Doesn't Your Conscience Ache?

Noon.

The outskirts of London.

Vinson Wright's residence.

A fiery phoenix landed on the windowsill.

The phoenix, carrying a letter, tapped on the window. This was the phoenix Dumbledore had specifically sent to deliver a reply, and even the envelope was made of special fireproof paper.

The old man could discern Vinson Wright's hidden arrogance from the letter. This was fitting for an excellent individual, and it also meant someone needed to tell him that the world was vast.

A mythical phoenix, an immortal bird.

Dumbledore chose to use this method to give Vinson Wright his first lesson. The old man was mentally prepared for Vinson to cause trouble at Hogwarts.

"It seems things are progressing well..."

Vinson Wright saw Phoenix Fawkes carrying the envelope and walked to the window contentedly. He gently opened the window and took the envelope the phoenix was holding.

The contents of the envelope were very simple.

It was indeed a reply from Dumbledore.

[Dear Mr. Wright,]

[Regarding your question, my advice is it's best not to.]

[If Anivia keeps Hogwarts in a state of perpetual winter, many people will be troubled by it. I've always believed that summer popsicles are better than winter roast chicken. I'm sure Mr. Barty Crouch will help you take good care of Anivia.]

[If you insist on bringing your companion to school with you, perhaps I can help you find a suitable place at the school to house Anivia.]

[Finally, Mr. Wright, like us, possesses a kind heart. For us, kindness has never been something difficult to express, nor does it need to be hidden.]

[Happy birthday.]

[Hope to see you soon.]

[Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore]

[P.S. If you have any butterscotch on hand, you can feed a piece to Fawkes, considering the feather it shed is your birthday gift. This is a fair transaction for both you and Fawkes, isn't it?]

After Vinson Wright finished reading the letter, he glanced at the phoenix still standing by the window, unwilling to leave. He unfolded the envelope and discovered a phoenix feather inside.

Was this Dumbledore's gift?

Vinson Wright put away the envelope and picked up a small snack from the table, offering it to Phoenix Fawkes, who was standing by the window. He watched as the phoenix pecked a few times before spreading its wings and flying away.

"The plan went very smoothly."

Vinson Wright calmly put down the envelope.

The phoenix feather that wizards around the world yearned for was casually placed on his table because he had obtained something more important.

As expected...

The wise old man had noticed.

Fair transactions had always been Vinson's style since elementary school.

Now that Dumbledore mentioned it and even publicly praised his hidden kindness in the letter, Vinson Wright knew his performance had been successful.

Over the years.

Dumbledore had secretly sent people to protect Harry Potter, and he himself had even secretly observed Harry Potter's life at Wisteria Elementary School.

Vinson Wright, with his extremely high presence, was an undeniable factor. This arrogant and aloof young boy harbored a gentleness and kindness that was hard for ordinary people to perceive.

Dumbledore had captured Vinson's kindness.

In fact, anyone with rich experience and an observer's perspective could actually capture the shining points within Vinson Wright.

A light projected from within the mist, if one looked closely, would appear exceptionally bright, subconsciously causing people to overlook one thing...

This light...

Was actually emanating from the mist itself.

Whatever problems the mist itself might have, they would never overshadow the existence of this light. People would believe this light to be the core of the mist.

Clang.

The sound of a door opening interrupted Vinson's thoughts.

Old Barty Crouch, still in his suit and carrying a birthday cake, walked in, his expression somewhat grim. "I think I just saw Phoenix Fawkes. Dumbledore is very clever; he might have discovered the secret of this house..."

If Dumbledore discovered the secret of this house, the fact that his son, young Barty Crouch, was still alive would be exposed, and then everything would be meaningless...

This was also why Old Barty Crouch did not want to contact Dumbledore.

While speaking of these potential dangers, Old Barty Crouch's gaze fell upon the Hogwarts-crested envelope on the table. His brow furrowed involuntarily. "Is Hogwarts already sending out acceptance letters by phoenix now?"

This was a bit extravagant.

The envelope on the table was made of fireproof parchment, a type of paper only used by the Ministry of Magic for recording top-secret documents.

"It's a letter from Dumbledore."

Vinson Wright gestured towards Old Barty Crouch with his chin, signaling him to put away the envelope on the table. "The letter contains a phoenix feather from Dumbledore. I'm giving it to you."

After speaking, Vinson took out the freshman enrollment list from before: "This morning, I already received the acceptance letter."

"Why would Dumbledore send a letter?"

Old Barty Crouch asked, as he put away the envelope containing the Phoenix Feather, because only he could truly bring out the value of this feather.

"I sent Anivia to Hogwarts."

Vinson Wright said calmly, leaning back in his chair: "This is equivalent to telling Dumbledore that I might cause some trouble at Hogwarts..."

"That Ice Bird?"

Old Barty Crouch clearly remembered Vinson Wright's Ice Bird, and only he had truly witnessed how powerful its magic was: "That's not a pet just anyone can own. Dumbledore will suspect you..."

"He won't."

Vinson interrupted Barty Crouch with conviction, and slowly explained: "I've already told Dumbledore that Anivia is a birthday gift you gave me..."

"..."

Old Barty Crouch's brow furrowed instantly.

At all times, Old Barty Crouch would try his best to remain calm; taking the blame for something was not a particularly troublesome matter.

"There's also good news."

A smile tugged at the corner of Vinson Wright's lips, filled with joy: "I can now tell you the greatest achievement I gained while studying at Muggle elementary school these past few years."

"Dumbledore has been secretly observing Harry Potter."

"Therefore, he must have noticed my actions at that Muggle elementary school, which will give him a fixed impression of me."

"As long as he has a fixed impression of me, he will psychologically accept one fact... that I have always been a student who conceals my goodwill and deliberately acts unreasonably."

Of course.

Vinson didn't mention the most important reason.

Someone who actually causes trouble all over the school is the easiest to gain trust; no one would suspect them of plotting some conspiracy to overturn the Wizarding World.

"..."

Old Barty Crouch stared intently at Vinson Wright.

He had to admit, Vinson's calculations were not at all befitting his age.

Even among adult Wizards, or even during Voldemort's reign of terror, it seemed overly insidious, as it was a pure exploitation of human thought and nature...

But...

Calculating an old man...

Doesn't Vinson's conscience hurt?

A brief explanation.

Conscience: A magical organ within the human body, sometimes present, sometimes absent, and occasionally usable as ingredients for canine cuisine.