Bang!
A deafening thunder roared across the mountains and ravines, shaking the world to its core!
In an instant, the earth-shattering rain covered the world, and the once smooth surface of the lake reflected with shining ripples was now turbulent in the midst of fierce winds and heavy rain. Lightning bolts lit up the towering towers of Hogwarts one by one, casting the dim castle in an eerie pale light.
The storm surge caused the lake water to rise rapidly, flooding the banks almost immediately. However, as the tumultuous river approached the standing faces of Armosa and Dumbledore in the storm, it naturally diverted its flow, coursing elsewhere.
Darkness is stirring, keeping silent?
"Have you made a decision?"
Armosa thought back to his previous conjecture. Harry had spent nearly half of his learning career at Hogwarts, and in the coming time point, Voldemort would seize the opportunity to return. And Dumbledore was clearly more clear-sighted. He had already sensed from some clues that this moment of disaster was inevitable.
"What prompted you to make such a decision?"
Before Dumbledore could answer the first question, Armosa continued with the second.
"In the two months since you left Hogwarts—"
Addressing Armosa, Dumbledore spoke calmly,
"Severus has privately warned me multiple times. His secret magical connection with Tom has alerted him that Tom is becoming stronger—"
"Secret magical connection?"
Armosa furrowed his brow, knowing that Snape had worked for Voldemort in the past, but what was a secret magical connection?
"A Dark Mark, I believe you have heard of the intimate bond between Tom and his disciples."
Dumbledore spoke succinctly.
"Tom clearly has received some assistance that has allowed him to slightly escape the state of vulnerability he was in twelve years ago, after the Dark Mark reversed the Killing Curse and robbed him of his physical form. As I know him, he will certainly not be satisfied. He will do everything in his power to regain his former magical abilities."
"What assistance, and who is helping him?"
In the magical world today, if one were to ask who knows the most about Voldemort's situation, there is no doubt that it is this elderly man standing before them, who has stood in the world for a century. In this regard, Armosa is far inferior to Dumbledore.
Armosa's gaze focused on Dumbledore's deep blue eyes.
"I'm not omniscient, Armosa—" Dumbledore managed a slight smile at the corners of his mouth, "But no matter when, Tom always finds a way to get assistance."
"What do you think he will do?"
"I've already told you, Armosa, my withering mind may contain much information, but I am not omniscient. Many times, I can only guess to infer the direction of events."
"Go ahead and guess then, Headmaster Dumbledore. After all, a wrong guess isn't going to make a big difference—" Gazing at the weary expression on the aged face beside him, Armosa smiled.
The world was turbulent with fierce winds and heavy rain, but amidst the gloomy heavens, Armosa's serene smile seemed like a clear beacon, which also dispelled some of Dumbledore's worries and melancholy. Looking down at the face that was so youthful yet remarkably calm, which was taller than his own by a head, Dumbledore couldn't help but notice that the lines on his forehead had faded somewhat.
"Alright, since you've asked, Armosa— " Dumbledore's voice became light and cheerful, "Then let's make an educated guess."
After pausing, Dumbledore did not reveal his guess but instead posed a question instead,
"You're familiar with horcruxes, Armosa. I suppose you should also be aware of the methods that can help a wizard who possesses a horcrux but has lost his body, to restore his former magical powers?"
For a moment, Armosa conducted a search of the vast amount of magical knowledge stored in his mind. As those knowledge points passed before him, Armosa's forehead furrowed slightly.
Not because he couldn't find it, but because there were too many choices!
There are not only complete and incomplete systems of magic from modern times and ancient times, but also magic that is not rare, which can help a wraith to restore its physical form.
No one dares to claim expertise in all magical knowledge, whether it's Dumbledore or Armosa. They want to identify a method that Voldemort might use from among these magic.
Armosa stared deeply into Dumbledore's bright eyes, and suddenly, something moved in his heart.
"Do you think he'll involve Harry?"
"This is the most likely one--"
Dumbledore turned his gaze toward the Gryffindor tower.
"I guess, over the years, Tom has been doing everything he can to figure out why his magic failed on Harry back then, and now, he should at least have some understanding of it."
Dumbledore clearly didn't want to delve into it further, but based on this information, he had a pretty good idea anyway.
It was also understandable that Dumbledore asked himself to remain silent about the reasons for what might happen at Hogwarts next school year.
Many thoughts flashed through Armosta's mind in an instant, but the one that came out of his mouth was just one sentence.
"Have you considered that Harry could still die, headmaster?"
Dumbledore fell silent, and after a long while, he said tiredly,
"I cannot foresee everything, but I will do my utmost to ensure Harry's safety, Armosa. This also requires your power. Perhaps you may think it is despicable of me to send a child in his fourth year to the most dangerous dark wizard of all time—"
"No—" Armosta shook his head, "That is the most praiseworthy quality of yours."
The clouds dispersed, and the sun shone down on the earth once more.
At the school gate, Sirius pushed his way through the heavy iron doors. He spotted Armosa and Dumbledore by the lakeside from a distance.
"By the way, Armosa—"
Looking at Sirius, who was running towards them, Dumbledore suddenly said,
"I don't know why you're insistent on jumping over the Ministry to go to Azkaban, but for the convicts there. I hope you don't interfere too much in their peaceful lives."
"I'll be careful."
Armosa walked forward, smiling and greeting Sirius with a wave of his hand, full of enthusiasm.
"I heard you went to negotiate with the Dursleys. How did it go? What's the outcome?"
"Needless to say!"
Sirius, who was forced to sit down from his classroom seat, showed no signs of dejection. He ran excitedly and said with a smile,
"He was right, those Dursleys are really unlikable."
Sirius' gaze swept over Armosa's shoulder, taking in Dumbledore not far away, and he lowered his voice.
"I threatened them. If Harry is treated unfairly or targets of any sort at the Dursleys' home, I will personally destroy their house with magic! "
"I told them I was escaped from Azkaban, so I don't care about adding more deaths to my record. You should have seen their reactions, Armosa. The fat kid who's almost as heavy as a young whale was scared to wet his pants!"
To be honest, Armosa didn't entirely approve of Sirius's actions, but he didn't voice any opinion of his own either. He simply smiled casually.
"How are you preparing?"
"I'm ready at any time."
Sirius said cheerfully.
(Chapter Complete)
