novelhk Chapter 88, Section 87: Dumbledore! He's got you covered!
Chapter 88, Section 87: Dumbledore! He's got you covered!
The scene is changing.
But they didn't return to the principal's office as Ian had expected. The whole world seemed to be filled with countless overlapping lights and shadows, and scenes kept appearing like a movie.
Fragments.
But it's not chaotic.
It has nothing to do with the memories that Albus Dumbledore somehow concealed or altered; it belongs to the story after Ariana Dumbledore's accidental death.
Gellert Grindelwald left that very night, his figure neither hurried nor disheveled, though his expression and shuffling steps were less than those of someone in a hasty or disheveled state.
Just as Ian perceived it.
Aberforth Dumbledore may have been the one who failed to face reality, but he chose to shoulder the pain and responsibility himself.
In the rapidly changing scene, Aberforth Dumbledore swings his fist at Albus Dumbledore after the funeral, while the swollen-faced Albus Dumbledore simply kneels before the grave without uttering a word.
Bloodstains dripped down his face and onto the soil.
The once spirited young man seems to have vanished, his dreams and ambitions buried with the last handful of soil on his grave, and apathy has become the main theme of his aimless days.
He eventually returned to Hogwarts, to this school of hope, where students came and went like a flowing stream, but teaching them was not Albus Dumbledore's purpose in returning.
In the library, in the restricted section, aside from his necessary teaching duties, Albus Dumbledore spent almost all his time constantly flipping through book after book.
From legendary wizards renowned throughout history to exceptionally gifted magicians of modern times, Albus Dumbledore studied the life's work of countless geniuses.
He learned a lot.
Without exception, none of these were what he truly desired. As Albus Dumbledore reached for the power of curses and darkness, the despicable Helbo became his role model during this period.
Looking at the young man, whose expression was somewhat crazed, who was desperately searching for the secrets of the soul, and who, after finding nothing, knelt down in the rainy night and roared angrily and unwillingly at the sky.
Ian found it hard to reconcile this figure with the wise, benevolent, and widely praised headmaster he knew. He couldn't help but turn to look at Headmaster Dumbledore, who was standing beside him.
"Our lesson is not over yet."
Albus Dumbledore spoke gently, wiping away the tears behind his glasses. His voice was calm, but his eyes still held a lingering sadness and...shame.
There was no explanation or defense; Albus Dumbledore simply revealed his memories, presenting Ian with the most unbearable parts of his past.
It is so profound.
Teaching methods that emphasize both verbal instruction and personal example.
"I heard that Helbo's fate was not good." Ian did not lose his respect for Dumbledore because of what he had seen. On the contrary, he had never felt as respectful to the old man beside him as he did today.
"That should be the case."
Albus Dumbledore nodded slightly.
The scene continues.
The young Albus Dumbledore searched through the entire Hogwarts library and knew its contents like the back of his hand, but he was not happy or joyful because he had become powerful.
The power is growing.
His will became increasingly weak.
The more he understood, the more he realized that some things were impossible. No one throughout history had ever been able to do it, and even he could only place his hopes on a non-existent legend—the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility were the Deathly Hallows, and it was said that whoever possessed these three items could become the master of Death.
From scene after scene.
Ian noticed a detail.
Whether studying, living, or teaching, Albus Dumbledore always carried that book with him: The Tales of Peter the Bard, which had been circulating since the Middle Ages.
Ian even leaned closer to examine it carefully, but to his disappointment, he found the "Stories of Peter the Bard" to be...
The author, just like the title of the collection, comes from a name I've never heard of before.
It's not exactly a surprising AK47. Rowling's Squib Witch.
"If you like this book, I can give you a special edition." The real Albus Dumbledore probably misunderstood Ian's act of leaning in and snatching the book from Memory's hands.
Thank you very much.
Disappointed, Ian initially wanted to refuse, but then he thought that there might be Dumbledore's signature in the blank space, and he was a perfect replica of the craftsman's spirit.
The serious attitude immediately caught Dumbledore off guard.
"It's just a book."
Albus Dumbledore couldn't understand why Ian's eyes and brows had suddenly brightened. Perhaps he was just another child who, like himself, loved fairy tales.
However, the reason he was obsessed with fairy tales was because when he was young, reality could no longer give him hope, and he could only find solace in fairy tales.
Even now.
Albus Dumbledore's revelation of his past to Ian also illustrates this point. He had heard the story of the Deathly Hallows before, and during their time of conversation on the meadow, Gellert Grindelwald had mentioned searching for them. However, at the time, the self-satisfied Dumbledore did not believe in the false fairy tale.
of course.
It's also possible that the younger Dumbledore had more faith in his own power—in any case, unable to satisfy his needs in reality, the young Albus Dumbledore embarked on a journey during his vacation.
A dreamlike fast-forward begins.
Traveling through mountains and rivers.
Albus Dumbledore did not find the stone that was said to be able to control life and death, but during this search, he saw the man's figure again.
Gellert Grindelwald.
This man is stronger and more radical than ever before, perhaps as a form of healing in different contexts, with Gellert Grindelwald's presence felt in various countries.
Some say he is invincible, others say he will conquer the world. Countless followers have emerged one after another, and Gellert Grindelwald has also grasped that seemingly invincible magic wand.
"I will conquer fate!"
A great distance.
Others tried to persuade him to stay.
"As long as we're together, as long as we join forces, no one can stop us. We can do anything we want to do!"
It was like giving a speech to believers.
Young Albus Dumbledore heard the man's declaration, a vision of the future they had once shared, but his dormant heart could no longer compel him to echo the sentiments of those around him.
Many people knelt before Gellert Grindelwald, kissing the ground beneath his feet as the Death Eaters did when facing Voldemort.
However, it was not the power that Gellert Grindelwald possessed.
The war has begun.
History seems to be about to begin its work.
Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Germany, France, Hungary, Switzerland—the saints followed in the footsteps of their leaders, and an increasingly radical vision began to sprout in their expansion.
Those who surrender may live.
Anyone who stands in your way may be killed—infants, pregnant women, the elderly, girls. Ian followed the young Albus Dumbledore, as if returning to that era known as the Dark Ages.
Some waver have emerged.
Gellert Grindelwald will let them go.
but.
He would still speak to the remaining people.
"The law of nature dictates that the strong prey on the weak; peace is forged through blood and fire. For the sake of our families and the responsibilities we bear, only through struggle can we win a new future!"
"This is not killing or persecution. We are not like those cruel Americans. Muggles will still exist in our world, and our people will be born from among them!"
"What we are doing is never genocide! We are simply fighting for our own race, exchanging the present for the future, and using the sacrifice of a few to quell the resistance of the many!"
I don't blame those who left, and I'm grateful to those who stayed. History will ultimately prove us right.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for a different group to lead this world!
"Even if we bear the burden of sin, we will fight—for the greater good!"
Amid cheers and jubilation.
The black tide surged even more fiercely as it swept across the land.
The scene was one of utter devastation, inevitable, and the young Albus Dumbledore hesitated. He struggled with his decision.
He has saved some people, but he has never been involved in this earth-shattering change.
A bright red and dazzling ornament flashed by.
"That's a blood oath, far more steadfast than any unbreakable vow." Dumbledore, standing beside Ian, spoke in a low voice, explaining to him, "Those who sign a blood oath cannot harm each other. My grandfather and Miss Grindelwald's grandfather once considered overthrowing the world together, and this is the guarantee and testimony we agreed to give each other."
There was a brief pause.
Dumbledore then continued speaking.
"Of course, I am not trying to find an excuse for my inaction. In fact, during this period I was stuck in an obsession with pursuing something else."
It is clear.
The young Albus Dumbledore was searching for the Resurrection Stone. He clearly did not succeed in the years that followed, until he finally decided to step forward after being repeatedly asked for his help.
Newt Scamander's voice begins to appear in the scene, as he, with the help of a young Albus Dumbledore, successfully navigates time and again his struggles against Gellert Grindelwald.
When the blood oath is broken.
As recorded in wizarding history, a duel agreed upon by close friends began, and Gellert Grindelwald was ultimately defeated and "imprisoned" in that dark and gloomy tower.
The image of a phoenix is interspersed in the scene, and the scene changes rapidly. Ian only sees the phoenix withering and leaving, and a young man quietly waiting for death to come.
Time flows.
Many people are celebrating their joy.
Few could notice that Albus Dumbledore had become even more depressed. He had obtained the wand that was said to be able to control fate, but he could not stop the tragedy that fate had bestowed upon him.
A seemingly peaceful day.
Albus Dumbledore, numb from his search and experiences, stepped into the familiar courtyard of Ian.
Flames burning on the wardrobe.
It reflects the fear and longing in the eyes of a handsome young man.
"This is where the story begins. I don't think you need to learn anything from it, just understand that you should never underestimate the impact of your actions on those around you."
Albus Dumbledore stared at the boy in the scene.
"Perhaps he had a bad personality from the beginning, but if I had paid more attention to him instead of intimidating him with disgust, he probably wouldn't have ended up as bad as he is now."
The old principal sighed softly.
He looked extremely tired.
that's the truth.
After all, this was a journey of memories.
Dumbledore essentially ripped open his bloody wounds so that Ian could learn something from his life and avoid repeating his mistakes in the future.
"Is he Voldemort?"
Ian asked the question he already knew the answer to.
"His name is Tom Riddle, or you could call him Voldemort, but he abandoned his original name in his pursuit of power."
Albus Dumbledore turned around, and the scene began to blur, spin, and the light and shadow gradually distorted.
The familiar Hogwarts headmaster's office reappeared.
Everything before vanished like a phantom. The silver utensils on the table were still steaming, the headmasters on the wall were whispering, and the Sorting Hat was complaining to Phoenix Fox about Ian.
"You have to believe me, I'll find a way to cure him sooner or later."
"Even Gryffindor wouldn't dare use a brush on me, so what gives this little wizard the audacity to be so bold?"
"If Dumbledore hadn't protected him, I would have jumped up and hit him on the knee!"
Despite Phoenix Fox's indifference, it still kept chattering until it saw Ian looking in its direction, at which point it immediately shut its mouth and pretended to be dead.
"It's you I've decided on, Fox. Take it to Black Lake for a bath, and next time I'll let you stay on my head a little longer!" Ian usually settles his scores on the same day.
With his promise, Fox immediately grabbed the Sorting Hat and flew out the window.
"You wicked Prince! When you have a child at Hogwarts, I'll sort him straight to Azkaban!" The Sorting Hat's hysterical screams gradually faded into the distance.
"Laughable, I don't have children at all." Ian was unfazed by the Sorting Hat's threat. He looked at Dumbledore, who had just taken a book off the shelf.
Consider it a gift, since it took up a lot of your time.
He handed Ian a copy of "The Tales of Peter the Bard".
"Thanks!"
Ian took the book from Dumbledore and eagerly opened it. Sure enough, on the first page, in the blank space, there was a passage of Dumbledore's thoughts on the book.
And right after the comment was Dumbledore's signature. Unlike the notes in the restricted section of the library, this sheet had many, many blank spaces.
"It will be useful sooner or later!"
Ian's contentment remained incomprehensible to Dumbledore.
"Aren't you going to ask about the Deathly Hallows?" Dumbledore had clearly misunderstood something again, and he placed his Elder Wand on his desk.
Ian didn't even glance at it.
I've read about them in other books, and frankly, if the Three Deathly Hallows were really that powerful, how could Aurora's grandfather have lost to you?
Ian knows the truth about the Three Sacred Relics. Admittedly, they are incredibly powerful alchemical creations, but Ian's alchemical skills are clearly not yet at a level where he can analyze them.
As for their effects...
Whether it's the Resurrection Stone or the Invisibility Cloak, they're more hype than practical use. Perhaps the Elder Wand is the most deserving of its name, but Ian believes that the power must come from within.
Whoever gets it will be invincible?
Countless facts have proven that such rumors are not as reliable as Avada Kedavra.
"A very wise view, just as I said, you really understand better than many adult wizards." Dumbledore let out a soft sigh and slowly sat down.
He looked extremely tired and exhausted, leaning back in his chair like a summer worker who had spent 15 hours screwing in screws in a factory and was now returning to his dormitory.
"I hope today's journey has been helpful to you," Dumbledore whispered.
Ian put the "Stories of Peter the Poet" into his pocket.
"Don't you have any questions?"
He decided to reciprocate.
When a brilliant and great elder speaks frankly to one another, sharing his painful past to help him understand certain principles, he should naturally reciprocate with the most sincere trust.
Anyway, some things have already been leaked unexpectedly.
"You've already shown me the answer through your actions, so I don't need a verbal response."
Faced with Ian's direct question, Dumbledore shook his head, took off his somewhat cloudy glasses, and began to wipe away the tear stains with a small handkerchief.
"To be honest, the day I guessed the answer, I was jealous of you—really, Ian, very jealous. I never thought I would feel that way at any time."
Dumbledore's hands trembled slightly. "What an incredible talent! I've heard that Merlin also had such an ability, but I've spent my whole life pursuing it and still haven't been able to verify the rumors."
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"In fact, not only Merlin, but also some miscellaneous items that Hogwarts has never published, I found a notebook from Helga Hufflepuff, the founder of Hufflepuff."
That was probably the clue I had held the greatest hope for for a long time.” Dumbledore put his glasses back on, a deep regret in his eyes.
"What clue?"
Ian asked curiously.
Dumbledore didn't continue to hide the truth as the Riddler. "In the Tales of Peter the Bard, there's a story about the Three Deathly Hallows, about three brothers making a deal with Death."
I heard about this place.
Ian then took out the book from his pocket and turned to the corresponding page.
Once upon a time, three brothers encountered Death by the river...
The story isn't very long.
It's roughly about the origin of the Three Deadly Holy Relics and the fairy tale that it sparked. The eldest chose the Elder Wand, which controls fate; the second chose the Resurrection Stone, which can summon loved ones; and the youngest chose the Invisibility Cloak, which can evade everything. In the end, the eldest died due to the capriciousness of fate, and the second died due to the desecration of life and death.
Only the clever third brother, in his old age, left the Ultimate Invisibility Cloak to his son, and like his old friend, he followed the approaching Grim Reaper and left this world.
"What does this story have to do with Helga Hufflepuff's ancestor's notes?" Ian was slightly puzzled. Did Helga Hufflepuff also see Death?
"Yes, Ian."
Dumbledore nodded, his expression lost in reminiscence. "In that notebook, there's another story recorded, or rather, a more credible one—history?"
He seemed unsure of his choice of words.
after all.
"I cannot confirm the authenticity of the record, because I have searched many places but have not been able to find any way to verify what Helga Hufflepuff mentioned in the record."
Dumbledore's voice was filled with regret and a sense of melancholy.
His words made Ian even more curious.
"What's wrong?"
This is clearly a little-known secret. Ian may not be interested in the gossip among the young wizards, but he is very fond of obtaining secrets and knowledge that others do not know.
"Just like the three brothers in the story of the bard Peter, Helga Hufflepuff said that he witnessed a deal between the other three founders and the Lord of the Dead."
"According to the ancient covenant of the Ravenclaw family, each of the three founders received a gift, but also had to bear a price..."
?
Helga Hufflepuff did not elaborate on this point.
"He was just gloating in his notes. Of the four big shots, she was the smartest. She had read the story of the three brothers, so she didn't get involved in that deal."
Dumbledore's tone was full of emotion.
"Of course, while I have no intention of offending the founders, judging from the cause of Helga Hufflepuff's death, perhaps Helga Hufflepuff was not as clever as she thought." It's estimated that only a wizard like Albus Dumbledore would dare to make such comments about the founders of Hogwarts.
"The ruler of a dead kingdom?"
Ian's focus was on something else; he seemed to have remembered something, and his brows furrowed on his youthful face.
This is just my personal opinion. Helga Hufflepuff loved reading biographical novels during her lifetime.
Perhaps this is another way she refers to Death?
Dumbledore was only guessing.
"In any case, Helga Hufflepuff's journal gave me new hope. After all, she was the founder, and the things recorded in her journal couldn't possibly be stories she made up, could they?"
Judging from Dumbledore's uncertain tone, he has clearly begun to have some doubts about Helga Hufflepuff, but there are obviously some reasonable reasons for this doubt.
"For my younger self, if I could, I would certainly be willing to make any kind of pact with death, and I would accept any price as long as it could save me from the tragedy I had caused."
I spent a long time studying the history of the Ravenclaw family, but I still couldn't find the covenant, just as I couldn't find the legendary Resurrection Stone.
"As for attempting to communicate with the world of the dead, existing contracts and ancient texts won't work, nor will curses."
I've also considered creating it myself, but to this day I still haven't succeeded.
Dumbledore sighed heavily, his voice tinged with even more weariness, but his eyes were brighter than ever before.
"I had actually chosen to bury my obsession until you came along. Fate seemed to be playing a joke on me, allowing me to see a real possibility in you."
His voice began to tremble, "Perhaps I shouldn't ask, but I really can't bear to think about what kind of life Ariana is living on the other side."
A pleading look appeared again.
Ian was finding it difficult to cope.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, we all know that it was just a transit point. Ariana was just waiting there, and she didn't seem to blame anyone."
"At least, when she talks about her two older brothers, it's always with joy and nostalgia. She's told me more than once how good her brothers were to her."
Ian's response brought tears to Dumbledore's eyes, and he even began to choke up.
"No, no—I've always been selfish, and at one point I even thought that as long as Aberforth took care of her, that was enough, and that family was just a burden to me."
"I've never been a good older brother."
Dumbledore was not comforted by Ian's words; instead, he covered his face with even more sorrow and guilt, a side of him that no one had ever seen before.
I don't know much about that place either, but at least one thing I'm sure of is that hatred and resentment are eternal memories, but Ariana only remembers the good times of the past.
"Professor, she has already chosen to forgive." Ian tried to stand up, lean on the table, and pat Dumbledore's back, but his little hand could only reach Dumbledore's head.
He still chose to pat it.
He accomplished something Voldemort wouldn't even dare to dream of.
"Thank you, Ian, for letting me know that she was right there." Dumbledore's voice was deep and hoarse, and the determined look in his eyes sent a chill down Ian's spine.
"Professor! I'm trying to comfort you, but you can't harm me. Ariana warned me not to reveal this secret; she wants to see you and your brother die peacefully in your old age!"
Ian may have used some rhetorical devices in his speech.
There's nothing we can do about it.
He felt he had to speak up and remind him.
otherwise.
Judging from some of the emotions he felt today, there's no guarantee he won't get up for class happily tomorrow.
Then you'll see Albus Dumbledore hanged in the headmaster's office with a group of people.
The kind where the tongue sticks out really long.
Perhaps, for the sake of family reunion, Aberforth, who was tricked into coming here to suffer misfortune, might be by Albus Dumbledore's hanged body.
Just imagining that scene is horrific!
"You don't need to worry about that, Ian. I won't make any extreme choices."
Although Dumbledore said that, Ian would bet his roommate's limited-edition underwear on it.
He saw a hint of disappointment in Dumbledore's eyes.
[Thinking perception] doesn't lie.
The old bee is the one who keeps lying!
Ian breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ariana is living very well there, and she will be waiting for you for a very long time. She has friends, and she is probably much happier there than here."
"After all, at least there's no Voldemort there—no Voldemort who can stand up and walk around eating melons." Ian felt he should reassure Dumbledore.
"Riddle will soon be no threat anymore." Dumbledore seemed a little too frank, his eyes flashing with a light that Ian couldn't understand.
"Oh? You mean you want me to tell her the story of Dumbledore outsmarting Voldemort? In several parts? Should I use some rhetorical devices to portray you as a great figure?"
Ian looked at Dumbledore with a strange expression.
Dumbledore remained silent for a long while, as if he had just caught his breath.
"Oh, by the way, Ariana said before that if I encounter any problems while I'm alive, I can ask her brother for help. Do you think she means what she said?"
Ian suddenly remembered what had happened in the dreamlike realm before the start of the school year.
"Of course."
Dumbledore stared at the young wizard before him.
His tone was gentle yet carried a powerful, solemn quality: "Ian Prince, from this day forward, the Dumbledore family will be your most reliable connection in the wizarding world."
This is clearly a solemn commitment.
"Praise be to our ancestors, praise be to Hogwarts, praise be to the founder, praise be to my good friend Ariana." Ian was overjoyed, knowing that his compensation and apology were definitely in the bag.
This is the principal's promise!
Maybe when I go out later, I'll be able to swagger around the corridors of Hogwarts?
Indeed! It's always a good idea to make more good friends when you're traveling!
"I heard Aurora was taken away by her family. I still owe her a gift in return. Will she go back to Hogwarts?" Ian suddenly thought of another good friend of his.
"Because of the unfortunate fate of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Miss Grindelwald stayed under the protection of her family for a while. Now her family has sent her back to Hogwarts, but she probably won't be able to start classes until tomorrow." Dumbledore seemed to recall their conversation in that tower not long ago.
He pondered for a while.
She spoke softly to Ian again, "Miss Grindelwald's upbringing was not normal because of her background, which makes me very worried that she might go down an extreme path."
"Many of the remaining saints want her to become the wizards' new nightmare, Ian. That shouldn't be her mission. Perhaps you can offer her some proper guidance through your friendship."
Dumbledore's tone carried a pleading quality.
Ian nodded without hesitation.
"As a friend, it's my duty to do this. Only a fool would become a dark lord."
Don't worry, I think Aurora is actually a kind person.
Ian patted his chest and made a promise.
Even when he tried to fix the problem of the candles in the auditorium not dripping oil, Aurora thought he was a bad person. Her good friend Aurora's values were clearly much more upright than his.
"Yes, you fool, I agree with your assessment. You are far, far smarter than Riddle." Dumbledore nodded with a very satisfied smile.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head back now?"
Ian felt that the memory spell must have taken a heavy toll on Dumbledore, especially mentally. He felt as if Dumbledore had been screwing in screws for 20 hours straight.
Ok.
It's five hours longer now than before.
"Of course, no problem. You can come back to me anytime."
Dumbledore rose to see him off.
He stopped at the entrance of the office.
"If you may, please also give my regards to Ariana and tell her—" that everything will be as she wishes. Dumbledore asked in a low voice.
Ian nodded.
"I will convey your greetings and bring you a reply from afar, and perhaps even a photograph." He ran out the door, intending to hurry and borrow some books from the library while he still had some time.
The night is long.
Who can fall asleep without reading a few books?
Because Ian was focused on the dwindling time remaining, he didn't see Dumbledore, who was about to return to his desk, suddenly turn around after he finished speaking.
His eyes were filled with horror.
The clock is ticking.
Dumbledore was flipping through some books.
He did not choose to go to sleep.
Instead, he was waiting for another meeting. When the young wizard knocked on the headmaster's office door, Dumbledore straightened his clothes, trying to appear as normal as possible.
"Please come in."
Dumbledore forced himself to speak, and the wooden door was pushed open by a pair of small hands. Aurora, with a cool expression, hesitated before entering the office where the Sorting Hat had not yet returned.
"Headmaster Dumbledore."
Aurora maintained a basic understanding, but was somewhat puzzled by her own experience. She had only just returned to Hogwarts; could it be that someone had reported her for the more than eighty violations of school rules she had committed a few days ago?
"Please have a seat, Miss Grindelwald."
Dumbledore smiled and gestured for Aurora to sit opposite him. The cautious girl seemed suspicious, her heterochromatic eyes filled with doubt.
"What did I do wrong?"
She probed cautiously.
"That's not the case, Miss Grindelwald. My desire to see you has nothing to do with the 107 school rules you've violated; it's for a different reason."
Dumbledore's tone remained gentle.
Aurora was stunned.
"Isn't there only eighty-three items?"
She frowned.
It felt as if I had just counted them in my mind.
"It seems you know the school rules by heart." Dumbledore's eye twitched, but he maintained a gentle expression. Aurora, sitting opposite him, was very wary of him.
"Am I going to be fired?"
Aurora wasn't nervous, but her voice sounded somewhat regretful.
"If you don't get caught, you haven't made a mistake. That's actually a school rule." Dumbledore winked at Aurora, his words carrying no intention of reprimanding her.
"what?"
Aurora seems very strange.
"In fact, I want to see you alone. This involves your good friend, Mr. Ian Prince." Dumbledore's words made Aurora's expression more serious.
Dumbledore noticed every subtle change in her.
"Miss Grindelwald, you must have already realized that Ian is different from most young wizards." Seeing Aurora hesitate, he nodded.
Dumbledore continued, "Of all the people I have met, none have possessed his level of magic, and none of those with magic have such talent. To be honest, in my entire life, I never imagined I would encounter such an unparalleled successor."
Albus Dumbledore was genuinely sighing and reflecting.
"Can you get to the point?"
Aurora's eyes grew increasingly wary.
"Indeed, some things happened tonight. I may have been a little long-winded. Let's get to the point, Miss Grindelwald. I hope you will become my apprentice."
Albus Dumbledore spoke seriously.
"apprentice?"
Aurora was a little confused.
"Yes, you will inherit all my knowledge and carry on my school of thought," Dumbledore said solemnly, confident that the girl before him understood the significance of this ancient tradition.
Did my grandfather agree?
Aurora was still somewhat taken aback.
"You don't need his consent; it's something you need to decide for yourself." Dumbledore's voice was gentle and calm, and his eyes held an unfathomable depth.
"I want to know why."
After a long silence, Aurora finally spoke, puzzled.
Dumbledore seemed to have expected this, nodded, and responded in a more serious voice, "Your friend, Mr. Ian Prince, has not had a normal upbringing due to his background, which makes me very worried that he may go down a radical path because of it."
"His extraordinary talent will attract a lot of negative attention, Miss Grindelwald. Perhaps you can be a friend in your friendship who can help him get back on track."
That sounds like a familiar excuse.
Fortunately, Ian isn't here.
Otherwise, tomorrow the whole of Hogwarts will know that Dumbledore is a liar.
"You want me, Grindelwald, to stop Ian from becoming the Dark Lord?" Aurora's expression was full of shock as she looked at Dumbledore with an incredulous look.
Dumbledore's expression remained unchanged.
"Only you can do this."
He remained calm and spoke softly.
"My grandfather isn't insane yet, but Headmaster, you certainly are." Aurora spoke as rudely as ever, her gaze towards Dumbledore filled with a strange intensity.
"Ian needs your help, Miss Grindelwald. Without your help, many ill-intentioned people will surely use him as a tool."
"We all know how naive Mr. Prince is in some ways." Dumbledore carefully chose his words, and his words made Aurora's brows furrow almost like an old lady's.
"What else do I need to do to become your apprentice?" she finally asked, without refusing, which made Dumbledore's expression visibly happy.
We all understand how important friends are. All you need to do is learn from my knowledge so that in the future, you can nip any potential trouble that might lead Mr. Ian Prince down into darkness.
Dumbledore had been speaking for a long time before Aurora slowly nodded. He immediately and happily arranged their study time, warmly seeing Aurora out of the office.
"Dumbledore, what the hell are you doing? You're trying to fool both of them like this?" The murals on the walls bear witness to Dumbledore's shameless act of using the same excuse to frame both of them.
"Who exactly are you trying to guard against, you suspicious fool?" Armando Dippet's portrait, which showed some dissatisfaction, was that of the headmaster who knew Dumbledore best.
"I'm not worried about Ian. Ian has never lacked love since he was a child, and he knows how to love."
Dumbledore sat back down at his desk, closed his eyes, rubbed his temples, and murmured with a deep sigh.
"But Miss Grindelwald is different; she needs to be taught in a special way that can effectively prevent some things that none of us want to see from happening."
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