Chapter 385: Coming to Live at My House for Christmas? (Edited)

"Fudge?" Sirius seemed confused at first, but then he understood. "You're right; I still have scores to settle with the Ministry of Magic."

It's been an unjust twelve-year sentence, locked up in Azkaban!

However, Sirius seemed a bit lost; he didn't know how to settle the score with the Ministry of Magic. According to non-magical customs, such a situation is resolved with money. But Sirius is the sole heir of the Black family; his fortune would be enough to spend several lifetimes. Compensation of several thousand Galleons would hold no meaning for him.

"You can get revenge on someone in particular," Tom suggested.

"Someone in particular...?" Sirius was pondering when Dumbledore interrupted him.

"Don't dwell on those matters for now. I believe there's something more important for you at this moment than revenge."

Dumbledore's words awakened Sirius from his reverie, and he realized that what he truly needed was love instead of hatred.

"Young one, let's leave Ministry of Magic matters for another day. Right now, I have something more important to do," Sirius said as he tapped Tom on the shoulder and then looked at Harry. "Harry, I... well, I mean, can we take a stroll around the campus together, if you have the time...?"

"Of course," Harry was a bit surprised but accepted Sirius's invitation, following him along with Lupin, leaving the office.

"What else do you plan to do?" When only Tom, Hermione, and Dumbledore remained in the office, the latter stared seriously at Tom. From Tom's words, Dumbledore sensed something suspicious.

"Not much, just want to get rid of Fudge," Tom casually replied, as if he were talking about changing the leader of a small group.

Dumbledore was left dumbfounded.

Daring to intervene in the transfer of power in the wizarding world in the third year? He didn't even dare to imagine what he might do as he grew older!

Hermione, who was listening, was so shocked that for a moment, she thought her ears weren't working.

"Do you know what you're saying?" Dumbledore stared at Tom, with a serious expression.

"Yes, I do."

"Could you explain why?" Dumbledore was puzzled; he couldn't understand why this third-year wizard felt such resentment toward the Minister of Magic. They shouldn't have had much previous contact.

"Because he's incompetent and cowardly," Tom's reason was straightforward.

"Because he's incompetent and cowardly, he must be removed?" Now Dumbledore was truly surprised.

"Normally, it would be fine, but Voldemort is about to return, or rather, he will return sooner or later. I don't want Fudge to be the Minister of Magic when that happens; he's not prepared to face Voldemort's challenge," Tom said calmly, mentioning the name of the mysterious man.

This caught Dumbledore a little off guard; it wasn't common to find someone who dared to mention Voldemort's name.

"Professor, you should be more aware of this than I am," Tom looked at Dumbledore and said calmly. Dumbledore should have understood after the Chamber of Secrets incident in the second year that Voldemort had not been destroyed.

Horcruxes!

Hermione, beside them, realized that she couldn't follow the conversation between the two, as if there was a barrier between them.

Overthrowing the Minister of Magic, Voldemort's return? Are these appropriate concerns for a third-year wizard? Shouldn't they be worried about the extra essay assigned by the professor or which classmate bought a new toy in Hogsmeade? How did they suddenly get involved in something so big and terrifying? What frightened her the most was that Dumbledore seemed to agree with Tom's "Voldemort's return theory."

Dumbledore sighed. "How do you know? The diary and the diadem?"

From behind his half-moon glasses, Dumbledore gave Tom an inquisitive look.

"Yes," Tom nodded.

"Professor, do you know how Muggles handle floods?" he began discussing what seemed like an irrelevant topic. "It's better to divert than to block. Instead of surrounding floods with dams, it's better to guide them in an acceptable direction. The same applies to fighting against Voldemort and his influence. We can't remain on the defensive forever; we must act before he returns."

Dumbledore seemed to realize something, staring at Tom with his bright eyes. "You mean...?"

He guessed what this boy was planning, and his audacity left him astonished.

"That's right, just as you're thinking, we can actively assist Voldemort's return," Tom took a deep breath and revealed his plan, which could be considered madness.

"You're insane!" Hermione grabbed Tom's shoulder. "He's the Dark Lord; he's caused countless tragedies."

"Sooner or later, we'll face him. Instead of letting him rise uncontested, we should take the initiative and crush this kitten."

Dumbledore remained silent on the side.

Seeing that Dumbledore didn't immediately object, Hermione grew a little anxious. Did Professor Dumbledore also support this idea? It couldn't be! This thought crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it; that was too unreal.

Silence filled the office with its presence until Dumbledore finally looked at Tom and asked, "Explain to me, how do you see it?" If Tom's idea was too simplistic, he would never agree.

"Miss Granger, please step out for a moment," Dumbledore politely asked Hermione to leave the office. She could be seen to be very reluctant, but she couldn't resist Dumbledore's request.

"Well, Professor, this is going to start with a little anecdote I heard from the Dementors..." Tom began to tell his plan.

...

"Harry, do you know what it would mean to hand over Peter?" Sirius suddenly asked Harry as they left the office and breathed the fresh outdoor air.

"It means you're free."

"Yes," Sirius's voice trembled slightly. "I... you... I don't know if Remus has told you, but I'm your godfather."

Harry felt something inside, and he struggled to show a smile. "I know, I overheard it in Hogsmeade..."

"You're a true Potter," Sirius couldn't help but tease Harry for his Gryffindor behavior. "Well, your parents designated me as your guardian in case anything happened to them... Of course, I understand if you want to live with your aunt and uncle, but if you ever want to... change your environment and experience what it's like to live in a wizarding family, you can spend a few days at my house this Christmas. Although you'd have to help with household chores, it could be a bit exhausting..."