Not So Simple

Amosta sipped his tea calmly, waiting for the young wizards to state their positions. But the silence dragged on for a long time.

The pure-blood descendants from prominent families understood the Dark Lord's terror far more deeply than children from ordinary wizarding families. They could not casually declare that they would oppose the Dark Lord.

"What?"

Having received no answer, Amosta spoke with slight disappointment.

"No one can think of an idea? Then should we wait until the Dark Lord dies of old age before pursuing our goal? Or should we abandon this impractical goal and choose an ideal that is easier to achieve?"

The impassioned atmosphere vanished soundlessly, like a dream. Amosta could see the embarrassment on the faces of the children who had sworn loyalty and pledged to follow him.

"We're not afraid of fighting the... huff... Dark Lord, sir—"

Blaise said, pale-faced and panting.

"We're willing to follow behind you, no matter who stands in our way."

"Your courage comforts me, Blaise,"

Amosta said approvingly.

"I also believe there is nothing to fear from the Dark Lord. I do not think I would lose to him. Besides, we can make use of Dumbledore, can't we? He has always firmly resisted the Dark Lord. If Dumbledore and I join forces, I believe the Dark Lord will not be able to accomplish much. And you—"

Amosta looked at the children, his eyes filled with great expectation.

"—will assist me in dealing with the Dark Lord's fiercely loyal Death Eaters, won't you?"

Draco shifted uneasily in his seat. At that moment, he was not the only one avoiding Amosta's gaze.

Ghostly pale-green flames radiated waves of chilling cold. The chains hanging from the ceiling clattered and rattled, sounding rather like a ghoul hidden inside old furniture grinding its teeth. Their