-Tuesday, 15th of September 1992-
This past week has allowed me to make groundbreaking magical discoveries, mostly for myself. However, I believe that only makes them more important. The most beneficial discovery was the confirmation on how to remove the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position.
I felt rather foolish that it took me so long to uncover how to break the curse, especially since I had the magical theories and comprehension of the psycho that cast the thing! My foolishness only increased when I realized how simple the troublesome piece of magic was.
Dumbledore, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, should have been able to easily expel Voldemort's little piece of revenge, and I'm sure he's tried before in the past. The problem is the fact the curse is anchored to the Diadem Horcrux. As long as Ravenclaw's artifact is located near Hogwarts, the curse will persist. I'm either going to have to destroy the relic and a piece of Tom Riddle's soul or move the Diadem as far from Hogwarts as possible and have Albus attempt to cleanse Hogwarts again.
The issue is coming up with an excuse for Ol' Dumbles to make such an attempt. I really don't want him digging further into my dealings, but I also don't want to take the chance of my life being hindered by Riddle's little slice of petty vengeance. The sooner Ginny opens the Chamber of Secrets, the sooner I can use that as my excuse for finding hidden treasures about Hogwarts.
Unfortunately, I'm not any closer to deciphering the Old English enchantment books. Ravenclaw's Diadem is still safely secure in my room, but it's looking more and more likely I'm going to have to destroy the thing. Voldemort's soul refuses to cooperate in the slightest.
Another discovery I made was in the area of Elemental Manipulation. I had seen the skill card on several people, mostly Dumbledore and the scar on Harry, and that pushed me to do some investigating. A few books from the Room of Requirement and a bit of trial and error, and I was on a path to something truly great.
When I noticed a green Elemental Manipulation skill card pop up around my hand, I was nearly overcome with a sense of pride and accomplishment! This was something that I had earned on my own. Sure, I may have used the Magical Comprehension of two of the greatest wizards alive to achieve it, but it's still a skill I generated with my own hard work. And, might I say, it was hard work. The amount of concentration required for anything other than containment is absurd.
As of right now, I was barely able to control the movement of fire and water, but those were the only two I am focusing on for the foreseeable future. Wind and earth are next on my list to work on, and I'm saving lightning for last. Of course, I will look into the possibility of other elements, such as light, darkness, and metal.
Thoughts on mastering the elements aside, I've found myself going over the spells I plan to teach during my classes again. Every time I review my lesson plans, I would get more and more insights into the spell I was focusing on. The majority of my newfound understanding is barely even touched on in the textbooks used in previous years. It is as if the authors were aware of how deep the spell was but failed to understand its depths themselves.
I wonder if I shouldn't write my own Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks. It would be infinitely better for the students to learn from compared to my stolen works, but it would severely intrude on the time I'm spending to advance my own magic. It would be an inconvenience to be sure, but the boost to my reputation, especially if I gifted it to the current students, would make me nearly untouchable.
"Gilderoy," came the modulated voice of the Headmaster.
Pulled from my own thoughts, I look up from my desk to find an even more flamboyantly dressed wizard than myself. Dumbledore's flora-patterned robes and wide-fanned beard really speak to his eccentric sense of style. A seed of doubt is firmly planted in the back of my mind about my own wardrobe. The elderly man standing before me is not the image I want others to remember me by.
Pushing thoughts of fashion aside, "Ah, Albus, what can I do for you?" I cheerfully ask the currently most powerful wizard alive, as I stand in greeting.
"I wonder if you have a moment?" Dumbledore cordially asked as he looked at me through his half-moon glasses.
"Of course," as I offer him the chair in front of my desk. "I was just reviewing my lesson plans for today," I inform the Headmaster as I retake my own seat. It's a subtle power play, but one should never underestimate the power of sitting behind a desk!
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled for the briefest of moments before he serenely seats himself in the offered chair. "Ah," Albus said as he situated himself. "A rather comfortable seat, thank you."
I blankly stared at the century-old politician. Was that an innocent comment, or was there another hidden meaning in there? Why was he patiently watching me? Is it my turn? Am I already losing our little game?
You know, forget this. I lack the skill to casually jump into a battle of verbal exchanges with a man that's been alive longer than both my lives combined.
"You're welcome," I lightheartedly reply as I settle in to observe the old man.
A full minute passes with neither of us speaking. I just relax in my plush chair and wait. My first class begins in less than twenty minutes, so this little game will be ending soon regardless.
"Can I offer you tea?" I politely ask after another minute of silence. I don't have any tea, but I'm sure the house elves would climb over each other to bring the old man some refreshments.
Dumbledore makes a show of looking over my desk and the surrounding area. The lack of serving ware is obvious, but I don't let that bother me. "No, thank you," Dumbledore said after finishing his glance around the room.
"I wasn't expecting you to have such a large selection of books in your classroom," Dumbledore casually said with a pointed glance at the bookshelves lining the far wall.
"Yes, well, knowledge is power," I briskly reply. "And who am I to deny students a chance to expand their horizons?"
"Oh, no, I agree," Dumbledore wisely nodded. "I just didn't expect to see such a collection in your classroom. Especially after the rather large book list you supplied for your class."
"Ah," I can't help but tilt my head slightly. "Are you referring to the book list that you approved of?"
"I never did get the chance to thank you for your generous donation to the school," Albus politely stated as if the previous conversation never took place.
"Young Mr. Weasley approached me yesterday," Albus suddenly said. "He informed me that you directed him my way to fix his broken wand."
"About time," I state with a nod of my head and ignoring the fact he still didn't thank me for my donation to the school. "I told him to see you right after my first class with him, and again on Saturday."
"Curious," Dumbledore hummed to himself. "There is very little that can be done once a wand is snapped. Surely, one as experienced as you would be aware of this?"
"Undoubtedly," I agree, finding interest in my fingernails.
"And yet, you still sent Mr. Weasley to me to repair his damaged wand," Dumbledore harmlessly stated. "May I ask why?"
Looking up from my manicured nails, "Well," I cautiously begin, "you're old."
Dumbledore takes in that remark before suddenly breaking out in a mirth-filled belly laugh. I can only smile as Albus enjoys the blunt comment about his age.
"Is that the only reason?" Dumbledore asked through his nearly controlled laughter.
"It was my best one," I benignly confessed. "But I figured someone with your 'vast experience' would have a deep understanding of wandlore. I assume I was correct?"
"You were," Albus replied with a nod of his head and a final huff of laughter. "I wasn't sure if it was possible myself, but Mr. Weasley's wand does appear to be working correctly."
"Good. I had intended to prevent Mr. Weasley from attempting any magic in my classroom until the danger his wand posed was eliminated," I said. "Now, he will be able to participate with the rest of his classmates."
"Speaking of your class," Dumbledore idly began, "I am curious about a paper making its way around the castle. I believe it's your paper on Occlumency."
Hearing no question, I debated on silently staring at the Headmaster. Unfortunately, I didn't see any gain in such actions. "Well, honestly, Albus," I softly began, "I initially only intended to teach Occlumency to the fifth-years and up. Of course, after Severus attempted Legilimency on me during the staff meeting, I felt it was in the best interest of all to teach the entire student body to defend their minds."
"I cannot defend Severus' actions," Dumbledore sighed.
"Pity. I wondered if an excuse existed for him being such an arse," I said good-humoredly. "Regardless, with Snape being ballsy enough to attack my mind, I have no doubt the broody-little shite is doing the same to his students. That is more than enough reason for me to give the students the tools they need to defend themselves," I finish before my charming smile is plastered onto my flawless cheeks. "After all, I am their beloved Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
I'll admit that I was nearly angered by Snape's use of Legilimency on me. That was what fueled me to use Snape's own insights into Occlumency and distribute it to every student in the castle. I would have loved to see his face when he first read my paper. Oh, the petty!
Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but the approaching ruckus of students in the hall forced him to keep his comment unvoiced. I couldn't help the triumphant smile at successfully navigating through my first interaction with the Greatest Wizard Alive.
"We can speak again, some other time," Albus forebodingly stated.
Expertly avoiding the tone in that comment, I continue to grace Albus with my cheery disposition. "Until then, Albus," I said as I respectfully stood.
As the Headmaster made his way out of my office, I nearly broke out in maniacal laughter at the relief flooding into me. Looks like I survived to fight another day!
Speaking of fighting... I wonder how my first-years will fare against a swarm of restless Cornish Pixies?