Chapter 831
Let the Spark Burn
Chapter 831 Let the Spark Burn
Listening to Wade's words and seeing the cold curve of his lips, Dumbledore finally realized the surging anger and disappointment that had been building up in the young man's heart all along.
According to reports from Moody and Lupin, Wade behaved exceptionally well and calmly throughout his trip to the United States.
Faced with provocation and crisis, he remained composed throughout and never showed any sharp hostility, displaying a maturity beyond his years.
Only now did Dumbledore understand—
Wade wasn't without anger, but he knew perfectly well that an impulsive outburst in a foreign land would be pointless and would only put his group in an even more unfavorable situation.
He acted with restraint because he saw things too clearly and thought them through too thoroughly. That's why he suppressed all his anger beneath a calm exterior, saying and doing little, trying to keep the trouble within a certain range.
But the anger that comes from this clear understanding is far deeper and more scorching than simply retaliating after being insulted.
However, what Wade said next made Dumbledore realize that he had underestimated the boy in front of him.
His thoughts were far more profound and meticulous than Dumbledore thought.
Wade continued his calm analysis, his voice carrying an insight beyond his years:
"Ordinary wizards in the United States generally hate Muggles and isolate themselves from Muggle society. Ironically, however, their social culture is permeated with the influence of Muggle society!"
"As for the two governments... compared to the lower classes who are driven by emotions and hatred, the 'elites' of the ruling class always focus on weighing and balancing interests."
"If Muggle elites really covet the power of magic, how useful would it be to occasionally capture a few wizards of varying aptitudes and lock them up for research? It's too inefficient and too risky."
"On the contrary—wouldn't it be simpler, more covert, and most profitable to cooperate with forces within the wizarding government?"
Dumbledore touched the tips of his fingers together, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes, and softly asked:
"Then... what's the point of the Magical Congress's leadership cooperating with the Muggle government? Is it a form of slow suicide to hasten the demise of the wizarding world?"
Wade had clearly considered this issue long ago; he shook his head, his eyes sharp.
"No, Professor."
"As you said before, the greatest strength of Muggles is their unimaginably large population. And a huge population..."
He paused slightly before saying, "It means an equally huge market, countless profits... and a life of extravagance beyond the imagination of most people."
“My friend Marchionni once lamented that the strict restrictions of secrecy laws caused him to lose billions of customers. In the eyes of a businessman like him, this is tantamount to sitting on a gold mine but being forced to starve.”
Wade's voice carried a chilling sarcasm as he said:
"Marchioni is still thinking about earning those billions of Muggle money through his own efforts, but some people... they may have seen an easier way to make money, as long as... they just sell out some of their own kind's secrets."
"Not everyone in a high position has a long-term vision. Some people don't even consider how they will survive tomorrow, nor do they think about their descendants. All they can see is the unprecedentedly huge benefits that they can seize right now!"
"Perhaps... this is the basis for the cooperation between the two sides."
"Therefore, hoping that the Magical Congress of the United States will investigate, or expecting that some Auror elites in the British Ministry of Magic will find out something, is tantamount to covering your own eyes and ears and waiting for others to weave a beautiful lie to deceive you."
"By the time all the problems that have been accumulating beneath the surface finally erupt, it may be too late to reverse the situation!"
"Professor, I don't want to leave my fate in the hands of others, but we can't do without you here, so... I'll go! I only trust my own eyes!"
Dumbledore listened quietly, remaining silent for a long time. He found himself unable to refute Wade's analysis, nor could he refuse his request.
Vader's considerations were even more realistic than Dumbledore's own, and he had a deeper understanding of the naked greed in human nature.
There's no need for weighing pros and cons, nor for ideological disputes, love and hate; it's simply... the short-sighted and astonishing profit-seeking instinct of certain high-ranking individuals.
It was cold-blooded to the point of being cruel, yet so real that it was impossible to refute.
These words caused Dumbledore's attitude to waver. However, as a professor, he still had reservations.
Looking at the student before him, who was excessively young yet had repeatedly faced the world's deepest darkness, a complex and indescribable light flashed in Dumbledore's eyes.
His voice was low, with a barely perceptible sigh, as he said:
“I don’t doubt your analysis, but Wade… you’re still a student. Hogwarts exists so that children your age can study and grow in peace.”
"These burdens should not be placed on your shoulders too early; they should be borne by us adults."
Sirius Black and Remus Blake had also said these words to Wade.
but……
"professor."
Wade said frankly, "Excuse me for being blunt, but I'm not learning much new stuff in the regular school curriculum anymore."
He wasn't trying to show off; his words carried no youthful arrogance, only a calm assessment based on facts.
"And my abilities are probably no less than those of most adult wizards. Especially in terms of 'survival' and 'self-preservation,' I am confident that I have surpassed the vast majority of people."
"Besides, as a Ravenclaw, assessing the situation and protecting oneself are almost instinctive for us. Even if we encounter some insurmountable danger, you can trust me—I am at least capable of escaping unscathed and returning to Hogwarts alive!"
Even the composed Dumbledore couldn't help but twitch his eye slightly at this moment.
The highest form of humility is this kind of humility where you seem completely unaware that you are being humble, and you use the simplest language to say things that can infuriate your enemy.
Judging from Wade's words, it was as if he had already planned to scramble back before he even set off.
But considering the dangerous spells he possessed, the flames that burned the demonized forest, and the fact that no one knew exactly how many demonic puppets there were…
Even Dumbledore, given that Wade was on guard, wouldn't dare say he could definitely keep him.
It seems... there's really no need to worry too much about Vader's safety; rather, we should consider the stability of the American magical community...
Reflecting on my previous considerations—
We cannot confine our children to our side; we must let them face the storms and make choices, giving them ample space to burn and even scorch themselves, so that the small spark can truly grow into a prairie fire.
Dumbledore sighed softly and asked, "What are your plans?"
Wade couldn't help but smile and said, "Wade Gray will still be attending school, while I... I will be an ordinary person traveling to the United States alone."
"I suppose... for a tourist, America can't be a dangerous place fraught with peril, can it? The Purifiers and the Magical Congress won't bother with a Muggle, so I'll be free to act as I please..."
(End of this chapter)