Gossip is a fearsome thing, yet Moody made a critical oversight. He failed to recognize that strength often attracts rumors. Thus, when John became aware of the gossip circulating about him, he chose not to quell it. Human nature dictates that individuals tend to believe what they perceive as truth, resistant to change even in the face of contradiction. Only through personal discovery can one's beliefs be truly altered. For Slytherin, the notion of harboring a future Dark Lord wasn't necessarily a negative.
Blaise Zabini approached John with a burning curiosity, inquiring if he truly intended to fulfill the rumors. John's enigmatic smile served as an ambiguous response, fueling speculation without confirming anything. This ambiguity seemed to strengthen the unity within Slytherin, as internal disputes paled in comparison to the external perception of their house. Any student caught slandering John would find themselves the target of a Slytherin collective defense.
Gryffindor was not immune to the spread of rumors. "I always knew Slytherin was no good," a Gryffindor student remarked, met with silent agreement from his peers. Despite Gryffindor's public denouncement of Slytherin's alleged prejudice, they were not above their own forms of discrimination. The legacy of Slytherins joining the Death Eaters during Voldemort's reign lent credibility to the rumors, making them all the more believable to Gryffindor students.
Ron, having learned from past experiences, chose to remain silent. However, Hermione couldn't contain her disbelief, exclaiming, "John wouldn't be that kind of person!" Ron felt conflicted, irritated by Hermione's defense of John, which felt like a thorn in his side. His frustration boiled over, leading to an outburst that only served to anger Hermione further. She reminded him sharply of John's past deeds, including saving Ron and repairing his wand, before storming off with tears glistening in her eyes.
Harry found himself caught between his friends, witnessing the tension with concern. Ron, still fuming, muttered resentfully about the constant focus on John, despite his own contributions.
In the aftermath, John noticed Harry and Ron's deliberate avoidance and quickly deduced the reason. With a chuckle, he mused about the absurdity of being labeled the next Dark Lord. "Gossip is inconsequential; what matters is who believes it," John reflected, dismissing Moody's concerns about his reputation. He saw himself not as a savior but as someone destined to surpass both Dumbledore's protégé and Voldemort.
As John walked through the halls, his presence caused students from other houses to steer clear, a development that Draco Malfoy found immensely satisfying. Malfoy's half-joking suggestion that John embrace the role of Dark Lord was met with a stern rebuke, though it sparked a moment of contemplation in John. Malfoy quickly backpedaled, fearing he had overstepped.
Unbeknownst to Malfoy, Heinrich observed the exchange with keen interest. John's prowess was undeniable, and the prospect of him rising to such a notorious position after graduation wasn't entirely far-fetched. Daphne, too, watched from a distance, her thoughts a complex web of strategy and speculation. "Regardless of who you become, I'll always be there for you," she assured, her presence a constant promise. "Heinrich, I have a task for you," Johan paused at the classroom entrance, catching Heinrich's attention. "Check on Moody; something's not right with him." In the Star Club, Heinrich was second only to John in power, making him the ideal candidate for this sensitive mission. Heinrich nodded in understanding. John gestured towards the star badge and advised, "Use this badge if you find yourself in danger. It's okay if you can't resolve the issue, but your safety is paramount." His smile was reassuring as he added, "Deputy, your well-being is of utmost importance." For the first time, a genuine smile broke across Heinrich's usually stoic face. He touched the badge reverently, bowed slightly, and responded with a smile, "Of course, my king."
The task of investigating was entrusted to Heinrich because John had other pressing matters to attend to, including the distribution of various "one" series equipment to Heinrich, emphasizing the "supreme right" to be used only in dire circumstances. Sovereignty was a one-time power, and John had limited quantities. Additionally, Heinrich was given the Marauder's Map to monitor Moody's movements closely.
Three months later, John ventured out of the castle under the cover of night, making his way to Hogsmeade. Beyond the boundaries of Hogwarts, he Apparated, vanishing from sight, and reappeared at the Johnny Silver Hand store. Tang Mi awaited him respectfully. Upon John's arrival, he reported, "My lord, an owl carrying a message was intercepted near Silverhand Manor." He handed John a letter, protected by privacy magic. John effortlessly silenced the magic without dispelling it, to avoid alerting the sender. The letter initially appeared blank. "Such caution is futile against an alchemist," John remarked, a silver ring on his finger revealing the hidden message with a mere touch. After scanning the contents, his expression turned icy. "What's the name of that security guard?" he inquired. "Bieber, Bieber Just," Tang Mi answered, detailing Bieber's transition from a failed business owner in Knockturn Alley to a security team member. "It seems this has been in the planning stages for quite some time," John mused with a sneer, deciding it was time to expose Bieber's scheme entirely.
He reflected on his last gathering, which had been infiltrated by Death Eaters, a fact he had knowingly overlooked. However, he preferred a more strategic approach over immediate elimination, especially since he wanted Lucius Malfoy to infiltrate their ranks. "Lucius has also sent a letter," Tang Mi mentioned, presenting another letter, this one less heavily enchanted. It was from Lucius, listing Death Eaters potentially involved in the plot. John decided to meet with Lucius at Silver Hand Manor, recognizing the opportunity for Lucius to establish his influence among the Death Eaters. By sparing some of them, John could grant Lucius a significant bargaining chip - the mercy of life.
Adorning a silver mask and transforming his attire into the distinctive suit of Johnny Silver Hand, John mused with a smirk, "Let's see if the diehard loyalists of the second-generation Dark Lord, Voldemort, are truly formidable." Tang Mi, knowing the manor's situation well, couldn't help but chuckle. The manor, now a haven for Barty Crouch Jr. and others, was more akin to a den of wolves.
John repackaged the intercepted letter, restoring its magic. A confused owl perched by the window was briefly enchanted by Tang Mi. After placing the letter back and lifting the spell, erasing the owl's memory of the event, it flew off, oblivious to the manipulation. John utilized the office's Floo network and arrived at Silver Hand Manor. Gazing out into the night, he knew all he had to do was wait in silence.
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Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge