https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-44-The-First-Alchemical-Creation/12572172/
Chapter 43: Albus Dumbledore
Chapter 43: Albus Dumbledore
Fred strode forward and knocked on the door knocker, and the heavy oak door swung open silently.
Dumbledore's office was a curious place. The walls were covered with portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses, some sleeping, some observing the visitors with interest, and others leaving only an empty frame. The long-legged table was cluttered with odd silver instruments, spinning and emitting little puffs of smoke. The Sorting Hat lay on a board as if asleep, emitting soft snoring noises.
Perched on a tall, gilded branch behind the door was an extraordinarily beautiful bird. Its feathers were golden and red, sparse yet dazzling, and its eyes sparkled with a lively spirit as it looked down at them.
"Oh my!" Hermione whispered. "It's a phoenix! I read about it in a book; Professor Dumbledore has a real phoenix—"
Albus Dumbledore sat behind the table, his hawk-like nose framed by half-moon spectacles, and wore a deep purple robe embroidered with irises. He sat in a high-backed chair, his light blue eyes gazing gently at the group.
"Welcome, children. I hope my office hasn't bored you."
"Boring? This place is fascinating, Professor!" Fred replied boldly.
Dumbledore chuckled softly and said, "You mentioned in your letter that you have something very important to tell me? Now, what is it?"
The group exchanged glances, urging each other to speak. Hermione hesitated as well, as she had also broken the rules and was reluctant to confess.
Finally, Wade stepped forward and recounted once more the conversation he had overheard, while the others chimed in with their speculations.
Michael's face turned pale as he realized the seriousness of their visit to the Headmaster's office. He looked around, feeling like he was the only one who was shocked by this revelation.
Dumbledore listened patiently, his expression unreadable. His piercing gaze, as if seeing through people's souls, turned to Wade, and he asked, "Are you certain he didn't detect your presence when you overheard this conversation?"
"I had used the Fire Spell before, but I'm not sure if he noticed the traces of the spell. However, I hid as soon as Professor Quirrell entered, and from the window, he couldn't have seen me," Wade explained in detail. "Before he left, I made sure I didn't make any noise, use any magic, or leave any noticeable scents. I waited outside the window until dawn before returning, and on my way back, I ran into Gryffith's portrait and Professor Mori. In the Dark Magic Defense class afterward, Professor Quirrell didn't pay particular attention to me, and his attitude didn't change noticeably."
Dumbledore nodded slightly and added, "For now, it seems he hasn't discovered your presence. But I want you to remember one thing—from today onwards, try not to think about this matter, and avoid making eye contact with Professor Quirrell, understood?"
Wade nodded silently.
"Professor!" Ryan couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to capture him? Before he realizes he's been exposed!"
"Not yet, Mr. Carol," Dumbledore said patiently. "In fact, at the beginning of this term, I noticed that our Professor Quirrell seemed to have undergone some unfortunate changes. The information you've brought me confirms my worst suspicions—but it's not time to unmask him yet. Rest assured, though, I've asked a highly reliable person to keep an eye on him, and I will ensure the students' safety."
"So, Professor... he really is..." George whispered.
"I believe so," Dumbledore confirmed their suspicions. "Lord Voldemort has returned to this school, in a state that no one could have imagined. But he probably never thought that his brilliant disguise would be seen through by a group of young students—he always tends to underestimate those weaker than himself—oh, but you've done remarkably well."
"But—I thought everyone said that Lord Voldemort was killed by baby Harry Potter?" Fred asked.
"It's true that he suffered a severe setback on the night he tried to kill Harry and disappeared from people's sight. However, he didn't truly die, and I've always been certain of that," Dumbledore said. "Lord Voldemort is currently in a rare state, and even the Killing Curse can't easily end his life.
Fred looked perplexed, but Dumbledore didn't elaborate on his meaning.
"Professor, can I tell Harry about this?" Hermione asked cautiously.
"I'm afraid not, Miss Granger," Dumbledore replied politely yet firmly.
"But—"
"Given that Voldemort murdered Harry's parents, I don't believe it's wise to let him know that his enemy is so close," Dumbledore said. "Harry may not be able to handle it as calmly and rationally as you all have, and it could put him in grave danger. So, I need you to keep this to yourselves, especially around Harry. Can you do that?"
Everyone nodded together.
Fred mumbled, "But what about the mysterious person wanting to kill him? For his safety, does that mean Harry has to leave the team?"
"Wood would cry," George managed a weak smile. "He said Harry is the best Seeker he's ever seen. He's pinning all his hopes for the championship on Harry."
"Oh, about that—"
Dumbledore smiled, his hands crossed, "I don't think we should give up the joy of Quidditch just because of prying eyes in the shadows. So, yes, Harry doesn't need to leave the team, and I'll ensure his safety."
With Dumbledore's assurance, the Gryffindors felt relieved. In their minds, who could be more reliable than Professor Dumbledore?
As they happily prepared to take their leave, Ryan hesitated once more at the door.
"Professor Dumbledore—"
"Yes?"
"There's one more thing—" Ryan hesitated, unsure of how to continue.
"Go on, Mr. Carol."
Mustering his courage, Ryan asked, "Professor Quirrell—what will happen to him after you drive away the mysterious person?"
"Will... he be alright?" Ryan pressed.
Facing this question, Dumbledore's usually calm demeanor finally showed a change.
He looked deeply into Ryan's eyes, a hint of moisture glistening in his own.
"I'm afraid not, child."
Ryan's eyes widened.
"Voldemort has done something terrible to him to be able to possess his body—something truly horrific. They've formed an evil symbiotic relationship. When Voldemort leaves, Quirrell will undoubtedly die."
Everyone fell silent.
For these eleven-year-olds, the thought of witnessing someone they knew, even if he was a bad person, irreversibly marching towards death, filled them with sadness.
"Children, your sympathy for him, and even your desire to save him, are noble traits."
Dumbledore lowered his eyes, his tone gentle yet ruthless—
"However, when Quirinus sold his soul to Voldemort out of greed and ambition, this outcome was sealed."
As they left the Headmaster's office, the group felt a mix of emotions.
"Dumbledore really does know everything," Fred said. "Did you see? He wasn't even surprised."
"It's hard to imagine," Ryan said. "We're just first-years, and we're already facing things like war, a mysterious person, and death. I thought these things were far removed from us. And Professor Quirrell... sigh, I heard he used to be a good man."
They stood in the corridor, outside a winter wonderland. Some young wizards were playing a snowball fight in the courtyard, including Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.
"Dumbledore is right," Hermione suddenly said.
Wade was perplexed. "Huh?"
"We shouldn't tell Harry the truth," Hermione said, her eyes softening with a motherly look as she glanced at Harry. "Otherwise, the weight of reality and hatred will crush him."
"Don't talk about this anymore," Wade reminded her. "Remember what Dumbledore said. We should try not to think about it and avoid making eye contact with that person... It's best to stay away from him."
Hermione nodded silently.
Michael looked at Wade, hesitant to speak. Wade noticed and prompted him with a look, but Michael just shook his head and remained silent.
It wasn't until they returned to the common room that evening that Michael pulled Wade aside and whispered, "I thought you'd resent Dumbledore for knowing everything and letting students face danger. You could've died, Wade."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
