In order to protect completely unrelated Muggles, a wizard stood alone in front of dozens of drunk "quidditch hooligans", an act of heroism even in Gryffindor.

Lockhart understood that on the one hand, it was to divert the public's attention, and on the other hand, Fudge wanted to quell his dissatisfaction, and by the way, bought the Lion Pie to shut up.

And the top five competition that had been organized before has also become Fudge's life-saving straw at this time.

He gave a generous speech at the Ministry of Magic's internal caliber unification meeting, asking the staff of the Ministry of Magic to work together to overcome the difficulties:

"... What we need most now is stability. If foreigners are allowed to attack this matter, the safety of the five-strong competition we have been preparing for a long time will also be questioned by others. In that case, it is difficult to say whether it can be held smoothly."

Although I hate Fudge's use of the topic, his statement really hit everyone's dead end.

If the tournament, which has been publicized for more than half a year, is cancelled, then Lockhart's transformation of Hogsmeade, the investment of sponsors, and the preparations made by the entire British wizarding community for this will be in vain. The loss is unbearable for all.

So in the end, everyone had to acquiesce to Fudge's coercion, and work together conditionally to minimize the impact of this incident.

As for international disputes, Fudge has absolutely no solution to the anger of the Bulgarians: Lockhart also does not have many channels to deal with such diplomatic events, so it can only rely on Dumbledore in the end.

After Dumbledore listened to Lockhart's report, he simply stated that it was up to him to settle the matter.

Bulgaria was one of the front lines in the fight against Grindelwald, and almost everyone had a blood feud with the Umulist party. They have always been sensitive to this kind of thing. Krum himself is a proof.

So after Dumbledore was invited to go out, he first found his allies in Bulgaria, and explained in detail the relationship between the Death Eaters and the Umrah Party with these old friends.

Although the Bulgarians despised Fudge and made up their minds to take advantage of this to knock a fortune from the British, they still had to give some face to Dumbledore who came to the door.

So on the last day before the start of school, the Bulgarians finally agreed not to spread the matter, and would send a diplomatic note to Greece, Albania and other countries, and wanted Barty Crouch Jr. throughout the Balkans.

Lockhart felt that they couldn't catch little Crouch, let alone Voldemort hiding in Albania, but even pretending was better than not doing it, at least

to unify the position

Chapter 270 Causes and Effects

As complicated as these diplomatic messes are, to be honest, Lockhart didn't put too much effort into them.

What he is most concerned about now is the reform he is about to carry out in the wizarding world, and the second is to prepare for Voldemort's comeback. Even the Big Five competition has a higher status in his heart than wrangling with others.

Therefore, the seizing power incident that Fudge feared did not happen at all, and when he tentatively expressed the hope that Lockhart could support him in the newspapers as previously agreed, Lockhart also agreed to him.

"Believe it or not, I think stability is what the Ministry needs most right now," Lockhart promised Fudge.

Thanks to repeated publicity, Lockhart's reputation in the British wizarding world is now a household name, if not so high, even in a survey launched by "Witches Weekly" on "Dumbledore's successor in your mind" Among them, those who voted for Lockhart accounted for 76.6% of the total. With Lockhart's vocal support, Fudge can be much better in a short time.

It doesn't matter if this will increase Fudge's suspicion of Lockhart, anyway, Lockhart estimates that this guy's term will not exceed two years.

Of course, apart from the little Crouch news, the rest is not all good news.

For example, Gemma Farley, she has a bad news for Lockhart - the pure blood family is "dissatisfied" with Lockhart's performance

The reason why they made such a statement, of course, was because Lockhart protected the Muggle family after the World Cup.

Zhu Er really shouldn't be involved in it. There was a hint of burial in Gemma's tone.

blame.

Although it makes no sense to say this, she has a position to complain, because after this incident, her parents' discussion about her marriage with Lockhart will be put on hold again. She had said a lot of good things to Lockhart before. .

Although the people who participated in the riot did not include a mature and prudent person like Mr. Farley, but in the eyes of the upper echelons, they were just two ordinary Muggles.

Since today Lockhart can protect a family of Muggles and not let the poor purebloods have fun, maybe tomorrow he can give up the blood-drawing policy of pureblood families for the sake of Muggles, which is all to say no. right thing.

In other words, they felt that Lockhart didn't see where he stood.

As for the riot itself, they have nothing to say. After all, who participated in this riot and who did not participate, everyone is very clear in their hearts, and even Malfoy was among the participants. Woolen cloth?

Only Lockhart himself is very clear that his position and principles have always been firm, but those people have been unable to see it.

If Gemma wants to complain, let her complain. People always have to go through the world to gradually clarify their position. I just hope that when everything is over, it is of course the best if they can "break through all difficulties". If not, Lockhart also hopes that they can still sit down and have a cup of tea together.

Given this consideration, Lockhart felt that it was not a bad thing for Gemma to be forced to keep a little distance from him now.

Hogwarts ushered in the fourth school year of Harry Potter in such unease, and just when school started and Sirius decided to travel abroad again, the Ministry of Magic's investigation into the vicious incident of the World Cup was finally completed. .

When the Ministry of Magic found the Flints with evidence, they immediately told the Aurors that it had nothing to do with them.

They claimed that the tent was set up by his family in the owl training base next to the forest, but it was stolen a few days ago, and August was a critical period for owl training. The people in the Flint family were very busy. No time to watch any World Cup.

And the people from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement also confirmed their statement-just half a month ago, the Flynn family reported that one of their tents had been stolen.

In addition, because of the remnants of Grindelwald, the Bulgarians also investigated the director, and they found a letter in the house of the deceased.

In that letter, the writer claimed to be an "insider" of the British Sports Department, specializing in the gambling business, but a few days ago, the director Ludo Bagman was dismissed because he was involved in gambling, and the rest of them The crowd is leaderless and may be laid off at any time, so everyone is trying to find a way to make a fortune.

The writer said that he did the same. He deliberately contacted the Bulgarian side through the "diplomatic channel" left by his father and asked him if he would like to place a bet. If Bulgaria wins in the end, they will take a 30% commission, and if they don't win, they will pay him the full amount.

The Bulgarians didn't know if the letter had anything to do with the killing of their director, so they sent it to the British to ask them to continue their investigation.

After seeing the letter, Lockhart immediately went to the goblin Gonuk.

Gonook admitted to Lockhart that Bulgaria's director of international cooperation did throw a lot of money into him on the eve of the game, betting that Bulgaria would win and that Klum would catch the Snitch for 15 times the odds.

So far, the whole truth has finally come to light one by one

Barty Crouch Jr., through his familiarity with the pure-blood family and the communication channels of the International Affairs Department, first contacted the Bulgarian International Director and asked him if he would like to make a small fortune through gambling.

Lockhart guessed that the director must not have agreed so simply.

He should have secretly learned about the situation in the UK, and wanted to confirm whether these are in line with what Little Crouch said.

However, little Crouch will not reveal his flaws in such a place, because he only needs to pay more attention to the situation before escaping, and he can learn about the recent events of the Ministry of Magic from his father's official documents and letters.

Little Crouch used a special channel for sending letters from the Department of International Affairs, and all he said was the inside story of the British Ministry of Magic, and he even said that Ludo Bagman was "resigned" because of gambling. Clearly, the international director of Bulgaria could not help but not believe it.

So it is inevitable that Bulgaria's international director will eventually take the position. Barty Crouch Jr must know that the Flint family will not be able to come out in August, so he stole a tent from his family in advance, and then Came to the Quidditch World Cup posing as his family and watched the game with the others.

Of course, no matter how powerful little Crouch is, he can't really do any "black box operations", so after the results came out, Ireland won the world championship, all as he expected.

And after Bulgaria lost, the director naturally wanted to ask Little Crouch for an explanation. 5 Little Crouch only needed to make an appointment with the director in the name of "I'll pay you the money".

It doesn't matter even if the Bulgarian wins, Barty can still come to the door on the grounds of "splitting commissions".

The rest is simple - whether it's a threat or Legilimency, little Crouch got the door key location to Bulgaria from the director, and then killed it with a life-threatening curse. took him.

Bulgaria is not far from Albania, and if Lockhart guessed correctly, there is a good chance that little Crouch would now be by Voldemort's side, licking his shoes for him.

Chapter 271 Persuasion

After listening to Lockhart's complete report and conjecture on the Quidditch World Cup incident, Dumbledore's face did not show any waves. Instead, as Lockhart imagined, he just said plainly, "I see. "

Although it is indeed difficult to imagine that Dumbledore would appear panicked, when Lockhart saw him so calm, for some reason, he always felt that Dumbledore seemed a little impatient.

Of course, Dumbledore's strength lies in his strength. Even if Voldemort in his heyday suddenly appeared in front of him, he would still be able to punish the former disciple to face the wall and go to jail.

Dumbledore believes in prophecy, so for the past ten years, he has been "waiting", waiting to welcome Voldemort's comeback.

Even because Voldemort had never been resurrected, Dumbledore couldn't hold back, and took the initiative to release the news of the Philosopher's Stone, sitting and watching Professor Quirrell "bring Voldemort over", just to take another look at his good student, and he didn't know about Voldemort. Are you moved?

With Barty Crouch Jr. fled to Bulgaria, Dumbledore didn't have to think about it and knew that Voldemort's resurrection was officially on the agenda, and he would soon be able to see this guy's reborn green body again.

Thinking about it carefully, there is still a little excitement.

While Lockhart was thinking about it, Dumbledore opened his mouth slowly.

"Little Crouch is a dangerous foe, Gilderoy.

Even though you've told me about this man's troubles, I find that I still underestimate him.

In this incident, I saw a ruthless man who knew how to take advantage of emotions

The newspaper guy, he perfectly combines ferocity and cunning, and at the same time is very powerful..."

Having said this, Dumbledore sighed.

When the little Crouch was tried, even he thought that the young guy was just going astray, and the old Barty Crouch was just for the sake of face. He was sent to Azkaban.

But now it seems that although old Crouch has gone too far without knowing it, little Crouch definitely deserves it. Even after many years in prison, little Crouch's crimes are still mostly unpaid, let alone new debts.

Lockhart agreed with the principal's judgment: "I think so too, the combination of murderousness and ignorance is nothing but a small trouble, but to capable villains, we usually call \"disaster\'"

Hearing what he said, Dumbledore suddenly remembered what Lockhart had said about Barty Jr before, so he asked another question.

"Gildrow, although I may have lost my head, I am sure that I have a good understanding of Voldemort's thoughts and habits, so I know very well what he will do.

But for Barty Crouch Jr. - to be honest, I don't know how he will act. Would you like to analyze it from a politician's point of view, why did he do it and what is he going to do next? "

"You mean that little Crouch could have left quietly, but in the end he chose such a high-profile way?" Lockhart asked rhetorically.

"Yes, I thought he would keep as low a profile as possible before resurrecting the Dark Lord, but he chose to do so, which makes no sense because it would undoubtedly raise the alarm for the Ministry of Magic."

Lockhart smiled: "I see, it seems that the way of thinking does determine a person's behavior... Although from the privacy of the action, it is very unwise for Crouch to do so, but from a political point of view, he Undoubtedly a good move..."

Dumbledore sat up straight, waiting for Lockhart to continue.

No matter what others say about the Dark Lord, in the eyes of our politicians, he is more like an emotional \"catharsis\' for the wizarding world, rather than a \"regime\', if it must be characterized, Death Eaters More like a \"terrorist organization\' rather than an "administrative group\'"

Having said this, Lockhart looked up at Dumbledore, as if to find out if he could understand what he meant.

"I understand." Dumbledore said knowingly, as if you couldn't expect someone who had never seen an elephant to draw an elephant, even a pure-blooded family, untrained and not knowing how to govern. "

"So, as long as Voldemort wants to actually hold that power, he's going to need someone to support him, and not just the simple-minded."

"right."

"Then, Voldemort's most loyal servant, Barty Crouch, naturally has to plan ahead to prepare for the return of his master."

Lockhart gave a rough explanation, and has been observing Dumbledore's reaction, and Dumbledore is worthy of that exquisite heart, and the speed of understanding makes Lockhart feel that he can say more.

\"There is no doubt that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the status quo in the wizarding world today, and they need someone to stand up and lead them and attack the \"old\' rules in their minds, but they are not sure who that person is, and And no early bird is willing to play this role. "

\"Like the thugs you stopped." Dumbledore understood his words again at the speed of light, "No one is willing to take responsibility for this."

"Those who are willing to take responsibility are now in Azkaban." Lockhart reminded the principal, "100% of the people who stay outside are rats."

Having said that, Dumbledore finally understood what Barty did.

"So, he wants to use this method of blatantly challenging the Ministry of Magic to declare to everyone that "Death Eaters still have the power to act," and dare to fight against the Ministry of Magic? "

Lockhart didn't say anything to death: "I guess it's like this, little Crouch hopes that these grasshoppers can bet on both sides as soon as possible, and spontaneously slow down the pace of the Ministry of Magic to gain time and development for his reborn master. resource."

"Will anyone be willing to offer it?" Dumbledore was concerned about this.

"Definitely." Lockhart bluntly made a promise, "For these big families, it is not an unbelievable decision for them to be able to use some \"external things\' to ensure the safety of the family. Even with a two-way bet, they have plenty of resources in their hands. "

It's like the terrorists in the Muggle world. Immediately after the riot, a bunch of inexplicable organizations will jump out to resist this responsibility.

Why are they so high profile, you ask? Nonsense, of course they have to raise a high profile, otherwise, how can those bigwigs donate money to people who can't even bypass Scotland Yard and commit two terrorist attacks? Those bigwigs in the financial market really hate world peace.

If there is no major event to bring volatility to the financial market, how can they make money and cut leeks? Is it just relying on that little dividends and dividends to eat safely? Of course, there is still a panic or something to invest in. If there is really no terrorist activity, then it is okay to have an Afghan crisis, a Syrian crisis or a Ukraine crisis.

Barty Crouch Jr. committed a standard terrorist attack, and it was one big enough to go abroad. This was undoubtedly trying to announce something to the wizarding world. He was afraid that the Ministry of Magic would like to replace it with great fanfare. He "advertises".

To Dumbledore, Lockhart directly stated his conclusion: "...that is to say, from a political point of view, the best solution for the Ministry of Magic at present is to continue to pretend to be deaf and mute, and put the impact of this matter on. Xiaoli shrank, and then dispatched an elite force, deep

Into and comprehensively strangle Voldemort's forces in the infancy. "

According to Lockhart's understanding, the Ministry of Magic in the original book did indeed want to do this in the end, but they just didn't have any elite troops on hand.

Dumbledore was a little unhappy with what Lockhart said.

"Why can't you just announce that \"he will be back soon\'? Wouldn't it be better to wake up the wizarding world from top to bottom sooner? "

After listening to Dumbledore's countermeasures, Lockhart felt a little tired.

Of course, Dumbledore's strategy is undoubtedly the best solution if it is only to fight against the dark forces.

But the problem is that political problems have never been a purely technical problem, let alone a mathematical problem. A problem has only one definite result.

Although the situation is very different from the original book, Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic are still arranging affairs according to their own logic, so that the two sides will conflict sooner or later.

\"Because this world isn't just about good people and Death Eaters." Lockhart had to persuade him first.

Chapter 272 It's time to join the WTO

There is no doubt that everyone has their own task, and Harry Potter's task is to physically destroy Voldemort, so he only has to think about that.

But Dumbledore couldn't, because in addition to being a master of magic, he was also a politician, so he had to think about **** Voldemort politically.

Although the effect he has done in the past ten years is not very good.

Although Dumbledore didn't say it explicitly, Barty Crouch Jr's escape did give him a sense of urgency.

If it was in the past, maybe he could continue to search for Voldemort's Horcrux leisurely, but not now.

Because he wasn't sure if Voldemort would check what he had left after his resurrection, and even if he didn't, when he reunited the Death Eaters, he would learn about it from Malfoy and Bella.

Dumbledore would never take chances on such trivial matters.

Although it has been guessed that Voldemort will make 6 Horcruxes, and 2 of them have been destroyed in the face, Dumbledore is still not sure what the remaining four are.