Chapter 265 - 265: Susie's Ambition

Words : 2185 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Edward was stunned. "The Four-School Tournament? Isn't it called the Triwizard Tournament?" "Oh, of course. The Triwizard Tournament is a friendly competition jointly organised by Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons for over seven hundred years. It was originally held once every five years. But due to the high death toll, it was eventually suspended…" Dumbledore explained. "Originally, I planned to restart the tournament in my second year as Minister—next September—but Ilvermorny made the proposal first." "Why would an American wizarding school want to get involved in a European magical tournament?" "You didn't know? Ilvermorny's founder, Isolt Sayre, was a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin. They claim that the true legacy of Hogwarts lies with Slytherin, and Slytherin's true legacy lies with Ilvermorny." What kind of nonsense is that? "In any case, they've wanted to compete with us for a long time. This time, under the pretence of celebrating my election as Minister for Magic, they requested a Four-School Tournament." At this, Dumbledore glanced at Karkaroff. "Karkaroff has already agreed. He said he's happy to stay at Hogwarts for another year." Under everyone's gaze—especially Snape's disdainful stare—Karkaroff's face flushed slightly. "I…only agreed because I heard Ilvermorny is offering Salazar Slytherin's handwritten manuscripts as a prize." Dumbledore chuckled. "Of course. That's precisely why I agreed to this Four-School Tournament as well." Salazar Slytherin's manuscripts? Edward instantly understood what Dumbledore meant. The earliest clues about the divine abode had originated from secrets passed down by Slytherin's heir. Later, from Nicolas Flamel, they learned that the Mirror of Erised—suspected to be an entrance to the divine abode—was also placed in Hogwarts by Slytherin. But the trail had gone cold there. Whether it was Voldemort entering the Mirror or the existence of potential gods, the unknowns and dangers were too great. Naturally, everyone wanted to seize every possible clue to continue their investigation. And now, the sudden appearance of Slytherin's manuscripts—how could they possibly pass that up? Dumbledore continued, "Although the Four-School Tournament was proposed by Ilvermorny, it still falls upon the three European schools to organise it. So we've decided to visit the French Ministry of Magic and Beauxbatons to discuss the details." He looked at Nicolas Flamel. "Nicolas is planning to take this opportunity to revisit his alma mater." "As for the rest of you, I hope you'll take this chance to explore the Muggle world a little." Snape's expression shifted slightly. "Albus…you're not seriously planning to repeal the Statute of Secrecy, are you?" The gathered wizards looked surprised—especially Karkaroff, who stared at Dumbledore as if he were mad. "Not exactly," Dumbledore replied. "I just don't think wizards should remain so isolated from the world. Fear often stems from ignorance. Right now, the only reason we can maintain a superficial peace with Muggles is because they still don't have the means to challenge us." Dumbledore sighed deeply. "But you all know that while the wizarding world has seen little development over the past few centuries, Muggle society has advanced at an astonishing pace—especially in the last hundred years. You may not realise just how fast." "Both Edward and Gellert have predicted that by the time we enter the 21st century, Muggle technology will evolve even further. At that point, wizards will no longer be able to hide simply by avoiding the world." Edward spoke up at the right moment. "Imagine this—streets filled with cameras. Something that happens in Britain at one minute could be spread across the entire world the next. In such a world, Confundus Charms, Disillusionment Charms, Memory Charms—none of them will be effective anymore. Even if you manage to clean up a magical incident and wipe Muggles' memories, how do you erase the photos and footage that have already gone viral globally?" The wizards exchanged confused looks, struggling to understand the concepts Edward described. "Of course, I'm not going to recklessly reveal the existence of the magical world," Dumbledore continued, looking at Snape. "But I do hope wizards can begin to open their eyes, and learn more about the Muggle world. Severus, think about it—even you, a wizard born of Muggle heritage who already understands that world to some extent, are growing increasingly distant from it. Let alone the pure-bloods…" "You know, many of them have never even set foot in the Muggle world their entire lives." Snape frowned deeply, but couldn't deny that Dumbledore was speaking the truth. Professor Flitwick raised his hand. "Ahem, I'm one of those wizards who's never been to the Muggle world." "Filius, don't you go out to welcome the new students every year?" said Professor Sprout. "Oh, I wouldn't count that as having been to the Muggle world," Flitwick replied. Dumbledore concluded, "All right. What we need to do now is take the first step. Edward and Audrey will serve as our guides, and they'll lead this group of sheltered old professors on a little tour of the Muggle world in France." No one objected after that. In fact, they began looking forward to the day's journey. ——— 11:00 A.M. The group arrived at the centre of Place de Fürstemberg in Paris via Portkey, stepping into the French Ministry of Magic. Since they were officially visiting France as Hogwarts staff and students on holiday, they stayed at the Ministry only briefly—just long enough to register their information—before heading out into the streets of Paris, the "Romantic Capital of the World." As they walked between towering buildings, they marvelled at how Muggles, without the aid of magic, had managed to construct such tall structures. The cars weaving through the streets drew frequent exclamations of awe from the group. They strolled along the Seine, visited the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and several modern museums, and even ascended the Eiffel Tower to admire the panoramic view of the city. Most importantly, Edward specifically took them to observe Muggle schools—elementary, secondary, and university institutions—exposing them to modern teaching methods and educational philosophies. The experience left the professors questioning their own methods. Edward explained as he guided them, "Actually, if we want to change how wizards and Muggles perceive each other, the best approach is to start from childhood—and that's something education plays a crucial role in." Nicolas Flamel spoke softly, "I've thought about that very same thing long ago. Over the course of my long life, I've even made a few attempts...but the outcomes were never ideal." Audrey asked curiously, "Why not, Mr. Flamel?" "Because…fundamentally speaking, wizards and Muggles are two different kinds of people. Wizards are born with their gifts, and no matter what, Muggles can never become true wizards. When they're young, the difference isn't too noticeable, but as they grow older, it gradually leads to an imbalance—Muggles grow envious of wizards, while wizards develop contempt for Muggles." Flamel sighed. "There's an old saying I've always liked: It is not poverty that one fears, but inequality. That about sums it up." Edward fell into deep thought. Even if potions were someday truly popularised, it would never reach a point where everyone could become a wizard. Even in the early days of the mystical world—where the population base was much smaller—extraordinary beings remained extremely rare. It was a problem they had discussed before. From the balance between ordinary people and Beyonders maintained in the world of Lord of the Mysteries, it was clear that widespread distribution of potions wasn't necessary. It would suffice to open the extraordinary path selectively to the rulers among the common folk. What Dumbledore sought was to avoid a future war between Muggles and wizards. After all, only the ruling class ever had the power to start wars. If the rulers could be pacified, everything else would follow naturally. That afternoon, after a boat tour on the Seine, the group left Paris and headed to the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic nestled in the Pyrenees. Edward and Audrey, however, did not accompany them. Instead, they changed course and travelled to Japan. Yes. Edward intended to put his morning idea into action. ——— It was 6 p.m. in France, which meant it was already past 1 a.m. in Japan. The two arrived at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Tokyo Bay—America's main naval facility in the western Pacific, which it shared with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. Though a military installation and heavily guarded even at this late hour, not even a bird could have flown in unnoticed. But for Edward and Audrey, it was like walking into an empty field. With the use of Confundus Charms, Imperius Curses, and Memory Charms, the entire operation passed without a single disturbance. They moved silently, drawing no attention. Following a prepared list, they took two of each advanced fighter jet stationed there and casually 'borrowed' all kinds of scientific documents—some they couldn't even understand or tell whether they'd be useful. By early morning, the entire world was shaken by this event. The supernatural nature of the event naturally led to suspicions of wizard involvement. Yet, no trace had been left behind. In the end, Japan and the U.S. could only ask their local magical governments for help. And just like that, time passed unnoticed, bringing them to their final day. ——— December 30th. This was Edward and Audrey's last day in the world of Harry Potter. Having spent so much time with the Golden Trio recently, their bond had grown considerably. Now, upon learning that Edward and Audrey would soon leave again for a month-long "study tour," the children were clearly reluctant to say goodbye. So at noon, they gathered at Hagrid's hut, where the half-giant held a simple farewell party in their honour. As they left, Hagrid tearfully begged them to bring the dragon Anna next time, to which both readily agreed. After bidding farewell to the trio, they paid one last visit to Dumbledore, as was their custom. "We're still in the midst of discussing the Four-School Tournament," Dumbledore informed them as soon as they entered the office. "At the moment, I'm considering scrapping the traditional student competition format altogether and turning it into a contest among professors instead." Edward looked surprised. "That actually sounds...more interesting." Dumbledore smiled. "I think so too." Edward's expression turned serious. "What I'm worried about is what happens if Voldemort returns while we're away. No one knows what kind of power he'll have once he comes back." "There's nothing we can do about that," Dumbledore said, shaking his head. He gazed at Edward with his bright blue eyes, voice gentle. "Edward, you must remember this: you may be special, someone capable of travelling between two worlds, but you must never let that become a burden. You're not a saviour. You owe no one anything, and you're not responsible for anyone else." "This world still has the rest of us," Dumbledore said confidently. "It won't collapse! Even if Voldemort does make it into the domain of the gods—so what? Aren't we now walking a path that might lead us to godhood too?" "I refuse to believe that just stepping into that realm instantly makes one a god. If it were that easy, then godhood would be far too cheap." Edward straightened up. "Understood, Professor." Dumbledore turned to Audrey. "Audrey, I'll leave Edward in your care." Audrey smiled. "Don't worry, Professor. I'll keep an eye on him." Lilith quickly added, "Miss Lilith will too!" With a smile, Dumbledore addressed Lilith and Susie, "I've already taught you both the revised basic magic suited to your needs. Whether you can master it now is up to you." Lilith proudly took out her tiny wand from her pendant. "Miss Lilith can already cast the Levitation Charm!" Susie looked a little embarrassed. "My paws aren't as nimble as Lilith's, so I have to hold the wand in my mouth...I'm progressing slowly." "That's okay. Take your time." Dumbledore suddenly tapped his forehead as if remembering something. He handed a small pouch to each of them. "Oh right, here's what you asked me for a few days ago. I got it this morning from Pomona…but I still think it's a bit risky." Edward and Audrey both looked surprised. "What's risky?" Edward took the pouch meant for Lilith and opened it. "Mandrake leaves?!" He turned sharply to the two little creatures. "You…don't tell me you're thinking of becoming Animagi?" Lilith shook her head. "Miss Lilith only asked because Susie asked Professor Whitebeard for it first. I don't know what it's for~" Susie looked nervous and lowered her head. "I-I want to try it." Audrey blinked, somewhat incredulous. "Try what, Susie?" "I was wondering…humans can use the Animagus transformation to become animals…so could an animal use the Animagus transformation…to become human?" ——— [Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.

Chapter 265 - 265: Susie's Ambition

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