HP: Azkaban's Outstanding Graduate

"Absent from a transformative event, missing out on a wave that will reshape the educational landscape of the wizarding world, is not a decision that a wise man would make," said Sagrais without expression.

The office fell silent once again.

The portraits on the wall seemed to be holding their breath, as if afraid of disturbing the silence that filled the room.

Dumbledore slowly leaned back in his chair, his eyes seemingly gazing into the void, or perhaps piercing through the walls, seeing the quietly changing magical world described by Sargeras.

After a long while, a long sigh escaped from his throat.

“Alright, Sagres.”

Dumbledore's voice was a little hoarse than usual. "I cannot ignore the picture you have painted. Hogwarts cannot shut itself off out of fear, especially when other schools have already taken steps in this direction."

He sat up straight, his gaze hardening: "I agree to the construction of the Tower of Magic and the initial experiments with the Magic Network at Hogwarts. But I must attach the strictest preconditions."

"I'm all ears," Sagrais nodded with a smile.

Dumbledore pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, “First, the scope of the experiment and the rules of linking must be implemented according to the plan we have agreed upon. Second, I will be the first person to link to the ‘Magic Web’.”

"The first one?"

Sagres raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by this condition. "May I ask for the reason?"

"I want to personally experience all the impacts and potential risks of the Magic Network."

Dumbledore's tone was firm and left no room for argument, "Furthermore, as Headmaster, I reserve the absolute authority to halt the entire experiment at any time. If I discover any negative impact it has on the minds of the Linkers, the experiment must be terminated immediately, and the Tower of Magic must be shut down. Are you willing to accept this?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Sagres nodded decisively.

“I accept all your conditions, Professor Dumbledore. The experiment will be conducted under the most rigorous framework and your supervision.”

He even went so far as to offer a rare compliment: "Your participation and final decision-making power are the most important safety valve for this experiment."

The first linker was Dumbledore himself, which was an unexpected surprise, since there was no more credible and intimidating "test user" than him.

As the dust settled, Sagles was about to get up and take his leave when he suddenly remembered something.

"By the way, Professor Dumbledore."

He added in a flat tone, "A few days ago, I visited Nurmengard for some reason."

Dumbledore paused slightly upon hearing this, and Sargeras continued, "When I spoke with Mr. Grindelwald, I mentioned the idea of ​​the magic network. He showed unusual interest in it."

Dumbledore's body suddenly felt as if it were filled with cement, and his gaze abruptly focused on Sargeras's face.

Sagrais continued calmly, "He stated that if the Magic Network can truly achieve some degree of success as envisioned, it will genuinely begin to reshape the connections and order of the magical world..."

He paused here, chuckled, and continued, "So, he thinks that staying in the tower of Nurmengard might no longer be a 'necessary' or 'meaningful' choice."

"He's trying to escape?" Dumbledore asked in a low, somewhat bewildered voice.

Sagles recalled how Grindelwald had spoken back then, and finally shook his head.

"I do not know."

He said, "Mr. Grindelwald's words were roughly that he might consider observing the changes in the world from a different place at that time."

All the expressions on Dumbledore's face slowly froze, and the knuckles of his fingers gripping the armchair turned slightly white.

The portraits on the wall could no longer remain silent, especially Phineas Nigellus, who finally couldn't help but speak up: "Isn't that a prison break? What is this madman trying to do? Is he going to make a comeback?"

Sagles shrugged and declined to comment.

He felt that the other party probably wouldn't be thinking of making a comeback or taking back his Dark Lord crown.

After all, it is quite doubtful whether a centenarian would still have the energy and will to reclaim his former glory.

He was more inclined to believe that Grindelwald might simply not want to miss a show that could overturn all the rules, or... wanted to find an opportunity to settle some old scores that spanned half a century with old friends.

Simply put, he wants revenge on Dumbledore, since Dumbledore was the one who sent him to Nurmengard, which was, in a way, a betrayal.

(Disclaimer: The backstab here has no special meaning! It's just a simple backstab...)

Time ticked by, and the portraits on the wall chattered incessantly.

After a long while, Dumbledore finally nodded slowly, the movement so subtle it was almost imperceptible.

He didn't look at Sagres; his voice was low, as if he were talking to himself, carrying a weary yet resolute understanding of fate:

"I understand."

Only these few words.

He didn't ask for details, nor did he express anger or condemnation; he didn't even show the slightest surprise.

Having said all that, there's no need for further explanation.

Sargeras passed this message on to Dumbledore to tell the old man that once the wheels of change are set in motion, it will not only stir up young wizards, but also ancient ghosts and unresolved grudges sealed in the dust of history.

“Then I won’t disturb your rest any longer, Professor Dumbledore.”

Sagras bowed gracefully, picked up the box containing the Horcrux, and walked toward the door.

Dumbledore didn't turn around, but simply gave a soft "hmm".

Chapter 481 Site Selection

Leaving the principal's office, Sagres walked through the castle's winding corridors and spiral staircases toward the open space on the west side of the castle.

The area around the floating arena is open and far from the core teaching area and dormitories, making it an ideal location to set up the magic tower.

The afternoon sun shone brightly, casting its light on the stone walls of the castle and illuminating the youthful faces of the students.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and the faint aroma of a greenhouse. Students walked by in twos and threes, casting curious glances at Sagres as he passed by.

Good afternoon, Professor Greengrass!

"Where are you going, Professor? Are you going to duel with someone?"

Sagles shook his head in response, offering no further explanation.

As he approached the flat plaza below the floating arena, a heated argument drifted on the wind.

Malfoy held his chin high, his hand gripping his smooth hawthorn wand tightly, with Goyle, who was as large as a small mountain, following him as always.

Harry Potter stood opposite Malfoy, looking somewhat distracted.

Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger flanked him, one with a defiant look on his face and the other with a furrowed brow, acting as his bodyguard and advisor.

The two groups were clearly in a standoff.

"Oh? Professor Greengrass!"

Malfoy, with his sharp eyes, was the first to spot the approaching Sagres.

His grey-blue eyes suddenly lit up, and he immediately adjusted his posture and robe sleeves, trying to make himself appear more dignified.

"Good afternoon, Professor Greengrass. You've come at just the right time; we need a referee of sufficient prestige!"

Harry turned to look at him, his green eyes filled with respect and curiosity. "Uh, good afternoon, Professor."

"Good afternoon, gentlemen, and Miss Granger."

Sagrais stopped and calmly swept his gaze over the group of students who were on the verge of exchanging blows. "Looks like you have a date?"

"That's exactly right, Professor!"

Malfoy answered quickly, his tone full of confidence, even a little impatient, "As you can see, Potter and I are ready for a fair duel."

“Then you should go up to the arena.” Sagres pointed to the floating arena in mid-air, “because the dueling venues encouraged by the school rules are over there.”

“Uh… actually, the arena has been ‘temporarily requisitioned’ by Professor Snape for the past two days…” Ron interjected, his words carrying a hint of complaint, “The students of the other three houses do not have the right to use it.”

Upon hearing this, Sagres nodded. "Alright, in that case, can't you wait a few more days? The duel must be today?"

"Probably because Malfoy is just itching to suffer a defeat," Ron interjected again, gloating.

Malfoy glared at him, but did not refute or argue.

He turned to Sagles, his tone earnest: "Professor Greengrass, we are in dire need of a fair and authoritative witness and referee. Would you be willing to take on this role? I believe that with your character, you would not be biased towards either side."

As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Harry.

Harry's face flushed slightly, whether from embarrassment, resentment, or perhaps a bit of speechlessness, it was hard to tell.

He whispered to Sagles, "Professor, if you're busy, there's no need to bother..."

"Trying to make up another excuse?"

Malfoy quickly interrupted him, "You all made excuses when I asked Professor Snape to be the referee before, and now you're unwilling to ask Professor Greengrass to be the referee!"

"Is there any need to compare ourselves to Professor Snape?"

Ron almost jumped up, quite indignantly saying, "If we really want him to be the referee, we can just have Harry raise his hands and surrender, saving us the trouble of wasting magic."

"Then let Professor Greengrass be the referee."

Malfoy said matter-of-factly, raising his chin even higher, "Unless you're afraid of giving yourself away in front of the professor? I'm very confident this time, Potter. You just wait and see."

"Draco has practically broken his wand these past few days, even practicing the Silent Charm while eating!" Goyle added in a muffled voice, trying his best to promote his friend.

Ron immediately retorted, "So what? Harry works hard in class... uh, and after class too!"

He spoke haltingly, clearly lacking confidence.

Hermione was even more direct: "The outcome of a duel depends on many factors, and the length of practice time alone cannot determine everything. Besides, Harry just finished Quidditch practice today, so he's not in the best condition."

She glanced at Harry, her eyes carrying a hint of urging, "You really should work harder."

Harry felt even more embarrassed by his friends' comments and muttered softly, "I didn't completely stop practicing. I've been practicing diligently every night..."

"Oh? So you're finally admitting you secretly studied?"

Malfoy immediately seized on the opportunity, "So you know you didn't perform well in class and need to make up for it after class? I just didn't expect you to be secretly working hard late at night, that's really... quite 'humble'."

What he really meant was hypocrisy, but he phrased it more tactfully because Sagres was present.

Sagres listened quietly to the young wizards' heated debate, a faint smile playing on his lips.

This vibrant competition was like another world compared to the Horcruxes and the web of magic he had just discussed with Dumbledore.

This made him realize more clearly why he wanted to build the Magic Tower here—these young people deserved a better future.

He did not respond to whether he would act as referee, but instead turned his gaze to the suspended arena, looked around at the surrounding terrain, and finally looked back at the two teams arguing heatedly.