"We'll follow the original plan for the early stages." Silan looked at Sirius. "Once you've drawn everyone's attention and got people talking, start moving towards Hogwarts."
"Then all you need to do is pretend Professor Dumbledore defeated you, and you can be held at Hogwarts without raising any questions."
Sirius understood and nodded eagerly, picking up where Silan left off. "That way, the Ministry of Magic will definitely demand that Headmaster Dumbledore hand me over. Then we can request a trial during the negotiations."
"Exactly." Silan nodded.
This approach would keep Sirius safe while also giving them the initiative.
As long as Sirius was at Hogwarts, even the Minister for Magic couldn't seize him right in front of Dumbledore.
Of course, even if he tried, he wouldn't stand a chance.
When the time came, Dumbledore only had to reveal that some crucial details of the events back then remained unclear and that Sirius might be innocent. Using that to pressure the Ministry of Magic into holding a trial would be perfectly reasonable.
"So that settles it?" Harry asked, sounding pleasantly surprised.
Sirius smiled at Harry and nodded. "It really is a good plan."
Harry's spirits, which had just hit rock bottom, soared again, bright and sunny. He couldn't help casting Silan a grateful look.
Silan always knew what to do.
"It seems you don't need any ideas from me." Dumbledore smiled and nodded, his beard swaying slightly, tinted pale gold by the candlelight. "However, I suggest you needn't be defeated by me."
The other three looked at him in confusion.
Dumbledore chuckled. "To borrow the words of our previous Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, I doubt anyone wants to read a story about an old man defeating a fugitive."
"So I propose that Silan take my place."
The three