Chapter 1035
Long Talk 5
Chapter 1035 Long Talk 5
Wade didn't speak for a moment; he was still thinking.
In the original books, something big always happens whenever Dumbledore leaves Hogwarts...
Or rather, Voldemort and the Death Eaters only dared to tamper with Hogwarts when Dumbledore was away from the school.
During the months that Wader was away in America, Dumbledore was in charge of Hogwarts, and the campus became more peaceful and serene than ever before, somewhat like the legendary "safest place in the world".
Of course, this is not the reason why Vader thought Dumbledore should stay and that he should go to Cape Adan in Kosovo.
He simply felt that although his magic was not as strong as Dumbledore's, with the puppets around, he was essentially carrying an army with him at all times, an advantage that no one could match.
However, Dumbledore seemed to hear the voice in Wade's heart. He leaned forward slightly, placed his hands clasped on the table, and said gently:
“Wade, I know that your puppets are numerous, flexible, and controllable, which is indeed an advantage over a single person.”
"But don't forget, they played a crucial role in the United States before. Although many people are unaware of this, their existence must have caught the attention of Sophie Reck."
“If I were him, I would have been certain that you were in the United States, and there might even have been a plan to arrest you.”
A mixture of relief and lingering fear flickered in Dumbledore's eyes:
“I’m glad you’re back safely… Perhaps it’s because Grindelwald is also in the United States, or perhaps it’s because your return was discreet and swift enough…”
Wade's hand, resting on his knee, trembled slightly.
In his final days before leaving the United States, he did indeed stay at Grindelwald's place. And when he finally boarded the plane, Clinch Barrett's inauguration ceremony was still ongoing.
“In conclusion,” Dumbledore said, “it is good that you have not encountered any of the things I am worried about at this moment. But we cannot take another risk, relying on luck.”
“I’m worried that if you take the puppets to Kosovo, once they show up there and are recognized, either Rick or Amanda will immediately notice. They will find you, capture you… or even kill you as quickly as possible.”
“My child, you are indeed excellent enough now—more excellent than anyone expected. But to face a cunning and well-prepared opponent... it's too early, Wade, and too dangerous... dangerous enough to cost us our most important future.”
In Dumbledore's eyes, Vader was the only one capable of finding a way for magic and the Muggle world to coexist in the face of multiple threats. His wisdom, creativity, and perspective were irreplaceable.
Ardan Point was a dangerous and turbulent vortex, and Rake and Amanda were completely unfamiliar enemies to Dumbledore. He knew far less about them than he had about Voldemort and Grindelwald.
Based solely on those fragmentary rumors from nearly a hundred years ago and Abigail's brief memories of their time together, Dumbledore could not determine the nature and abilities of those two individuals, nor what methods they might employ.
If, due to overconfidence in the puppet's power, he rashly sent Wade to Kosovo, resulting in the death of this promising young man... Dumbledore would never forgive himself for the rest of his life.
Furthermore, he was well aware that Vader's pursuit and curiosity about unknown powers were no less than his own in the past.
Allowing such a young person, who is not yet fully formed, to be exposed to temptations of the "World Rift" level too early is undoubtedly a very risky act, and may even create an enhanced version of "Sophie Raik".
And Gellert Grindelwald...
Thinking of his archenemy, Dumbledore felt a surge of urge to grind his teeth. The Mughals were at Cape Ardan, and if their exploration of the place didn't go well, Grindelwald himself would likely intervene soon.
What that guy is best at and most enjoys doing is setting up ingenious dilemmas in complex situations, forcing or enticing those he values to make some kind of "evil" choice, thus plunging them into darkness from which there is no turning back.
While Wade was in the United States, Grindelwald had already shown some signs of this. In a crisis-ridden environment like Kosovo, he would have had even more opportunities and reasons to drag Wade into dark games and moral traps.
A host of worries crossed Dumbledore's mind, but he didn't voice them. His eyes were as calm as a lake, and he simply said softly:
"Moreover, the danger doesn't just come from people, but also from the 'world rift' hidden in Kosovo. To deal with that ancient and powerful force, puppets probably won't be effective; it requires a profound understanding of the nature of magic, of space and time, and even of life and death."
The principal chuckled softly: "That might not be modest enough, but Wade, in terms of knowledge in these areas, I have indeed gone further than you have now."
"So this time, I need you to follow my instructions—stay here."
"Britain isn't exactly peaceful either, and the situation you'll be facing might be quite complicated. Especially... after Arthur's incident, I went to the Department of Mysteries to confirm that Voldemort didn't get what he wanted."
Dumbledore gazed at Wade, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and trust, all of which remained hidden behind his half-moon spectacles.
He continued, "Voldemort will definitely not let this go. I'm sure he'll find a way to get his hands on that prophecy orb, and might even try to use Harry to achieve his goal."
"Regarding Harry... although he survived the Killing Curse again last year, if there were a third time, he probably wouldn't have that 'luck' anymore, and Voldemort's curse would truly take his life."
"So, after I leave, all of this... will be in your hands."
“I will instruct Professor McGonagall to cover up my departure as much as possible. Perhaps some people will think that this is just another trap set by Albus Dumbledore to create a smokescreen…and Severus and Philius…”
Dumbledore carefully explained his arrangements for leaving school, what Wade needed to do, what issues to pay attention to, and who he could contact in critical moments.
Wade gazed quietly at Dumbledore.
Above Hogwarts, gray clouds drifted slowly in the December wind, and sunlight streamed through the window, clearly illuminating the deep and shallow lines on the old man's face.
Wade memorized Dumbledore's instructions, and gazing at the face that bore the weight of a century yet was still often shrouded in worry and weariness, he spoke clearly, word by word:
"I understand, I will handle it."
“You can trust me, sir.”
The fire in the fireplace crackled softly, illuminating the serene light in the boy's eyes even more clearly.
(End of this chapter)