Hogwarts: I am the White Demon King

This was the first time Sebastian had seen Dumbledore since they parted ways at the Ministry of Magic during the Christmas holidays.

Unlike the composed figure in his memory, Dumbledore looked noticeably more haggard.

His once waterfall-like silver-white beard was now slightly disheveled, as if it hadn't been groomed in a long time. The blue light in his eyes hadn't faded, but it was much dimmer, as if shrouded in a faint shadow.

His expression was still gentle, but his brow carried a hint of weariness that was hard to conceal. Even his usually upright posture seemed slightly hunched.

After their last parting, Dumbledore had hurriedly set off for America to attend an emergency International Wizarding Conference to discuss a joint response to the Dark Lord and his forces.

It was said that he had been either debating at the conference or on his way to it, swamped with affairs and unable to rest. Arguing day in and day out, it would be strange if he wasn't tired.

Sebastian expertly found Dumbledore's Coke and poured himself a full glass.

"Headmaster, how's the International Wizarding Conference going? Did anything come out of all the arguing?"

"Not really," Dumbledore gently rubbed his brow, a flash of weariness passing through his eyes. "Apart from the American Ministry of Magic's obsession with revenge, most countries' representatives don't seem to take the threat of Voldemort's return very seriously."

"The only ones willing to respond actively are us, the American Ministry of Magic, and the French Ministry of Magic. Aginbard is also willing to provide assistance, but as you know, the International Wizarding Conference's system requires more than half the votes to support any resolution."

Hearing this, Sebastian couldn't help but shake his head.

As expected, all that meeting and they still couldn't come up with anything useful.

Those countries' representatives wouldn't feel any sense of urgency until the flames of war were burning at their doorstep.

"So, the International Wizarding Conference will be bickering for a long time. Headmaster, are you still going to keep arguing with them?"

"Indeed. I'll rest at Hogwarts for two days, then I have to continue going to meetings. I hope to win over a few more allies this time, Sebastian. I'll leave the school to you and Minerva."

Dumbledore sighed, "If it really comes down to it, I'll try to get the American Ministry of Magic, the French Ministry of Magic, and us to form a joint alliance to deal with the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters ourselves."

A small group?

That wouldn't be easy. The American Ministry of Magic was in a terrible state, barely able to maintain order in their own country, and couldn't spare any manpower to help. At most, they would offer some verbal support. The best-case scenario would be to provide some Galleons.

If the American Ministry of Magic didn't send anyone, the French Ministry of Magic would likely follow suit, and in the end, the British Ministry of Magic would be fighting alone. Such a small group wouldn't be of much use.

However, although he thought so, Sebastian didn't try to dissuade him. He believed that Dumbledore himself knew the chances were slim, and this was just an extra effort.

"No problem, I've got it covered. You can go to the meetings with peace of mind. I've recently moved to New Town and can fully guarantee the safety here."

Sebastian assured him, then advised, "To use a common saying, don't be too eager. You don't need to rush the International Wizarding Conference. Just deal with it as best you can."

"I received news that the Dark Lord has ordered the Death Eaters to expand their influence to other countries. Once the flames of war reach the doorsteps of other countries' Ministries of Magic, they will naturally become anxious and beg to cooperate with us. Then, the initiative will be back in our hands."

"I know. Gellert has already told me. He has already discovered traces of the Death Eaters on his side."

Thinking of this news, Dumbledore felt even more exhausted.

Honestly, if it weren't for Sebastian and Gellert, the situation would be worse than it was a decade ago.

Back then, the Dark Lord had no plans to expand his influence to other countries. Everyone was just fighting in Britain, and the impact on the entire wizarding world wasn't particularly significant.

But this time, the Dark Lord clearly intended to expand the war comprehensively, which was why he was actively lobbying other countries to work together against him and his followers.

Unfortunately, even after he shared the news of the Death Eaters' expansion at the conference, the other countries' Ministries of Magic still didn't take it seriously, only saying that they would pay more attention after returning.

Thinking of this, Dumbledore also poured himself a full glass of Coke, as if only the happy water could relax him.

Watching Dumbledore's brow slightly relax after drinking the Coke, Sebastian smiled slightly.

He and Grindelwald had corresponded, and they had agreed that the Saints would not reveal their identities or clash with the Death Eaters. Instead, they would show appreciation for their ideas and actively join the Death Eaters' side.

The reason for doing so was simple. Grindelwald hadn't left Nurmengard through legitimate means. Currently, one of his loyal followers was in Nurmengard, and the entire wizarding world was unaware that Grindelwald had escaped.

In this situation, if Grindelwald and the Saints appeared, it would easily cause panic in the wizarding world and make the Ministries of Magic of various countries turn their attention to Grindelwald, after all, his reputation was much greater than the Dark Lord's.

That would put all the pressure on Grindelwald, and Voldemort would be even happier.

So, it was better to keep a low profile first, avoid some unnecessary conflicts, and take advantage of the Death Eaters' power to put some pressure on the Ministries of Magic of other countries. When those Ministries of Magic came to ask for cooperation, they would honestly play the role of quiet, obedient, and sensible characters.

As for Grindelwald, he needed to wait for an opportunity, an opportunity to reverse his reputation and gain everyone's approval using Old Voldemort's notoriety.

At that time, he could legitimately step into the public eye, and even if the American Ministry of Magic wanted to hold Grindelwald accountable, they would have no excuse.

"Sebastian," Dumbledore put the empty glass back on the table, "To be honest, many times, I envy your mental state."

"Every time I talk to you, I can feel that you never seem to take Voldemort to heart, as if he poses no threat to you at all. Or rather, the situation has always been under your control, which is why you have always been so indifferent."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, found a comfortable position, and then teased Sebastian.

"Don't laugh at me, I'm already over a hundred years old and just want to live a few peaceful days. So, many times I want to let go and let you face the current situation alone."

"I always feel that even without me, you can easily handle that trouble called Voldemort."

Oh ho --

Old Dumbledore has good eyes, he can even see that, even though I've been discreet enough.

Not bad, not bad, old people are wise, their eyes are sharp!

Sebastian smiled confidently, "I have no objection! However, if I'm in charge, you have to listen to all my arrangements."

"What do you say, are you willing?"