Snape nodded casually, but judging from his expression, Erwin knew his godfather wasn't taking the warning as seriously as he should. However, Erwin didn't press the issue further. Having absorbed countless narratives—films, series, novels across multiple genres—Erwin understood a grim truth: when reality begins operating on narrative logic rather than rational cause and effect, tragedy often waits in the wings.
Erwin didn't care deeply for many people, but Snape was an absolute exception. That was precisely why Erwin had made extensive preparations long ago. Snape remained blissfully unaware that every black teaching robe in his office, his personal wand, his laboratory equipment, and even the enchanted bag he carried daily—all contained Erwin's protective contingencies. Erwin had mentally simulated every conceivable tragedy and systematically eliminated the vulnerabilities.
He could guarantee with absolute confidence that as long as he drew breath, Severus Snape would remain safe. Erwin was fiercely protective of this man—second only to Old Tom in his affections—and absolutely refused to permit cheap narrative tragedy. Unless Erwin himself fell first, those he cherished would endure.
After finishing their substantial meal, Erwin picked up a napkin and dabbed at his lips. "So, Godfather, how was your extended operation in America?"
Snape's expression shifted to serious contemplation. "Highly irregular. Based on your intelligence, I encountered expected resistance from the targeted families, but there was no coordinated support from their traditional backers. If your information is accurate—and it always has been—that pattern is extremely illogical. The Demos family has no strategic reason to simply observe while their subsidiary operations are systematically eliminated."
He paused, frowning deeply. "Unless they've already written them off as acceptable losses. Or perhaps... they've been forced to consolidate what remains of their scattered resources."
Erwin leaned back thoughtfully. "I believe they're currently preoccupied with something more pressing than colonial holdings."
"Preoccupied?" Snape asked, clearly puzzled. "What do you mean specifically?"
"I'm not entirely certain yet," Erwin admitted candidly. "I have a strong intuition that something significant has occurred within the Demos family's power structure, but my intelligence operatives can't isolate the specific event. Unless I travel there personally to investigate—which I currently don't have time for."
Snape's frown deepened. "You're suggesting the Demos family might be facing an internal crisis? That would certainly explain their uncharacteristic passivity regarding my activities."
"Precisely," Erwin confirmed. "It's the only logical explanation that fits the observed pattern. But don't concern yourself excessively, Godfather. I'll have my people conduct deeper investigation. We'll eventually determine what's happening."
Snape nodded, though concern remained evident. "The term begins very soon. Don't go haring off to America yourself—let your operatives handle the intelligence gathering. If they prove unsuccessful, I'll make the trip myself when my schedule permits. You stay safely here."
Erwin smiled, recognizing Snape's protective instinct. "Don't worry, Godfather. I understand my limitations clearly. I have absolutely no intention of confronting them directly at this juncture."
Snape hesitated, his gaze becoming intense and searching. "Erwin, I don't know the full scope of what you're planning for the future, but remember what I said: anything you cannot safely handle yourself, delegate to me. Don't take unnecessary personal risks."
Erwin's expression softened genuinely. "I won't die easily, Godfather—I promise you that. Speaking of upcoming events... is the Triwizard Tournament definitely proceeding this year?"
Although Erwin knew the original timeline was likely thoroughly disrupted by now, he wanted Snape's direct confirmation. If the tournament structure had shifted significantly, Erwin would need to adjust his own strategic planning accordingly.
Snape nodded affirmatively. "According to Dumbledore's recent communications, yes. Though technically speaking, it's no longer the Triwizard Tournament—it's been restructured as a Four Nations Tournament. Britain will host as expected, but there's an additional participant: a delegation from the Eastern magical communities."
Erwin's eyes widened slightly. "The Eastern communities? They're actually sending representatives?"
"You didn't know?" Snape appeared confused. "Weren't you the one who personally delivered correspondence indicating that students from Kunlun would be attending Hogwarts for an exchange term?"
Erwin shook his head. "I delivered sealed diplomatic correspondence—I had no knowledge of its specific contents. Why have they suddenly decided to participate after centuries of isolation?"
"Dumbledore didn't provide detailed explanation," Snape replied. "But apparently they should arrive when the term officially begins. Their magical tradition is fundamentally different from Western practices. We've had virtually no substantive interaction with the Eastern magical communities throughout recorded history—this will be unprecedented. From what limited information exists, their magical capabilities are formidable. If you can establish genuine rapport with those students, it could prove extremely beneficial."
Erwin smiled slightly. "I'm reasonably confident in that area, Godfather. I learned a great deal during my time studying in the East. I developed good relationships with several Kunlun disciples during that period."
"Excellent," Snape said approvingly. "The tournament hasn't been held in generations. By traditional participation standards, you're likely too young to compete officially. This time, you can simply be a spectator and observe."
Erwin didn't respond immediately.
A spectator? Absolutely not. He was going to see his former mentor—and that meeting would require careful preparation.
As for circumventing the Goblet of Fire's age restrictions... if Barty Crouch Jr. could manage that deception in the original timeline, Erwin was entirely confident he could accomplish the same feat with superior execution.
After seeing Snape off with appropriate ceremony, Erwin returned to his private study. He needed to plan his tournament strategy with meticulous care. Primarily, he needed to determine exactly how to handle the inevitable confrontation with Voldemort.
Although Erwin no longer feared the Dark Lord in terms of raw magical power, a primal psychological wariness remained. His relationship with Voldemort was genuinely complicated. Initially, Erwin had viewed Tom Riddle—the infamous "Mr. Noseless"—purely as a strategic asset to exploit, a source of significant tactical benefits.
But after genuine interaction, especially during his first year when Voldemort had taught him advanced magic and demonstrated what seemed like authentic concern for his development, Erwin had experienced unexpected guilt.
More importantly, Erwin genuinely envied certain aspects of Voldemort's accumulated power. As one of the most formidable dark wizards in recorded history, Voldemort offered assets Erwin could potentially utilize: his personal magical strength and the network of Death Eaters. They represented valuable resources if properly managed.
Speaking of Death Eaters—Azkaban's fall was approaching on the timeline. Before that inevitable event, should he make a preliminary visit?
Erwin began considering the logistics seriously. He'd contemplated this operation for some time, but hadn't executed it due to the logistical challenges and potential damage to his carefully cultivated public image.
But now? Britain was entirely under his effective control. The political considerations had fundamentally changed.
It was time to make that trip. After all, Azkaban held far more than just Death Eaters—it contained an entire army of experienced dark wizards waiting to be claimed and redirected.