Dumbledore repaired the Ravenclaw's Diadem with the Elder Wand's immense power. He gently tapped the crown on the desk, and it resonated, making a sound akin to wind chimes swaying in the breeze. The Diadem started to float in mid-air, spinning faster and faster until it merged the two broken pieces together. When it fell back to Dumbledore's hand, it looked just as it had when Evan first saw it.
Evan marveled at the Elder Wand's incredible power. It was truly a legendary artifact capable of performing such feats. From its creation to its use, it had only ever served the most powerful wizards in history.
Dumbledore examined the Diadem closely, noting the engraved inscription and the magic that had sealed its powers. "Extraordinary wisdom is humanity's greatest wealth," Dumbledore mused, his eyes still fixed on the crown. "This is an immensely valuable magical item, originally belonging to the ancient Ravenclaw family. However, this isn't its true appearance. I can sense that it has been blocked from using its abilities."
"Is it Voldemort's doing?" Evan asked, remembering that Voldemort had tampered with the crown's magic.
"It might not be," Dumbledore replied as he continued to study the engraved inscription. "Tom seems to have been obsessed with collecting personal items from Hogwarts' founders, but he kept this crown sealed with a unique magic, and even its soul has disappeared. This is a different kind of magic, a peculiar seal."
"A peculiar seal?" Evan inquired.
"A very strange and yet formidable power," Dumbledore explained. "It's like a special enchantment."
Evan couldn't feel or understand the magic at play, realizing once again that there was a significant gap between his magical knowledge and Dumbledore's.
Legend had it that Ravenclaw's diadem could enhance one's wisdom, making the wearer more intelligent. Helena Ravenclaw had once stolen the diadem from her mother, Rowena, but ultimately, it had brought her nothing. This suggested that the crown had lost its magical properties and true nature before Helena had taken it.
"Professor, how should we restore it to its original form?" Evan asked.
"That will depend on your intelligence and abilities," Dumbledore smiled, returning the royal crown to Evan. "Legend has it that only the most intelligent and talented individuals have the qualifications to find and possess it. It's now yours entirely, Evan. I hope you can unlock the secrets of Ravenclaw."
Dumbledore didn't seem inclined to assist Evan in solving this problem but shifted the conversation back to Voldemort.
"Evan, regarding the plan you proposed earlier, I must admit that I'm not entirely in favor of it," Dumbledore said earnestly. "It's an extremely dangerous plan, and we can't afford you to make decisions lightly. However, I also understand that it may be the only way to solve our current problem."
He looked at Evan seriously, his light blue eyes shining with intensity. After Karkaroff's departure, Evan and Dumbledore had engaged in a lengthy discussion. Evan had shared his information, including Kreshkov's plans related to Voldemort and the possible plot to use Barty Crouch Jr. to deliver Harry to Voldemort, which was key to Voldemort's return.
This plan was bold and straightforward. If someone unaware of Harry being a Horcrux heard it, they might think Evan was insane for aiding Voldemort. However, it was currently the only way to completely destroy the soul fragment of Voldemort within Harry. Only by allowing Voldemort to use Harry's blood could they strengthen their connection, ensuring that Harry would survive as long as Voldemort did. This plan hinged on Voldemort initiating the process by killing Harry, which was the key.
Dumbledore had to weigh this plan's risks and necessity, and Evan had to emphasize the situation's urgency. Voldemort's return was imminent, and further delays would only make him stronger and more dangerous.
Dumbledore ultimately took the risk in the original timeline because it was the only option left. Though Harry had managed to escape Voldemort, it had been fraught with uncertainty and peril.
With Evan's arrival and the increased danger posed by Voldemort's return, Dumbledore had hesitated to give his final approval. But now, he seemed resolved.
"I can agree to the plan you've proposed," Dumbledore finally said, looking at Evan intently. "However, you must promise me that, no matter what happens, your priority will be the safety of Harry. Do not take unnecessary risks."
"I promise," Evan affirmed. Safety was paramount, and everything else would be secondary.
They continued their discussion, focusing on the details of the plan. Evan would sneak into the water during the Triwizard Tournament's second task and wait for Harry. Ron would be one of the champions' most important people, and Gabrielle would be with Fleur. Evan intended to talk to Fleur about the dangerous nature of the competition, as he didn't want Hermione or Gabrielle participating due to the risks involved.
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Fleur is the only candidate supported by Dumbledore. This is the first thought that occurs to Evan after Dumbledore proposes the idea.
Among the four champions, Harry is undoubtedly the most crucial figure.
This point undoubtedly plays a significant role in the plan.
Considering the current situation, Krum is unlikely to assist Evan; he doesn't want to speak with him.
On the other hand, Cedric is willing to provide help, but the condition is that Evan must tell the truth; otherwise, gaining his trust is challenging.
Evan is currently left with no option but to reveal the truth.
He believes that helping Voldemort return is necessary despite their ample reasons for doing so.
This could begin a wizarding war without any unexpected events, potentially resulting in many casualties. Voldemort is not an opponent to be underestimated, even without Dumbledore's complete assurance.
In the original story, Harry defeating Voldemort doesn't have many models and doesn't hold much significance.
In reality, after Dumbledore's death, Voldemort emerges victorious, with no one capable of defeating him except himself. He can manipulate magic circles as he pleases, whether with Harry or by imprisoning him.
Voldemort's obsession with Professor Trelawny's predictions leads him to focus entirely on a showdown with Harry to prove himself as the most powerful wizard, although this ultimately has no meaning, as he is already widely recognized as the most powerful wizard in the magical world.
The multiple soul fragments cause his emotions to become extremely unstable, making it difficult for him to think clearly. While his strength increases, he becomes more evil, but the level of danger he poses decreases.
Voldemort hastily enters a battle without gathering the necessary information or using his wands, facing Harry instead. The outcome is predictable – failure.
These events can be attributed to Dumbledore's meticulous planning, although luck also plays a significant role.
After undergoing many changes, Evan can no longer rely solely on elusive luck. Even though Dumbledore may alter his plans, Evan wants to ensure that everything is as safe as possible.
After leaving Dumbledore's office, he heads toward the Beauxbatons' carriage.
Evan is mentally prepared for this encounter. While he has a good relationship with Fleur, she is known for being difficult to handle.
In a previous private conversation, Evan informed her about the first task.
As a gesture of gratitude, Fleur kisses Evan on the forehead directly. This French approach to gratitude is somewhat surprising.
The door is already open before Evan reaches the Beauxbatons carriage, with students frequently coming and going.
Due to the interactions over the past few days, both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students have made friends at Hogwarts. They either arrive at the carriage or the Durmstrang ship for visits.
Because of his frequent visits, Evan is well-known among Beauxbatons students. He has become somewhat of a celebrity there, with most people recognizing him. While not everyone is friendly, the level of hostility hasn't escalated.
Not too long ago, when Evan approached the carriage, a group of students challenged him to a duel. However, they refrain from doing so now, likely realizing they stand no chance against him.
Instead of going inside, Evan asks a Beauxbatons female student to call Fleur.
Based on their previous interactions, Evan has learned that it's best not to be alone in a confined space with Fleur.
After about five minutes, Fleur, still looking somewhat sleepy, approaches Evan. She seems to have just woken up, wearing loose casual clothing with her silver hair flowing down her shoulders.
Despite her disheveled appearance, she remains quite attractive.
"Good morning!" Evan greets her with a smile.
"Good morning," Fleur replies, looking at Evan. "What can I do for you? If you're looking for my younger sister, she left for the castle early this morning. She said she wanted to help your champions learn Stunning Spells. Has Ron mastered Stunning Spells yet?"
In preparation for the upcoming task, Harry and Hermione have been helping Ron practice various combat spells, including Stunning Spells, Disarming Charms, Impediment Jinxes, etc. Evan, Colin, Ginny, and Gabrielle are also lending a hand.
Ron had never used these spells before, so the people practicing with him had to endure some sacrifices. Even Harry, despite his weaker magical abilities, has been practicing with Evan's insistence. While getting repeatedly hit by Stunning Spells isn't pleasant, it helps everyone improve their skills.
"I'm not here to find Gabrielle," Evan says as he guides Fleur to a secluded spot. "I have something to discuss with you."
Fleur seems slightly surprised by Evan's demeanor, as if she remembered something. She smiles at him and says, "Is this about the competition? What information have you gathered?"
"It is indeed related to the competition," Evan confirms. "Do you know about the golden egg's secret?"
"It's quite simple," Fleur replies excitedly. "You just need to put it in the water to reveal the clue. It's the Merpeople's song, suggesting that we should retrieve something from the lake, something the champions hold dear."
"It's not an object, but a person," Evan clarifies. "The most important person to the champions. That's the second task. Professors will lead your most important person to the Merpeople village at the lake's bottom, and you'll have one hour to rescue them."
"What?!" Fleur exclaims in surprise. "That's incredibly dangerous! How will they breathe underwater?"
Fleur's most important person is undoubtedly Gabrielle, and the thought of Gabrielle going underwater in the icy dark lake troubles her.
Fleur's complexion changes, and she can't help but recall the Merpeople's song: "The champions must seek what we take and bring it back to us. In one hour, we'll hope they fail and fade away, never to return."
As she gazes at the lake, its depth and terrain exceed her expectations, and one hour seems insufficient. She doesn't have full confidence in successfully rescuing Gabrielle.
"Listen," Evan says earnestly. "I hope that, when the time comes, you'll choose me as your most important person."
"You want to be my most important person?" Fleur says, suddenly wide awake, scrutinizing Evan from head to toe.