Harry froze as his gaze fell on those words.
[Scenario analysis: a highly classified investigation has been partially exposed by accident. Public opinion is beginning to build, and the target has been alerted as a result. As the person in charge, you face two choices:] [A) Make the best of the mistake: use the already uncontrolled pressure of public opinion to bring the investigation fully into the open, launching an open conspiracy to force the opponent lurking in the shadows to surface.] [B) Immediately take forceful measures to impose strict information controls, cut off every channel of disclosure, and return the investigation to absolute secrecy, preventing the situation from spiraling further out of control at any cost.] [Analyze in detail the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of both strategies, and the circumstances in which each would be appropriate. Explain your final choice in terms of "efficiency," "controllability," and "ultimate objective."]
Harry's mind buzzed.
Wasn't this...
Wasn't this his earlier plan?!
The open conspiracy Hermione had condemned as reckless in the Great Hall!
Professor Holmes... had actually made it an exam question!
A shudder shot from his tailbone to the crown of his head, mingling lingering fear with wild delight.
He had been understood!
His idea wasn't a child's impulse, but a serious strategic proposal worthy of an exam paper!
He could almost feel his maternal cousin's approving gaze from afar.
"The thinking is correct."
Harry tightened his grip on his quill, a powerful urge to defend his position rising within him.
He would prove to everyone, especially Hermione, that strategy A was the bravest, most effective choice!
He immediately began writing furiously, swiftly setting down the advantages of strategy A: taking the enemy by surprise, seizing the initiative, mobilizing every available force, and unleashing a storm of light against