Chapter 274: Harry Enclosed in the Ice House

Level One, Ministry of Magic, England.

This level housed the offices of all high-ranking officials, including the Minister.

The entire floor was covered with luxurious, intricate Turkish wool carpets, seemingly the only way to ensure that the officials in the offices would not be disturbed by footsteps in the corridor.

Deep in the corridor lay the Minister's office.

Fudge was not surprised by Dumbledore's arrival.

What truly surprised him was that two employees from the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes had brought Harry to the Ministry of Magic, completely unaware of the consequences.

"Although it's not a big deal, the public needs an explanation!"

Fudge put on a troubled look as he glanced at Dumbledore.

Last year's Dementor incident, whether it was the public opinion battle in the newspapers or the invisible power struggle within the Ministry of Magic, had shown him the influence of this aging headmaster.

Therefore, he was waiting for Dumbledore to plead for leniency so he could publish it in tomorrow's newspaper, further weakening Dumbledore's prestige.

"This matter is different from the past." Dumbledore looked at Fudge calmly.

"Not only is it different, but it might also be connected to Voldemort..."

"Enough! Don't mention that name! He is dead." Fudge interrupted harshly, looking somewhat triggered.

"That man has been dead for more than a decade!"

Facing the hysterical Fudge, Dumbledore said nothing more. He knew that some people were like frightened Jobberknolls, who would only curl up into their tiny teacups when faced with danger.

"You can take the boy away now! Tell him to either learn to be obedient or to be clever! Don't let today's situation embarrass us all again."

Fudge waved his hand irritably. Taking someone away was fine, but bringing up matters from over a decade ago only made him recall those crazy, dark years.

"Some things can't be resolved just by pretending not to see them, Cornelius."

Before leaving, Dumbledore added a meaningful remark.

...

Hogsmeade.

Ino opened the door on the first floor, surprised to see the figures of an old man and a young boy standing outside.

"Uh... long time no see, Professor Dumbledore, and Harry."

"Sorry to bother you, Ino! But I couldn't think of a better solution in a short time."

Dumbledore looked troubled.

"Not at all! Your visit is an honor! Besides, Harry and I are friends!"

While speaking, Ino stepped aside to let the two into the living room.

"You must have read today's newspaper!" Dumbledore went straight to the point after sitting down: "Ino, the content in the newspaper is true. That's why I came to you! Do you remember the Mirror of Erised?"

"Of course! And I was just about to return it to you when the term started."

Though he didn't quite understand the connection, Ino nodded, taking over the topic. After all, that mirror belonged to Hogwarts.

"It's not about the mirror. I'm referring to the time it was encased in ice..."

Dumbledore explained the reason. The moment he saw Harry at the Ministry of Magic, he had already identified the cause of the problem.

The worst-case scenario had indeed occurred: Harry had been turned into a living Horcrux by Voldemort.

After a detailed recollection through the Pensieve, he had to admit that the conditions for creating a Horcrux were indeed met on that night in Godric's Hollow.

Fortunately, Voldemort was not yet aware of this fact.

...

Meanwhile.

With Dumbledore's explanation, Ino gradually understood the purpose of their visit.

"Professor! While frost can indeed block thoughts from being read, I'm not sure if it will be effective for others."

Though surprised that Dumbledore had thought of this, Ino gave Harry an apologetic look, signaling his inability to help.

"If possible, I would suggest Harry learn Occlumency. This magic can theoretically block... well, block some negative emotions."

As Ino finished speaking, a gleam flashed in Dumbledore's eyes, quickly disappearing.

"You're right, the best solution is for Harry to learn Occlumency, but it takes time, and I'm not sure how much time we have..."

Dumbledore didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

He hoped that during the time Harry was learning magic, he could receive some protection.

"Then let's give it a try, because I really don't know if it will work."

Ino looked at Harry again, who responded with a shy smile.

"Let's try it! If it doesn't work, I'll think of another way." Dumbledore knew that some things in the magical world were indeed unique.

With their consent, Ino pointed a finger at the coffee table.

Simultaneously, a small house of condensed frost rose around Harry.

The cube, about two meters in diameter, had walls about an inch thick. The pale blue, semi-transparent frost did not obstruct the view in or out.

After completing this, Ino did not immediately use Legilimency but turned to look at Dumbledore, as this spell was quite invasive.

Dumbledore seemed to have the same thought and did not use Legilimency either. Instead, he pointed the Elder Wand at the ice house surrounding Harry.

A moment later.

"It works!" Dumbledore smiled, as if all the day's fatigue had melted away.

"It seems Harry will need your help! But during this period, I will arrange for an excellent professor to teach him Occlumency."

"That's nothing!" Ino nodded indifferently.

It was a small favor, and today's events had revealed to him the hidden effects of ice magic, an unexpected gain.

...

As they conversed, the doorbell rang again.

Though surprised by the frequent visitors today, Ino stood up to open the door.

Opening the door, a figure clad in black appeared.

"Good morning, Professor Snape." Ino greeted with a light smile.

Unexpected yet reasonable, the person who cared most about Harry in the British wizarding world was indeed before him.

"Yes." Snape nodded slightly, then quickly walked into the room.

This time, Ino did not join in.

Silently opening a can of chilled Butterbeer, he planned to stand aside and watch the three generations passionately perform.

After all, Voldemort was no longer a threat to him, so he could now approach some matters with a relaxed attitude.

...

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