Chapter 76 "The Light Lord"

July 7th marked a significant day in the magical world, as Brigitte Winlock, a renowned 13th-century arithmetic fortuneteller, revealed the magical properties of the number 7.

On this day, the British wizarding community witnessed an unprecedented event at the Wizengamot Hall.

Breaking tradition, Wizengamot decided to honor a 14-year-old boy, Merlin, with a Class III Medal.

This young wizard, destined to become the youngest jazz ever, was dubbed "the boy who survived the catastrophe," etching his name into history.

The grand hall was adorned with neatly dressed wizards and witches, exuding an air of upper-class elegance akin to Muggle celebrities.

This assembly of Wizengamot members was convened to award the medal in the name of Sir Merlin, a tradition dating back to the Ministry of Magic's inception.

Donating the Supreme Wizard's robe, Skyler radiated a charming aura that cast a faint, dark green luster.

His mysterious and enchanting presence captivated the onlookers.

In the hall, Skyler exchanged greetings with prominent figures like Amelia, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Tiberius McLaggen.

His adept interpersonal skills earned approval from the trio, with Amelia even introducing him to Barty Crouch, the Director of the International Cooperation Department.

Barty Crouch, a serious-looking elder with a narrow toothbrush mustache, was a known careerist.

Despite his former ambitions, he now bore the weight of family tragedy, as his son, Barty Jr., had faced imprisonment.

Having thoroughly investigated the Crouch family's history up to the 18th generation, Skyler noted the decline in Old Barty's once-sharp eyes.

Behind the polished exterior, the man's former ambitions had been extinguished.

Skyler couldn't help but lament the powerful individual's fate, realizing that one blow had rendered him utterly helpless.

Old Barty still had numerous followers, and he wielded considerable power if he managed the Department of International Cooperation effectively.

However, he seemed disheartened. Skyler seized the chance to engage in conversation, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the man, considering he couldn't even recall his assistant's name.

After a brief exchange, Dumbledore, adorned in a conspicuous purple robe, and Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge made their entrance.

Though short and slightly overweight, Fudge wore a perpetually friendly smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Skyler saw through the facade, labeling him as a hypocritical and cunning individual.

A sudden realization struck Skyler – he could observe intricate details with heightened perception.

Every nuance, gesture, and change in the other person's eyes is automatically etched into his mind.

Aquila's mention of Ravenclaw's personal spells and all its explanations seems justified by now.

Fudge warmly greeted Skyler, claiming a longstanding friendship with his father, Lucius.

Yet, Skyler knew that Fudge had never visited Malfoy Manor, especially when Arthur Weasley conducted a search with a warrant.

Skyler couldn't help but sneer inwardly at Fudge's feigned familiarity.

Skyler refrained from expressing much about Fudge.

This character aimed to strike a balance between the pure-blood families and the pro-Muggle faction. By allowing the operation against Malfoy Manor, it was likely that Fudge sought to appease Dumbledore and simultaneously gain favor with the pure-blood families.

Unfortunately, the days of the ancient imperial period were long gone.

Skyler acknowledged his lack of strength, rendering any words futile when faced with Voldemort, who disregarded rules and norms.

A warm smile adorned Skyler's face as he greeted Fudge, "Uncle Cornelius, hello. My father often speaks highly of you. I truly believe that your efforts played a significant role in securing this award for me. I want to express my gratitude in advance, Uncle."

Fudge waved off the praise, responding, "Nonsense, young man. Your accomplishments in the British wizarding world have earned you this reward. I'm merely capitalizing on the opportunity. Anyway, how's business at Miraculous Alchemy? If you need anything, just let me know. No need to stand on ceremony!"

Skyler playfully replied, "Thanks to Uncle, business is thriving. I've even managed to pocket some extra money, so I don't have to endure my father's gaze every time I take money from him. Haha, a little joke."

Fudge chuckled along, "Hehe, Skyler, I do have another matter to discuss. Would you mind doing Uncle a favor?"

Skyler anticipated the turn of the conversation and maintained a polite smile, "Uncle, please go ahead. I'll do my best."

Fudge explained, "You're aware of the escaped felon, Blake, from Azkaban last year. It's been a year, and the Ministry has been unable to apprehend him. People are starting to question the Ministry's competence, and it's affecting my standing. I need a positive turn of events. Skyler, could you perform some noteworthy feats to boost morale? If you do, I'll make sure the Ministry invites you to join the Wizengamot bench once again."

Skyler feigned righteous indignation, "How can they blame you, Uncle? You're the Minister of Magic; you can't personally catch such a dangerous person, can you?"

Fudge sighed, "Unfortunately, the public doesn't see it that way."

Skyler, feigning doubt, inquired, "So, what does Uncle propose I do to help?"

Fudge swiftly responded, "I need you to make a significant impact, something that will inspire the people. Once you do, let me know, and I'll ensure the Ministry invites you back to Wizengamot."

Quickly changing his tone, Skyler responded, "It's alright if I don't have to put on an overly dazzling performance, right uncle?"

"Do you realize how highly regarded you are in the public eye? You're almost on par with the 'boy who survived the catastrophe.' People believe you're the future star, the next Dumbledore—" Fudge swiftly checked their surroundings, ensuring Dumbledore was engaged in conversation with others a little way off.

"Your name itself is a positive symbol, reminiscent of—" Fudge lowered his voice, "Maybe you can collaborate with the Ministry of Magic to instill confidence in the public?"

Skyler, feeling a sense of déjà vu, questioned, "Uncle Cornelius, what exactly does 'cooperate with the Ministry of Magic' mean?"

Fudge reassured, "No trouble at all, I assure you. For instance, if you can make occasional visits to the Ministry, it will leave a favorable impression. While there, you can interact with Scrimgeour and gain insights into Aurors' daily work... or converse with Senior Deputy Minister Dolores Umbridge, assuming you aspire to join the Ministry in the future... or if business interests you more, establish connections with individuals from the Magic Equipment Control Bureau or the International Trade Standards Association... All of these will be beneficial for you."

(Note: The Magic Equipment Control Bureau is from the Daily Prophet and falls under the Law Enforcement Department. It oversees the safety of magic items within the territory, certifying items for public sale; the author added this to the storyline.

(Note: The International Trade Standards Association is from the original work and is part of the Department of International Cooperation. Percy's first department in the Ministry of Magic establishes eligibility standards for imported and exported goods, such as crucible thickness and classifications of prohibited traded goods.)

Skyler contemplated the proposal, recognizing the advantageous opportunities it presented.

After all, offering Minister Fudge a favor could pave the way for valuable contacts within the Ministry of Magic. He agreed wholeheartedly.

Throughout the conversation, Dumbledore stood nearby, his deep gaze fixed on Skyler despite socializing with others.

It wasn't until Fudge departed that Dumbledore revealed a thoughtful expression.

Dumbledore harbored mixed feelings towards Skyler, a student who, to him, bore an uncanny resemblance to his younger self.

While he deemed Skyler incapable of becoming the next Voldemort due to the latter's simplicity and rudeness, he also recognized shades of Gellert Grindelwald in him.

However, even Grindelwald, his long-time adversary, hadn't instilled the same sense of difficulty in Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's insistence stemmed from his acknowledgment of a single terrifying individual—himself.

Skyler mirrored his youthful self, brimming with talent, a thirst for knowledge, and an obsession with truth.

They shared similar visions and ambitions with Grindelwald, possessing charismatic personalities capable of uniting the hearts of the people.

Yet, their acting styles diverged from the two Dark Lords.

Observing Skyler closely, Dumbledore noted the student's adherence to rules despite the potential to wield force.

While inscrutable to many, Skyler's eyes held a familiar gaze for Dumbledore, reminiscent of his reflections in the mirror.

The strategist's look, akin to a puppet master orchestrating a play, tempted Dumbledore to intervene multiple times.

Despite almost certain predictions that Skyler could be the next Light Lord—a term he found fitting—Dumbledore hesitated to act.

Unlike the Dark Lord, the Light Lord wouldn't need force to convince or coerce; his mere existence would become the greatest variable.

Unconstrained by any external force, the world would be under his control, proving that while the Dark Lord could conquer the world, the Light Lord had the power to captivate people's hearts.

Dumbledore's sole reason for hesitating to act against Skyler is the lingering presence of the alive Voldemort.

Despite the extensive preparations and arrangements he has made, Dumbledore acknowledges the unpredictability of life.

As a mortal, he is prone to making mistakes, and the possibility of his plan failing cannot be ignored.

Harry's growth has been slower than Dumbledore's initial expectations.

In the first year, Dumbledore intended to elevate Harry's reputation by orchestrating bonus points for him.

In the second year, he hoped Harry would emerge as the hero who defeated the basilisk.

Dumbledore had even coordinated with Phoenix Fawkes and the Sorting Hat, putting immense pressure on them to wait for the mandrake grass to mature.

The goal was to make Harry instrumental in unveiling the basilisk's identity.

However, unexpectedly, Skyler stepped in at the last moment, replacing Harry as the hero.

(Note: Hogwarts isn't the sole source of mandrake growth. Dumbledore could procure mature mandrake from external sources or even a refined antidote.

He took this step to prevent the victim from unintentionally exposing the basilisk's identity.

Dumbledore, well aware of Hermione's deductive abilities, couldn't overlook Harry hearing the monster's sound behind the wall, given his use of Legilimency at that moment.)

In Dumbledore's perspective, Skyler serves as a reliable insurance policy.

In the improbable event that the savior in his original plan fails, Skyler becomes the contingency plan to handle Voldemort's cleanup.

In Dumbledore's eyes, the Light Lord is a preferable option to the Dark Lord.