Fudge took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.
"Moody, I understand your feelings, but we must follow proper procedure. Peter Pettigrew is an important witness—we need to ensure everything is handled within the framework of the law."
Moody remained in Fudge's office, pressing him about Sirius Black, which greatly displeased the Minister. After ordering his subordinates to escort Pettigrew away, Fudge tried to end the meeting by serving tea and subtly hinting at his guest to leave. But Moody had no intention of going quietly.
"What about Sirius?" Moody asked bluntly. "Don't play dumb. Now that Pettigrew has been captured, the charges against Sirius should be cleared."
Fudge rubbed his forehead, looking weary.
"That's a matter for the Ministry."
"You made a promise with Dumbledore back then—"
At the sound of Dumbledore's name, it was as if Fudge had been struck on a nerve. His emotions suddenly boiled over.
"I am the Minister of Magic!!"
Disappointed to the core by Fudge's attitude, Moody left the office without another word.
Once alone, Fudge's fury erupted in full.
"Dumbledore, Dumbledore…" His face flushed a dark, angry red as he suddenly swept everything off his desk and sent it crashing to the floor. "Everyone only ever talks about Dumbledore! I am the Minister of Magic!!"
Years of pent-up frustration from being overshadowed by Dumbledore finally exploded. Fudge could no longer bear the feeling of being ignored and belittled.
He resolved to act—he would reassert his authority and push back against Dumbledore's influence.
---
Back at Hogwarts, Moody immediately sought out Dumbledore, warning him to be cautious of Fudge.
"That man resents you deeply. I could see it—he's already planning to move against you."
Dumbledore showed little concern. Fudge's actions were exactly what he had anticipated.
His current focus was on destroying Voldemort's Horcruxes—especially the one most within reach: Ravenclaw's diadem.
"Thank you, Moody. I'll be careful. But right now, our top priority is locating and destroying the Horcruxes. Only then can we truly end Voldemort's threat."
Together, Dumbledore and Wes Elwin climbed to the eighth floor of Hogwarts Castle. Following the intelligence extracted from Voldemort, they concentrated on the type of room they needed. Passing three times before the stretch of wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy being clubbed by trolls, a smooth door materialized.
"I once took a wrong turn on the way to the lavatory and stumbled into this room. At the time, it was filled with all sorts of finely made chamber pots," Dumbledore recalled wistfully. "Since then, I've never been able to find it again. Even as headmaster, this school still holds countless secrets waiting to be unearthed."
Wes, on the other hand, had little interest in such sentiment. This was his first time setting foot inside.
The moment they entered, they saw it—a jeweled, glittering crown resting in the room. Dumbledore picked it up and examined it closely. Engraved along the base were the famous words of Rowena Ravenclaw:
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."
"They say it grants the wearer enhanced wisdom," Dumbledore said with a look of genuine regret. "Sadly, aside from Lady Ravenclaw herself, no one ever learned the method of its creation."
Wes took the diadem and examined it carefully, but found nothing unusual.
Maybe wearing it would make a difference. But he immediately dismissed the thought. Since a fragment of Voldemort's soul was sealed inside, putting it on would only give that fragment an opportunity to take hold.
"Though it's a pity, this is the only way." Dumbledore tapped the diadem lightly with the Elder Wand, and black flames instantly flared up. Under the burning of fiendfyre, the diadem gradually melted. The Horcrux within screamed and struggled in the flames until it was reduced to ashes along with the crown itself.
Dumbledore let out a breath of relief. At last, they could confirm that the intelligence extracted from Voldemort was genuine.
Wes, however, felt a pang of regret. To him, Voldemort had squandered a priceless treasure by turning it into a Horcrux. He would have liked to study the diadem further, but knowing that Voldemort had built protections into each Horcrux, he chose not to risk being ensnared.
For the time being, Dumbledore delegated Hogwarts' daily affairs to Professor McGonagall and set out to search for the other Horcruxes.
To ensure stability and safety at the school, Dumbledore also granted part of the headmaster's authority to Wes—including the ability to Apparate within Hogwarts.
That year was certainly full of thrills and trials for Harry and Cedric.
Not only had they both become Triwizard champions, they had also faced Death Eaters together and witnessed Voldemort's death. These experiences forged a deep bond between them, but the weight of secrecy forced them to confide only in each other.
Over time, the two became inseparable friends, to the point where even Ron began to grow jealous.
Yet Harry carried a hidden guilt. He had long harbored feelings for Cedric's girlfriend, Cho Chang, and this gnawed at him, leaving him torn and uncertain about how to deal with such complicated emotions.
Meanwhile, Wes faced a challenge of his own.
"The Philosopher's Stone is this troublesome?"
He had been struggling to extract energy from the Stone.
Sacrificial rituals did work—by sacrificing, he could draw pure energy from the Stone—but the remaining wraiths would riot and attack the nearest living being.
The sheer number of wraiths was enough to shatter both consciousness and soul. Even Wes could not withstand such an assault.
"What should I do?" Wes leaned back in his chair, the table before him strewn with magical books and notes.
Sacrifice Jandy? The thought flashed through his mind, only to be dismissed immediately.
Jandy had served him faithfully for years, loyal and tireless. Wes could never bring himself to harm him.
The problem was, the ritual required someone absolutely loyal to Wes. Only Jandy fit that condition—only Jandy regarded Wes as something close to a deity.
"Who could take Jandy's place?" Wes rubbed his temples, trying to clear his mind.
"Replacement."
"Replacement."
The word echoed again and again in his thoughts.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
"There doesn't need to be someone to replace Jandy entirely—just someone, or something, to replace Jandy in bearing the damage!"
"Voodoo dolls! Magic that transfers harm!"
The path became clear in an instant. Wes leapt to his feet and began pacing the room, rapidly piecing together a detailed plan
°°°
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