https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-961-An-Invitation-from-the-Order-of-the-Phoenix/12527616/
Chapter 962: A Few Incidents Before the Holidays
Chapter 962: A Few Incidents Before the Holidays
"Thank you. I wouldn't have been rescued if it weren't for those socks."
Not long after his discharge from the hospital, Harry Potter took the initiative to find Albert and express his gratitude.
He knew that although the socks were a gift from Sirius, it was... Harry was well aware that Sirius didn't have the brains or the ability to save him right under Voldemort's nose. It must have been Albert, with his ability to foresee the future, who timed the activation of the portal key precisely.
Especially after Harry heard a rough idea of what happened from Hermione and Ron, he was even more certain of this. Otherwise, how could the Weasley family insist on staying at the Quidditch stadium to wait for him?
"Let me give you a well-meaning piece of advice." As if he hadn't heard Harry Potter's thanks, Albert gazed calmly at the scenery outside the window and said, "People are often unwilling to accept the truth."
"Are you suggesting I keep quiet, like Fudge?"
Harry raised an eyebrow, recalling certain unpleasant events.
On the night he was brought back, Fudge had come to see him, but it hadn't been a pleasant meeting as the two of them had ended up in an argument.
For the first time, Harry saw another side of Fudge—ugly, vicious, and repulsive.
"Can't you smell the fear?"
Albert gestured for Harry to look at the students walking around them and reminded him, "Change-makers are usually doomed because they offend too many people."
"So, you think I should lie?" Harry looked a little annoyed. He had come to thank Albert, not to listen to his lecture.
Just as Harry turned to leave, he heard Albert continue, "Looks like the lesson from a few days ago wasn't enough."
"What do you mean?"
Harry paused and forcibly turned his head to ask.
Actually, he really wanted to turn his head and leave, but... sometimes it was necessary to stop and listen to others' advice, especially after having just gone through a difficult experience and still remembering the excruciating pain of the Cruciatus Curse.
"Many times, I suspect your head is filled with muscles, as you don't even bother to think about why I'm telling you these things." Albert glanced back at Potter. "It's probably because of students like you that Gryffindor's courage is mocked as recklessness!"
"Are you trying to mock me?" Harry said angrily.
"I've told you more than once that senseless rage solves nothing and only makes you look foolish, just like you do now." Albert's words stopped Harry in his tracks. "I just wanted to tell you that your good days are over, and so are Dumbledore's. Usually, the first person to uncover a hypocritical reality will suffer a cruel blow."
"Why can't you just tell me directly instead of beating around the bush?" Harry complained through gritted teeth. He knew that the guy in front of him was deliberately doing this.
"Of course, I could do that, but I'm not your father, so why should I indulge you? Others won't either. That's just how the world is. Haven't you realized it yet?" A smile curved Albert's lips, one that Harry found irritating. "Can't you sense the changes in the school? Everyone is obviously shunning you and treating you like a pile of dog mess on the roadside."
"What would you do if you were me?" Harry asked, forcibly holding back his anger and annoyance.
"Don't you already know the answer?" Albert glanced meaningfully at Harry and turned to walk away.
Indeed, Harry knew the answer, because he was Albert's answer.
Let things take their course, watch as people pay the price for their mistakes, and even lose their lives because of them. And he, like a king, stands above, looking down upon the events unfolding below, and after it's all over, he jumps in with a twisted sense of humor to mock them for ending up that way, claiming that they brought it upon themselves because he had warned and reminded them countless times, yet no one listened.
That's Albert's style, just like how he said, "I'm not your father, so I won't indulge you."
"He's such an annoying guy."
Harry looked at Albert's departing back with a complex expression.
To be honest, Harry suspected that Albert had it in for him. He had evidence, as neither Hermione nor Fred and George had been targeted like this.
So he had never really liked Albert, but at the same time, he couldn't help but be grateful for the help he had received. After all, Albert had undoubtedly saved his life.
Little did Harry know that Albert was reminding him of these things so that he could better fulfill his role as the savior. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have bothered with this lecture.
"What did you say to Harry?" Hermione emerged from the corner.
"I just told him to accept reality." Albert spoke softly. "He's still acting like a child who refuses to grow up. It's exasperating."
"You're being too hard on him. Harry isn't an adult yet, and it's unfair to expect so much from him." Hermione stood up for Harry. She felt that Albert was being too strict.
"The mysterious one doesn't care about fairness." Albert lowered his voice. "If Potter doesn't grow up now, he will have to pay an even more painful price for his future growth."
"An extremely painful price is what it takes for someone to awaken and grow rapidly." Albert's words carried a hint of cruelty.
"For example?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"If the mysterious one's minions killed your entire family." A cruel smile played on Albert's lips. "I'm sure that would enlighten you, and I could give countless other examples."
Hermione shuddered, instantly regretting asking Albert that question.
"The Second Wizarding War has already begun." Albert offered a friendly reminder. "There's a reason why people fear the mysterious one and his name. If we're not prepared for the worst, many will die."
"You're right."
Hermione thought of Albert's experience; he had almost died in the maze and had seen more clearly than anyone else, which gave him the right to say those words.
"By the way, did you catch Rita Skeeter?" Although Albert's tone sounded like a question, he seemed certain that she had been caught.
"Yes, by Harry's bedside window. She seemed to be trying to dig up some information."
Upon hearing this, Hermione smiled happily. She had always wanted to catch Rita Skeeter, and just the day before yesterday, she had finally succeeded.
"I need her to write an article about this incident. She's good at this sort of thing." Albert suddenly said, "We'll publish it in the 'Defense Guide'. The wizarding world needs an article that will serve as a wake-up call."
"What are you planning to do?" Hermione frowned, reminding him, "The Ministry of Magic probably won't be happy to see such an article. They seem to be controlling the news lately."
"The 'Defense Guide' will likely have to cease publication for a while. It's better to strike first with a bombshell news story before we're banned."
"People aren't willing to believe the content in the 'Defense Guide' now. After the mysterious man's ambitions are fully exposed, will they then believe the reports in the 'Defense Guide'?" Hermione guessed Albert's intention, and she suddenly realized that Sirius and Lupin's establishment of this magazine was perhaps not a coincidence.
Albert had been waiting for this day, and he had even anticipated what would happen next.
Hermione wasn't wrong. Albert indeed intended to use this opportunity to boost the reputation of the 'Defense Guide'. The more the publication was suppressed, the greater the benefits it would reap.
Most importantly, Albert planned to cause some trouble for Fudge and Voldemort, so that the Order of the Phoenix would direct their hatred away from him, sparing him any unnecessary trouble.
Of course, he also intended to dig a pit and see how many people would jump into it, curious to see how many would fall and break their necks.
Just then, both of them sensed something and turned their heads to see Krum and Fleur approaching.
The two had come to apologize to Albert.
Although they had indeed been controlled by the impostor's Imperius Curse in the maze, it didn't change the fact that they had tried to kill Albert.
"Don't take it to heart. I've never blamed either of you." Albert said calmly.
In fact, to some extent, it was he and Potter who should apologize, as the others who were controlled by the Imperius Curse were simply unfortunate victims.
After receiving Albert's forgiveness, Krum whispered something to Hermione, while Fleur found a private place to speak with Albert.
"I plan to find a temporary job in Britain to improve my English." Fleur told Albert.
"Britain isn't very peaceful lately." Albert offered a friendly warning.
"Are you referring to the resurrection of the Dark Lord?" Fleur raised an eyebrow slightly.
"It seems you've met someone who interests you." Albert said suddenly.
"What do you think?" Fleur asked curiously, "I heard you're good at divination. Can you tell me the outcome?"
"You're a very brave person." Albert nodded, "Not many people have such courage. I think you'll succeed. Most people can't resist your charm."
"You can, though. You're not bad yourself." Fleur looked deeply into Albert's eyes and said, "I suddenly understand why Louise liked you. It's a pity..."
"There's nothing to pity. Some things can't be forced." Albert smiled, "Have you talked to him about it?"
"Yes, he recommended a temporary job at Gringotts Bank to me." Fleur was quite open about it.
Of course, she felt that Albert probably knew something about it already.
"Bill Weasley works at Gringotts himself." Albert smiled.
After parting ways with Fleur, Albert returned to the dormitory to pack his luggage. As soon as he entered the Gryffindor common room, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan rushed towards him.
"Mate, your package has arrived." Fred said excitedly, "It's from the Elegant Wizarding Garments shop. We think it's probably..."
"The payment." Albert nodded to indicate that he knew.
The original Fire Dragon costume had been recalled by the Elegant Wizarding Garments shop after the reshoot of the trophy-lifting scene.
Unexpectedly, the new Fire Dragon costume had been delivered to him so quickly, apparently prepared long in advance.
"Check it out. If there's no problem, go ahead and open it!"
"Leave it to us!"
The Weasley brothers exchanged glances and grinned, as they had already prepared a Dark Magic Detector.
Compared to the first Fire Dragon costume, this one was not as extravagant. Albert suspected that the shop had actually made two sets—choosing the most handsome one for promotional purposes, while the other was given to him as payment for his advertising services.
After all, given Albert's status, the payment couldn't be meager, or it would be seen as a lack of sincerity and might even be rejected outright.
The Elegant Wizarding Garments shop was also being prudent. Given Albert's exploits, he was destined to become a legendary figure, and such an opportunity might never arise again. Showing their sincerity was crucial.
"It looks quite ordinary." Fred said with a hint of disappointment.
"This is what a normal set of clothes should look like. The previous Fire Dragon costume was too flashy." Albert examined himself in the mirror and casually tossed the costume aside.
"How are the preparations for opening your store going?"
"Everything is proceeding according to plan. But, are you really planning to..." George hesitated, feeling that Albert was being extremely generous.
A few days ago, Albert had given them the Galleons he had won in the Triwizard Tournament as startup capital for their store.
"Next semester will be an interesting year." Albert said softly.
"Interesting?"
"I heard that Dumbledore is planning to... announce the return of the mysterious man."
The three of them looked at each other, not quite understanding what Albert was trying to convey.
"Given Fudge's character, he'll probably send someone to interfere with Hogwarts, and might even drive our Headmaster away." A meaningful smile curved Albert's lips.
"How dare he do that!" the three exclaimed in unison.
"Of course, he dares. Politicians can eat dirt if necessary, and claim that the dirt tastes delicious." Albert said disdainfully, "There will definitely be some troublemakers, but as you know, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor often meets with accidents."
"We can give him an unexpected surprise."
The three exchanged glances, suddenly understanding why Albert had said that the next semester would be an interesting one, and why he had previously mentioned that seventh grade was a great time to promote prank props.
Indeed, it was! At the farewell banquet that evening, Harry Potter once again became the center of attention for countless people, even outshining Albert, the champion of the Triwizard Tournament.
Everyone was curious about what had happened that night, as some unpleasant rumors were circulating within Hogwarts Castle, and they wanted to prove that those rumors were false.
"Tonight, I have much to say to all of you," Dumbledore said, looking down at the students, "but first, I must pay tribute to Mr. Anderson. He not only foiled the Death Eaters' plot in dire straits but also exposed Barty Crouch Jr.'s true identity and made his scheme known to the public, averting a tragedy. He is a true warrior, a true champion, and the pride of Hogwarts!"
Dumbledore raised his goblet towards Albert.
Albert stood up from his seat and accepted the applause and cheers from the Great Hall with his own raised goblet.
"I know you are all curious about what happened that night," Dumbledore continued after the applause died down, "and perhaps you have already heard some rumors. But the most important part—which the Ministry of Magic does not want me to tell you, and which some of your parents may find shocking—is that Voldemort has indeed returned. They may not be able to accept this cruel fact."
The students in the Great Hall looked shocked and fearful upon hearing this news, even though they had heard similar rumors. But coming from Dumbledore's mouth, it carried far more weight than mere gossip.
"They believe I shouldn't tell you this, as you are still young," Dumbledore continued, "but I believe that the truth is always better than lies. At least you will be mentally prepared, because not everyone can be like Mr. Anderson, receiving applause instead of condolences after facing the evil forces and surviving."
Dumbledore looked at the pale-faced students below him and said, "I once asked Mr. Anderson what the secret to his success was, and he told me that he never faces challenges unprepared. And now, I pass on this wisdom to all of you."
"Of course, when talking about last night's events, I must also mention another person." Dumbledore went on, "Yes, I am talking about Harry Potter. He once again escaped Voldemort's clutches. When I rushed over, he was dueling Voldemort, and even though he was knocked down and tortured with the Cruciatus Curse, he never yielded, bowed, or compromised, even when his life was threatened. Very few wizards can display such courage and spirit in the face of Voldemort's might, and for that, I pay him my respects."
That night, many owls carrying letters departed, spreading the news of Voldemort's resurrection throughout Britain.
More owls were dispatched the following morning.
After bidding farewell to Fleur and Krum, Albert made his way to the crowded entrance hall, where he found Fred, George, and Lee Jordan waiting for their carriage.
"Come with me."
"What's up? You look mysterious."
The three exchanged glances and dragged their luggage after Albert.
"I don't plan on taking the train," Albert said. "Take these now." He handed the two-way mirrors he had received that morning to George and Lee Jordan, instructing them, "Don't try to write to me. That method is no longer safe, and owls won't be able to find my exact location. Also, don't let anyone know about the existence of these mirrors."
"What are you—"
"I plan to lie low for a while, just in case," Albert said quickly.
"You're not coming back to school?" Fred asked, shocked.
"Of course, I will," Albert shrugged. "The school is still relatively safe, and I intend to get my N.E.W.T.s. But I have to be cautious. You never know when the mysterious man might go crazy and try to cause me trouble, whether it's him or his Death Eaters. It's still a hassle."
"Is the situation that bad? Have you talked to Dumbledore about this?" The three asked worriedly. "Maybe Dumbledore..."
"Don't worry, I've made all the necessary preparations. No one can find me, no one," Albert assured them. "See you next semester." Without giving them a chance to respond, he turned and walked away.
"Do you really not need my help?"
Dumbledore stood by the window, watching the students leaving below, and asked the figure that appeared beside him.
"No, I'm fine," Albert replied calmly. "I've already prepared a safe place for myself."
"I see. No wonder you wanted to take it with you," Dumbledore nodded. "Many wizards tend to underestimate this, and I'm glad you're taking good care of it."
"I will," Albert smiled as he looked at the house-elf beside him. "Kara, it's all yours now."
"It's my honor, Master," Kara, the house-elf, bowed slightly to Dumbledore and took Albert's hand, disappearing from the spot.
"Sometimes, seeing too clearly isn't a good thing," Dumbledore sighed, withdrawing his gaze from the window. He recalled his recent conversation with Albert and couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, even though he knew there was little hope. But it was worth trying.
Some things just needed to be done.
(End of Volume) Finally, this volume is finished. What a relief! Although it's a bit bloated, it's more or less written according to expectations.
I'll take a day off tomorrow to relax and work on the outline. Well, I don't have that thing, but I should at least have a general idea of what to write.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
