Clang!
As Charle's resonant words echoed, the Sword of Gryffindor hummed softly.
Beneath the dome of Hogwarts, everyone—professors, students, even the portraits and ghosts in the corridors, and the lurking Voldemort and Dumbledore himself—fell into a deathly silence.
Someone was pointing a sword at Dumbledore in Hogwarts?
Either they were insane, or the world had gone mad!
Especially for those who had read the school history and knew that the sword Charle had drawn from the Sorting Hat was precisely the Sword of Gryffindor, there was a sense of unreality.
Before this, Dumbledore was the pride of Gryffindor House.
When Dumbledore was mentioned, Gryffindor students would puff out their chests, as if they were superior.
The greatest wizard of the century came from Gryffindor; how could they not be proud of this?
But now, the Sword of Gryffindor was pointing at Dumbledore in the hands of a Hufflepuff, which truly felt disillusioning.
Everyone present, especially those who had been at Hogwarts for some time and experienced the things Charle mentioned, suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment.
"What Charle said... it seems to make a lot of sense..."
"When I first came to Hogwarts, I was targeted by Snape and lost points. When I witnessed Snape and the Slytherins' various reckless actions, I also felt confused. Later, I just got used to it, but now that I think about it, the more I think, the more wrong it feels."
"Where was Dumbledore when these things happened? Why didn't he do anything?"
"When I enrolled in first year, Dumbledore even said that if we had any opinions or suggestions about Hogwarts, we could tell him. At that time, I naively wrote letters about these things, but the replies I got had no real substance."
"Thinking about it now, Headmaster Dumbledore doesn't seem to be like he says. He saw these things, but he didn't want to deal with them."
Such thoughts had occasionally flickered in their minds before.
After all, Hogwarts had too many problems. Besides the magic's wonder, attending this school that claimed to stand for love, peace, unity, and justice still couldn't escape campus bullying, discrimination, and so on.
In the original story, you could see from Luna Lovegood's experiences that her shoes, schoolbag, and other things were often hidden by her roommates.
Harry Potter once saw Luna wearing one shoe, damp and alone.
This kind of thing didn't just happen once. Did the school provide any solutions?
Ravenclaw was already a relatively gentle house, yet it still couldn't avoid campus bullying.
One could imagine what would happen in places with stronger personalities like Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Students within these houses naturally experienced this and harbored resentment.
It was just that before, Dumbledore's halo had obscured too much, making them subconsciously unwilling to question him.
Now that Charle had pierced through this layer of halo, more and more questions began to surge in their hearts.
Among the crowd, Voldemort, possessing Quirrell, heard the whispers.
He couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock.
From the process of him gathering Death Eaters and starting his uprising, Dumbledore had always been his biggest obstacle.
Voldemort had thought more than once about slandering Dumbledore from various angles.
He would find various newspapers to publish articles, have his noble subordinates mock and ridicule Dumbledore at various gatherings, and fabricate negative stories, attempting to tarnish Dumbledore's reputation.
But he found that the more he tried to ruin Dumbledore's reputation, the more radiant Dumbledore's image became in people's hearts, almost like a saint, becoming the embodiment of perfection.
At that time, he was so angry that he called the newspaper editors and his noble Death Eater subordinates useless, and from then on, he gave up the idea of slandering Dumbledore from this angle.
This time, however, he never expected that something he couldn't achieve even at his peak would be accomplished by Charle, a first-year little wizard?
And he was even pointing the Sword of Gryffindor at Dumbledore in front of everyone at Hogwarts?!
Instantly, Voldemort seemed to have an epiphany.
"So lies don't hurt people, truth is the sharpest knife!"
"How strange... I clearly remember I was good at this sort of thing. Back in Hogwarts, I was also a master at stirring up trouble and manipulating people. How did I forget all of that later?"
"I feel like my intelligence has dropped?"
As everyone was moved by Charle's words, Dumbledore's expression turned grim.
He never dreamed that he would have a day when he was reprimanded in Hogwarts, and even pointed at with the Sword of Gryffindor?
The Sword of Gryffindor, this was a scene he had arranged for Harry Potter, exclusive to the Savior. How could you, Charle Evans, pull it out?
Wouldn't that reduce the Savior's halo even more?
As for Charle's reprimand and questioning of him, Dumbledore's heart didn't stir in the slightest. Instead, he felt that Charle's perspective was too narrow and he didn't know what was good for him.
Everything he did was a plan for the wizarding world.
Everything was for the sake of eliminating Voldemort and bringing true peace to the wizarding world.
Charle, this ignorant child, he didn't know any of this. How dare he judge his actions with such a narrow perspective?
Snape was a necessary piece in the great cause of eliminating Voldemort and must be protected!
Therefore, after a long silence, Dumbledore finally spoke.
"Charle Evans, there are many things you simply don't understand. You are only looking at things from a superficial perspective."
"You don't understand some of the things Professor Snape has done, you don't understand his unknown contributions, and you don't understand how much he has sacrificed for the wizarding world, and how significant and important his role is."
"I guarantee with my reputation and character that Snape may have acted improperly at times, but he is a good person, and he has long since sincerely repented and made amends for the past."
Dumbledore's gaze swept across the surrounding professors and the whispering students.
"Have you stopped believing even my words?"
"I have fought against Voldemort for so long, do you think I am someone who would condone a Death Eater, someone who would bring danger to Hogwarts?"
These words caused a struggle in everyone's hearts.
It must be said that even in the face of ironclad facts, Dumbledore's image and guarantee were still very convincing.
His prestige was too high, especially at Hogwarts, and it was not something Charle could shake with a single question.
When Dumbledore guaranteed with his reputation and character, even though Charle had laid the groundwork for a long time, a large number of Hogwarts students still had a thought.
Could Snape really have a hidden reason?
Could he really be a good person?
Seeing the wavering in the crowd, Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that Snape was saved today. After he recovered, he could continue to serve as the Head of Slytherin and Potions Professor at Hogwarts, and continue to serve him.
It was just that in the future, he would have to make Snape act more carefully and cautiously...
But at this moment, Charle's expression didn't change at all, as if he had already anticipated all of this.
As long as Dumbledore wanted to protect Snape, mere school bullying, personality insults, those were not a big deal.
After all, he was someone who once took "for the greater good" as his creed. How could the influence of his teenage years disappear so easily?
Sometimes it seemed to disappear, but it was only because it was hidden deeper!
For the greater good of eliminating Voldemort, what were the mental health of students, the small fairness and justice in the school? They all had to be put aside!
However, since Charle had started something, he was going to see it through.
Snape, no one would be able to save him, not even Dumbledore!
Calculating the time, my final arrangement on Snape should be almost complete, right?
Time rewound to before Dumbledore and the others arrived.
Charle's mithril wand tapped Snape's temple, where he lay sprawled on the ground like a pile of mud, mentally broken and deranged.
"Then, it's time for the last thing."
"Legilimency."
For the broken Snape, the Mirror of Reincarnation Spell could no longer be used, but the normal version of Legilimency was still possible.
After four deductions, Charle's Legilimency had also reached an extraordinary level.
In the original work, Professor Slughorn had fabricated memories, and Lockhart could make others permanently forget certain memories through the Memory Charm. With Charle's current Legilimency skills, making some modifications to Snape's memories, or even implanting some subconscious suggestions, was not difficult at all.
After all, Snape's Occlumency had completely collapsed during the previous series of actions, and his mind was basically at the mercy of others.
As the wand waved, Charle's voice echoed in Snape's chaotic and deranged mental world.
"Everything was caused by Charle Evans, Snape, do you understand?"
"When you see Charle Evans again, what should you do?"
"Torment him, torment him with all your malice, make him scream, make him wail!"
"Torment, torment, Snape, torment!"
And now, under Madam Pomfrey's emergency treatment, Snape's unconsciousness caused by his mental breakdown had improved.
He also opened his eyes with difficulty, waking up from his coma.
And the first thing he saw upon waking was Charle, surrounded by the crowd like a star.
The moment he saw Charle, the voices of "torment" in his mind filled his head.
He lost Lily, Lily died, he suffered greatly, all this pain was Charle's fault!
Everything was caused by Charle Evans!
Torment him, torment him with all your hatred!
Snape's deranged eyes were instantly covered with hatred and ferocity.
He grabbed his wand that had fallen to the side, and in Madam Pomfrey's horrified scream, pointed it at Charle.
"Cruciatus Curse!"
The Unforgivable Curse whistled out, hitting Charle's body squarely, penetrating his Dragon Armor Spell protection.
Instantly, Charle floated in mid-air like a puppet, and the agonizing pain surged like a tide.
In his mind, the deep blue prompt sounded.
Host has obtained high-level dark magic material. The points required for future deductions of dark magic will be greatly reduced.
Host has obtained high-level Cruciatus Curse material. The points required for deducting the Cruciatus Curse will be greatly reduced.
"..."
Charle looked at the dome of Hogwarts, a strange smile playing on his lips. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Ministry of Magic's Aurors hurrying down the corridors of Hogwarts.
They had been drawn by the photo he had released earlier, which definitively proved Snape had the Dark Mark. Fudge, as expected, hadn't missed this opportunity.
And now, they had arrived just in time to catch Snape using the Cruciatus Curse.
Even Dumbledore couldn't protect Snape in this situation. Snape was bound for Azkaban.
And Charle guaranteed that if Snape lived for even one second longer once he was there, he would melt down all the Dementors in Azkaban and remake them.
"Getting rid of a Hogwarts Head of House, one of Dumbledore's pawns, this took a lot of effort."
"But he did give me a wave of material before he died, so I guess he was truly squeezed dry of all value."
"It's just that Cruciatus Curse, it really hurt like hell. Fortunately, my mental strength is high enough, and my mastery of Occlumency is even better. Besides suffering a bit, there won't be any lingering effects."
This thought flashed through Charle's mind. Then he used his Occlumency to block out the pain as much as possible and fell into a coma.
With a thud, Charle's body, which had been floating in mid-air and twisting like a puppet, fell to the ground.
Everything that happened in that split second caused everyone to scream in fear or shock.
Professor Sprout's eyes were bloodshot. She kept pulling out various potions to soothe the mind and pain from her robes and poured them into Charle's mouth, while staring intently at Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore, this is the person you guaranteed with your reputation and character?"
"Severus Snape, he used an Unforgivable Curse on a first-year wizard!"
Professor Flitwick also stared at Dumbledore.
"Headmaster Albus, Snape must be punished."
Even Professor McGonagall, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, made her choice firmly, gritting her teeth as she looked at Snape.
"This scumbag, he must be sent to Azkaban to repent for everything he has done!"
In the corridor, Fudge stood with his staff and the Aurors, followed by officials from the Ministry of Magic and reporters from the Daily Prophet.
Click, click, amidst the flashes of light, Fudge walked into the crowd, knelt down, and sorrowfully touched Charle's forehead with his own.
"Poor child, I didn't expect this, I really didn't. I thought you would dispel those shadows at Hogwarts, but I didn't expect something like this to happen again at Hogwarts…"
Then, Fudge looked up, his eyes red, and turned to Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore, you must explain clearly about Snape having the Dark Mark and him publicly casting an Unforgivable Curse to torture a student!"
"Now, we are taking Snape to Azkaban. He must remain there until the Wizengamot formally passes judgment on him!"
Then, without waiting for Dumbledore's nod, Fudge waved his hand, and the Aurors, supporting the raving Snape, hurried away from Hogwarts.
Throughout the entire process, Dumbledore did not speak. He had nothing to say.
Snape's use of the Cruciatus Curse had truly put Dumbledore at a disadvantage, leaving him with no room for publicrefute.
As for Fudge and the Ministry officials, he couldn't use his prestige and reputation to say anything more.
These unscrupulous politicians wouldn't fall for that; they would only be like flies smelling blood, trying every possible way to suck more.
In this round, on Hogwarts' home ground, Dumbledore was utterly defeated!
When Fudge turned to leave, even though he was trying his best to suppress it, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upwards.
At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind.
This feels so good, incredibly good!
Charle Evans, you are truly my lucky star. You did a brilliant job, delivering such a huge scoop about Dumbledore right into my hands!
Fudge felt that every single Galleon he reimbursed Charle was incredibly worthwhile.
Charle took the money, and he really delivered!
Increase the reimbursement, I must increase his reimbursement limit again!
Meanwhile, Dumbledore turned and walked towards the Headmaster's office, a cold glint in his eyes.
"Fudge, a foolish politician, willing to do anything for power and gain."
"Charle Evans, a young wizard who acts recklessly with a little talent, completely unaware of the bigger picture."
"Even if Snape used an Unforgivable Curse, for the cause of defeating Voldemort, he must be protected."
"I am the representative in the Wizengamot court, and I still have great influence to wield there. No one can stop what I intend to do, the plans I intend to lay out!"
Charle was sent to a private room in the school infirmary for recuperation.
Madam Pomfrey breathed a sigh of relief after examining Charle's condition.
"Perhaps due to Snape's state, the Cruciatus Curse Charle received doesn't seem to have been too powerful, so there shouldn't be any lingering effects."
"But this child needs rest."
Then, she cast a healing spell on Charle and asked everyone to leave. She herself gently closed the door of the infirmary.
And after everyone had left, Charle slowly opened his eyes.
In his eyes, it seemed as if the windswept, cloud-covered sea around Azkaban was reflected.
"Perhaps Dumbledore is still trying to find a way to save Snape through his influence in the Wizengamot."
"However, it's all over now."
"Hogwarts, the Wizengamot, the Order of Merlin, perhaps these are Dumbledore's home ground."
"But Azkaban, that place belongs to me!"
...
The wind howled, dark clouds gathered, and the entire island was black, filled with a suffocating atmosphere.
The Ministry of Magic Aurors escorted Snape, taking a small boat to the coast of Azkaban.
Dementors were already waiting here, and as the boat docked, they took custody of Snape from the Aurors.
The Aurors breathed a sigh of relief, gave a few more instructions, and then hastily left this terrifying prison of the wizarding world.
The Dementors watched silently as the Aurors departed.
When the Aurors' small boat became a black dot and disappeared on the horizon, completely out of sight, several Dementors pulled down their hoods.
Snape looked at this scene in confusion.
Although he had a mental breakdown and was somewhat deranged, the foundation of years of practicing Occlumency was still there, and he hadn't lost his most basic judgment.
He was imprisoned in Azkaban, shouldn't he be taken to a cell?
Why did the Dementors suddenly pull down their hoods?
A feeling of extreme danger rose in his heart, but without his wand, he couldn't summon his Patronus.
Several Dementors surrounded Snape.
The last words Snape could hear were—
"Lord Charle Evans, ruler of the Dementors, King of Azkaban, has asked us to bid you farewell."
The next moment, several Dementors sucked Snape's soul dry, leaving behind only a walking corpse of a body.
Then, they even tied heavy stones to Snape's body and violently threw him into the dark, deep, bottomless sea outside the Azkaban coast.
...
Rustle, rustle.
Dumbledore clutched his quill, writing letter after letter.
As the Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot, he also had immense influence and connections in the Wizengamot court.
Snape's crime of using an Unforgivable Curse in public would mean a life sentence in Azkaban for an ordinary wizard, but among Dumbledore's connections, there were naturally no shortage of magical lawyers who could defend Snape.
Behavioral abnormalities caused by a mental breakdown, this was a point that could be defended.
Just like the excuse of "being controlled by the Imperius Curse" used by those Death Eaters who escaped punishment in the past, if such fabricated excuses could succeed, let alone Snape who was indeed having a mental breakdown?
Besides, Dumbledore could also influence the judges in the court.
In this way, Snape would at least not have to stay in Azkaban until he died, he could come out for recuperation, and then continue to shine for Dumbledore.
After receiving a positive reply, Dumbledore felt reassured and finally let out a long breath.
Immediately, he drafted a notice to the Ministry of Magic.
"The Wizengamot court will hold a private trial for Severus Snape tomorrow, requesting the extraction of Severus Snape for the hearing."
Shortly after this notice was sent out, a reply came from the Ministry of Magic.
"It is with regret that we inform you, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot court..."
"According to feedback from the Azkaban Dementors, Severus Snape attempted to escape and violently resisted arrest after arriving at Azkaban, posing a serious threat to the Dementors' lives. His soul was absorbed by the Dementors during a fierce struggle."
"As for his body, due to the strong winds and waves that day, it was swept into the seabed by the waves. As you know, the waters near Azkaban are deep, dark, and bottomless, and even the Dementors dare not go down to retrieve it. It is likely that no one can find it now."
"Regarding the trial of Severus Snape tomorrow, would you like to proceed according to the regulations for the absence of the party concerned..."
Without finishing the letter, Dumbledore's expression was as cold as ice.
The next moment, this usually gentle and kind old man couldn't help but pull out the Elder Wand.
Golden flames erupted from the tip of the wand, burning the letter from the Ministry of Magic to ashes.
In Dumbledore's opinion, this was definitely Fudge's doing.
Dumbledore, who had never thought highly of Fudge, was truly furious at this moment.
"Cornelius Fudge, you pathetic creature..."
"This time you've truly angered me."
...
Meanwhile, in the hospital wing, Charle's lips curved into a smile.
"The person I want to kill, no one can save them."
"Including you, Dumbledore."
However, achieving this step this time, and causing such a big commotion, was something Charle had not anticipated.
But he never regretted it.
Anyway, Snape's threat was completely eliminated, and everything Charle needed from Snape was now in his hands.
The remaining trouble was nothing more than attracting Dumbledore's attention.
However, as long as Dumbledore was the headmaster of Hogwarts, he couldn't pose a real threat to Charle, and Charle wasn't afraid at all.
If worst came to worst, he could just Apparate away.
Besides, a letter from the Ministry of Magic had already been delivered to Hogwarts and placed on Charle's bedside table.
It contained the Ministry of Magic's condolences to Charle, telling him to eat and drink without worry and not to have any concerns about reimbursement, prioritizing his physical and mental recovery above all else.
Fudge even generously stated that Charle's procurement needs could now go directly through the Ministry of Magic's channels.
Some strange and unusual items could be purchased on his behalf through the Ministry of Magic's channels.
Some things were heavily restricted for individual purchase.
But if the Ministry of Magic bought them, it would be much easier and simpler.
For example, a new batch of dragon materials, expedited by the Ministry of Magic, would soon be delivered to Charle from Romania.
Charle's smile widened.
This way, he could make up for some of the many deduction points he had spent, and his growth rate would be faster.
Once his plans were implemented one by one and he developed for another year or two, what could Dumbledore do, even with the Elder Wand in hand and being at Hogwarts?
If he dared to target Charle again, Charle would snap the Elder Wand for him!
This was the confidence of a cheat!
Then, a fervent look appeared in Charle's eyes.
"I haven't had time before, so now..."
"It's time to take stock of the gains."
"Deep Blue!"
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