章 461: 0460 Independence
"You didn't come up with this idea just to get rid of these tedious application processes, did you, Bryan?"
"To be honest, a considerable part of the reason is because of this--" Bryan chuckled, his voice light and cheerful.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm relieved that you don't intend to turn Hogwarts into another Ministry of Magic, Bryan. But even with your current intentions, this would still be a significant upheaval—"
"I just think that Hogwarts doesn't need a Board of Governors hanging over it—"
The moment of light-heartedness passed, and Bryan's demeanor grew more serious. Suddenly, he raised a hand and beckoned with his finger. A thick book, thicker than any other on the shelves lining one wall of the circular office, wriggled slightly before floating off the shelf and landing on the desk.
*Hogwarts: A History*.
Dumbledore's gaze fell upon it, and in that instant, he understood what Bryan intended to say.
"When the four great founders first established this school, Hogwarts didn't have a Board of Governors. It was only after they passed away, several centuries later, that the school faced difficulties—Hogwarts was nearly forced to close down.
To ensure the school's survival, the Headmaster at the time decided to accept financial support from some of the most prominent pure-blood families in the wizarding world at that time. In exchange, Hogwarts established the Board of Governors, requiring their approval for major decisions regarding the school's daily operations and staff appointments."
Bryan tapped the hard cover of the book with his finger, raising an eyebrow.
"Last year, Hogwarts was shrouded in fear due to the Chamber of Secrets incident, with rumors circulating that the school might close because of it. The Board of Governors didn't offer any help; instead, they became Lucius Malfoy's accomplices in trying to remove you from the school. In fact, this wasn't an isolated incident. In the hundreds of years since the board of directors existed, they have been doing more harm than good to the school. "
"History is a valuable asset," Dumbledore said with a smile, "but not many wizards are able to see it that way—"
"I understand your point, Headmaster—"
Discussing this matter inevitably brought up an unavoidable topic—money.
Hogwarts doesn't charge any fees from its students, and even if it did, the income wouldn't be sufficient.
The salaries of the professors, the food and drink for hundreds of young wizards throughout the year, the daily supplies for various courses, the regular maintenance and repairs of the school, and financial aid for students in need, etc—Hogwarts consumes at least tens of thousands of Galleons each year. Without the financial backing of the powerful Board of Governors, it can be said that the school wouldn't be able to operate for even a single day.
Bryan's plan to abolish the Board of Governors would first face the challenge of how to fill the financial gap left by their departure. He would need to find a way to provide Hogwarts with at least tens of thousands of Galleons annually. This isn't a problem that personal wealth can solve. Either Bryan would have to convince the Ministry of Magic to allocate special funds for education every year, or he would have to create a business that could continuously fund Hogwarts.
And neither of these two solutions is easy to achieve.
"But this is something we must do. Have you considered the implications, Headmaster? The current members of the Board of Governors mostly come from the Sacred Twenty-Eight, many of whom are of questionable character. If we find ourselves in a war, and they withdraw their support from Hogwarts, what situation would the school be in then?"
Dumbledore understood Bryan's desire to abolish the Board of Governors. Given the current circumstances, it was almost certain that once Dumbledore stepped down as Headmaster of Hogwarts, Bryan would be his successor, assuming he was willing to take the position.
And Bryan, naturally, would not want a Board of Governors looming over him.
However, Dumbledore hadn't anticipated that Bryan would consider the issue from such perspective.
"That's an unexpected viewpoint, Bryan. Though, knowing Tom as I do, he probably wouldn't have thought of this brilliant idea—but—"
Dumbledore's expression grew much more serious. He nodded thoughtfully.
"This is indeed a possibility. If Hogwarts were to find itself in such a situation and the Ministry of Magic failed to provide the necessary support, the school would face a difficult predicament."
Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled, indicating he was seriously contemplating the issue.
"Perhaps I should speak with Cornelius, see if it's possible to secure—"
Dumbledore thought aloud, but halfway through his words, he shook his head slightly and stopped.
"Seeking educational grants from the Ministry of Magic is feasible under normal circumstances. However, Headmaster, in times of war, it's not a wise idea—" Bryan said calmly.
"First of all, you can't be certain that Cornelius Fudge would stand with this school in every situation. And more importantly, the same group of people supports both Hogwarts's daily operations and the Ministry's finances, don't they?"
Before being driven out of the school board, the Malfoy family was the most powerful family within the board. Additionally, the Malfoy family's numerous businesses paid the most taxes to the Ministry of Magic in the British wizarding world. To make matters worse, Lucius Malfoy was also a 'loyal' Death Eater.
Several seats on the Hogwarts School Board of Directors were in a similar situation, which was precisely what troubled Bryan.
Once war broke out, Hogwarts would become a spiritual banner, but whether this banner could stand, depended on the opponent's wishes. Of course, Bryan trusted Dumbledore's judgment. Voldemort, who had always used the restoration of pureblood family glory as his banner, probably didn't have such a broad vision. However, this was a life-or-death struggle, and these hidden dangers had to be eliminated at all costs.
"What's your solution, Bryan?" Dumbledore asked, fully aware that since Bryan had come seeking his support with this issue tonight, he likely already had an idea. When it came to accumulating wealth, Dumbledore knew he was certainly no match for Bryan.
Bryan's replied calmly. "Before we can even consider dismantling the school board, Hogwarts must establish its own economic foundation. Prior to my return here, I had a conversation with Remus. I've tasked him with a crucial investigation – to identify the essential goods that form the backbone of daily life for ordinary witches and wizards. Moreover, I've asked him to trace these goods back to their source, uncovering the workshops that produce them and, most importantly, the individuals who truly control these operations."
Dumbledore's bushy eyebrows rose slightly as he considered the implications of this plan. "I see the direction of your thinking, Bryan," he said, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "But you're proposing to overthrow the established markets with entirely novel products, all within an extremely compressed timeframe. Even if you intend to leverage your reputation as a guarantee, I fear the it would still be difficult —"
The warm glow of the candles seemed unable to penetrate the inscrutable expression that had settled over Bryan's face. Faced with Dumbledore's probing questions, he found himself at a crossroads, unsure whether to reveal the full scope of his strategy. If he failed to secure Dumbledore's backing, any exposed plans would be as good as ruined.
After a moment of internal struggle, Bryan made his decision. Dumbledore had demonstrated his trust by sharing sensitive information; it was only right that Bryan reciprocate in kind. Mutual trust, after all, was the foundation upon which their alliance against the coming darkness must be built.
"It's a complex plan," Bryan began, his tone carefully neutral even as a cold determination glinted in his eyes. The shift in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by Dumbledore, who felt a twinge of concern at what was to come.
"Our primary objective," Bryan continued, "is to unshackle Hogwarts from external constraints. To achieve this, we must ensure that the school has its own industries and revenue streams.
The investigation I've set Remus upon is designed to uncover the production methods behind goods that are integral to the daily lives of ordinary wizards. While I can't predict with certainty who all the major players are, it's a foregone conclusion that our probe will ultimately affect some of the families represented on the school board."
He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I want to make it clear that I'm not advocating for the wholesale destruction of these families and their legacies. However, there is one inviolable condition: they cannot align themselves with Voldemort's cause. Should any family breach this condition, their businesses will be driven into bankruptcy, and Hogwarts will move immediately to fill the market void they leave behind. This will serve the dual purpose of establishing Hogwarts' own financial network while simultaneously weakening Voldemort's potential support base."
"A financial network," Dumbledore repeated thoughtfully, the phrase hanging heavy in the air between them. "How do you propose to ensure its success, Bryan? I doubt our opponents will stand idly by as Hogwarts moves to claim these newly vacated markets."
Bryan's response was frank and direct. "We'll need the full support of the Ministry of Magic," he stated plainly. "We lack the authority to publicly declare a family's involvement in Voldemort's terrorist activities. Only the Ministry possesses the legal rights to make such announcements, to seize assets, and to bankrupt those found guilty of such associations. Simultaneously, they can provide the necessary protection for Hogwarts' proxy as we enter these new markets."
A small smile appeared at the corners of Bryan's mouth as he added, "By the way, I believe Remus would be an excellent choice to serve as our proxy. After enduring years of financial hardship, I think it's high time he experiences the taste of being wealthy."
Dumbledore's expression remained impassive, showing no reaction to Bryan's personal plans for Remus. In the grand scheme of things – a war that would determine the fate of every witch, wizard, and magical creature in Britain – such details were of little consequence.
"I have no doubt that Remus would be grateful for the opportunity you're proposing," Dumbledore said calmly.
"However," he continued, his tone growing more serious, "if you're counting on Cornelius Fudge's cooperation based solely on your help during the Greyback incident and the chaos at the Quidditch World Cup, I fear you may be overestimating the Minister's gratitude. He's not known for his long memory when it comes to favors."
Bryan's response was immediate and decisive. "I understand the challenge, and I've made the necessary preparations,"
Dumbledore's piercing blue gaze studied Bryan's composed features intently, noting the unwavering determination in the younger wizard's eyes. He understood what Bryan's preparation was, and also knew that Bryan had already made up his mind to do it.
Sensing Dumbledore's tacit approval, or at least his decision not to interfere, Bryan felt a wave of relief wash over him. He pressed on, eager to lay out the full scope of his strategy.
"The cooperation of the Ministry of Magic is absolutely crucial, Headmaster," Bryan emphasized. "As you're well aware, when Voldemort first began amassing followers, he did so under the banner of restoring pureblood supremacy. But once he had consolidated his power, his true nature – his thirst for absolute control and his utter disregard for wizarding traditions – became apparent."
Bryan leaned forward, "This gives us another path to weaken Voldemort's support. We make it clear that anyone who dares to support him will face severe consequences. Their family businesses will be shut down, their assets frozen. We force them to choose between Voldemort's mad dream of domination and the centuries-old legacies of their families. I'm curious to see just how many of his so-called loyal Death Eaters will stand firm when faced with financial ruin."
As Bryan spoke, the full implications of his plan began to unfold in Dumbledore's mind. It was a strategy as brilliant as it was ruthless – a double-edged sword that could slash through the Tom's support base, but not without collateral damage as this approach would undoubtedly affect the work and lives of ordinary people in the wizarding world. Hogwarts could take over, but not entirely. Some would inevitably lose their livelihoods. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Bryan wouldn't crazily expand the scope of the crackdown.
Just as Dumbledore opened his mouth to respond, a smooth, cultured voice cut through the somber atmosphere of the office. "What a remarkably ambitious plan, young man," the voice drawled, a note of genuine admiration evident in its tone.
Both Dumbledore and Bryan turned to face the source of the interruption – a portrait frame housing the image of Phineas Nigellus Black, former Headmaster of Hogwarts and great-great-grandfather to Sirius Black. The painted figure stroked his pointed beard thoughtfully as he continued, "However, I'm afraid there's one rather significant obstacle you seem to have overlooked."
Bryan rose from his seat and offered a respectful bow to the portrait, his expression one of polite interest. He was eager to hear what this long-dead Headmaster was talking about.
Phineas Nigellus Black's eyes glittered with a mix of amusement and cunning as he spoke. "You see, according to the ancient contract signed between Hogwarts and the founding families of the school board, the school is specifically forbidden from engaging in profit-making enterprises. Any unilateral declaration by Hogwarts to dissolve the school board would be null and void unless the school can repay every last Knut of financial support it has received since the contract was first signed – a sum that spans several centuries and is, quite frankly, beyond astronomical."
The revelation hit Bryan like a Bludger to the chest. His brow furrowed deeply as he turned to look at Dumbledore, seeking confirmation. The old Headmaster's grim nod was all the answer he needed.
It was a sobering realization. Of course, the pureblood families wouldn't have left themselves without leverage over the school. How could he have overlooked such a crucial detail? This contract meant that many of the Headmaster's actions and decisions were likely constrained in ways they hadn't even considered. And the notion of repaying centuries worth of donations and grants was, as Phineas had said, utterly impossible.
A rhythmic tapping filled the office – Bryan's fingers drumming against the arm of his chair as his mind raced to find a solution. He leaned back, tilting his head to stare at the intricate relief carvings that adorned the domed ceiling of Dumbledore's office. The flickering candlelight made the carved figures seem to dance, as if mocking his predicament.
But then, like the first ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds, an idea began to form in Bryan's mind. His furrowed brow slowly smoothed out as the pieces fell into place.
"I think," Bryan said slowly, a hint of his earlier confidence returning to his voice, "that the pureblood families who drafted this contract must have anticipated a scenario where they might want to sever ties with Hogwarts themselves. They should have included provisions for such a possibility."
Phineas Nigellus Black's face broke into a wide, appreciative grin. "Oh, very good!" he exclaimed, clearly impressed by Bryan's quick thinking. "Indeed they did. The families retain the right to cease their financial support of the school at any time, effectively terminating their relationship with Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Headmaster Black," Bryan replied, a pleasant smile appearing at his lips. He turned back to Dumbledore, meeting the current Headmaster's piercing blue gaze with renewed determination. "This, Headmaster Dumbledore, is a matter of who shoots first – much like two wizards facing off in a duel."
Bryan's voice took on a calculating edge as he continued, "If Voldemort hasn't yet thought to use the school board to cut off Hogwarts' funding as a means of forcing you to compromise, well... perhaps we should send someone to plant that idea in his mind."
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章 462: 0461 More Foolproof Plan
Send someone discreetly to remind Voldemort that he can use the Board of Governors to create pressure on Dumbledore. Then, when the moment is ripe, we can leverage that pressure to push for the separation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the control of the Board of Governors entirely.
This, however, is merely the first stage of the plan. The true objective will be to wield the official powers granted by this newfound independence and the weight of public opinion to launch a thorough investigation into the businesses and dealings of the pure-blood wizarding families who have long supported Voldemort. Such a move will undoubtedly sow discord and unrest within the ranks of the Death Eaters, undermining Voldemort's power base from within.
Dumbledore's silver eyebrows arched higher and higher as he listened to Bryan's plan, his piercing blue eyes reflecting both intrigue and concern. He suddenly realized that he still had room to improve in the realm of strategy and intrigue.
"Running into you is truly unfortunate for Tom, Bryan—"
After swiftly contemplating Bryan's intricate strategy in his mind, Dumbledore gently shook his head, his expression shifting from thoughtful to somber.
"After regaining his powers, Tom will undoubtedly be eager to reunite with his old followers, those who had once pledged their loyalty to him. He will also seek to rally dark creatures, gathering them under his banner to expand his influence and tighten his grip on the wizarding world. At the right moment, revealing this plan could indeed cause him considerable trouble and weaken his position. However, Bryan—" Dumbledore's tone shifted, growing serious as he fixed Bryan with a penetrating gaze.
"You must understand the broader implications of such a course of action. If we proceed in this manner, it will inevitably have repercussions that extend far beyond Voldemort and his followers. More innocent people, those who have no part in this conflict, will have their lives disrupted, and it will also destabilize the already fragile structure of the wizarding world."
Bryan's eyelids twitched slightly, a subtle indication of his surprise at Dumbledore's keen insight. The old man had seen through the broader implications of the plan, understanding that it was not just about targeting Voldemort; it was also an opportunity—a calculated risk to initiate sweeping transformations in the entrenched and decaying social order and production structure of the wizarding world.
"Change must happen—" Bryan stated simply, his voice carrying a weight of conviction that needed no further elaboration.
The cold misty rain that had been steadily falling outside slapped against his face, immediately clearing the slight haze in Bryan's mind. The world beyond the castle walls remained dark, shrouded in storm clouds that seemed to mirror the brewing storm within the wizarding world itself.
Lightning occasionally streaked across the night sky, illuminating the landscape in brief, brilliant flashes. Yet the thunderclaps that followed were distant, their rumbling fainter than the noises made by the house-elves who silently went about their tasks, cleaning the castle under the cover of night.
Tonight, Bryan and Dumbledore had a candid conversation, one that would weigh heavily on both their minds.
Dumbledore didn't resist the idea of detaching Hogwarts from the control of the Board of Governors through a series of carefully orchestrated measures. However, it was clear that he did not want Bryan to delve too deeply into the affairs of the Ministry of Magic or use the impending war as a means to fully destabilize the existing order of the wizarding world.
In other words, Dumbledore didn't want Bryan to launch a large-scale attack on the pure-blood wizarding families, whose influence and wealth had become the foundation of their society.
This reluctance was not unexpected.
Dumbledore's thinking, while progressive in many ways, was still tempered by a deep understanding of the consequences of such actions. He recognized the dangers posed by the pure-blood families' monopoly over the wizarding world's resources and their insidious control over its political and economic systems.
His solution to this problem was more subtle, more patient—he remained at Hogwarts, the heart of magical education, and constantly sought to bring Muggle-born wizards into the magical community, nurturing them and gradually integrating them into the wizarding society.
This approach could indeed be effective, but Bryan saw its limitations. After reaching a certain point, it would lose its impact, as the best and most advanced resources in the wizarding world would still be controlled by those pure-blood families.
As Bryan pondered this, he strongly suspected that Dumbledore was not blind to these limitations, but for various reasons, Bryan could only speculate about Dumbledore had never mustered the resolve to push for more radical change. Perhaps he feared that doing so would spark another bloody war, one that the wizarding world might not survive.
But that war, in Bryan's view, was inevitable. It would come sooner or later, and it would be better to merge the two battlegrounds—the fight against Voldemort and the struggle against the entrenched power of the pure-blood families—into one. Solving the problem in one decisive stroke was, to Bryan, the most pragmatic approach.
Crack—
In the distance, like a fleeting bloom in the darkness, a bright flash of lightning lit up the night sky before disappearing as quickly as it had come. This summer was bidding farewell to everyone in a tragic and solemn manner, its final days marked by a sense of foreboding.
Bryan gazed at the fading lightning for a long while, lost in thought, before turning back to face the castle. In the silence of the night, the light from Dumbledore's office window remained steady, like an eternal flame that would never extinguish.
"Time for bed—" Bryan muttered to himself, pursing his lips as he slipped his hands into his pockets. Displaying a rare hint of youthful impetuousness, he strolled through the rain, the heavy droplets soaking his robes as he crossed the corridor bridge, heading back to his quarters.
The storm outside seemed to echo the storm within his mind, a storm that would not subside until the battle for the fate of the wizarding world was won.
Meanwhile, in a quiet neighborhood not far from the castle, the brilliant thunder had faded, but the blast and shockwave that had struck the courtyard wall still managed to wake the nearby Muggle neighbors from their sleep. Even with the thunder's cover, several upstairs bedroom lights flicked on hurriedly, as concerned residents peered out into the night. The heavy rain obscured their view, preventing them from seeing exactly what was happening at the home of the crazy old man who lived at the end of the street, but the strange silver light flickering in the rain sent chills down their spines.
Instinctively, the Muggles reached for their bedside tables, fumbling for their phones, and called the police.
"Oh, God—" one of them whispered, his voice trembling with fear as he relayed what little he could see to the dispatcher on the other end of the line.
When four policemen finally arrived, their car skidding to a halt in front of the old man's house, they wasted no time. Running down from the vehicle in the pouring rain, they kicked open the tattered subway door and rushed into the yard, guns drawn. The sight that greeted them caused all four men to gasp audibly.
"Did you bury explosives in your garden, sir? Answer my question!" a potbellied officer roared, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and anger as he pointed his gun at the old man with a limp, who was slumped on the floor in the entryway. The man, leaning heavily against the wall, was gasping for breath, his face twisted in pain and exhaustion.
"Get out of here, you stupid Muggles!" the wild-haired, deranged old man roared, his voice hoarse from the effort. He furiously jabbed his walking stick at the air, as if the gesture alone could drive away the Muggle police who had barged into his yard.
"Look at that—my God, I must be dreaming!" another officer cried out, grabbing the arm of the one questioning the old man and forcing him to look at a corner of the yard. There, in the dim light, something truly bizarre had caught their attention. Then, as if they had all been hit by a Stunning Spell, the group froze, standing motionless in the torrential rain, their flashlights illuminating a scene straight out of a nightmare.
"Damn it!" the old man spat, his scarred face twitching with dissatisfaction as he took in the chaotic scene around him. His yard was a mess—garbage was strewn everywhere; the lid of a trash can was blown off spraying garbage in all directions like a machine gun.
"The Ministry of Magic will have something to say about this again!" The old man muttered darkly.
The rain continued to pour down, blurring the boundary between night and day. In any case, it wasn't until noon the next day that the wizards who had been coming and going in the courtyard finally disappeared. The commotion had drawn unwanted attention, and it had taken considerable effort to repair the damage and set things right.
After painstakingly repairing the overturned lawn and the collapsed wall, Arthur Weasley, with two huge dark circles under his eyes from a sleepless night, stood in front of the iron gate and waved weakly to Mad-Eye Moody, who was still lurking nearby, his ever-watchful eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of further trouble.
"Thanks, Arthur!" Moody bellowed in his gruff voice, his magical eye whirling wildly in its socket as he watched Arthur with a mix of concern and gratitude. "I'll keep an eye on your kids!"
Mr. Weasley didn't say a word, just weakly smiled at Moody before Disapparating away from the old Auror's place. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, from the events of these nights. Moody didn't immediately close the door, his gaze lingered on the spot where Arthur had vanished. The blue magic eye in his eye socket flashed like lightning, turning wildly as if seeking out any remaining threats.
Bang—
With a rough motion, Moody shut the door behind him, plunging the house into darkness. Limping slightly from an old injury, he made his way back to his kitchen, standing before the extinguished fireplace. The room was cold and silent, a stark contrast to the storm raging outside. Moody pulled out his wand, his fingers gripping it tightly as he prepared to take the next step in his plan.
After fiddling with the fireplace for a moment, Moody flicked his wrist, aiming the tip of his wand at the neatly stacked logs in the hearth. With a burst of heat, the logs ignited, flames crackling and roaring to life. The warm light illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls. Then, grabbing a handful of Floo Powder from the mantel, Moody tossed it into the fire, watching as the flames turned emerald green and began to swirl.
"The trouble has been dealt with—" Moody growled, his voice low and rough as he leaned closer to the fire.
Whoosh! From within the swirling flames, the shadowy image of a serpent's head emerged, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. A high-pitched, cold voice emanated from the fireplace, sending a shiver down Moody's spine despite his tough demeanor.
"Are you still doubtful of the plan, or are you perhaps feeling fear?" the voice hissed, its tone dripping with disdain.
"I just want to confirm with you—you're still set on using this plan, aren't you?" Moody's face was grim, his normal eye reflecting his obvious reluctance.
"Even though you've seen that Bryan Watson is not just some ordinary wizard, and under the watchful eyes of both Dumbledore and Watson, taking Harry Potter from Hogwarts—" Moody began, but the voice from the flames cut him off, its irritation palpable.
"Bryan Watson indeed surprised me. I must admit, killing him is beyond what I can do without a physical body, but as I've repeatedly told you, my plan is flawless. Neither Dumbledore nor Watson will see through it!" The voice grew more insistent, the flames flaring as if to emphasize its point.
"After your foolish stunt at the World Cup, it was predictable that Dumbledore and Watson would heighten their vigilance, but I've adjusted the plan to make it even more foolproof.
You must understand, you have to prove your worth to me if you want my assistance. Consider yourself fortunate—Lord Voldemort rarely grants second chances. If it weren't for my loyal servant being gravely injured and needing time to recover, your impulsive actions at the World Cup wouldn't have gone unpunished!"
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