https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-837-Snape-I-Am-Truly-in-a-Tough-Spot/13454740/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-839-Voldemort-I-Have-Never-Seen-Such-Shamelessness/13454742/
Chapter 838: The Dark Lord's Summoning
Chapter 838: The Dark Lord's Summoning
Snape's words immediately caught Ivan's attention. As Britain's finest Potions Master, Snape's judgment was highly trustworthy.
Moreover, this aligned with his previous assessments...
"You mean Dumbledore might have died long ago?" Ivan muttered to himself, but quickly dismissed the idea as unlikely.
If that were true, who had he been dueling?
Not to mention, he had examined Dumbledore's body; such severe injuries couldn't be faked.
"No, I mean he might have used other methods to temporarily suppress the injury's effects", Snape shook his head, dispelling Ivan's guess. "A few months ago, Dumbledore told me he might have a way to do this."
"Is that so?" Ivan stroked his chin, lost in thought.
If Snape wasn't lying, then Dumbledore must have done something during his absence to delay his death. The overwhelming power Dumbledore displayed in the duel might also be related...
Could it be the Deathly Hallows?
Ivan's mind raced, but he hesitated. During the duel, Dumbledore hadn't even used the Elder Wand.
Furthermore, he had never been particularly impressed by these so-called Deathly Hallows. Based on the information from the original time and space, apart from the Elder Wand, the other two Hallows were rather underwhelming.
The Invisibility Cloak, for instance, made the wearer invisible, which was certainly better than a standard Disillusionment Charm, but still had the risk of being seen through.
The Resurrection Stone, on the other hand, only allowed one to see phantoms with the memories of the deceased, not true souls, and certainly couldn't bring the dead back to life...
Ivan thought for a while but found no clear answers. Finally, he turned to Snape and continued, "You haven't answered my other question yet, Professor Snape. Did Headmaster Dumbledore give you any specific instructions?"
"He told me that if you won this duel, I should cooperate with you as much as possible. The British Wizarding World can't afford another Wizarding War", Snape explained.
Ivan nodded, considering this good news. It seemed Dumbledore's will was in his favor and could help clear his name.
"Besides that, Dumbledore wanted me to teach Potter Occlumency to prevent him from being influenced by the Dark Lord's magic..." Snape added, his expression darkening.
"Harry?"
Ivan was taken aback, a vague idea forming in his mind. But before he could ask, Snape continued, "However, I have no interest in teaching him. I believe Potter would prefer to learn from you..."
"Anything else?" Ivan brushed the topic aside, asking casually.
"Nothing else..." Snape affirmed, pausing before adding, "Dumbledore is dead. He can't help me anymore, so I have no reason to hide anything."
Ivan scrutinized him for a moment before speaking in a flat tone. "I hope that's the case..."
"I know what to do", Snape replied coldly.
Ivan nodded, not pressing Snape further. "If that's the case, then proceed as you initially planned. I'll give you six months to find the Secret-Keeper, and you need to bring him to me as soon as possible!"
"Alternatively, you could try to gain Voldemort's trust and become the Secret-Keeper yourself!"
"As for Harry... Headmaster Dumbledore wants you to take charge of his training. That works for me. I might not have the time, and you are the best Occlumency master I've ever seen", Ivan added, his words carrying a deeper meaning.
Snape opened his mouth as if to argue but eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly.
"Are you not going to ask why Dumbledore is willing to trust me?" Snape suddenly asked.
"No, there's no need for that. I have my reasons to trust you, and I believe you will do everything to protect Harry", Ivan said, patting Snape on the shoulder. He then left Snape standing there, stunned, and walked straight toward the Roof's entrance.
Just before pushing the door open, Ivan turned his head to add one last reminder.
"By the way, Professor Snape, while your Occlumency is excellent, I must warn you not to underestimate Harry. If your Legilimency is countered and you reveal any memories you shouldn't, things could get complicated."
"I can handle a little brat just fine", Snape replied irritably.
"Good to hear. Just be cautious", Ivan shrugged, his words more of a casual suggestion.
In the original timeline, Snape had been caught off guard by Harry during their Occlumency lessons, underestimating his abilities and not anticipating the sudden use of Protego. With this warning, Snape should avoid repeating the same mistake.
"See you next term, Professors!" Ivan nodded slightly and then walked through the door, disappearing into the dark corridor without looking back.
Once Ivan's figure vanished at the end of the corridor, Snape's calm expression turned sour.
He couldn't believe that Dumbledore had revealed his past with Lily to Ivan Hals. Otherwise, there was no way Ivan Hals would have specifically mentioned his trust in Snape to protect Harry.
Snape clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and frustration.
Dumbledore had promised to keep that past buried forever, but now he had clearly broken that promise...
What made it even more frustrating was that Dumbledore was dead. No matter how angry Snape was, it wouldn't change anything. Dumbledore couldn't rise from the grave to answer his questions, and Snape couldn't exactly burn his body in a fit of rage...
As these thoughts raced through his mind, a burning sensation spread across his arm. Snape's irritated expression immediately faded, and he pulled up his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark, which was faintly glowing. The snake within the skull seemed to come to life.
A command then echoed in his mind.
Snape understood that the Dark Lord was summoning him. He immediately used magic to stir the black robe around him and leaped from the Tower's top, flying off like a giant bat into the distance.
However, he didn't notice that on the Roof, Ivan's figure emerged from the shadows once more...
(End of Chapter)
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