Chapter 695: The Exchange in the Headmaster's Office
Chapter 695: The Exchange in the Headmaster's Office
After having lunch with the Weasley Twins, Ryan and the others left the Joke Shop and headed straight for Hogwarts Castle. The defenses around the castle had been significantly improved, especially the patrol scale, which had grown considerably.
While many of the patrol members were recent volunteers from Hogsmeade, their presence indicated that the previous panic was slowly subsiding, and things were starting to return to normal.
Ryan and the others had initially planned to return to their rooms to handle some matters and then chat with their friends. However, as they were just about to go upstairs from the entrance hall, a burst of flames appeared in front of them, and a tiny phoenix flew out. After dropping a tightly rolled parchment, it disappeared in another burst of flames.
"It seems to be Professor Dumbledore. I think he must have noticed me the moment we entered the castle", Liam said as he took the parchment and unfolded it. "Just like our Manor, as a complex with numerous magical arrays and alchemical products, the master can always control any information within the building."
"So, what does the note say?" Hermione asked as Liam unfolded the parchment. "We just got back to school, what could Dumbledore need so urgently?"
"I'm not sure, but it just invites us to his office for a cup of tea", Liam said, handing the small note to Hermione. Hermione saw that it indeed only contained a simple invitation and today's password for the Headmaster's Office. There was nothing else.
"Jelly Beans." After reciting the password at the entrance to the Headmaster's Office, the stone gargoyle moved aside, revealing the spiral staircase. They ascended the winding stairs and reached the oak door. Liam knocked, and the door opened.
The Headmaster's Office looked just as it always did, a circular room filled with various small, peculiar sounds. Professor Dumbledore's silver instruments were still placed on the small tables and the shelves behind the desk, each one spinning and emitting puffs of smoke. The headmaster's phoenix stood on its gilded perch behind the door, chirping a greeting to Liam as he looked at it.
As Liam gazed around the office with a nostalgic expression, the door creaked open. Headmaster Dumbledore emerged from an upper door, standing on a platform to greet Ryan and the others. "Liam, Hermione, it's good to see you again after such a long time."
"It's good to see you too, Headmaster", Liam said, nodding slightly as he watched Dumbledore descend the stairs and sit in the high-backed chair. "What did you need to see us about today?"
"Please, sit down; there's no need to be so formal", Dumbledore said, waving his wand. Two armchairs appeared in front of the large desk, along with a small coffee table between them. "I just wanted to have a simple chat with you."
"Black tea and tea snacks, right? Honestly, your tastes don't match those of young people your age. They're more like what someone my age would enjoy", Dumbledore said as Ryan and the others sat down. As he spoke, a pot of black tea and a small plate of snacks appeared on the coffee table.
"Thank you for the tea snacks. The familiar taste of black tea and snacks at school always brings back such fond memories. Although I've only been away for a month, it feels like a long time", Liam said with a touch of nostalgia after drinking half a cup of tea and eating a few snacks.
"Yes, school leaves us with indelible memories", Dumbledore agreed, nodding. "The reason I called you here so soon after your return is that there's something important I need to discuss with you."
Ryan and the others leaned forward slightly when they heard Professor Dumbledore begin to speak, their eyes fixed on him as they assumed a posture of attentive listening. "I've heard that you recently launched raids on several manors", Dumbledore said.
"Yes, that's correct", Liam acknowledged. "In the past month, we've been in almost constant combat. It's clear that the Death Eaters' power largely comes from the continuous production of various items from their manors and the local commanders in Britain. After destroying several manors and eliminating a number of local Death Eaters, we've noticed a significant weakening in their resistance, and the number of innocent victims has greatly decreased."
"I know; I've received similar reports through my own channels", Professor Dumbledore nodded. "However, I must say, children, your methods are rather extreme."
"Extreme?" Liam repeated, a bit puzzled. "Do you think my actions are extreme? I don't see them as such. In fact, I would say they are quite moderate."
"Is that not extreme?" Dumbledore raised his hand to adjust his half-moon glasses, then looked at Liam seriously, as if trying to read his thoughts. "You must understand that the number of wizards who have died in the past month is almost as high as during the most active period of Voldemort's last war. This is a significant loss for the wizarding community in Britain."
"But, Professor, I can assure you that every person we killed deserved it", Hermione couldn't help but stand up to defend them. "Those we killed either had the blood of innocents on their hands or used deadly spells in battle. Even though we have taken many lives, each killing was done to save others."
"I know, I know", Dumbledore waved his hand to gesture Hermione to sit down, then continued, "I assure you, I have never believed that your actions were motivated by evil. As a man over a hundred years old, I trust my judgment on this. However, I do think that your methods have crossed certain boundaries."
"We understand that killing is the worst means", Liam said quickly, "but it's undeniable that sometimes it's the most effective. For example, do you think there's a better way to stop the Death Eaters who take pleasure in murdering Muggles?"
"Ah—" Dumbledore sighed softly, a look of weariness on his face. "I know. Some have already gone too far. Many of them were once my students, and I never imagined things would come to this. I remember when they first arrived at Hogwarts, so innocent and lively—"
Seeing Dumbledore lost in his memories, Liam and Hermione exchanged a glance but did not interrupt him. Liam knew that Dumbledore had experienced a lot in his youth, losing his parents, sister, and falling out with his brother. He had also had a falling out with a close friend and lover. After all these experiences, Dumbledore had devoted all his energy to his students.
Thus, the current situation of Hogwarts graduates fighting each other was not what the Headmaster had hoped for, especially with the added pressures of the war. Professor Dumbledore was under a great deal of stress, and as the leader of the White Wizards, he couldn't show any weakness in front of others. So when he encountered someone who could match him in strength, he didn't maintain his usual image of the most powerful White Wizard. His emotions began to fluctuate, and he started to reminisce about the past.
Ryan and the others remained silent, listening attentively. Liam knew that if he had any psychological stress, he could talk to many people. But Dumbledore, in his position, could only listen to others' problems and had no one to confide in. Given the current dire situation, the Headmaster must have accumulated a lot of pressure, and having a chance to vent was good for everyone.
(End of Chapter)
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