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Chapter 549: Memories and the Past (Part 1)
Chapter 549: Memories and the Past (Part 1)
Liam, who Rose Crystal on North Sea Island believed to be resting, was actually far from idle. He was sitting in the Common Room, checking the upcoming issue of Look, This is a Muggle. Across from him, Hermione was flipping through the Transfiguration Book she had obtained from the Beauty and the Beast worlds. After mastering the power of rules, she found many new and intriguing topics in this book from the Nymph Elves.
Meanwhile, Ron was catching up on his homework on a distant sofa. His hospital stay had caused him to fall behind, and he needed to make up for the missed classwork or risk a scolding from Mrs. Weasley over the summer vacation.
"Where's Harry?" Ron asked, looking up after copying the notes Liam had lent him. It was late, and the Common Room was nearly empty, with only the three of them left.
Before Liam could answer, the Common Room door opened, and Harry walked in, looking dejected.
"What happened?" Ron asked, concerned, as he approached Harry.
"Nothing much, just that I didn't complete the task Professor Dumbledore gave me, so we can't continue the lessons now." Harry sat down on the sofa, weary, and began to recount the details of his session with Headmaster Dumbledore.
At exactly eight o'clock, just as the Miniature Dolls decided to launch their attack, Harry entered the Headmaster's Office. He arrived just in time to see Professor Trelawney arguing with Headmaster Dumbledore. Trelawney was trying to get Centaur Firenze dismissed, but Dumbledore refused her unreasonable request.
After Trelawney stormed off, pushing past Harry and disappearing up the spiral staircase, Dumbledore motioned for Harry to close the door and sit in the usual chair in front of Dumbledore's desk.
Harry tried to ask about Professor Trelawney, but Dumbledore only gave a brief explanation before steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Harry, let's not worry about my staff right now. We have more important things to discuss. First—did you complete the assignment I gave you last class?"
"Ah", Harry suddenly remembered. Between Apparition Lessons, the Quidditch match, Ron's poisoning, his own skull injury, and trying to figure out what Malfoy was up to, he had almost forgotten about Dumbledore's task to obtain Slughorn's memory. "Well, I couldn't find a way to make him talk. Liam warned me that if I asked him directly, he wouldn't answer and would become more cautious, potentially ruining everything. So, I've been thinking of a way to ensure he reveals the truth, knowing I won't get a second chance."
"Ah, your friend is right", Dumbledore said, his eyes peering over the half-moon spectacles, making Harry feel as though he were being scrutinized from head to toe. "Do you feel you've done your best? Have you used all your intelligence and creativity?"
"Um", Harry was at a loss for words. He had indeed thought of many methods, but for various reasons, he hadn't implemented any of them. The main reason was that he hadn't prioritized the task. Now, with Dumbledore's question, he felt a deep sense of shame.
"I know you've had a lot on your plate recently, like your friend's poisoning and your own injuries. I understand the excitement of being a new Quidditch Team Captain. However, I believe I made it clear how important that memory is. In fact, it's the most crucial piece of information we need. Without it, we will only waste time."
Dumbledore spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, as if discussing the weather, but Harry felt a strong sense of shame. He would have preferred a scolding from Dumbledore to this cold expression of disappointment.
Harry desperately wanted to explain himself, but Dumbledore raised a hand to stop him. "I know, you'll say you're busy. But I still hope you can prioritize this from now on? Without that memory, our future lessons will be meaningless."
"I will, sir, I'll get it", Harry said with the eagerness of a drowning man clutching a lifeline.
Dumbledore finally moved past the topic and began the day's main lesson. They first reviewed the content from the previous class: Voldemort had killed his father and grandparents, making it look like his uncle had done it. Then he returned to Hogwarts to ask Professor Slughorn about Horcruxes.
"Today, we will look at the last memories I have collected. You need to understand that Tom, after becoming Voldemort, consciously erased traces of his past. Finding someone who remembers the adult Voldemort is almost impossible. In fact, I doubt anyone other than himself can provide a detailed account of his life after leaving Hogwarts. However, through my efforts, I have managed to find these two memories."
Dumbledore pointed to two small, gleaming Crystal Vials next to the Pensieve on the table. "I told you at the start of our private lessons that we would enter the realm of speculation and conjecture. Fortunately, with the help of your friend Liam, I can now understand some of these memories more clearly. This has turned some of our speculations into facts and brought us closer to the truth."
"Liam?" Harry said, sounding almost disbelieving.
"Yes", Dumbledore glanced at Harry, who sat before him. "Although he has been very busy this year, his wisdom and power have been a great help to me. I'll tell you more after you see these memories."
Harry felt even more ashamed, but Dumbledore seemed not to notice. He told Harry that Voldemort, after graduating from Hogwarts with exceptional grades and the admiration of many, had been recommended for a position in the Ministry of Magic by several teachers who were willing to introduce him. However, Voldemort rejected all offers. Later, the faculty learned that he had taken a job at Borgin and Burkes.
"Borgin and Burkes?" Harry exclaimed, taken aback.
"Borgin and Burkes", Dumbledore said calmly. "At first, I wasn't sure why, but with Liam's help, I understand the reason. Actually, his first goal wasn't to work there. Voldemort first approached my predecessor, the Headmaster, asking if he could stay at Hogwarts as a teacher."
"He wanted to stay here?" Harry was shocked. In his mind, Voldemort, the ambitious dark wizard, would never be content to stay in the ancient castle.
"I can understand", Dumbledore said. "First, this castle was the first place that ever felt like home to him, and the only one. Second, the castle has a rich history, and Voldemort believed he could find hidden treasures here. Lastly, he was not the type to stay in one place for a lifetime. I think he saw Hogwarts as a good place to recruit followers, to build his own army."
"Thankfully, he didn't get the job", Harry said, a note of relief in his voice.
"Yes. Headmaster Dippet told him he was only eighteen, too young, but welcomed him to apply again in a couple of years if he still wanted to teach. I also wrote to the Headmaster, suggesting that Armando not hire him. After that, Voldemort went to Borgin and Burkes, and all the teachers who admired him regretted it. However, he did surprisingly well at the store. You see, Harry, the shop specializes in various magical items. Voldemort was sent to persuade people to hand over their treasures for sale, and apparently, he was particularly skilled at it."
"I believe it", Harry couldn't help but say.
"Yes", Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Now, let's get to the main point and see the memory of the House-Elf Hokey."
(End of Chapter)
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