Shawn's dark eyes met Dumbledore's in a sharp, unyielding stare. Neither gave an inch.
"Headmaster, we both know that England may seem to hold the greatest influence in the wizarding world, but with the Double Serpent Society watching from the sidelines, that influence is far too hollow.
"Attacking Gringotts would, at most, bolster the confidence of our own wizards. But didn't you see those headmasters representing their countries' Ministries of Magic? They looked ready to come over and demand an explanation at any moment.
"So that hollow influence probably won't do much for the grand plan of shared prosperity between Muggles and wizards that we're about to advance.
"That means the strongest deterrent would be to seize a few disobedient Ministries of Magic as quickly as possible!
"Rest assured, Headmaster. I'll wage a lightning war and achieve the greatest results with the fewest casualties."
Dumbledore understood the reasoning every bit as well as Shawn.
But once war and death entered the picture, this law-abiding White Wizard could never be as decisive as Shawn and Grindelwald.
He did not immediately answer Shawn's challenge or persuasion. Instead, he took out another glass of Tadpole Abode, deeply furrowed his brow, and lowered his head to drink.
Shawn did not hurry him, turning instead to take in the sights around the hall.
Only then did he notice a resentful gaze fixed on him.
Krum?
I don't have any quarrel with him, do I?
But after glancing at Hermione, who was elegantly eating her dinner in small bites, he understood.
Even the somewhat unkempt Hermione of the original story had attracted this gifted Seeker, let alone the prettier, more poised Hermione of today.
Krum had probably invited Hermione long ago. The result was easy enough to imagine.
Shawn had unwittingly become her shield.
As for