Malicious schemes

To be frank, the Sorting Hat considered itself to be a more senior figure in the Wizarding World than Dumbledore.

He had always been willing to help Dumbledore because Dumbledore a truly excellent job, with nothing to criticize.

From Hogwarts ' perspective, the Sorting Hat would be happy to see Dumbledore become Headmaster; no one in this era was more qualified than him.

However, despite Dumbledore's suitability as Headmaster, the Sorting Hat did not approve of Dumbledore on the matter of Harry.

As Harry's constant companion, living and eating with him and even talking incessantly in Harry mind, the Sorting Hat Sorting Hat practically watched Harry grow up, and in the process, its evaluation of Harry rose higher and higher.

Gradually, the Sorting Hat began to show signs of respect for its elders, and it also developed a certain degree of resistance to Dumbledore's plans.

Because he didn't want anything to happen to Harry, nor did he want Harry to gamble his life against Voldemort.

Dumbledore was getting impatient, even though he could have just given Will some time. But Harry would be the one to pay the price, and the Sorting Hat really didn't want to see that happen.

He could only cover for Will for now; maybe Will really could pull off a miracle?

This wasn't blind trust in Will; after all, a genius who could thoroughly research the Potion Transfiguration within a year might also be able to complete his studies in the Soul Studies within a year or two.

The Sorting Hat, realizing it couldn't offer Harry any real help, could only offer this indirect assistance...

Malfoy Manor.

Lucius and Yaxley pushed open the door to the Hidden Chamber.

In the high-backed chair in front of the Floo Network, pale fingers are turning the pages of a book.

"Master." Lucius bowed, his voice low, and Yaxley followed suit, bowing his head.

Voldemort, his red eyes squinting, said, "Lucius."

"Master," Lucius said hastily.

Voldemort looked displeased. "The task I gave Severus has been terrible; he hasn't made a single move."

Yaxley subtly raised his eyelids.

"Severus has always been cautious, Master," Lucius said, "He might be..."

"I don't need explanations," Voldemort interrupted him. "And your son's reports weren't timely enough either."

Lucius immediately shut his mouth, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, and hurriedly said, "Master, Draco is too foolish and incapable of shouldering such a great responsibility..."

"Your son isn't as bad as you make him out to be," Voldemort said, looking at Lucius. "Don't be alarmed, I don't intend to blame Draco."

I didn't call you here today to reprimand your son; I have a new task for you and Yaxley.

Lucius finally breathed a sigh of relief, "Please give your orders, Master."

"Those foreign Wizard, let them join the Death Eaters in organized groups, then choose a place," Voldemort said, "Teach them to fight, teach them to shut up, instill in them loyalty."

"I understand, Master." Lucius understood; it was about training troops. "Then, how about sending them to the Flamel Manor in Shropshire for drills?"

Voldemort nodded. "Very good, Lucius, you're very efficient. Yaxley, you'll be in charge of the main training."

"Yes, my great Master." Yaxley, whose face was usually fierce, was now as docile as Sheep.

Lucius quickly bowed his head. "You flatter me, great Master. It's all your Servant's duty."

"Hmph, how many people actually do it well?" Voldemort scoffed. "The second thing."

Lucius immediately lowered his posture and waited respectfully.

"I need a list," he said. "This list should include the home addresses of high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Magic, where their wives are, where their children are, and where their parents are buried."

And those people in academia, those who write books, those who concoct medicines, those old fogies who publish articles in Transfiguration Today —find out which houses they live in, and whether it's convenient for them to make a move. Try to find out.

Lucius took a deep breath. "I understand, Master, but... isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

He saw it clearly: this was an attack on someone's family. Wasn't this going a bit too far? Besides, many high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Magic and prominent figures in academia were Pure-blood wizard...

That's not a wise move.

Lucius tried to warn Voldemort, but was met with a glare from the man's scarlet eyes, and broke out in a cold sweat, too afraid to utter a word.

"What's wrong with it?" Voldemort's scarlet eyes slanted, sending a chill down Lucius's spine.

However, Voldemort was well aware that doing so was indeed problematic; by harming these people's families, his own situation would certainly become more difficult.

But it's impossible to leave these people alone—he wants the Deathly Hallows! He wants immense power.

He didn't believe Dumbledore would dare disregard so many lives just to protect the Elder Wand and the Invisibility Cloak.

If his men hadn't been so incompetent and foolish, failing repeatedly in their missions these past few days, would he have needed to resort to such methods?

As for whether doing so would cause the Wizarding World to hate them, and then they would be attacked by everyone...

What's the difference? If we continue like this, won't we be surrounded and attacked?

Only when he got the Elder Wand and the Invisibility Cloak from Dumbledore could he feel at ease.

His tone turned cold. "If you feel you can't do it... Draco..."

Lucius quickly replied, "I can do it, I can do it, but it might take some time."

"I want to see this list before Hogwarts goes on holiday this year."

There was plenty of time, Lucius breathed a sigh of relief as he bowed, "Yes, Master."

"The third thing, go and contact Severus, and tell him," Voldemort tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, "that I am very dissatisfied with his work this year. If when he comes to see me next time he has still accomplished nothing on the tasks I assigned him—"

Voldemort's implication was clear, Lucius was worried for Snape.

"I will convey your message personally, Master."

"Get out of here," Voldemort waved his hand, shooing the two away.

At Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat lay on the shelf in Dumbledore's Office, its brim twitching slightly.

Because of Harry's situation, this guy who only works one day a year felt "disturbed".

'Give that kid a little more time,' the Sorting Hat thought, 'and give that Silver-Gray- eyed boy a little more time too.'

The night outside the window was deep, and the lights in the Castle were going out one by one.

And on the High Tower outside the Castle.

In the top-floor Study, a pair of Silver-Gray Eyes were fixed on a notebook filled with forbidden knowledge, turning the pages one by one...