"That's why I think we can bring the branch into this and make some friends. The magical exposure incident offers an excellent opportunity to give the branch legitimate grounds to intervene. If possible, we should share some of the credit for the international magical exchange."
Barty Crouch Sr. looked at Vaughn, a faint smile appearing on his stiff face. "You've already brought Fudge in, after all. Why not bring in a few more? It would also help keep Fudge in check. He's been far too active lately. He seems to have forgotten who backed him."
Frankly, Crouch's suggestion tempted Vaughn.
It was an angle he had never considered before.
After all, he was only a second-year student. His understanding of the various factions in England's wizarding world was indeed lacking. Of course, that was precisely why he had recruited Barty Crouch Sr. the previous year.
Now, after a full year aboard their pirate ship, Barty Crouch Sr. was finally proving useful.
After giving it careful thought, Vaughn did not refuse. For one thing, Barty Crouch Sr.'s proposal sounded quite workable. For another, this was the first time the man had offered advice as one of their own.
Even if only to spare his feelings and preserve his enthusiasm, Vaughn should not reject him outright.
With that in mind, Vaughn nodded. "Since you proposed it, let's do it your way!"
At this answer, Barty Crouch gave a stiff smile. "No, you and Dumbledore must handle this personally. In the eyes of those Irishmen, I'm just an old has-been. I don't carry enough weight. They won't speak honestly in front of me-"
Tsk! Vaughn found it rather absurd. A Ministry of Magic department head wanted the president of the International Confederation of Wizards to accompany a wizard planning to overturn the International