Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"If this is another plan of the Death Eaters, their primary goal is likely to resurrect Tom. If we disrupt their plan, Tom won't be able to return for a long time. That will give me enough time to destroy the remaining Horcruxes," Dumbledore said slowly.

Present in the room, besides Kain, were Moody and other members of the Order of the Phoenix. However, many of them were unaware of Dumbledore's plans or the existence of Voldemort's Horcruxes. 

Kain was the only one who fully understood.

"The more Horcruxes we destroy, the weaker Tom will become. If all six Horcruxes are eliminated, Tom's remaining strength will barely match that of an Auror. He will no longer pose a serious threat to the wizarding world."

Two Horcruxes had already been destroyed, the second by Dumbledore himself.

At this point, Dumbledore looked at Kain with gratitude. "Fortunately, you reminded me to bring Fawkes. Without him, I would have been ensnared by the dark magic on the ring Horcrux. It was Fawkes' cry that saved me."

That experience had made Dumbledore far more cautious when dealing with Horcruxes. The black magic Voldemort had embedded in them was formidable. Even a single misstep could prove disastrous.

Moody's magical eye swiveled continuously as he said sharply, "Then we should go through the other end of the Portkey together and eliminate Voldemort and the Death Eaters while we can!"

"Alastor, I need you to remain at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said firmly. "Professor pent and I will handle this. The Triwizard Tournament is equally important. After we leave, it's crucial you ensure no Death Eaters attack the students."

Professor McGonagall voiced her concern, "Just the two of you, Albus? Are you sure? Take Alastor with you."

Dumbledore responded calmly, "Don't worry, Minerva. In fact, I hope Voldemort does resurrect. Even if we kill him, the fear of him will fade in a few years. It would be far more impactful to capture him alive and imprison him in Azkaban before the public. That would show everyone that Voldemort is nothing but a powerless clown."

Kain added, "Killing Voldemort might not be enough to convince everyone unless we have a crowd of reporters documenting the event. But capturing him alive? That would cement my name in history."

Kain had his reasons. He needed a strong reputation to protect his estate, Hermione, and others in his absence. 

If Voldemort's name had kept the wizarding world in fear for twelve years, then Kain, who was even more powerful, could do the same to command respect and ensure security.

Moody, however, was unconvinced. "Voldemort's resurrection? I'll never condone such a thing. If we can stop his plan, we should act immediately! You don't understand the darkness Voldemort brought when he was in power."

"I don't need to experience it," Kain replied flatly. "My strength is already greater than Voldemort's."

As he spoke, a phoenix formed entirely of Fiendfyre appeared on his right shoulder. Its appearance was strikingly similar to Fawkes, down to the feathers and subtle movements. 

The real Fawkes, perched on Kain's left shoulder, chirped twice in surprise and touched the fiery phoenix with his wings.

Moody's magical eye whirred as he analyzed the scene. The Fiendfyre phoenix remained stable, its flames mere centimeters from Kain's hair but unable to harm him.

Dumbledore, observing this, concluded, "We will proceed according to Professor Pent's instructions. His magical strength already surpasses mine. Even if Tom returns, he won't stand a chance against him."

With Dumbledore's final word, any further objections were silenced. Even if Voldemort were to be resurrected, the wizarding world would have no reason to fear him. 

Dumbledore also recognized Kain's resolute personality—he was not someone easily swayed.

Meanwhile, the third task of the Triwizard Tournament was set to begin, and most of the spectators had already gathered at the arena.

This venue was built through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. It is a garden maze enchanted with Bewilderment Charms. 

Those who enter must not only navigate the intricate pathways but also contend with the disorienting magic woven throughout.

Dumbledore could have used the Portkey to reach the destination in advance, but Voldemort and the Death Eaters had grown cautious after losing a significant number of their followers. 

Some Death Eaters even disguised themselves as students to infiltrate and cause chaos. If not for Moody's vigilance, the Order would not have been able to apprehend the two Death Eaters they managed to capture.

The Confusion Charm placed on the Portkey allowed it to be used only once. If Dumbledore used this opportunity prematurely and failed to confront Voldemort, it would alert him, making Voldemort even more cautious in the future.

Kain arrived at the stands early, choosing a seat on the highest level. When Hermione entered the arena, she glanced around before making her way directly to him and sitting down beside him.

"Godfather, do you have any plans for the summer holiday?" she asked.

"I might go to the United States or elsewhere. Why?"

Hermione hesitated before replying, "I read about the differences between the American wizarding world and the British one in a book. I thought it might be interesting to see for myself."

Kain nodded knowingly but then said apologetically, "Not this time, Hermione. Something important is going to happen. Next year, you'd be better off staying at Hogwarts or close to Phil and Isaac. It will be safer."

Hermione frowned, puzzled. "Something big?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Kain replied cryptically. He didn't elaborate further. Voldemort had too many potential escape routes, and any slip of the tongue could compromise their plans.

If Voldemort were captured, Dumbledore would need at least a year to dismantle his network of loyal followers.

 During that time, Hogwarts would be the safest place for Hermione and her family. While other countries were relatively safe, the Grangers couldn't afford to hide for an entire year.

The first step to dismantling the Death Eaters' influence would be to deal with Cornelius Fudge. Though Fudge wasn't a Death Eater, his greed and cowardice made him even more dangerous.

 Without a strong and competent Minister of Magic, even if Voldemort were imprisoned in Azkaban, he could eventually be freed by his loyal followers.

"Godfather…" Hermione began, hesitated, then shook her head. "Never mind."

She had been about to ask about Fleur but stopped herself, unsure if it was her place to do so. Instead, she turned her attention to the third task.

The four champions had entered the garden maze, and the crowd was abuzz with excitement. While Viktor Krum's die-hard fans were vocal, the majority of the audience believed one of the Hogwarts champions would take the cup, given their higher chances of victory.

Meanwhile, the Weasley twins were making the most of the occasion, weaving through the crowd to see if anyone wanted to place last-minute bets. 

Their collaboration with Ludo Bagman during the first two tasks had already earned them a tidy profit. If they succeeded with the third task, their dream of opening a joke shop would soon become a reality.

About half an hour into the match, Kain suddenly felt the magic on the Portkey being triggered. Someone had been transported away—but strangely, no one appeared in the arena.

Dumbledore glanced at Kain, then quickly spoke to Bagman and Barty Crouch Sr., making an excuse to leave the field.

"Hermione, I'll be gone for a while," Kain said to her before transforming into a wisp of smoke using a Flying Spell. He swiftly left the arena, positioning himself near the exit to wait for Dumbledore. 

This spot was still within the boundaries of Hogwarts, meaning Dumbledore would either need to lift the anti-Apparition spell using his powers as Headmaster or rely on Fawkes to leave the grounds.

"Thank you for your assistance, Professor pent," Dumbledore said as he emerged from the passage. He placed a hand on Kain's shoulder, and the next moment, the two Disapparated, arriving at the Riddle Manor.

The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and the surrounding area included an abandoned cemetery and a derelict church, neglected for years. The desolation of the place gave it an eerie, unsettling feeling.

"Is Harry alone?" Dumbledore asked as they appeared tens of meters from the manor. Ahead, a potion brewed near the cemetery, its purpose unclear, though Dumbledore had no doubt it was connected to Tom Riddle.

"Yes," Kain replied quietly. "To prevent interference, I cast a small spell—nothing too harmful, just enough to weaken Cedric and Viktor a little. Fleur was told to hide and stay out of the way during the third task. That left only Harry to be brought here by the Portkey."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. Moments later, a Death Eater emerged from the Riddle Manor, carrying a frail and grotesque Voldemort in his arms, barely more than a shrunken, malformed fetus.

"That's Barty Crouch Jr.," Dumbledore said grimly.

Kain nodded in understanding. 'That explains it. He didn't take Moody's place at Hogwarts because Voldemort had no one else to trust. He must have been tasked with brewing the resurrection potion.'

"Let him bring him back to life, Dumbledore," Kain said calmly, sensing the old wizard's tension. "I can assure you Harry will be safe."

Dumbledore gripped his wand tightly, his face showing hesitation. The thought of Voldemort's resurrection unsettled him deeply. 

He was older, and Voldemort, being younger, could potentially outlive him. And despite Kain's assurances, Dumbledore had never seen the full extent of his abilities, leaving a seed of doubt.

Still, under Kain's steady gaze and firm hand on his shoulder, Dumbledore relented. He chose caution, stepping back as Barty Crouch Jr. began the ritual.

They watched as Crouch placed Voldemort's grotesque form into the large cauldron, adding ingredients for the resurrection: bone from his father, his own severed hand, and blood from Harry Potter. The potion hissed and bubbled ominously, completing the ceremony.

As the transformation concluded, Voldemort emerged, fully restored to a more powerful and imposing form.

…..

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