Harry Potter: The Golden Viper

0460 Independence

"You didn't come up with this idea just to get rid of these tedious application processes, did you, Bryan?"

"To be honest, a considerable part of the reason is because of this--" Bryan chuckled, his voice light and cheerful.

Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm relieved that you don't intend to turn Hogwarts into another Ministry of Magic, Bryan. But even with your current intentions, this would still be a significant upheaval—"

"I just think that Hogwarts doesn't need a Board of Governors hanging over it—"

The moment of light-heartedness passed, and Bryan's demeanor grew more serious. Suddenly, he raised a hand and beckoned with his finger. A thick book, thicker than any other on the shelves lining one wall of the circular office, wriggled slightly before floating off the shelf and landing on the desk.

*Hogwarts: A History*.

Dumbledore's gaze fell upon it, and in that instant, he understood what Bryan intended to say.

"When the four great founders first established this school, Hogwarts didn't have a Board of Governors. It was only after they passed away, several centuries later, that the school faced difficulties—Hogwarts was nearly forced to close down.

To ensure the school's survival, the Headmaster at the time decided to accept financial support from some of the most prominent pure-blood families in the wizarding world at that time. In exchange, Hogwarts established the Board of Governors, requiring their approval for major decisions regarding the school's daily operations and staff appointments."

Bryan tapped the hard cover of the book with his finger, raising an eyebrow.

"Last year, Hogwarts was shrouded in fear due to the Chamber of Secrets incident, with rumors circulating that the school might close because of it. The Board of Governors didn't offer any help; instead, they became Lucius Malfoy's accomplices in trying to remove you from the school. In fact, this wasn't an isolated incident. In the hundreds of years since the board of directors existed, they have been doing more harm than good to the school. "

"History is a valuable asset," Dumbledore said with a smile, "but not many wizards are able to see it that way—"

"I understand your point, Headmaster—"

Discussing this matter inevitably brought up an unavoidable topic—money.

Hogwarts doesn't charge any fees from its students, and even if it did, the income wouldn't be sufficient.

The salaries of the professors, the food and drink for hundreds of young wizards throughout the year, the daily supplies for various courses, the regular maintenance and repairs of the school, and financial aid for students in need, etc—Hogwarts consumes at least tens of thousands of Galleons each year. Without the financial backing of the powerful Board of Governors, it can be said that the school wouldn't be able to operate for even a single day.

Bryan's plan to abolish the Board of Governors would first face the challenge of how to fill the financial gap left by their departure. He would need to find a way to provide Hogwarts with at least tens of thousands of Galleons annually. This isn't a problem that personal wealth can solve. Either Bryan would have to convince the Ministry of Magic to allocate special funds for education every year, or he would have to create a business that could continuously fund Hogwarts.

And neither of these two solutions is easy to achieve.

"But this is something we must do. Have you considered the implications, Headmaster? The current members of the Board of Governors mostly come from the Sacred Twenty-Eight, many of whom are of questionable character. If we find ourselves in a war, and they withdraw their support from Hogwarts, what situation would the school be in then?"

Dumbledore understood Bryan's desire to abolish the Board of Governors. Given the current circumstances, it was almost certain that once Dumbledore stepped down as Headmaster of Hogwarts, Bryan would be his successor, assuming he was willing to take the position.

And Bryan, naturally, would not want a Board of Governors looming over him.

However, Dumbledore hadn't anticipated that Bryan would consider the issue from such perspective.

"That's an unexpected viewpoint, Bryan. Though, knowing Tom as I do, he probably wouldn't have thought of this brilliant idea—but—"

Dumbledore's expression grew much more serious. He nodded thoughtfully.

"This is indeed a possibility. If Hogwarts were to find itself in such a situation and the Ministry of Magic failed to provide the necessary support, the school would face a difficult predicament."

Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled, indicating he was seriously contemplating the issue.

"Perhaps I should speak with Cornelius, see if it's possible to secure—"

Dumbledore thought aloud, but halfway through his words, he shook his head slightly and stopped.

"Seeking educational grants from the Ministry of Magic is feasible under normal circumstances. However, Headmaster, in times of war, it's not a wise idea—" Bryan said calmly.

"First of all, you can't be certain that Cornelius Fudge would stand with this school in every situation. And more importantly, the same group of people supports both Hogwarts's daily operations and the Ministry's finances, don't they?"

Before being driven out of the school board, the Malfoy family was the most powerful family within the board. Additionally, the Malfoy family's numerous businesses paid the most taxes to the Ministry of Magic in the British wizarding world. To make matters worse, Lucius Malfoy was also a 'loyal' Death Eater.

Several seats on the Hogwarts School Board of Directors were in a similar situation, which was precisely what troubled Bryan.

Once war broke out, Hogwarts would become a spiritual banner, but whether this banner could stand, depended on the opponent's wishes. Of course, Bryan trusted Dumbledore's judgment. Voldemort, who had always used the restoration of pureblood family glory as his banner, probably didn't have such a broad vision. However, this was a life-or-death struggle, and these hidden dangers had to be eliminated at all costs.

"What's your solution, Bryan?" Dumbledore asked, fully aware that since Bryan had come seeking his support with this issue tonight, he likely already had an idea. When it came to accumulating wealth, Dumbledore knew he was certainly no match for Bryan.

Bryan's replied calmly. "Before we can even consider dismantling the school board, Hogwarts must establish its own economic foundation. Prior to my return here, I had a conversation with Remus. I've tasked him with a crucial investigation – to identify the essential goods that form the backbone of daily life for ordinary witches and wizards. Moreover, I've asked him to trace these goods back to their source, uncovering the workshops that produce them and, most importantly, the individuals who truly control these operations."

Dumbledore's bushy eyebrows rose slightly as he considered the implications of this plan. "I see the direction of your thinking, Bryan," he said, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "But you're proposing to overthrow the established markets with entirely novel products, all within an extremely compressed timeframe. Even if you intend to leverage your reputation as a guarantee, I fear the it would still be difficult —"

The warm glow of the candles seemed unable to penetrate the inscrutable expression that had settled over Bryan's face. Faced with Dumbledore's probing questions, he found himself at a crossroads, unsure whether to reveal the full scope of his strategy. If he failed to secure Dumbledore's backing, any exposed plans would be as good as ruined.

After a moment of internal struggle, Bryan made his decision. Dumbledore had demonstrated his trust by sharing sensitive information; it was only right that Bryan reciprocate in kind. Mutual trust, after all, was the foundation upon which their alliance against the coming darkness must be built.

"It's a complex plan," Bryan began, his tone carefully neutral even as a cold determination glinted in his eyes. The shift in his demeanor did not go unnoticed by Dumbledore, who felt a twinge of concern at what was to come.

"Our primary objective," Bryan continued, "is to unshackle Hogwarts from external constraints. To achieve this, we must ensure that the school has its own industries and revenue streams.

The investigation I've set Remus upon is designed to uncover the production methods behind goods that are integral to the daily lives of ordinary wizards. While I can't predict with certainty who all the major players are, it's a foregone conclusion that our probe will ultimately affect some of the families represented on the school board."

He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I want to make it clear that I'm not advocating for the wholesale destruction of these families and their legacies. However, there is one inviolable condition: they cannot align themselves with Voldemort's cause. Should any family breach this condition, their businesses will be driven into bankruptcy, and Hogwarts will move immediately to fill the market void they leave behind. This will serve the dual purpose of establishing Hogwarts' own financial network while simultaneously weakening Voldemort's potential support base."

"A financial network," Dumbledore repeated thoughtfully, the phrase hanging heavy in the air between them. "How do you propose to ensure its success, Bryan? I doubt our opponents will stand idly by as Hogwarts moves to claim these newly vacated markets."

Bryan's response was frank and direct. "We'll need the full support of the Ministry of Magic," he stated plainly. "We lack the authority to publicly declare a family's involvement in Voldemort's terrorist activities. Only the Ministry possesses the legal rights to make such announcements, to seize assets, and to bankrupt those found guilty of such associations. Simultaneously, they can provide the necessary protection for Hogwarts' proxy as we enter these new markets."

A small smile appeared at the corners of Bryan's mouth as he added, "By the way, I believe Remus would be an excellent choice to serve as our proxy. After enduring years of financial hardship, I think it's high time he experiences the taste of being wealthy."

Dumbledore's expression remained impassive, showing no reaction to Bryan's personal plans for Remus. In the grand scheme of things – a war that would determine the fate of every witch, wizard, and magical creature in Britain – such details were of little consequence.

"I have no doubt that Remus would be grateful for the opportunity you're proposing," Dumbledore said calmly.

"However," he continued, his tone growing more serious, "if you're counting on Cornelius Fudge's cooperation based solely on your help during the Greyback incident and the chaos at the Quidditch World Cup, I fear you may be overestimating the Minister's gratitude. He's not known for his long memory when it comes to favors."

Bryan's response was immediate and decisive. "I understand the challenge, and I've made the necessary preparations,"

Dumbledore's piercing blue gaze studied Bryan's composed features intently, noting the unwavering determination in the younger wizard's eyes. He understood what Bryan's preparation was, and also knew that Bryan had already made up his mind to do it.

Sensing Dumbledore's tacit approval, or at least his decision not to interfere, Bryan felt a wave of relief wash over him. He pressed on, eager to lay out the full scope of his strategy.

"The cooperation of the Ministry of Magic is absolutely crucial, Headmaster," Bryan emphasized. "As you're well aware, when Voldemort first began amassing followers, he did so under the banner of restoring pureblood supremacy. But once he had consolidated his power, his true nature – his thirst for absolute control and his utter disregard for wizarding traditions – became apparent."

Bryan leaned forward, "This gives us another path to weaken Voldemort's support. We make it clear that anyone who dares to support him will face severe consequences. Their family businesses will be shut down, their assets frozen. We force them to choose between Voldemort's mad dream of domination and the centuries-old legacies of their families. I'm curious to see just how many of his so-called loyal Death Eaters will stand firm when faced with financial ruin."

As Bryan spoke, the full implications of his plan began to unfold in Dumbledore's mind. It was a strategy as brilliant as it was ruthless – a double-edged sword that could slash through the Tom's support base, but not without collateral damage as this approach would undoubtedly affect the work and lives of ordinary people in the wizarding world. Hogwarts could take over, but not entirely. Some would inevitably lose their livelihoods. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Bryan wouldn't crazily expand the scope of the crackdown.

Just as Dumbledore opened his mouth to respond, a smooth, cultured voice cut through the somber atmosphere of the office. "What a remarkably ambitious plan, young man," the voice drawled, a note of genuine admiration evident in its tone.

Both Dumbledore and Bryan turned to face the source of the interruption – a portrait frame housing the image of Phineas Nigellus Black, former Headmaster of Hogwarts and great-great-grandfather to Sirius Black. The painted figure stroked his pointed beard thoughtfully as he continued, "However, I'm afraid there's one rather significant obstacle you seem to have overlooked."

Bryan rose from his seat and offered a respectful bow to the portrait, his expression one of polite interest. He was eager to hear what this long-dead Headmaster was talking about.

Phineas Nigellus Black's eyes glittered with a mix of amusement and cunning as he spoke. "You see, according to the ancient contract signed between Hogwarts and the founding families of the school board, the school is specifically forbidden from engaging in profit-making enterprises. Any unilateral declaration by Hogwarts to dissolve the school board would be null and void unless the school can repay every last Knut of financial support it has received since the contract was first signed – a sum that spans several centuries and is, quite frankly, beyond astronomical."

The revelation hit Bryan like a Bludger to the chest. His brow furrowed deeply as he turned to look at Dumbledore, seeking confirmation. The old Headmaster's grim nod was all the answer he needed.

It was a sobering realization. Of course, the pureblood families wouldn't have left themselves without leverage over the school. How could he have overlooked such a crucial detail? This contract meant that many of the Headmaster's actions and decisions were likely constrained in ways they hadn't even considered. And the notion of repaying centuries worth of donations and grants was, as Phineas had said, utterly impossible.

A rhythmic tapping filled the office – Bryan's fingers drumming against the arm of his chair as his mind raced to find a solution. He leaned back, tilting his head to stare at the intricate relief carvings that adorned the domed ceiling of Dumbledore's office. The flickering candlelight made the carved figures seem to dance, as if mocking his predicament.

But then, like the first ray of sunlight breaking through storm clouds, an idea began to form in Bryan's mind. His furrowed brow slowly smoothed out as the pieces fell into place.

"I think," Bryan said slowly, a hint of his earlier confidence returning to his voice, "that the pureblood families who drafted this contract must have anticipated a scenario where they might want to sever ties with Hogwarts themselves. They should have included provisions for such a possibility."

Phineas Nigellus Black's face broke into a wide, appreciative grin. "Oh, very good!" he exclaimed, clearly impressed by Bryan's quick thinking. "Indeed they did. The families retain the right to cease their financial support of the school at any time, effectively terminating their relationship with Hogwarts."

"Thank you, Headmaster Black," Bryan replied, a pleasant smile appearing at his lips. He turned back to Dumbledore, meeting the current Headmaster's piercing blue gaze with renewed determination. "This, Headmaster Dumbledore, is a matter of who shoots first – much like two wizards facing off in a duel."

Bryan's voice took on a calculating edge as he continued, "If Voldemort hasn't yet thought to use the school board to cut off Hogwarts' funding as a means of forcing you to compromise, well... perhaps we should send someone to plant that idea in his mind."

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