I became Voldemort

Chapter 219: Dumbledore’s participating?

Since the battle with Voldemort had ended, Cyrus had been making preparations.

Bellatrix and Bulstrode had secretly infiltrated the American wizarding community, adopting new identities and joining the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA).

Now, both held significant positions.

And it wasn't just them—other followers, like Nott and his associates, were also using their influence and wealth to organize wizarding rallies and public speeches for Cyrus.

Of course, openly advocating for breaking the Statute of Secrecy was actually illegal under wizarding law.

Grindelwald's approach was to inflame tensions between wizards and Muggles, and young people were more likely to be swept up by that passion. But for Cyrus, inciting conflict was not what he wanted to see.

He didn't desire war.

Bellatrix stood by Cyrus's side. Although it had been mentioned many times before, at this moment, she truly seemed different from her former self.

Previously, she had been like a black flame, wild and frenzied, burning herself up as if she would turn to ashes at any moment.

Now, she resembled the calm, shimmering surface of the Black Lake under the moonlight at Hogwarts.

"You've stolen something from others, yet you're not leaving?"

"To be precise, I've reclaimed Slytherin's heirloom," Cyrus replied proudly.

The legend of the Snakewood wand was little known, but regardless, it belonged to Slytherin and could only be wielded by a Parselmouth. Although Cyrus had been reborn, a part of his soul still carried the bloodline of Slytherin's descendants. It was only natural for him to claim Slytherin's inheritance.

Cyrus raised his head, gazing at the cold moon above, while Nagini quietly nuzzled his palm with her head.

Bellatrix savored the peaceful night, her eyes never leaving Cyrus's face for a moment.

"After the Quidditch World Cup, Hogwarts will join Durmstrang and Beauxbatons to revive the Triwizard Tournament," Cyrus suddenly said.

Bellatrix looked a little surprised.

The Triwizard Tournament was an old tradition, where the three ancient magical schools would select champions to compete for first place.

However, due to the casualties, the tournament had been discontinued centuries ago.

Bellatrix didn't know why Dumbledore wanted to bring back this competition, but she understood that if Cyrus was mentioning it, he had some plans for the Triwizard Tournament.

"Are you planning to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, representing Ilvermorny?" she asked.

"This is an excellent stage, Bellatrix," Cyrus said softly.

"Master? I don't understand. In the end, the Triwizard Tournament is just a competition among students. How can it help our cause?" Bellatrix asked, clearly confused.

In truth, she was quite puzzled.

Even if this tournament was grand, it was still just child's play. Winning might grant a title like "champion," but what real value did that hold?

For a young witch or wizard still in school, such an achievement might be an honor. Even after graduating, it could be a legendary tale to share. But for Cyrus, such glory was as light as a bird's feather—meaningless and insignificant.

"Indeed, even if they are champions, dealing with a few dragons in the Triwizard Tournament is no big deal," Cyrus nodded in agreement.

It was as if, in his eyes, dragons were nothing more than geckos crawling on a wall, creatures that wouldn't even require him to lift a finger—they would simply shed their tails and flee.

"Haah~ But what if the champion participating in the Triwizard Tournament was Albus Percival Dumbledore?" A mischievous smile spread across Cyrus' face.

As for Bellatrix, she was completely stunned by Cyrus' words. Her bright red lips parted slightly, appearing like a drop of blood decorating the darkness under the moonlight.

"Are you saying... to make Dumbledore a champion?" she asked, shocked.

"Why, do you think Dumbledore isn't worthy of the title of champion?" Cyrus responded, his tone playful.

Is Dumbledore worthy of being called a champion?

The answer was undeniably yes.

Even in her past madness, Bellatrix never doubted Dumbledore's strength. A champion's title was nothing compared to his power. However, having such a great wizard directly participate in the tournament seemed utterly absurd.

It was like imagining a world champion boxer signing up for a children's boxing match—completely laughable.

But soon, Bellatrix understood what Cyrus truly meant.

"You're planning to defeat Dumbledore in the Triwizard Tournament?" Bellatrix's eyes lit up, shining like the bright moon.

If that were the case, then maybe this plan could really work! Bellatrix excitedly lowered her head, muttering to herself.

"Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of the 20th century, famous for defeating the dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945—"

Yes!

Before Dumbledore gained worldwide fame, not many people actually knew him. Even though he regularly corresponded with masters in various fields, who truly knew his real abilities?

It wasn't until he defeated Grindelwald, stopping his ambitions, that Dumbledore's name spread across the world!

One could say that he could have become the leader of the entire magical community, had he not chosen to give up that power.

So, if Cyrus were to defeat Dumbledore under the watchful eyes of the entire world, wouldn't that mean Cyrus would replace Dumbledore as the next leader of the International Confederation of Wizards?

The International Confederation of Wizards wasn't some ineffective organization like the United Nations of the muggle world.

"On the other hand, even if you don't become the leader of the Confederation, just the honor of defeating Dumbledore would be enough to make countless wizards want to follow you."

In the magical world, power equals authority!

The strong may be lonely, but behind them, legions of followers will always trail in their wake.

Bellatrix was confident—she had never imagined Cyrus would lose.

However, Cyrus was more pragmatic.

He wasn't sure if the Triwizard Tournament might turn into a tag-team match between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. One-on-one, Grindelwald without the Elder Wand would not be a match for Cyrus. Dumbledore, wielding the Elder Wand, might be able to stand on equal footing with him.

But two against one? Cyrus had no confidence in that scenario.

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