Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 303, Section 301. Karkaroff: That damned half-blood!

After a brief and friendly conversation, Karkarov was certain that his life was not in danger, so he became a little bolder and his mind started to work a bit more.

Countless thoughts and guesses flashed through my mind.

What exactly happened that night that caused the invincible "that one" to disappear without a trace? This mystery is something many in the wizarding world want to know.

Karkaroff was no exception; he longed to know why the once-powerful "that one" had become a little wizard, but he dared not speak, much less ask.

The only certainty is that the person in front of me is "that one," and only "that one" could cause such a clear reaction from the mark.

Seemingly sensing Karkaroff's thoughts, Daly said, half explaining and half talking to himself, "That prophecy was a trap, a trap aimed at me. That night, I lost my former body."

As a former high-ranking member of the Death Eaters, Karkaroff certainly knew what the prophecy referred to.

That was a prophecy offered by Snape, and "that person" firmly believed in its contents.

As for the specifics of the prophecy, Karkaroff wasn't quite sure. He only knew that after hearing the prophecy, "that one" was going to kill someone, and that the one would do it personally.

At the time, some people thought it was a trap and advised "that person" on it, and then... then they were given a mysterious green light.

No one can teach "that person" how to do things.

Nobody's here!

"But they didn't expect that I would come back."

Dali's cold words made Karkaroff tremble involuntarily again. Someone was going to be in trouble, really in trouble.

"Kakarov, I need you to do something for me."

Upon hearing this, Karkarov resolutely prostrated himself at Dali's feet once more, as if he were demonstrating something he had practiced countless times.

"No matter what it is, I will do my best to accomplish it for you."

Putting everything else aside, this humble attitude alone is very pleasing.

See? That's what you call professional.

That night, I lost not only my body, but also my once invincible power.

He paused here, still kneeling at Dali's feet, showing no reaction whatsoever even after hearing this "huge" secret.

In his eyes, even without the power of invincibility, "that person" is still "that person".

What I need to do now is to be loyal to him wholeheartedly.

Seemingly quite satisfied with Karkaroff's attitude, the voice from above continued.

"After years of investigation, I've discovered a secret. Everything that happened back then was done by a half-blood wizard named Tom. That damned half-blood thief tried to become me; he wanted to replace me. Although I saw through his scheme, he still managed to steal them and a portion of my power."

"Damn mixed-race bastard!"

Karkarov appeared even more agitated than the person involved.

"Rest assured, as your most loyal servant, I will torture him to death with the world's cruelest curse!"

Karkaroff echoed loudly, but with his head down, he didn't see Dali's strange look.

"Good for you! I hope you won't wet your pants when you know the truth."

Dudley looked down at his opponent and continued, "You are no match for him. Even if that despicable thief only stole a tiny bit of power, you still wouldn't be able to fight him."

Karkarov continued to lie there and repeatedly said yes, but he was just saying that; he would never actually go up and do it.

"My loyal servant, my strength is also returning. I will personally deal with that thief."

"Your power is as vast as the stars and the sea. That damned half-blood thief only stole a small fraction of it, so naturally he could not possibly be your match."

Karkaroff echoed Dali's words, praising him without reservation, since praising people didn't cost any money.

"Very well. Here you go, my loyal servant."

Karkarov, who was prostrate at Dali's feet, raised his hands and very respectfully accepted what Dali had given him.

A large green snail is fast asleep, with a huge snot bubble rising from its nose.

Karkaroff was puzzled; he didn't know what it was, but he didn't dare ask. He could only hold it in his hands. Fortunately, Dali soon explained it to him.

"This is a Den Den Mushi (snail phone). It can be used for communication. With it, you can contact me directly, and I will also use it to contact you when needed."

"Much more reliable than any owl."

Karkaroff carefully put it away; it was much more sophisticated than the methods used by "that person" more than ten years ago.

"Don't tell anyone about my appearance yet; the time isn't right. But you can try contacting other people. I'd like to know how many people are still willing to be loyal to me, just like you."

Those cold, emotionless words sent a chill down Karkaroff's spine. "That one" showed absolutely no mercy to traitors; death was the best possible release.

Karkarov silently mourned for his former colleagues for a second.

Who cares about them? As long as I'm okay, that's all that matters.

Karkaroff thought selfishly.

Watching Karkaroff leave and disappear at the end of the garden, Dali looked up at the moon in the sky. It was big and round, and the soft moonlight shone on the earth, which was very beautiful.

Tonight is another full moon night.

Why does Karkaroff's Dark Mark get hot?

Of course, it's because Dudley controlled it.

That's not some amazing magic. It's just the simplest contract magic.

Once you crack it, you can exploit it.

Under the analysis of the data magic eye, this magic is meaningless.

Moreover, unlike Dudley and that senior Tom who could only make everyone's Dark Marks heat up together, he could make a single person's Dark Mark react, which meant he had performed a more refined operation on the other person's basis. No wonder Karlov was so convinced.

Imagine, how could a normal fourth-grade wizard possibly achieve such a feat?

By this time, the ball in the Great Hall was nearing its end, with only a small, sparse crowd remaining. Most of the young wizards had already left, and even some professors. Some people saw Madam Maxim of Beauxbatons and Professor Hagrid of the Hogwarts Magical Creatures Protection Class leave together after their performance.

Those who confessed their feelings, those who failed, and those who succeeded—it all happened tonight.

Many newly formed couples even made plans to sneak into the nearby woods.

Tonight, no one will restrain them; everyone is having a great time. This is a celebration for the little wizards.

There is joy and sorrow.

There was sadness and joy.

This is youth.

However, tonight is destined to be a sleepless night.

Many people suffer from insomnia because of this.

(End of this chapter)