Chapter 7: Doesn't Your Conscience Hurt?

Noon.

Suburbs of London.

Residence of Wilson Wright.

A fiery phoenix landed by the window.

The phoenix, carrying a letter, tapped on the window. The envelope that it held on its beak was made of special fire-resistant parchment.

It was Dumbledore's deliberate choice to send the reply through the phoenix. The old man could discern the subtle arrogance in Wilson, which was in line with the demeanor of an outstanding individual, but it also meant that someone needed to remind him of the vastness of the world.

A mythical phoenix, the bird of immortality.

Dumbledore was prepared for Wilson to cause trouble at Hogwarts, So, He chose this method to teach Wilson Wright his first lesson.

"It seems to be progressing well..."

Wilson Wright, satisfied, walked to the window where Fawkes, the phoenix, was waiting, and gently opened the window, taking the envelope that the phoenix held in its beak.

The contents of the envelope were very simple.

Indeed, it was a reply from Dumbledore.

[Dear Mr. Wright,]

[Regarding your query, my advice is to refrain.]

[If Aevinia keeps Hogwarts in perpetual winter, many would find it bothersome. I have always believed that in summer ice cream is tastier than winter roast chicken. I trust Mr. Barty Crouch will take good care of Aevinia for you.]

[If you insist on bringing your companion to school, perhaps I can help find a suitable place for Aevinia at Hogwarts.]

[Lastly, Mr. Wright, you possess a kind heart. For us, kindness has never been something to shy away from or hide.]

[Happy birthday.]

[Hoping to see you soon.]

[Albus Dumbledore, with regards]

[P.S.: If you happen to have Turkish delight on hand, you can give Fawkes a piece, as compensation for his molted feather being your birthday gift. It's a fair deal for both you and Fawkes, isn't it?]

After reading the contents of the letter, Wilson glanced at Fawkes, the phoenix standing by the window, unwilling to leave. He opened the envelope and found a phoenix feather inside.

Was this Dumbledore's gift?

He put away the envelope, picked up some snacks from the table, and handed them to Fawkes, who took a few bites before spreading its wings and flying away.

"The plan is proceeding very smoothly."

He calmly put down the envelope on the table.

The phoenix feather, coveted by wizards around the world, was casually tossed onto the side of the table by him, as he had obtained something more important.

Indeed...

The wise old man noticed.

Fair dealings had always been Wilson's style since elementary school.

Now, Dumbledore mentioned this sentence and even openly praised him for subtly displaying his kindness, letting Wilson know that his performance was successful.

Over the years.

Dumbledore had always secretly protected Harry Potter, even observing Harry's life at St.Grogory's himself.

Wilson, who had a significant presence at the school, was not somebody to be ignored. This proud and aloof young man harbored a gentleness and kindness that ordinary people could hardly perceive.

Dumbledore caught sight of Wilson's kindness.

Anyone with rich experience and a bystander's perspective could perceive the brilliance emanating from him.

A ray of light shining through the fog, if examined carefully, would appear exceptionally bright, subconsciously causing people to overlook one thing...

This light...

Emanated from within the fog.

As for what problems the fog itself might present, people couldn't overlook because of the existence of this light; they would all think that this light was their core, not the fog.

Creak!

The sound of the door interrupted Wilson's thoughts.

Barty Crouch Sr, still dressed in a suit, walked in carrying a birthday cake, but his expression was somewhat grim. "I think I just saw Fawkes, Dumbledore might have already discovered the secret of this house..."

Once Dumbledore discovered that his son Barty Crouch Jr was still alive, then everything he had done would become meaningless...

This was also why Crouch Sr didn't want to contact Dumbledore.

As he mentioned the possible dangers, Barty Crouch Sr's gaze fell on the envelope on the table with the Hogwarts emblem, and his brow furrowed slightly. "Has Hogwarts started to use phoenixes for delivering acceptance letters now?"

This behavior seemed a bit extravagant.

The envelope on the table was still made of fire-resistant parchment, the kind of paper used only for extremely confidential documents recorded by the Ministry of Magic.

"A letter from Dumbledore."

Wilson nodded to Crouch Sr, indicating to him to take the envelope on the table. "The letter contains a phoenix feather sent by Dumbledore, it's for you."

After saying this, Wilson took out the earlier Hogwarts acceptance letter: "I've already received the acceptance letter this morning."

"Why would Dumbledore send a letter again then?"

As Crouch Sr asked, he took the envelope containing the phoenix feather, knowing that only he required it.

"I sent Avinia to Hogwarts."

Wilson Wright leaned back in his chair, calmly explaining, "This is equivalent to telling Dumbledore that I might cause some trouble at Hogwarts..."

"That ice bird?" Barty Crouch Sr remembered Wilson's ice bird vividly. He had truly witnessed how powerful that magical bird was. "That's not something an ordinary person can possess, Dumbledore might suspect you..."

"He won't." Wilson interrupted Crouch Sr's words confidently, explaining leisurely, "I've already told Dumbledore that Avinia was a birthday gift from you..."

Crouch Sr's brow instantly furrowed. He has always tried his best to remain calm, like carrying a burden of guilt on his wife and son is nothing special. So he took a deep breath and asked. "And there's more good news?"

A smile appeared on Wilson's lips, filled with joy: "I've achieved the greatest result during my years at the Muggle school."

"Dumbledore has been secretly observing Harry Potter."

"Therefore, he must have noticed my actions at that Muggle school, which will give him a fixed impression of me."

"As long as he has a fixed impression of me, psychologically, he will believe in one fact... I have always been a student who conceals his kindness and deliberately acts out."

Of course.

Wilson didn't mention the most important reason.

For a person who causes trouble everywhere in school, he is the easiest to gain trust, as no one would suspect him of plotting anything to subvert the wizarding world.

Barty Crouch Sr. stared tightly at Wilson Wright.

It must be said that Wilson's calculations were not in line with his age.

Even placed among adult wizards, even when Voldemort was wreaking havoc, it seemed excessively sinister, because it was purely using human thinking and human nature...

But...

Plotting against a senile old man...

Will Wilson's conscience not hurt?

(End of Chapter)