"Bang."
After the others, still holding back laughter, filed out of the office, Dumbledore casually closed the door.
Seeing this, Tver straightened up.
"Come to think of it, I was the one who came looking for you first. Is there something you wanted to discuss?"
Dumbledore poured a glass of pumpkin juice and set it gently in front of him.
Tver accepted it, slightly flattered. This was the first drink Dumbledore had poured for him since he entered.
As for Veritaserum or anything of the sort, that was impossible. His potion skills might be unconventional, but he was among the best at Durmstrang. He would notice immediately.
He took a small sip before setting the glass down.
"A few days ago, a magizoologist named Newt Scamander wrote to Hermione."
"It was because of an idea I gave her that he wanted to stay in contact."
"I also learned that Scamander used to study at Hogwarts, so I thought I'd ask whether you know him."
"If possible, I'd like to invite him to Hogwarts. Or perhaps we could visit him at his home and speak in person."
Dumbledore raised his brows slightly in surprise, even pausing for a second while pouring his own tea.
"Of course I know him. When he was expelled from Hogwarts, I was the one who guaranteed he could keep his wand."
A brief look of nostalgia crossed his eyes, though it faded quickly.
"Newt is retired now. He either stays at his home in Dorset or travels to the habitats of various magical creatures for research."
"I can try to invite him on your behalf. I doubt he would refuse."
Tver nodded in satisfaction.
Inviting Newt did not necessarily require Dumbledore's help. What he truly wanted was for a well-known magizoologist like Newt to lend authority to his ideas.
As long as Newt and Hermione met publicly, Tver could have Rita quietly publish an article describing their relationship as close.
After that, whenever Hermione released a thoughtful piece of writing, people would naturally assume it carried Newt's endorsement.
With that layer of protection, her words would carry far more weight.
Expertise had its own authority. It was something neither Tver nor even Dumbledore could provide.
"You seem rather pleased," Dumbledore observed with a smile.
Tver quickly composed himself.
"Well, meeting a scholar like Newt Scamander would excite anyone, wouldn't it?"
"Yet I cannot help feeling that your thinking is already quite mature. In some ways, more so than mine or Newt's. Especially when it comes to human nature. You see things more clearly than we old men do."
Dumbledore still wore that mild smile, but Tver sensed something deeper beneath it.
"H-how could that be? In front of you, I'm just a student. I still have so much to learn," he replied stiffly.
If Dumbledore had been questioning him, Tver would have been perfectly at ease. He could answer calmly and even offer multiple solutions.
But praise delivered with that gentle smile left him unsure how to respond.
He almost wished Dumbledore would scold him instead. That might have been easier to handle.
Wait. Why did that thought feel so strange?
"If there's anything you need from me, just say it. Whether it's protecting Harry or rooting out Death Eaters, I can handle it."
Dumbledore's smile grew even brighter.
"That won't be necessary. I've already assigned those tasks to Snape and the others."
"Then let me gather intelligence on Voldemort." Tver clenched his teeth, deciding to reveal a small part of his hand.
"Ah," Dumbledore said brightly, "that won't be necessary either. However, I do have a few questions about Voldemort for you."
Here it comes.
Tver's expression immediately turned serious.
"I'm ready to answer."
"You encountered Voldemort four years ago. What was your impression of his condition at the time?"
"Or rather, what do you think has allowed Voldemort to avoid death all these years and endure until now, preparing to return?"
Dumbledore's eyes were sharp and intent.
Tver, on the other hand, quietly let out a breath of relief.
So that was all. Horcruxes were a vile form of magic, but they were not entirely unknown.
Most wizards, even Dark Wizards, could not withstand the madness of splitting their souls, nor did they possess the ability to create a Horcrux.
It was not as simple as killing someone and sealing the soul into an object. That alone was enough to make nearly every wizard recoil.
"Horcruxes. Do you remember two years ago, when I brought Harry and Percy out of the Chamber of Secrets?"
He watched as Dumbledore took out the diary with a hole through it and smiled faintly.
"That was one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. It allowed his soul to survive after his body was destroyed."
"One of them? You're certain he made more than one?" Dumbledore asked at once.
"It's obvious." Tver spread his hands.
"For someone as afraid of death as Voldemort, if he discovered a method of avoiding it, he would guard it carefully."
He tapped the diary.
"He would not simply hand it over to a Death Eater with questionable loyalty."
"So you believe he created multiple Horcruxes and scattered them?" Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "How many do you think there are? Dozens?"
"Not that many. Even Voldemort cannot casually endure repeated soul-splitting."
As he spoke, Tver took out his small purse.
"Locket, Accio."
A gemstone-studded locket flew into his hand.
"This is another Horcrux. Sirius and I found it over the summer."
Dumbledore accepted it calmly and examined it in his palm.
"Sirius told me about this. We owe thanks to his brother, Regulus Black."
"To defeat Voldemort, the Horcruxes must be dealt with. Tver, if you were in charge of this matter, what would you do?"
Tver paused, choosing his words carefully.
"The number of Horcruxes is still uncertain. Voldemort's resurrection, however, is imminent. Perhaps even unavoidable."
"In that case, the best course is to keep his actions within controllable limits. Once we confirm that every Horcrux has been destroyed, we eliminate him in one decisive strike."
"Excellent. In that case, I'll leave this matter to you." Dumbledore beamed. "If I recall correctly, you are the one in contact with Peter. That works perfectly. You will oversee Voldemort's movements."
"Remember, do not allow students or innocent wizards to become involved. And if possible, prevent Voldemort from killing freely. I believe this should not be difficult for you."
Tver froze, stunned by the rapid succession of instructions.
"Leave it to me?"
"Indeed. I trust your ability. You are the most suitable person."
...
When Tver stepped out of the Headmaster's office, his head felt light and unsteady.
For a moment, he thought he heard Dumbledore cheering inside.
"So this is how easy it is to delegate authority."
Apparently, it was not his imagination.