Chapter 721

"Yes... yes, I could understand that sacrifice and change were necessary." Dumbledore nodded silently, indicating that he understood Tierra's thinking. "And honestly, the sacrifices and changes involved in the plan you proposed are fewer and gentler than in any previous plan."

"I also sincerely hoped Professor Nicolas Flamel could understand our intentions, and understand that everything we did was for a better future, a more harmonious society," Tierra said airily.

"All right, all right, I understood. When I had the chance, I would have a proper talk with him." Dumbledore nodded, indicating that he would do his best to communicate. "If I encountered any stubborn people unwilling to relocate during the journey, I would also do everything I could to persuade them."

"Thank you very much, Headmaster Dumbledore. You have always been my mentor and friend, and I trust your wisdom and negotiating skills," Tierra said happily—

And your brainwashing skills.

Tierra grumbled silently to himself.

"With your participation and sincere assistance, I believed our plan would proceed even more smoothly than before." Tierra smiled.

Tierra placed particular emphasis on the word "sincere."

"Of course," Dumbledore agreed. "But..."

Dumbledore paused, then continued, "But I wondered whether you had noticed. It seemed that an old friend of ours had recently slipped into Hogwarts again."

"Tom Marvolo Riddle," Tierra said. "He had already snuck in before you left on your travels."

"Why had you kept him around?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?" Tierra asked in return.

"You should have heard about some of the things that had happened recently in the International Magical Federation, shouldn't you?" Dumbledore said. "A young wizard had risen abruptly. No one knew his past or where he came from, yet he had persuaded one ancient, stubborn wizarding family after another to follow him and nominate him