The eighth floor, the Headmaster's office.
This was a large, bright circular room. The walls were adorned with portraits, all with eyes closed, but occasionally flickering open, revealing they were merely pretending to rest.
On a high shelf behind the desk lay a tattered hat, which Alvin would have recognized as the Sorting Hat.
Snape and Dumbledore sat opposite each other.
"So, Severus, would you like something to drink, or perhaps some afternoon dessert?"
"Lemon sherbet? Toffee finger biscuits? Or maybe some cockroach clusters?"
Snape frowned and decisively declined.
"No, Headmaster Dumbledore, I'm here to discuss Alvin Gaunt."
Dumbledore seemed a bit disappointed by Snape's refusal, but his interest piqued when Snape mentioned Alvin. He put down the book he was holding, interlaced his fingers, and placed them on the desk. His expression turned serious.
"So, Severus, what do you think of Alvin Gaunt?"
Snape spoke calmly, "Calm, decisive, exceptionally gifted, and with clear goals."
"And a sweetheart," Snape added with a hint of sarcasm.
"Oh?" Dumbledore adjusted his glasses, a flicker of amusement passing through his eyes.
Dumbledore hadn't expected such high praise from Snape, especially the unexpected twist at the end.
If Dumbledore understood correctly, Snape might have attempted a rare joke.
Now, Dumbledore's curiosity about Alvin grew.
"I thought you might have some subjective biases against Mr. Gaunt due to the sorting ceremony. I didn't expect you'd rate him so highly."
"Yes, Dumbledore, that's my assessment. I have many responsibilities and don't wish to waste time on a first-year wizard," Snape continued.
"Although his surname is unique, his character doesn't suggest he'll become the next Dark Lord. Besides, he's already found a little girlfriend on his first day and even tried to charm another Gryffindor."
Dumbledore couldn't help but smile at this.
"No, Severus, I think you've misunderstood me. My interest in Mr. Gaunt is indeed due to his unusual surname."
"You see, his surname may bring him trouble, and Voldemort will return one day. In certain dark magic, blood is often a key component."
"Even I must admit, Tom's research in this area is impressive."
Dumbledore explained his reasoning, and seeing that Snape had no intention of commenting further, he continued.
"Actually, I conducted some research on Mr. Gaunt over the summer."
Dumbledore gave Snape a playful wink.
Snape's expression soured. If you were already involved, why bother with my observations today?
Unexpectedly, the greatest white wizard of the 20th century would pay so much attention to a young boy.
This realization made Snape feel he needed to reassess the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Dumbledore, seemingly unaware of Snape's change in demeanor, continued.
"I visited the orphanage where Mr. Gaunt lived, and the staff spoke highly of him. Each year, Mr. Gaunt donates significantly to the orphanage's expenses."
"Most importantly, he has a phoenix. The presence of a phoenix can dispel darkness in one's heart and instill great courage."
"So, he's not like Tom. I asked you to observe him because I believe you can assist in his growth, helping him face future challenges."
Snape felt as if he'd swallowed a bitter pill. Asking a Slytherin head to mentor a student who rejected Slytherin felt like an affront.
However, recalling the conversation in the potions classroom made Snape reconsider.
As if sensing Snape's thoughts, Dumbledore added,
"Of course, Filius mentioned Mr. Gaunt's talent in spells yesterday. I believe he'd be thrilled to nurture a promising Ravenclaw wizard."
"No!" Snape interrupted Dumbledore.
"He is also the last known descendant of Slytherin in the UK. As the head of Slytherin, I have a duty to offer some guidance to the founder's descendant."
"I'll speak with Mr. Gaunt."
With that, Snape stood and headed for the door, concluding the conversation.
Dumbledore watched Snape leave, a smile playing on his lips as he mused aloud,
"It seems we have another intriguing student at Hogwarts, someone who can pique Snape's interest."
At this point, the portraits of past headmasters on the wall ceased their feigned slumber, and one portrait spoke, visibly agitated.
"As a descendant of Slytherin, choosing Ravenclaw is a disgrace to purebloods!"
"Headmaster Black, Mr. Gaunt is not pureblood. According to records, his mother was of Gaunt lineage, but his father was an ordinary Muggle."
Dumbledore explained with a smile.
Hearing this, Headmaster Black fumed, uttering words that began with F.
Another irritable headmaster couldn't stand it, charging into Black's portrait with a punch, knocking him to the ground.
A scuffle ensued. Dumbledore remained unperturbed, while other portraits watched, cheering for the pugnacious headmaster. Two headmasters even seemed eager to join in.
It appeared Headmaster Black wasn't very popular.
Dumbledore, seemingly oblivious to the commotion among the portraits, continued to ponder something, his deep eyes reflecting his thoughts.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
patreon.com/Lampil
patreon.com/Lampil
90 +Chapters
Update Schedule: 7 Chapter/week.
Every 50 Power Stones+1 (5 Review)
= 1 Chapter+1Chapter
By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters