Barty Jr.'s Confession

There was nothing secret about the reasoning process. Wade had merely omitted his discussion with Antoine, while deliberately mentioning the hint Malfoy had given him.

In his telling, narrowing it down to Filch had been even simpler—

Of everyone in the school, Filch was the person most likely to come into contact with outsiders and most likely to be overlooked. At the same time, his change in attitude toward Wade had been an obvious flaw.

On the surface, Wade had little contact with Filch. Therefore, Barty Jr. had never imagined that this Administrator, hated by all the students and even the professors, could actually form a friendship with someone.

He had overlooked that possibility even when using Legilimency.

In a sense, this Death Eater was very much like his master, the Dark Lord—they possessed the same arrogance and stubbornness.

After hearing the entire account, Sirius, who had witnessed everything from the side, finally showed a look of realization. A trace of approval flashed in Dumbledore's eyes.

"Very perceptive, Wade."

The Headmaster watched him kindly, a smile finally appearing on his face.

"But what pleases me even more is that while most people look toward where the light shines brightest, you were able to treat our Administrator with kindness, discover the value everyone else overlooked in him, and make him willing to trust and protect you."

Sirius suddenly shifted in his seat and scratched his face awkwardly.

Dumbledore said, "That is precisely your most precious quality—you can see the places shrouded in shadow, and those weak people who cannot speak for themselves... That quality is more precious than any champion's trophy."

After a pause, he said in a low voice, "Never lose it, Wade."

After a moment of silence, Wade replied softly, "Yes, Professor."

A great embankment could collapse because of