Dumbledore's sharpness faltered.
He could clearly sense that Tver's methods were more gentle, even more friendly compared to some of his own tactics. It was precisely for this reason that Dumbledore chose to question him through conversation—he truly couldn't understand Tver's motives.
If Tver truly wanted to become the Dark Lord, he wouldn't need to sacrifice his own interests or go through the trouble of maintaining friendly relationships with his subordinates. Even Grindelwald had been arrogant with his followers. But if Tver had no such ambitions, what was the purpose of these actions? Surely he wasn't scheming just for the sake of it?
"Then why did you steer the magical world's discussion toward Muggles?"
"Has your clever mind never considered that some extreme wizards might harm Muggles because of it?!"
"Or have you failed to realize the threat Muggles pose to the wizarding world once they become aware of magic?"
Since his split with Grindelwald, Dumbledore had been firmly committed to protecting Muggle interests, deeply wary of power and the ruthless pursuit of goals. His caution toward Tver was rooted in this belief.
Truth be told, with Tver's strength and potential, he would one day replace Dumbledore as the most powerful wizard in the world. At that point, Dumbledore would have no means of stopping him.
So, Dumbledore had to make sure that Tver had no desire to harm either Muggles or wizards and that he wouldn't lead the magical world down a path to its destruction.
Yes, Dumbledore had realized that Muggle technology threatened wizardkind's very survival. While he always protected both Muggles and wizards, he wasn't naive enough to think that Muggles didn't pose a threat.
He'd always understood the treacherous nature of human hearts...
But Tver felt an odd sensation inside him.
Wasn't this the very idea I've been trying to convey to you? Why use it now to question me?
Still, this also proved that the efforts he and his teacher had put in over the years were finally paying off.
"And then what? Should we keep hiding like rats in the sewers, waiting for Muggles to invent rat poison and kill us all?"
"Since you've seen my actions, I might as well tell you: what I want to do is build a force that can resist Muggles!"
Tver slammed his hand on the table, rising suddenly to meet Dumbledore's stunned gaze.
"If the magical world must fight Muggles, we'll be the sharpest spear."
"If the magical world must avoid Muggle pursuit, we'll be the strongest shield!"
"Our sole purpose is to protect the wizarding world!"
Thank you, Salazar, for giving me such a noble cause, Tver thought smugly.
As for his subtle manipulation of the magical world's opinion and movements...
Ah well, his brain had been so overloaded lately. Forgetting a few small details was normal!
(≖ᴗ≖)✧
Dumbledore furrowed his brow deeply, at a loss for words.
Tver's reasoning was so grand, so monumental, that it bordered on the unbelievable.
If Tver said he wasn't interested in power, money, or any material gain, Dumbledore might have believed him.
But working tirelessly for the future of the wizarding world?
He simply couldn't bring himself to believe it.
Yet, he found himself unable to refute it.
He couldn't dismiss everything just because someone's intentions appeared pure, could he?
Seeming to notice Dumbledore's internal struggle, Tver straightened up with a gentle composure.
"I know you don't understand. Honestly, nearly no one does."
"Why do I waste time, energy, and endure hardship doing all this? Not for fame, not for profit. What's the point?"
"It's actually very simple. I'm doing it for myself."
"I'm a selfish person, but I have the foresight to see things more clearly than anyone else!" He tilted his head back confidently.
Not only Dumbledore, but even Fawkes was caught off guard by Tver's confidence, staring at him in stunned silence.
"I clearly foresee…"
"The day will come when Muggles can use science to observe magic, decode our spells, and create mathematical models for every charm."
"What will wizards do then?"
Tver looked down at Dumbledore.
"Albus Dumbledore, as President of the International Confederation of Wizards, you should know that wizards formed the Confederation and established the Statute of Secrecy to protect themselves."
"But now, the winds of change are shifting again. Dumbledore, it's time to make a choice!"
Dumbledore closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
This was the first time he felt such a sharp edge from Tver.
Before, Tver had always appeared refined and polite, the quintessential British gentleman—playful at times, but always in control.
But now, Dumbledore truly realized that the young man before him was no longer the student who needed his guidance.
Both in intellect and power, he had earned the right to converse as an equal!
Dumbledore opened his eyes, and all trace of condescension was gone.
Yet, instead of responding with hostility, he softened his expression.
"The real world isn't so simple, Tver."
"Those who follow you all have their own agendas. They won't truly understand your vision."
"They follow you simply because your strength offers them something of value."
"Even if they began with idealism, what will happen once the war or the situation cools?"
"They'll begin calculating their gains and losses."
"At that point, unless you force them into submission, all your noble ideas will fall apart!"
"But if you oppress them with force, you'll have lost your original purpose…"
Seeing that Dumbledore was starting to accept his perspective, Tver sat back down calmly.
"I know. That's why I've always maintained friendly relations with them, trying to make them understand the crisis the magical world is facing."
"I never expected everyone to agree with me, nor did I expect those who agreed to always support me."
"But as you said, if we can lead the magical world toward a better future, more and more will choose to follow us."
Dumbledore remained silent for a moment.
"But what if the magical world chooses the conservative path?"
"…"
Tver hadn't actually considered that possibility.
In his vision, even if most of the magical world chose to retreat, he could twist the facts in his favor.
Besides, under his influence, that option wouldn't even exist!
But he could play along!
"That's exactly why I've always sought your guidance."
"My mentor always pointed out the flaws in my thinking. He's always told me to learn from you, saying you're the best teacher to guide me!"
Tver looked at Dumbledore expectantly.
...
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