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"Before I answer, sir," Anthony said, a flicker of hope in his voice, "let's get one thing straight. Are we looking for Quirrell, or Voldemort?"
"I thought they were one and the same," Dumbledore said, his tone light. "But since you ask, I'd say we're primarily interested in finding Voldemort."
Anthony stared at Dumbledore, trying to figure out if he was joking.
Few people described hunting Voldemort like it was deer stalking. Fewer still called it 'a quick errand' in that tone. And even fewer thought sending a man back from the dead to the immortality-obsessed Dark Lord was a good idea. But given that it was Albus Dumbledore sitting across from him, the proposal seemed entirely serious.
Dumbledore added, "Thinking about it now, I believe Quirinus was a pitiful, greedy, foolish man—the unfortunate soul he parasitized. I suspect after he left Hogwarts, as the previous Muggle Studies professor before Charity, he encountered Voldemort during his travels and was somehow persuaded. From what I understand, Voldemort is quite skilled at persuasion."
Wow. And Dumbledore was trying to convince another Muggle Studies professor to go find Voldemort.
"Now, if poor Quirinus's luck was just a bit worse—meaning, if Voldemort, in a fit of rage, forgot how much he needed a servant, a wizard's body—the chances of us seeing Quirinus again would be very slim… So, yes. We're mainly searching for Voldemort."
Addendum: Dumbledore was trying to send Voldemort a necromancer skilled in creating bodies.
"What do you think, Henry?" Dumbledore asked. "Oh, and even if you refuse, you still won't have to set the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams for Muggle Studies."
Suddenly, Voldemort lost all his appeal.
"So… where is he, sir?" Anthony asked.
Dumbledore said cheerfully, "I can take that as a yes, can't I? According to my information, he—or they—are in a forest somewhere in the Balkans. More precisely, most likely in the forests of Albania. I hear Voldemort is comfortably hiding there."
"Albania?"
"Indeed. You know, a place with towering mountains and dense forests. Far enough from Britain. A perfect refuge. I wouldn't say we have any proof, but all our best guesses point to that region."
"Right. And do we have any less-than-best guesses that point somewhere more specific? I mean, we could start at a particular spot and then… wander around the rest of the forest, right?"
"I'd love to give you a more specific location, but I don't want to mislead you," Dumbledore said, slowly stirring his tea. "It is a mysterious forest, Henry. Few adventurers have ever ventured so deep. It is quite regrettable, but our knowledge of it is… limited."
Anthony asked, "In that case, how am I supposed to find them?"
"Not 'I,' Henry," Dumbledore corrected. "We."
"You're coming too?" Anthony sat up straight, surprised. "But you said—I thought—"
"I did consider going after him myself," Dumbledore said. "However, on one hand, I'm not suited to be away from Hogwarts for too long. On the other hand, since we know Voldemort is merely a parasitic spirit hosted by another, I believe there are people more skilled than I—and likely more skilled than anyone alive—at searching for souls. But of course, I'll find you a companion."
"Who?" Anthony asked, then suddenly remembered a famous adventurer. "It's not Professor Lockhart, is it?"
If Lockhart went deep into Albania, he probably wouldn't be setting the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams for Defense Against the Dark Arts either… but if Snape ended up taking over—as he had eagerly offered after Quirrell left last year—it was hard to guess how thrilled the students would be… Plus, Anthony didn't want to imagine trekking through dense forests with Lockhart…
Dumbledore seemed amused by his expression and let out a soft chuckle.
"Oh, no, not at all. I have a few people in mind, but Gilderoy isn't one of them. Do you think we should add him to the list?"
Anthony said immediately, "Probably not. No, I don't think that's necessary. Who are the people you have in mind?"
"Allow me to confirm with them first, and then I will tell you," Dumbledore said with a smile. "But I can assure you, they are powerful wizards and loyal friends."
"So," Anthony summarized, "I don't know where to find Voldemort, don't know how to find him, and don't know who I'm going with."
"That does seem to be the case," Dumbledore said calmly.
"Then what am I supposed to do once I find him?" Anthony couldn't help asking. "Just say hello, or do you have a letter for me to deliver?"
"Good question," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "Perhaps a postcard is a good idea… No, Henry, I think it will take us quite a while to actually find him, so planning too far ahead now is almost meaningless."
Anthony nodded. "No plan. When do I leave? The summer holidays?"
"Don't worry about the timing. You and your companion can leave whenever you're ready. In fact, I suggest you set off as soon as possible. Ah, have I not mentioned yet? I've come up with a brilliant reason for your absence from school."
"What is it, sir?"
"You know, I once promised Cornelius that as long as you were a professor at Hogwarts, it was my responsibility—quote, custodianship—to watch over the necromancer and ensure he didn't suddenly appear in the wizarding world, causing public panic," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling mischievously at Anthony. "But since dear Dolores reminded us that your name is already on the plaque at the Department of Mysteries…"
Anthony asked, "Am I being fired?"
"No. You simply disappeared immediately after hearing I intended to comply with the Ministry's request," Dumbledore mused. "I wonder how long they'll panic before realizing demanding I fire you was a bad idea."
Anthony laughed. "I'd guess a week."
"If I remind them that looking after an Unspeakable is the Ministry's own responsibility, we might shorten it to three days," Dumbledore nodded. "But let's bet on a week for now."
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