0358 Troublesome

Dumbledore hastened his footsteps, his dazzling robes billowing behind him as he eagerly made his way back to his private chambers, yearning to immerse himself in the soothing embrace of a refreshing bath. His weary travels had left him utterly fatigued, and he longed for the rejuvenating relief that only the cold waters could provide.

Dumbledore had indeed found him a good job.

Meanwhile, within the confines of his office, Bryan leaned back upon the luxurious sofa, his posture exuding a pensive air as he pondered over the formidable task that Dumbledore had just given him.

This was, without a doubt, no simple errand; it was a massive responsibility troubled with complexities and challenges.

The specific details of the Triwizard Tournament's events remained shrouded in the veil of utmost secrecy. Even the organizing committee had yet to determine the precise nature of the events that would be conducted. These pivotal decisions would only be made after the selection of the host, whereupon a meticulous process involving the drawing of lots from multiple methodically crafted events, each tailored to the unique strengths and capabilities of the three renowned schools.

Yet, against this environment of uncertainty, Bryan was expected to produce a comprehensive and robust safety plan, without the foreknowledge of the tasks that lay ahead, which seemed an unreasonably lofty order.

Nevertheless, Bryan recognized that he had no choice but to acquiesce to this heavy responsibility. As Dumbledore had so eloquently stated, it was his solemn duty as the Headmaster to secure this honor for the school. And as an alumnus of Hogwarts, as well as one who held a significant position intertwined with matters of safety and security, Bryan was duty-bound to exert his utmost efforts in this endeavor.

Failure to do so would undoubtedly incur the wrath and criticism of countless wizards within the British magical community, who would demand his head on a platter should Hogwarts lose the highly sought-after honor to host due to inadequate safety measures.

Moreover, Dumbledore informed him that he must prepare the safety proposal within the appointed timeframe, as this matter was of grave importance. His plan required the approval of the Ministry of Magic, specifically from the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Games and Sports.

Barty Crouch Sr.

The mere thought of that name made the pacing Bryan's brow to furrow involuntarily, his features contorting in a pensive frown.

While there existed no personal grievances between them, and Bryan even harbored a bit of admiration for Barty Crouch. However, since Bryan staunchly supported Amelia Bones, they had effectively become 'political opponents.'

Speaking of which, Barty Crouch had indeed been quite fortunate in his circumstances.

Initially, due to the wrongful imprisonment of the infamous Sirius Black, Senior Crouch should have faced a wave of misfortune. According to the preconceived plan of Fudge, he would have directly utilized this incident to expel Barty Crouch Sr. from the ranks of the Wizengamot, and then stir public outrage to strip him of his position as the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.

But who could have predicted that Crouch's radical statements within the Wizengamot, coupled with the mysterious demise of Peter Pettigrew, would somehow bolster his standing in the eyes of some of the most ardently justice-driven citizens?

Barty managed to secure his position, and if the Triwizard Tournament proceeded smoothly with Hogwarts as the host, this remarkable achievement might enable him to stand a formidable comeback and even vie for the position of Minister for Magic.

But Barty Crouch's dominance did not align with Bryan's interests.

'Should he seize this opportunity to sabotage Hogwarts's chances...' Bryan instantly dismissed that thought. He could not, in good conscience, treat principles and integrity as trivial games like those played by the unscrupulous politicians.

Dumbledore's abrupt assignment had indeed disrupted many of Bryan's carefully laid plans. His cherished 'physical education' class had just entered a substantive phase, and abandoning it now would render all previous training efforts utterly wasted.

As the sky gradually darkened, its vibrant hues fading into the inky blackness of night, Bryan approached the window, inhaling deeply the crisp, rapidly cooling air. He massaged his brow, his gaze sweeping across the lush grounds that stretched before him.

Making the most of the waning daylight hours before the evening meal, many young witches and wizards frisked and played energetically upon the lush lawns. Within the Quidditch pitch, encircled by towering stands, a few dedicated Hufflepuff students faithfully followed Bryan's instructions, diligently completing the day's running exercise.

A sudden chuckle escaped Bryan's lips as he turned towards the door, making his way down for dinner.

In that moment, he found himself empathizing with Professor McGonagall's frustration – working under a run-away headmaster was no easy feat.

Harry and his friends dared not venture too close, instead concealing themselves around the corner of the third-floor staircase as they anxiously watched Sirius stride into Professor Watson's office, his figure disappearing from their line of sight.

Earlier, Sirius had been resolute in his determination to confront Snape on Harry's behalf, although he had assured Harry that his intentions were merely to discuss with Snape about his conduct as a professor. However, after knocking several times without receiving any response from Snape's office, Sirius could not resist using rather impolite means to force open the unwelcoming door.

As they surveyed the bizarre array of plants and animal specimens suspended in multicolored liquids lining the walls, Harry and Sirius simultaneously furrowed their brows, their expressions mirroring one another in disgust.

The inner private storage room also bore no signs of occupancy. As the two speculated whether Blaise Zabini had provided them with false information, Professor Watson's shining Patronus materialized through the wall, hovering before them.

"Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore—"

As Harry and Sirius hurried towards the third floor, they encountered Hermione and Ron, who were rushing to find the two, on the first floor. Hermione panted, her words tumbling forth in breathless swiftness,

"They're both—in Professor Watson's office."

"Interesting—" In response to Hermione's remark, Sirius merely let out a cold, sarcastic laugh. "Did the sniveling villain run to tattle first?"

"It doesn't seem like it, Si-Sirius—"

Despite Sirius's repeated requests, Ron stammered, still feeling an air of unease when addressing a professor by his first name.

"Professor Dumbledore, at least seemed to be in a good mood, he didn't appear angry or upset."

"I'm fine, Sirius, really!"

Fearless even in the lion's den, Sirius prepared to confront Snape himself. However, Harry firmly grasped his arm, his gaze resolute and unflinching.

"You can't lay a hand on Snape in front of Professor Dumbledore and Professor Watson. Please, Sirius, don't give him any excuses!"

In truth, what Harry truly wanted to say was that he would rather endure Snape's torment a hundred times over than have Sirius repeatedly confront Snape, risking expulsion from Hogwarts by Dumbledore.

Perhaps it was the sincerity that shone forth from Harry's eyes that moved Sirius. He seemed to calm, offering Harry a reassuring smile before wrenching his arm free and striding towards Professor Watson's office.

The waiting was always the most agonizing part.

Harry and his friends remained at the corner of the staircase, not daring to venture too close, as within that office were the two of the most powerful wizards in the world. They didn't dare hope that Professors Dumbledore and Professor Watson would fail to notice them eavesdropping. Yet, they could not resist straining their ears.

The passing students cast strange, inquisitive looks their way, but Harry paid them no heed, his mind consumed by a constant worry for Sirius's fate.

"Don't worry, Harry—" Hermione's gentle voice broke through his trance as she patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Professor Dumbledore and Professor Watson won't be unreasonable. They surely know Sirius only wants to help you overcome—Professor Snape's bias. He never intended to cause trouble."

In truth, Hermione's claim was not entirely objective. While it was undeniable that Sirius did indeed intend to help Harry in dealing with Snape's unfair treatment, his personal dislike for Snape was also an irrefutable fact.

Time ticked by excruciatingly, each second feeling like an eternity as it crawled past, until what seemed like an entire day had passed before commotion finally came from a few dozen feet away.

The instant the door hinges creaked, Harry surged forth, but after taking just two steps, his body froze, his expression hardening into a mask of grim determination.

The first to emerge was Snape himself, his complexion worse than Harry had ever witnessed, and the professor seemed to have suffered a severe blow, his usually brisk and purposeful pace becoming somewhat unsteady, his movements tinged with a discernible fragility.

'Could it be that Snape was the one dismissed?!'

Had it not been for Sirius's equally crestfallen appearance as he followed in Snape's steps, Harry might have believed such a scenario to be true.

Ignoring Snape's fleeting, sidelong glance as he passed, Harry went straight to support the slightly weakened Sirius, steadying him with a gentle grasp.

"What happened, Sirius?" Harry asked anxiously, his emerald eyes searching his face for answers. 

"You two didn't...I mean, you didn't fight there, did you?"

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