"Don't ask too many questions," Alex interrupted.
"Just remember, a lot is going to happen in Northern Europe soon, but none of it is your concern. So, just focus on what I've asked you to do and ignore the rest."
Alex suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, you mentioned earlier that the Pure Land Society in Norway is controlled by the Jacobsen family. Do you know anything about them? Or maybe someone from that family?"
Karkaroff nodded, though a puzzled look crossed his face.
He wasn't entirely sure why Alex was asking, but he answered honestly.
"The Jacobsen family holds a lot of influence throughout Norway. In fact, the current headmaster of Durmstrang is Seth Jacobsen, a member of that family. I actually have a decent relationship with him. I only got the position of vice-principal thanks to his support."
"Oh? Your headmaster is from the Jacobsen family? That's interesting," Alex said with a playful grin.
His eyes narrowed as if an idea had just struck him.
"Karkaroff... do you ever dream of becoming headmaster of Durmstrang?"
"What? Headmaster?"
Karkaroff was caught off guard and quickly glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
He replied nervously,
"Please, don't joke about that. Seth Jacobsen is solid in his role, and he's nowhere near retirement. I only got promoted to vice-principal because of him. He practically rules the school. I doubt he'd ever give up his position willingly."
Alex chuckled at Karkaroff's anxious expression.
"Don't worry, I cast a shielding spell around us when you sat down, so no one can hear our conversation. And I'm not asking you to openly challenge Seth or try to take his place. I know you wouldn't do that."
Instead of feeling offended by Alex's teasing, Karkaroff nodded repeatedly.
His life at Durmstrang was comfortable, and he had no desire to stir up trouble.
Then Alex changed the subject.
"Let me ask you this: if something happened to your headmaster, would you have a chance to step up and become the new headmaster?"
Karkaroff's face tensed at the question.
He was startled and wondered what Alex was planning this time.
It felt like something serious was about to unfold.
But seeing Alex's intense gaze, Karkaroff quickly answered,
'If...'
If Principal Jacob's accident was truly just that, an accident, then with the vice-principal's position, the backing of the school director's elder brother, and Golden Snidget's hard work, it wouldn't be impossible for Karkaroff to be promoted to principal.
But...
Alex chuckled lightly, cutting him off.
"Come on, Karkaroff, maybe you'll get your chance soon. I don't see how lucky you've been so far."
"What chance? don't scare me," Karkaroff replied nervously, eyeing Alex with apprehension.
"Don't ask too many questions," Alex said, clearly not wanting to get into explanations.
After fumbling around for a moment, he pulled out a large leather bag that looked just like the one he'd given before.
"Here, another 2,000 Galleons. Keep it safe, for emergencies."
Karkaroff's eyes widened.
"Are you serious?"
He knew exactly what Alex meant by emergencies, using the money to secure the principalship once Jacob was out of the picture.
"You don't need to know all the details," Alex replied, clearly annoyed at having to explain.
"Just stay at Durmstrang and wait for my summons. I'll need you to pass some information to Principal Jacob."
"Is it bad news?" Karkaroff asked, still confused.
"No," Alex said firmly.
"It's about the silver wand. If there are any large-scale Silver Wand activities in Norway during this time, your principal, being part of the Jacob family, shouldn't be involved."
"The Silver Wand? The Jacobsen are very interested in their movements. But does this have anything to do with Principal Jacob stepping down?"
"You're such an idiot," Alex muttered, giving him a look that said this was the last time he'd explain.
"Just do as I say and wait for my word. There are things you don't need to know."
With that, Alex pulled his cloak tighter around himself, then vanished instantly, clearly using an illusion spell to hide his figure.
When Karkaroff came to see the lord, he was met with some vague and unsettling words, but what surprised him most was receiving a large sum of money out of the blue.
Although the money was meant to help Alex with his plans, the sudden windfall made Karkaroff uneasy for a moment.
After quickly stashing away the two leather bags, he left without hesitation.
Meanwhile, after leaving the bar, Alex found a quiet spot to change into his silver wand costume before apparating to a secluded stone house not far away.
While meeting Karkaroff was part of the plan, the main goal was to meet Augurey.
The stone hut before him was a temporary safe house Augurey had secured in Northern Europe, where
She and her allies were gathering.
Instead of entering right away, Alex, now in his Thunderbird form, pulled out his wand and pointed it into the air.
Immediately, the air rippled and a faint, transparent door slowly appeared, as if an invisible curtain was being lifted.
Alex nodded in appreciation; though the enchantments weren't the strongest, their concealment and protection were impressive.
After a moment's pause, he lowered his head and stepped through the shimmering doorway.
Inside, the safe house looked far less deserted than before.
Lights glowed warmly from every window across the three-story hut, and figures could be seen moving behind the glass.
As soon as Thunderbird crossed the barrier, Augurey, who had been waiting inside, sensed his arrival.
She quickly opened the door and greeted him.
"Master, I've gathered everyone as you instructed," she said, her presence warmed by the house's heat, a faint green smoke trailing from her clothes in the cold air outside.
"Excellent. Have you decided on the timing, location, and route for the landing?" Alex asked, staying outside the hut as he spoke quietly to Augurey.
"It's confirmed," Augurey said.
"We'll arrive late at night the day after tomorrow, landing in the sea near Trondheim. The water there hasn't frozen yet. From there, we'll head north along the Norwegian coast, then cross directly into Russia from northern Norway before looping back east into Germany."
She pulled a rolled-up map from her cloak and handed it over.
Alex spread it out and gave it a quick look.
"Why not just go straight east across Sweden and Finland? Heading that far north means dealing with harsher weather, and it looks like your route still passes through Finland anyway. Isn't that risky? The Mark County area, where Durmstrang School is located, has a strong wizarding presence. Are you sure this plan won't raise any suspicions?"