#405 - Chapter 405 Why do you like to look at the gate?

The fire in the fireplace flickered, accentuating the warm atmosphere of the room.

Snape slowly turned around, his black robes swaying slightly.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Potions Master, I forgot to tell you, the Amphibious Potion you invented works quite well."

"Just passing the time."

"Same old deal, give me a copy of the recipe, and I'll give you a cut later."

"As you wish..."

"If you two have finished your pleasantries, perhaps you could sit down; we have serious matters to discuss."

Dumbledore smiled warmly, pointing to the two chairs in front of the desk, signaling them to sit.

Sebastian casually pulled out a chair and sat down, adjusting its angle as he nonchalantly asked, "Headmaster, what brings us here?"

Dumbledore smiled slightly: "There have been some unexpected developments that need discussing."

As he spoke, he gestured towards Snape with his eyes: "Severus."

Snape nodded and gently pulled up the sleeve of his left arm, revealing the snake-shaped Dark Mark.

"In the past six months, this mark has become increasingly prominent, no longer the faint image it once was."

"During the tournament just now, the mark reacted somewhat actively. When Harry was helping to rescue the captives, there was even a slight burning sensation coming from it."

So...

It seems that a certain special baby is also watching the tournament through the magic television.

As for the reaction, it's not surprising at all. Most likely, that baby was mocking Harry's rescue efforts.

"Headmaster," Sebastian said, "we all know that after receiving Peter's help, the Dark Lord will definitely become slightly stronger."

"So, isn't it normal for the mark to deepen?"

"Hold your horses, Sebastian," Dumbledore reached out and pressed down, "let Severus continue."

A smirk appeared on Snape's face: "The change in this mark didn't surprise us, but it clearly threw someone into a panic."

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat, and he toned down his teasing tone: "Karkaroff?"

"Indeed," Snape glanced at Sebastian, "he's terrified, and has approached me more than once to express his concerns."

"He's worried that the Dark Lord is about to return and is considering various places to flee to; Africa and Asia are both destinations he has in mind."

As a former Death Eater, Snape understood Karkaroff's panic.

To avoid being judged in the first place, this guy sold out a lot of people, so it would be normal for the Dark Lord to take him apart after he recovered.

Considering the Dark Lord's methods of torturing people, if Karkaroff really fell into his hands, death would be the best relief.

Thinking of this, Snape's mouth twisted into a contemptuous smile.

"Just now, he even approached me to express his desire to stay at Hogwarts for protection, even willing to work as a gatekeeper, and asked me to persuade the Headmaster to let him stay."

Seek protection?

And guard the gate!

This is indeed quite unexpected.

What, is the gate of Hogwarts so desirable that so many people are eyeing it?

However, isn't Karkaroff a wolf? When Harry was selected as a champion, he showed a look of joy.

And he was also sneaking glances at Barty Crouch; Sebastian wouldn't believe it if there wasn't something fishy going on.

So, what's this all about?

Clearing suspicion, and then coming here to be an undercover?

Is this the Dark Lord's request, or Little Barty's?

Sebastian gently tapped the armrest of the chair, beginning to consider Karkaroff's intentions.

Dumbledore was also rendered speechless by Karkaroff's request.

The other party is the headmaster of Durmstrang, yet he's thinking of guarding the gate at Hogwarts; he really doesn't care about his reputation at all.

However, the other party's strength is not bad, so should he try to win him over?

"Sebastian," Dumbledore became slightly more serious, "what do you think of Karkaroff?"

"This person is too slippery, completely incompatible with the atmosphere of Hogwarts. Letting him guard the gate would probably make the gate of Hogwarts feel unlucky."

Sensing that Dumbledore was somewhat tempted, Sebastian didn't hold back at all and immediately criticized Karkaroff.

To be honest, if possible, Sebastian wouldn't want to deal with this person at all.

This guy is like a bottle of glamorous potion; the outside of the bottle is shimmering with gold, but once the lid is opened, it's all rotten black goo inside.

Clearly the headmaster of Durmstrang, yet he spends his days doing tasteless things. Among the five headmasters sitting together at this tournament, this guy is the most embarrassing.

Therefore, although the other party's strength is not bad, Sebastian doesn't feel moved at all.

What's more, knowing that the other party is a wolf, only a fool would think of inviting a wolf into the house.

Besides, if you really want to find a gatekeeper, why not invite Grindelwald, that handsome old man, back? Not only is his strength higher, but I can also have fresh gossip to eat every day.

Hearing Sebastian's evaluation, Dumbledore rubbed his brow: "I originally had some thoughts of trying to win Karkaroff over, to have him fight against the Dark Lord with us. You know, the next wizarding war will come sooner or later, and I want to strengthen our forces as much as possible."

Win him over...

Judging from Karkaroff's personality, even if he hasn't colluded with Little Barty and is innocent, the moment Voldemort really leads his people to attack, this guy will definitely run faster than everyone else.

Sebastian showed a strange smile: "Headmaster, to be honest, judging from some clues, Karkaroff has most likely rejoined the Dark Lord."

Hearing this, Snape suddenly turned his head, seemingly unable to believe his ears.

Rejoined the Dark Lord?

How is that possible?!

How could the Dark Lord's character accept him?

If it's true, wouldn't his presence at Hogwarts be detrimental to Harry?

Good fellow, he actually dared to deceive me. Interesting!

It seems that I need to devote more energy to paying attention to him next.

Dumbledore also sat up straight, looking at Sebastian with a serious expression: "That's a very serious accusation. Do you have any evidence, Sebastian?"

Sebastian smiled and shook his head, leaning gently back in his chair: "I don't have any evidence that can be presented on the table, but I trust my eyes won't be mistaken."

"Moreover, until today, he hasn't done anything out of line, so even if we want to grab a handle, we can't."

"However, we can wait. If he really has any plans, he will definitely reveal himself during the next tournament. We just need to pay more attention then."

Dumbledore gently stroked his beard, agreeing with what Sebastian said.

"If that's the case, then pay more attention. There's nothing else for now, Severus, you can go back and enjoy your dinner."

"Sebastian, you stay for a moment."