The Pacifist Necromancer of Hogwarts

Chapter 354 Plan?

"Before I answer, sir, let me get one thing straight," Anthony said with a faint hope, "Are we looking for Quirrell or Voldemort?"

"I thought that was the same thing," said Dumbledore. "But since you ask, I would say that our main goal is to find Voldemort."

Anthony stared at Dumbledore, trying to figure out if he was joking.

Few people would describe the search for Voldemort as a deer hunt, or even more lightheartedly call it "running errands," or think it would be a good idea to send a man who had returned from the dead to Voldemort's quest for immortality. But considering that the person sitting opposite him was Albus Dumbledore, the proposal did seem serious.

Dumbledore added: "Looking back on it now, I think Quirinus was a poor, greedy, stupid, unlucky creature who was parasitized by him. I think that after he left Hogwarts - as Charity's last Muggle Studies professor - he probably encountered Voldemort while on an expedition and was somehow persuaded to do so. From what I understand, Voldemort is very good at persuading people."

Wow, and Dumbledore is convincing another Muggle Studies professor to go look for Voldemort.

"Now, if poor Quirinus's luck had been a little worse, that is, if Voldemort, in his rage, had forgotten how much he needed a servant, a wizard's body, the chances of us ever seeing Quirinus again would have been very slim... So, yes, it is Voldemort we are primarily looking for."

Additional information: Dumbledore is trying to send Voldemort a necromancer who is good at creating bodies.

"What do you think, Henry?" Dumbledore asked. "By the way, even if you refuse, you still don't have to be responsible for setting the examinations for fifth and seventh year Muggle Studies students."

Now Voldemort really has no appeal.

"Where is he, then, sir?" asked Anthony.

Dumbledore said happily, "I take it that you agree, don't you? According to my information, he - or rather, they - are in a forest somewhere in the Balkans, most likely in the forests of Albania, to be more precise. I heard that Voldemort is hiding there safely."

"Albania?"

"Yeah, you know, a place with high mountains and dense forests, far enough away from England to be a perfect refuge. I wouldn't say we have any proof, but our best guesses all point to this area."

"Yeah, and do we have some not-so-good guesses that point to some more specific place? I mean, we could start somewhere specific and then slowly wander to other parts of the forest, right?"

"I would be happy to tell you more specific names, but I don't want to mislead you." Dumbledore said, stirring his tea slowly. "It is a mysterious forest. Few adventurers have ever gone deep into such a place. It is a pity that we don't know much information."

Anthony asked, "In that case, how can I find them?"

"Not 'I', Henry," Dumbledore corrected. "It's 'we'."

"You're going too?" Anthony sat up in surprise. "But you said - I thought -"

"I have considered looking for him myself," said Dumbledore, "but on the one hand, it is not suitable for me to leave Hogwarts for too long. On the other hand, since we know that Voldemort is just a wandering soul parasitic on others, I think there are people who are better at searching for souls than me - and probably than anyone else in the world. But of course I will find you a companion." "Who?" Anthony asked, and then suddenly remembered a famous adventurer, "Could it be Professor Lockhart?"

If Lockhart was going to go deep into Albania, he probably wouldn't be doing the Defence Against the Dark Arts for fifth and seventh years... but if Snape did end up taking over - as he had so attentively suggested last year after Quirrell left - it was hard to guess how happy the students would be... Besides, Anthony didn't want to imagine himself and Lockhart trudging through the woods...

Dumbledore chuckled, as if amused by his expression.

"Oh, no, it's not. I had a few names in mind, but Gilderoy wasn't one of them. Do you think we should add him to the list?"

Anthony immediately said, "Probably not. No, I don't think so. Who are you talking about?"

"Please let me confirm with them first, and then tell you." Dumbledore said with a smile, "But I can assure you that they are all powerful wizards and loyal friends."

"So," Anthony concluded, "I don't know where I'm going to find Voldemort, or how, or with whom."

"It seems so," said Dumbledore calmly.

"So, what am I going to do when I find him?" Anthony couldn't help asking, "Just to say hello, or do you have a letter for me to pass on?"

"That's a good question," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "Perhaps a postcard would be a good idea... No, Henry, I think it will be so long before we actually find him that there's little point in planning ahead now."

Anthony nodded. "No plans. When do I leave? Summer vacation?"

"Don't worry about the time. You can leave any time you and your companions are ready. In fact, I suggest you leave as soon as possible. Oh, did I mention that I have come up with a wonderful reason for you to leave school?"

"What is it, sir?"

"You know, I once promised Cornelius that as long as you are still a professor at Hogwarts, I will have the responsibility to - quote, watch over - the necromancer and ensure that he does not suddenly appear in the wizarding world and cause panic among the people." Dumbledore winked at Anthony slyly, "But since dear Dolores reminded us that your name has appeared on the nameplate of the Department of Mysteries..."

Anthony asked, "Am I getting fired?"

"No, you simply disappeared as soon as you heard that I was going to comply with the Ministry's request," Dumbledore mused. "I wonder how long it will take them to panic before they realize that asking me to fire you was a bad idea."

Anthony smiled. "A week, I guess."

"If I remind them that it is the Ministry of Magic's own responsibility to look after the Unspeakables, then it could probably be shortened to three days." Dumbledore nodded, "But let's bet on a week first."

(End of this chapter)