HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 397

Chapter 397: Old Friends

Even Dumbledore couldn't help but take a sharp intake of breath when hearing that Sean had already found four Horcruxes.

Four Horcruxes!

Excluding Tom Riddle's diary that Dumbledore already knew about, the other three—Dumbledore had only managed to find some clues about Marvolo Gaunt's ring. But Sean had not only obtained Marvolo Gaunt's ring, he had also obtained two more Horcruxes: Ravenclaw's Diadem and Slytherin's Locket!

This could no longer be explained by luck or any other reason.

"Sean, how did you find them?"

"For someone who can see the future, finding things is actually somewhat easier than for others."

"That actually doesn't explain how you were able to find Tom's Horcruxes so quickly."

"Everyone has some secrets, don't they?"

Dumbledore nodded and looked at Sean. "Sean, have you destroyed these Horcruxes?"

"Ravenclaw's Diadem has already been destroyed, Professor."

Dumbledore reacted quickly, looking at Sean and continuing, "What about the other two Horcruxes? Do you have some use for them?"

Sean nodded. "Yes, Professor. Marvolo Gaunt's ring and Slytherin's Locket I still have uses for, so I cannot destroy them yet. But you can be assured, Professor. I will destroy them eventually and won't delay our plans to eliminate Voldemort."

Dumbledore looked deeply at Sean and said, "Sean, sometimes I really must wonder if you are Voldemort's other half, since you have no intention of telling me what those two Horcruxes are for, correct?"

"It is indeed for some personal reasons, not entirely convenient to tell you."

"And the other Horcruxes, Sean—do you know of them?"

Hearing this, Sean's eyelids lowered slightly as he said, "If I knew, I would have already obtained them by now."

Regarding Sean's words, Dumbledore didn't entirely believe them, though he asked nothing further. There were some things Dumbledore was willing to trust Sean with. In fact, Dumbledore's trust in Sean far exceeded what Sean himself imagined.

Dumbledore left—he had much work to do at the Ministry. Recently, Fudge and those behind him had been maneuvering at the Ministry, managing to pull many people who had previously stood behind Dumbledore over to Fudge's and the pureblood families' side. At worst, they maintained neutrality. Only a handful of close friends and loyal followers remained firmly standing behind Dumbledore.

So Harry's trial was actually quite dangerous. Dumbledore had been active at the Ministry during this time. If not for the matter of Horcruxes, he wouldn't have left his pressing duties to come here.

The next morning, Sean left Grimmauld Place and returned home.

Harry's trial was set for mid-August. Arthur Weasley would bring him to the Ministry, and Sean would also go that day. As an official Wizengamot member, he would participate in the trial. Naturally, his vote would be for acquittal.

During this time, Sean visited Grimmauld Place twice, speaking with Harry on both occasions and teaching him certain things. Then, the day before the trial began, Sean received a personal invitation from Gavin to come to Burkes Manor.

Arriving at Burkes Manor, Sean immediately saw Gavin enthusiastically chatting with several elderly people. The youngest among them appeared to be in his mid-forties to fifties. Many of them had familiar faces—Wizengamot members Sean had seen at his official induction meeting.

In that instant, Sean understood why Gavin had called him.

But why so early?

"Sean, you've come. Come meet your future colleagues!"

"Colleagues—you should call them elders or senior colleagues!" one elderly wizard looked at Sean and waved.. "Come here quickly, let me look at you. I've long heard that Gavin has a genius grandson with considerable accomplishment in Potions, Transfiguration, and Alchemy, particularly exceptional skill in Potions. I've been curious for ages, yet Gavin only now brings you to see us!"

This elderly wizard appeared to be in his late seventies or eighties, with completely white hair and beard, kind and gentle features, wearing a pointed hat—the very image of a wizard from Muggle mythology. Looking at Sean, he immediately waved and called Sean over to his side, examining him carefully before nodding with great satisfaction. "Young man, I have a daughter—quite attractive, in good health, particularly fond of talented young men. How about I introduce you two?"

The moment the elderly wizard spoke, Marchbanks, seated nearby, immediately interjected, "Dordolian, have some shame! You call having two eyes, a nose, ears, and a mouth 'quite attractive'? Over three hundred pounds called 'in good health'? What did Sean ever do to you that you'd introduce your daughter to him?"

"Nonsense! My daughter is wonderful, just a bit more sturdy. Take a look at this young man's strength and endurance from the Triwizard Tournament. They're perfect for each other!"

"She has the strength and endurance of a troll, your daughter IS an actual troll! Perfect match for my foot!"

"Come on then, duel! We absolutely must duel! Can't let this go without a duel!"

"Duel then! I'm not afraid of some old codger about to kick the bucket!"

"Your face has enough wrinkles to squash flies, and you're calling ME old!"

Dordolian and Marchbanks started bickering, each drawing their wands, trading spells back and forth with loud cracks.

Watching the two elderly wizards, who combined had nearly two centuries between them, each casting Apparition in turn as they dueled, Sean blinked, looking somewhat hesitant as he glanced at Ogden beside him. "Mr. Ogden, Miss Marchbanks and Mr. Dordolian..."

"Don't mind them. Old rivals. They didn't get along since they were kids at Hogwarts, and it got worse after they joined the Ministry. They duel every other day. But don't be fooled by how fiercely they're fighting. Those two have a lifetime's worth of grudges settled through dueling. Don't worry about them."

Hearing Ogden's words, Sean stopped worrying about them.

Sitting beside Gavin, Sean greeted the others in turn, then sat quietly.

Gavin and the others didn't deliberately accommodate Sean's presence; they were just talking among themselves. Sean was content to sit and contemplate matters. However, not long after, a middle-aged man in his fifties came to Sean's side and said, "Sean, I have some questions about Potions that I'd like to discuss with you, if that's acceptable?"

Looking at the man, Sean immediately nodded. "Of course!"