crown, the diary, and the snake, but for a madman like Voldemort, it wouldn't surprise me if Horcruxes kept popping up like mushrooms. I've seen Potter's Boggart transform into the mysterious man, and it was truly unimaginable how ugly it was. Perhaps he's made three, six, nine, or even twelve Horcruxes," Albert said, his eyes fixed on the expressionless old man before him, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "We can both get what we want, and you can continue to pass on your knowledge and wisdom…"
"Mr. Anderson, I'm not as powerful as you imagine. My strength comes from my accumulation of knowledge and experience, and…" Dumbledore paused, "…yours is only lacking in that regard. One day, you will surpass me, and it won't take long." It wasn't that Dumbledore didn't want to teach Albert; it was just that he had nothing left to teach him, at least not in a quick and easy manner.
Before Albert had honed his combat skills with Filius, Dumbledore could have taught him a thing or two. But now… it would be difficult. Perhaps he could still learn something from Alastor.
There was no denying that Albert was already exceptional, but if he wanted to go even further, he needed to accumulate—not just experience, but growth in all aspects.
So, what he had said earlier wasn't a lie; it was the truth.
If Albert wanted to excel at dealing with dark magic, he needed to understand it better. He needed more magic, more knowledge, more experience, a stronger mindset, astonishing insight, proficient combat skills, and the courage to face any challenge.
When Albert improved in all these aspects, he would possess a power that rivaled Dumbledore's, perhaps even surpassing him in certain areas.
"You can just dump all your knowledge on me, and I'll figure out how to digest it," Albert persisted, unwilling to give up on what could be his last best opportunity. "To be honest, I don't really understand what you're trying to do, and I find it hard to believe that you'd send Potter into battle without any experience. Maybe you have your own plans since Potter is the savior, and perhaps he'll succeed.
"But if he fails, I can help you deal with the remaining fallout and completely eliminate the threat of the mysterious man. As a backup plan, I think it's a pretty good deal."
Albert dropped all pretense.
He laid his cards on the table.
Believing that Dumbledore surely had some understanding of his character and modus operandi, it was best to be frank and have a proper discussion.
They weren't children anymore.
As long as there were shared interests, a stable relationship could be maintained, and they happened to have one: they both wanted Voldemort dead.
Albert, of course, wanted Voldemort gone, and before that, he intended to obtain Dumbledore's most valuable legacy with empty slogans.
If Potter defeated Voldemort, he could freeload off Dumbledore.
But if Potter unfortunately failed, it would be his turn, and it would only be right to ask for compensation from Dumbledore. He had no intention of letting others freeload off him.
The following semester would be his last, and by then, Dumbledore would likely have little time to spare.
Now was truly the best opportunity.
Dumbledore looked at the young man before him and fell into a brief silence. Albert was indeed qualified; he even had a good grasp of the overall situation and knew more than Harry.
"You can consider it. I have a premonition that the mysterious man will resurrect by next year at the latest, and you'll surely have a lot of trouble on your hands. By the way, I saw in the prophecy sphere that Hogwarts will have a new headmaster next semester." Albert looked at Dumbledore calmly and said, "Of course, that's if I can survive this semester."
Dumbledore felt a bit uncomfortable, but Albert was speaking to him as an adult, which made it hard for him to feel at ease. However, he had to admit that it was a tempting proposal.
If the plan failed, Albert would be well-suited to become the next wizard capable of countering Voldemort, an excellent backup plan. But he worried that the other would become an ambitious wizard. Although the people of that family were indeed rather "lazy," Dumbledore could also see that Albert pursued knowledge and other things, just not as extremely as Voldemort.
"It is indeed a very profitable transaction, and I will consider it carefully." Professor Dumbledore changed the subject, "Amelia Bones will also be coming tonight. She seems to have heard some rumors, and I think she's coming mainly to ask you to confirm something."
"About the resurrection of the mysterious man?" Albert certainly knew the reason, "Do you want me to tell her the truth?"
Dumbledore nodded. It was time for the Ministry of Magic to be vigilant.
"Amelia Bones is indeed a good candidate to succeed Cornelius Fudge, but I doubt she'll live long." Once again, Albert spoke startlingly.
"You prophesied her fate?" Dumbledore frowned and asked.
"Prophecy? No, I don't need a prophecy. I can predict her fate; that's the benefit of divination." Albert glanced at Dumbledore and explained, "Amelia Bones' brother, Edgar Bones, died in the First Wizarding War, probably because of the mysterious man, right?"
"It seems that you know quite a bit." Dumbledore took a moment to mourn his old companion, "Edgar Bones was an excellent wizard; his entire family was killed by Voldemort."
"A member of the Order of the Phoenix?"
"Oh, it looks like you've investigated a lot of things." Dumbledore wasn't too surprised.
"The Order of the Phoenix is considered an extraordinary organization by the Ministry of Magic." Albert gave Dumbledore a meaningful look and continued, "Obviously, if the news about the mysterious man is made public, Cornelius Fudge will have to step down from his position, and everyone will surely want a stronger wizard to take his place to ensure their safety."
"Of course, Fudge must be aware of this, so before he steps down, he will likely create a lot of trouble to prevent his power and position from being taken away." As he spoke, a contemptuous smile appeared on Albert's lips.
"It's too difficult to expect them to consider the bigger picture.
Because they only want others to consider the bigger picture.
Their integrity is as cheap as toilet paper.
If necessary, they are a group of people who would sell out their country, everyone, and even their entire race for their power and position." (The subcontinent is a perfect example.) "Mr. Anderson, we're not discussing this matter today." Dumbledore had to stop Albert's shocking words.
"I see that you've lost your position as headmaster, and the person who takes your place will definitely be an official from the Ministry of Magic."
"That's just your prophecy." Dumbledore interrupted.
"Anyway, it's your bad luck." Albert shrugged, not minding Dumbledore's expression, and continued, "Amelia Bones is a good candidate for Minister of Magic. I think she will not be indifferent to the death of her relative because of the mysterious man. If I were the mysterious man, I would definitely not want such a troublesome person to take office and cause me trouble, so Amelia Bones will basically not live long. Unless she is willing to hide, she will undoubtedly die. To be honest, the protection of the Ministry of Magic is as meaningless as a piece of paper."
Dumbledore did not refute; Albert might be right.
Back then, it was only Barty's good luck that he hadn't been assassinated.
"Who do you think will become the new minister?" Dumbledore asked with interest.
"A hardliner, I think. A weak minister won't be able to solve the problem, and it will likely be the Director of the Aurors. They are better at striking against dark wizards. To be honest, I don't know much about him." Albert continued, "How long he can stay in the position of Minister of Magic depends on how long you can live and how much support you can give."
"You give me too much credit." Professor Dumbledore said calmly.
"You certainly won't let the Ministry of Magic fall under Voldemort's control because that would lead to a catastrophe. But obviously, not everyone understands this. Many people lack self-awareness. They enjoy your protection but still think you're a threat. That's politics for you, and no wonder you dislike them and don't want to be the Minister of Magic."
"Even if I took that position, I couldn't change the problem." Dumbledore said quietly, "What about you?"
"I'm not interested in that kind of thing."
If it were up to Albert, he would definitely take his whole family on an overseas trip, making it hard for others to find him.
As for the mess, he would naturally leave it to them to deal with. When everyone had suffered enough, recognized reality, and most had died, he would then return to clean up the mess.
As long as he possessed overwhelming power, he could return as a savior, easily crush everything in his path, and receive everyone's gratitude. Instead of coming out to deal with the situation from the beginning and suffering groundless accusations and criticism.
(End of Chapter)
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