Hogwarts: Dumbledore reigned over the wizarding world.

Chapter 80 Snape: Am I the only idiot?

Harry is a great test subject.

He has an innocent personality. When he decides that someone is trustworthy, he will cooperate easily if you tell him it's for his own good.

On the other hand, he lacked sufficient self-control. Even knowing that there would be punishment for making mistakes, he couldn't help but make mistakes and provided a large amount of experimental data by constantly violating the rules.

Over the past month, with Harry's help, Vaughn has gradually refined his original concept.

And the auto-responding personality will be developed into a true personality embodiment—a virtual personality with real thoughts, memories, and behavioral patterns, although it is only an Alpha version.

Crouch's expression turned strange after Vaughn finished explaining the original intention and principles of developing the Persona Body.

"So, I've been talking to a fake personality all along?"

"No, only after I invite you into my mental world, isn't that amazing? By the way, the person you're talking to right now is also a virtual personality, but don't worry, 'I' am still in the experimental stage. The template is based on myself, and the thoughts and behaviors are exactly the same as mine."

Crouch: "..."

He suddenly had a lot to say, but didn't know how to say it.

After a moment, he asked curiously, "Then where is your true personality?"

Vaughn smiled without saying a word.

Crouch understood. The other party had pulled him into the mental world and used a virtual persona to face him in order to hide the real persona and prevent him from also having memory magic and causing trouble here.

It's impossible for nature to reveal where one's true personality is hidden.

Crouch sighed. "Let me out. I want to talk to the real you."

"no problem!"

With another snap of his fingers, Crouch felt dizzy for a moment, and when he opened his eyes again, he was back in the living room.

The frequent changes in the scene made Crouch somewhat unable to distinguish between reality and illusion. He subconsciously grabbed the armrest of the sofa, the rough fabric still warm to the touch, bringing him a sense of security.

Across from him, Vaughn leaned back in his chair, legs crossed: "So, are you going to accept my offer? I'll heal your son, and in return, you'll cooperate with the Werewolf Affairs Committee on wolfsbane potion, and do me a small favor when the time is right."

Crouch remained silent for a moment, then asked, "How confident are you?"

"I don't know." Vaughn was very frank. "I need to carefully examine Mr. Barty's memories to confirm the state of his mental world and the extent to which dark magic has affected him before I can develop a treatment plan based on this information."

"As a potential partner, I need to tell you that Mr. Barty is also important to my research. To be honest, I have never had a detailed understanding of what the mind of a completely corrupted dark wizard is like."

This was indeed the main reason why Vaughn came to see Barty Crouch.

Crouch clearly noticed as well. "You said you'd help you with some small things, and that's also related to dark wizards?"

Vaughn smiled and said, "Yes, for example, you used your position to give me some dark wizards to study."

"..."

These words, which sounded a bit like something out of a Muggle TV show about evil human experimentation, actually put Crouch at ease.

This means the other party wasn't trying to fool him.

Through the previous demonstration and explanation in the mental world, Crouch also saw the potential of that strange persona. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Let me think about... how should I contact you?"

With this reaction, it's basically confirmed.

Vaughn's smile grew even more gentle: "You can send me a letter by owl, or you can contact Professor Snape via fireplace call and have him tell me an appointment time."

As he spoke, he handed Crouch a slip of paper with an address written on it and several "throw me into the fireplace" signs.

Crouch took it, giving it a mocking laugh: "You're so confident, so sure I'll agree?"

"No, I'm just convinced that a father wouldn't give up on anything, no matter how slim, to save his son!"

"..."

……

The inquiry meeting continued for the next two days.

Minister's Office.

Cornelius Fudge, his face grim, observed every move in the Wizengamo Conference Hall through the magic mirror.

This is within his power as minister; although he cannot participate in Wisengamo's decision-making, he can still observe from the sidelines.

Wizengamo itself does not refuse outside observation, and occasionally, when conducting trials, it even allows ordinary wizards to attend.

Watching the questioning session proceed calmly under Amelia's chairmanship, and looking at the central platform, Vaughn Weasley's hateful face casually responding to the harmless questions.

Fudge gritted his teeth and forced down a glass of strong liquor.

"Hahaha—"

He suddenly burst into laughter, laughing so hard he was shaking uncontrollably, then roared in fury, "Damn it, I want sherry, not this damn chug-like liquor! I don't want to laugh!"

"I'm sorry, esteemed Minister."

Umbridge hurriedly apologized and frantically replaced his wine glass with a new one.

"Damn Burns, damn Weasley... those damn bastards! You see, Umbridge, they won't even bother to cover it up, it's all boring, pointless questions!"

Fudge used his angry outbursts to mask his panic and frustration.

Following the established procedure, the establishment of the Werewolf Affairs Committee after the inquiry meeting is virtually a given. The purpose of this meeting is to identify any problems with a proposal through questioning.

If the proposer can answer all the questions and gain the approval of the questioner, it means that he has carefully considered and planned the proposal in detail, which meets the principle of approval.

It is undoubtedly very painful to watch something that should belong to you be taken away from you.

Umbridge reassured him, "Minister, you really don't need to worry too much. The Werewolf Affairs Committee has a very important problem: as an organization, it has no source of income. You've heard, haven't you? The other day, that Weasley kid even tried to win over Barty Crouch to solve his financial problems!"

She covered her mouth shyly, letting out a sharp, childlike laugh: "But he underestimated your authority. Barty Crouch completely ignored him. That old man wouldn't dare defy you. Just you wait and see how much money Weasley and Dumbledore will have to feed those filthy werewolves!"

Upon hearing this, Fudge finally smiled; suppressing Crouch was his proudest achievement.

And this thing that was originally his proudest achievement is now disgusting to Weasley!

Double the happiness!

Hmph, foolish and naive Weasley!

He gulped down another glass of wine, and then, in the magic mirror, he was astonished to see…

Barty Crouch, who had been like a ghost for days, suddenly raised his hand.

This move clearly caught the Wizengamots off guard. Amelia paused for a moment before, compelled by procedure, gesturing, "Mr. Crouch, is there a problem?"

Everyone stared at Crouch's thin, serious face.

He stood up, his voice weak but clear enough: "Mr. Vaughn Weasley, I'd like to ask, what specific plans do you have for promoting the export cooperation of wolfsbane medicine, as you mentioned the day before yesterday?"

boom!

Umbridge turned around nervously and saw the minister, his face ashen, slamming his glass to the ground.

The Wizengamot inquiry into the Werewolf Affairs Committee ended unexpectedly on its final day.

No one knows why Barty Crouch, who had been out of the public eye for many years and had almost exiled himself from the power struggle, suddenly lost his mind and jumped out at such a sensitive time.

During the meeting, everyone was carefully observing old Crouch. He seemed unchanged, still dressed the same as he had for years, meticulous yet gloomy, and still taciturn, as if he only had one pair of ears.

However, his mental state was clearly different; it was as if a dying person had suddenly seen a hope for survival.

Although he rarely spoke throughout the meeting, every time he did, he focused on the key issues regarding the cooperative export of wolfsbane medicine, and even directly communicated with Vaughn during the meeting to help Vaughn fill in some details.

Their cooperative and eager demeanor was completely undisguised!

In fact, everyone knew that after the establishment of the Werewolf Affairs Committee, it would inevitably face attacks and targeting from the Ministry of Magic, led by Fudge.

Even with the approval of Wizengamor and the fact that the Commission is a legitimate body in England, the Ministry of Magic cannot act directly. However, for such an authority, there are still many ways to exert influence indirectly.

For example, blocking the approval of potion sales, inciting public opinion and partners to boycott werewolves for earning Galleons, adjusting the raw material market, etc.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the harmonious and unified operation of all departments within the Ministry of Magic, and the effective execution of Minister Fudge's plans.

But now, before the minister's plan has even begun, it's about to be torn open!

"...The committee's biggest weakness before was its lack of revenue and official support, which was also Fudge's biggest advantage in turning the tide. But Barty Crouch's betrayal opened up a new channel for the committee—the international wizarding community!"

"With Barty Crouch's support, many of the problems that were previously a concern will now be resolved: the approval of potion sales? No problem, England's approval cannot affect other countries. At least with Crouch, the social butterfly, some countries with less common languages ​​should be happy to open green channels for old friends—it turns out that knowing a few more foreign languages ​​can help you make a lot more friends."

"Holding out raw materials? No problem. Some countries with serious werewolf problems (such as those in Northern Europe) are mostly willing to pay for raw materials plus Galleons in order to get the wolfsbane potion as soon as possible."

"Restricting apothecaries? The Extraordinary Apothecaries Association's attitude is currently ambiguous, but regarding Extraordinary Potions, thanks to the calls from Dumbledore and Severus Snape, several apothecaries have expressed their willingness to accept employment and brew wolfsbane potions, such as Mr. Slughorn, that lovable yet cunning little old man, who never misses any opportunity to become famous..."

"Although we still don't know exactly how Mr. Vaughn Weasley persuaded Barty Crouch, his involvement certainly made the successful conclusion of the questioning session even more perfect."

"This also signifies that the establishment of the Werewolf Affairs Committee has officially entered its countdown phase—reporting from Rita Skeeter!"

Amelia Burns put down her newspaper and looked at Vaughn with a half-smile:

"When did Rita Skeeter become your mouthpiece?"

While eating a cookie, Vaughn shrugged: "Maybe she was always a fair and compassionate journalist, but she used to focus too much on the story and neglect the pursuit of journalistic truth."

"Oh……"

Amelia chuckled. She had been interviewed by Rita several times and knew all too well the foolishness and malice in that woman's heart.

She didn't really care. She was both a staunch Dumbledore supporter and a politician, and she knew that in political struggles, uniting all forces that could be united was the right thing to do.

While it is admirable to befriend the virtuous and distance oneself from the petty based on personal likes and dislikes, it is too idealistic.

but……

Amelia put down her newspaper, pinched her temples, and said with a mix of headache and curiosity, "I just told you the day before yesterday not to contact Crouch, but... speaking of which, how did you manage to convince him?"

Vaughn didn't answer, but instead asked, "After seeing Crouch's performance today, do you think trying to win him over would do more harm than good?"

"...It's hard to say, but his mental state is definitely different; his enthusiasm far exceeds my expectations."

Although she didn't quite understand, Amelia answered honestly.

It was Crouch, who was just loafing around and waiting to die, who lost his value, not Crouch, who was very cooperative and proactive with Vaughn's plan at the previous meeting!

Vaughn smiled.

When a father is driven to despair, he can indeed unleash energy far beyond what outsiders can imagine for the sake of his son and family.

Looking at the child sitting on the sofa in front of her, eating cookies, Amelia felt he was even more mysterious and unpredictable.

In the first few years, many people still had high hopes for Crouch, expecting him to emerge from the shadows of his life and lead everyone out of the slump of the Millison Barnard era (who was a rather appeaseing leader whose main strategy during her tenure was to bury her head in the sand; the current backwardness and inefficiency of the wizarding world is partly due to her).

Many people have tried to help him get back on his feet, including Amelia from back then.

But everyone failed, and everyone thought that the once iron-fisted Crouch was now a useless man!

No one could have imagined that this guy, whom so many old friends and colleagues couldn't pull out of the mire, would be conquered by Vaughn Weasley today.

Amelia was very curious about what method Vaughn had used.

Similarly, others were also curious.

As the two were chatting, there was a knock on the office door. Amelia coughed, straightened her appearance, and then replied, "Come in!"

The door opened, and a middle-aged man with an imposing presence walked in.

He was a middle-aged male wizard with thick, messy, long brown hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, but with extremely sharp eyes. His legs seemed to be a little lame, but his gait was long and aggressive, and every move he made exuded a tough style.

At first glance, it looks like a lion preparing for battle.

"Rufus?"

"Amelia!" The wizard's lips pursed slightly, his voice low and serious. He nodded to Amelia, then his sword-like gaze fixed on Vaughn:

"Mr. Vaughn Weasley, I am Rufus Scrimgeour. Could you tell me how you persuaded Barty Crouch? As far as I know, he hasn't been involved in politics for a long time!"

"..." Vaughn, who had just stuffed a cookie into his mouth, blinked, a little confused by his bluntness. "So?"

"Therefore, I suspect you used unethical methods against him..."

Amelia frowned: "Rufus!"

Amelia was a little angry.

Rufus Scrimgeour is the head of the Auror Office, which is under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Although the Auror Office has a certain degree of autonomy due to the principle of separation between legislation and law enforcement, in name, the other party is still her subordinate.

But now her subordinates are questioning her guests in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Amelia."

Scrimgeour apologized, but his eyes never left Vaughn. "But as an Auror, I have reason to be suspicious of anything, especially given the circumstances surrounding a high-ranking official like Barty Crouch, if he were under the Imperius Curse..."

"Enough! You're going too far, Rufus!" Amelia, not wanting to hear any more, was about to reprimand Scrimgeour and tell him to leave.

Vaughn raised his hand: "It's alright, Amelia."

He looked with interest at Scrimgeour, whose disheveled hair was streaked with gray and who resembled an old lion, and smiled, "What would you do if I didn't want to tell you?"

Scrimgeour maintained his pouty expression: "If you don't want to talk, I can't force you, but you'll be under my surveillance, and I'll be watching your every move!"

"Of course, you can put pressure on me through other important figures. I know that Dumbledore is backing you. Yes, this rumor has spread throughout the entire wizarding world."

He twitched the corners of his mouth, what appeared to be a smile: "But as long as I sit in the position of Auror's office director, you'd better watch out, there's a pair of eyes watching you!"

After saying that, he turned and left without any hesitation.

It seems that his appearance was solely for the purpose of delivering these warnings.

After he left, Vaughn looked at Amelia strangely: "Is this always his style?"

"well……"

Amelia sighed. "You should ask how many people in the entire Auror office don't behave this way."

"Okay, how many are left?"

"...The only one I can think of right away is Kingsley Shackleton..."

After her initial outburst, Amelia still defended Scrimgeour, saying, "The Aurors are always on the front lines against dark wizards, so they can be quite direct and rude at times. A prime example of this is Alastor Moody. Believe me, one day you'll see him and realize that Scrimgeour is actually quite mild-mannered."

Vaughn chuckled, seemingly joking, and said, "Ah, it seems the Ministry of Magic still has many systems that need improvement. I think it's necessary to set up a psychological counseling department in the Auror Office. I'm quite skilled in memory magic, Amelia, perhaps you could consider hiring me?"

Seeing that Vaughn didn't seem to care much about Scrimgeour's offense, Amelia secretly breathed a sigh of relief and replied jokingly, "If I ever become Minister for Magic, maybe I could consider it."

Vaughn smiled and replied.

He didn't take Scrinker's threat seriously.

This old lion is undoubtedly a qualified Auror, with a sense of justice and a strong mind.

Even when Voldemort captured and tortured him, Harry's whereabouts were never exposed.

But that's about all his talent has to offer.

In the original story, with Voldemort's resurrection, Fudge's resignation, and Amelia's murder, after he became Minister of Magic, he made no effective decisions until his death in battle.

The only achievement of his ministerial career was distributing defense pamphlets to the wizarding residents...

Amelia didn't want to talk about Scrimgeour any further, so she changed the subject and asked, "What has Dumbledore been up to lately? I've hardly seen him around."

"He's probably investigating a case in some primeval forest right now!"

"?"

……

With a stern face and the hem of his long robe trailing behind him, Snape exchanged a secret signal with the hideous, dripping stone beast before heading to the headmaster's office.

Then he saw Dumbledore, looking travel-worn, his beard and hair covered in withered leaves and twigs.

"ha……"

Snape gave a short, expressionless laugh to emphasize his sarcasm: "My esteemed White Lord, you've been gone for almost half a month. I thought you were busy with some important matter in the wizarding world, but now it seems you might have just drunk too much and fallen into some tree hole?"

The shameless Dumbledore pretended not to understand and said with a friendly smile, "Severus, long time no see. How have you been? How's Harry?"

"Not so great. Your great savior has been impersonating an owl, a Ravenclaw student, a hamster, a madman... and a stag lately, all to gain attention!"

When the last word, "stag," came up, Snape's face darkened, as if he were thinking of something he loathed.

Dumbledore shrugged it off: "Such vibrant youth, isn't it? Hmm... how about Vaughn?"

It has to be said that the person who understands Snape best is Dumbledore.

Snape's expression visibly softened. He didn't say anything, but simply took a newspaper from his pocket and handed it over.

"Ha, it seems you've been keeping an eye on your dear student."

"I just want to see how he ruins himself!"

"Don't be hypocritical. If you didn't care about him, you wouldn't carry a newspaper around with you... Oh—the interrogation meeting is over? Crouch actually supported Vaughn in the meeting? I feel like I missed a lot of exciting moments!"

After quickly glancing at the newspaper reports, Dumbledore narrowed his azure eyes slightly but said nothing more.

Snape couldn't help but feel a little strange: "Aren't you curious about how he was able to convince Crouch? Many people are very puzzled."

"Of course I'm curious." Dumbledore took off his glasses and wiped them, his expression calm. "But we have an agreement to protect our current trust and focus on doing more important things."

"For Vaughn, the Werewolf Affairs Committee is his most important thing right now, and all his goals are to serve the establishment of the committee. I have no reason to, and do not want to, interfere."

"Just like when he needed me to step in the most, I chose to do what I thought was important, and he didn't interfere—this is a compromise and trust between two intelligent people, which is very precious!"

Snape squinted.

Hmph, I don't really understand you smart people!

He couldn't be bothered to care what agreement the two foxes, one big and one small, had made, and said directly, "Are you done asking? I still have to go back and grade your savior's thesis. Tsk tsk, it took me an hour to force myself to look at that pile of garbage without vomiting."

To his surprise, Dumbledore didn't speak, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, he said, "Severus, find some time to put Quirinas under pressure."

Upon hearing this, Snape frowned: "You want to speed things up? Why?"

According to the previously adjusted plan, he should have pressured Quirrell again at the end of the semester, thereby alerting the Dark Lord and causing him to resort to desperate measures and force his way through.

The reason for choosing that point was to wait for Harry to complete his Occlumency training.

(End of this chapter)