Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 329, Section 327: Never Choose the Wrong Side

Inside a small hut somewhere in Hogsmeade, a group of Death Eaters, led by Karkaroff, were sitting together.

"Mr. Karkaroff, thanks to your advice, we weren't captured by the Aurors like McNeil and Nott."

"I originally thought 'that person' had returned, but I never expected it to be a trap."

The man, whose head was hidden inside a gray hood, spoke.

Unlike the Death Eaters captured in Voldemort's father's grave who were the most successful in the wizarding world, these Death Eaters were at the level of ordinary classes in terms of both magical skill and status, which is what Voldemort called the "rabble".

Yes, there is a class division among Death Eaters. Strictly speaking, this system applies wherever there are people, no matter where you are.

When Karkaroff was arrested, in order to avoid being imprisoned in Azkaban, he betrayed a group of Death Eater leaders. Although he managed to escape, he was ostracized from the circle by the surviving Death Eater leaders.

But who doesn't have a few friends?

He was ostracized from the upper echelons, but he integrated into the second class below the Death Eaters. It was thanks to the support of these Death Eaters that he was able to become the headmaster of Durmstrang School after the Wizengamo Trials.

"Of course, Joseph, my friend, we should help each other."

"Just as you helped me back then."

Karkarov grinned, showing off his distinctive yellow teeth, clearly in a very good mood.

If Dudley hadn't told him a few days earlier that it was the plan of that thief named "Tom," he might have gone along too.

"Those guys up there should be fine; they'll be released soon."

Joseph nodded, having no doubt about the truth of Karkaroff's words.

Karkaroff knew this so clearly because it was also what Dali had told him.

The handling of the Death Eaters was assigned to Wizengamot, and now more than 30 percent of Wizengamot members are openly associated with the Carol family. It is almost a consensus among all Hogwarts Slytherins that the Carol family represents the Dursleys.

Perhaps after this incident, this figure will become 60% or even more.

Those Death Eaters would agree to any conditions offered to avoid going to Azkaban. Don't expect them to have much backbone; the higher their position, the more afraid they are of death.

Power may be a treasure to those who climb up from the bottom, but for truly powerful families, it's just something to avoid the limelight for a while and then take it back.

"Kakalov, has 'that one' really returned?"

As Joseph said this, he unconsciously looked towards the door, his voice very soft, as if afraid of being overheard by others.

The others, along with Joseph, all looked in the same direction, quietly waiting for Karkarov's reply, not daring to even breathe.

"Joseph, there are some things it's better not to know too much about."

Karkaroff did not give a direct answer, but instead gave him an ambiguous reply. He could not give a direct answer either, even if Dali had not specifically instructed him to do so.

Joseph nodded knowingly.

It may seem ambiguous, but it is actually an answer to him.

This kind of thing can only be understood intuitively, not explained in words.

"Kakalov, if you need anything, please contact us anytime."

"We will do everything we can to meet the demand."

Joseph placed a bulging little bag into Karkaroff's hand in a very discreet manner.

Only a friend would remind you in this way, and as a friend, you must also "know how to be grateful".

After gently tossing the bag in his hand to fully feel its weight, Karkaroff's face immediately broke into a radiant smile, clearly very pleased with Joseph's helpfulness.

I couldn't help but add another sentence.

"Get ready."

"The magical world is about to change, a true change, one that no one can stop, no one can stop."

"As an old friend, I have a piece of advice for you."

Upon hearing Karkaroff's words, Joseph and the others craned their necks, listening intently to what he would say next.

"Never choose the wrong side."

Upon hearing Karkaroff's words, Joseph and the others all showed expressions of astonishment.

The Triwizard Tournament concluded successfully with both Hogwarts warriors emerging victorious. Although Hogwarts emerged victorious, the headmasters of the other two schools did not show any dissatisfaction; on the contrary, they seemed quite pleased with the result.

A month before the end of the semester, Karkaroff had already taught all the magic he could. Even his specialty, dark magic—curses—had nothing left to teach the fourth-year wizards; all that was left was practical application.

So the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was changed back to Professor Moody. Although Moody had almost exhausted his knowledge, he had lived long enough and was experienced enough to teach some other magical techniques for students to learn.

Time flew by and it was June 1995, time for final exams again. With the end of the semester and the start of the holidays, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students, led by their principals, returned to their respective schools in the same manner as before.

Before leaving, Professor Hagrid of the Conservation of Magical Creatures class bid a reluctant farewell to Ms. Maxim. In fact, the two had already exchanged contact information and made an appointment to get together during the holidays after Ms. Maxim returned to school to take care of her affairs.

To ensure a pleasant vacation for the two of them, Hagrid borrowed some money from Dudley. In the wizarding world, it's nearly impossible to get by without Galleons, especially for something as expensive as dating. Hagrid hadn't saved much money over the years; he basically spent everything he had.

It was called a loan, but strictly speaking, it was a sale. Dudley took some things from his hut.

Don't underestimate the wealth of a forest ranger.

Even a tiny bit of something peeking out from under Hagrid's fingernails would be enough for an ordinary wizard to live on for a lifetime. Even someone as wealthy as Malfoy wouldn't be extravagant as to make a doghouse out of unicorn hair, but Hagrid's doghouse, Toothpick, was handmade entirely of unicorn hair.

This one nest is enough to feed an ordinary wizard for a lifetime.

Since the end of the Triwizard Tournament, Dudley has become even busier, often spending time alone in the Room of Requirement.

Harry and his friends were already used to this kind of thing; they were probably tinkering with some new potion again.

However, this time they were wrong.

Instead of researching new drugs, Dali was experimenting with alchemy.

"Winner of the Triwizard Tournament and successfully touched Voldemort's nose."

"Obtained: Mystic Code Crafting LV1"

This is what Dali has gained this time.

(End of this chapter)