Ryan lied without batting an eyelid, but at the same time, his eyes were filled with suspicion as he looked at Dumbledore.
Based on what he had learned so far about Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Ryan judged him to be a truly great wizard, possessing a righteous heart and a brilliant mind, and wielding immense influence in the contemporary wizarding world.
Beyond his powerful magic and remarkable achievements, Dumbledore was also hailed as the protector of Muggles, having once defeated the first Dark Lord in Nepal. Expelling evil and never compromising—this seemed very much like Gryffindor himself.
Therefore, before today's duel, Ryan had already concluded that Dumbledore would not expel him for what happened today.
Of course, he had also prepared for the worst.
If Dumbledore's character was not as rumored, and he had indeed expelled him under the influence of the Board of Governors, then Hogwarts would have effectively been controlled by the so-called pure-blood supremacy. In that case, Ryan would choose to temporarily leave Hogwarts and wait quietly.
When his magic power had returned to its peak, when he was strong enough, he would return to Hogwarts and drive out all those so-called 'board members'. He would never allow Hogwarts—the cradle of magic he and four other teachers had built—to be controlled by such insects!
What board of directors?
He was one of the founders of Hogwarts; how could he not know about such a thing within the school?
But there was no doubt that even in Ryan's best expectations, he had not anticipated the current situation. Dumbledore clearly knew all the details of the duel, but he was also clearly giving him a way out, even helping him find a reasonable explanation. If Ryan had been skeptical during the sorting ceremony, now he was certain. The headmaster's attitude towards him was unique; he might know something.
But Dumbledore had no intention of discussing it tonight. He simply nodded, then said cheerfully, "It's clear that Mr. Elias's elders left him something precious, which made him an outstanding young wizard. As for the Board members, I'm sure they will understand—geniuses always find it difficult to follow the rules."
At this point, he saw Snape's expression darken. "But Severus, you're certainly right... Mr. Elias has violated school rules after all, and that has had a negative impact." He looked at Ryan and asked friendly, "So, I think a week of detention is an appropriate punishment—Mr. Elias, you'll be spending the next weekend with Professor Snape. What do you think?"
"Of course," Ryan nodded after a moment's hesitation. Then he looked at Snape—whose expression was as gloomy as water but surprisingly didn't object. This made Ryan realize that, although it might not be obvious on the surface, in reality... the Slytherin Head of House seemed to have great respect for Dumbledore.
"Yes, that's right." Dumbledore smiled, picking up a candy and handing one to Ryan. "It seems we've reached an agreement. It's getting late. I mean... Ryan, perhaps you have classes tomorrow morning?" He said, clearly dismissing him.
Ryan glanced at Snape, who remained motionless, and realized they seemed to have something to discuss. "Of course, then I'll be leaving first—Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Snape." But he had no intention of staying to observe the lecture. He tactfully excused himself and left the Headmaster's office.
As he descended the spiral staircase and passed the stone brute, Ryan popped the candy Dumbledore had handed him into his mouth. "Oh, Lemon Sherbet... delicious—perhaps I should visit the Headmaster more often." He smacked his lips with satisfaction and strolled away.
Meanwhile, in the Headmaster's office...
"You're always like that, Dumbledore," Snape said. "What is he? Another dangerous collection of yours?"
But Dumbledore remained unperturbed by Snape's taunts. "Don't be so excited, Severus," he said with a simple smile.
"Excited? Dumbledore—you know what I mean." Snape, now practically gritting his teeth, said, "First, there's Quirinus Quirrell. He... you were already certain it was that man. And yet you left him alone, letting him wander around the castle every day pretending to be so foolish?"
"And now, Ryan Elias is just as dangerous... His magical talent, those spells of unknown origin, his background and ambition—in his first week at school, he tried to tame the Slytherin students through force... You should know how dangerous he is!" He placed great emphasis on the word dangerous, stressing, "You know what I mean, he's just like that man!" As he spoke, the portraits in the headmaster's office exclaimed in surprise.
Of course, they knew who Snape was talking about—He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!
And as Snape had said, Ryan and he seemed very similar. They both came from orphanages, were equally gifted, and were incredibly talented. Then Dumbledore's expression became serious.
"I'm sorry about Quirinus," he said, not denying Snape's first half. "I should have noticed sooner, but I didn't... and now it's too late."
"And I kept him at the school, let him teach, because his actions didn't align with what I suspected," Dumbledore said softly, a mixture of pity for Quirrell and a hint of doubt in his voice. "I don't want to sound overbearing, Severus—but in reality, such cases are rare. So I had to confirm something, and that's why I told you to keep an eye on him," he said seriously, and Snape didn't answer.
But then, Dumbledore's expression softened again. "As for Ryan, his situation is exactly the opposite of what you say," he said gently. "His talents and spells come from his elders, and his actions aren't driven by ambition, but by a nobler purpose. He's different from Tom... completely different."
"Noble purpose?" Snape scoffed. He sneered, "Yes, how could the great Dumbledore misjudge someone? How could he make the wrong judgment?" He scoffed, but pain flickered in his eyes. It was a deep, soul-piercing pain and regret that could never be forgotten.
"No, Severus," Dumbledore replied calmly. "Of course I make mistakes—in fact, I've made more than one, some of which I'll regret for the rest of my life." He stroked his withered fingers, as if he could see a past filled with sorrow and regret—the girl lying on the ground, the tower, the blood-stained pendant, and the kind people who died. "I'm far from great, merely an old man," he whispered.
Fawkes came to his side, rubbing his head against his arm. "As for Ryan, my judgment of him wasn't solely based on my own judgment." Dumbledore stroked Fawkes's feathers. "I simply believe in the wisdom of those who came before me."
As he finished speaking, Snape's expression turned puzzled. "The wisdom of those who came before you?" He parroted the headmaster in confusion.
"Yes," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "Speaking of which—Severus, have you ever considered becoming the Headmaster of Hogwarts?" At this, Snape's expression darkened.
"It seems someone has truly lost their senility," he snorted, then walked away.
"Oh... that hurts," Dumbledore muttered, looking at the closed office door. But then he stood up and walked to the office window. Dark clouds obscured the moon, but stars could be seen occasionally peeking through the clouds. Starlight shone on the castle's attic nearby.
Dumbledore gazed at one of the attics, as if he could see what was inside—
A pen, untouched, yet writing on its own.
And a book, unread, yet turning its pages on its own.
It was the Book of Admission and the Pen of Acceptance. It's something only the Headmasters of Hogwarts can touch and handle. It's a magical artifact created by the Four Great Masters at the founding of Hogwarts.
Every young wizard is recorded in the Book of Admission at birth. When they reach eleven, the Pen of Acceptance circles their name in the book, and a notification letter is delivered to them by owl. Similarly, only the successive Headmasters of Hogwarts know a secret.
That secret is bound by a magical contract, unable to be passed down through words, memory, or even images. That secret—
is a name at the very top of the first page of the Book of Admission. It's the first name in the Book of Admission, symbolizing Hogwarts' original student.
From the founding of Hogwarts to the present day, that name has always existed, never circled. Until recently, when Albus Dumbledore saw it circled. And that name is none other than Ryan Elias.
So, what Dumbledore said to Snape was indeed true. "Indeed..." He looked out the window at the morning star and murmured softly. "The wisdom of our ancestors."
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Author's note
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