In Solim's opinion, the teaching level at Hogwarts was not bad. Although the professors had their reservations and did not teach the students everything, it was understandable. You wouldn't ask a doctoral tutor in the mathematics department to teach the four basic arithmetic operations in elementary school; the result would be the same—it wouldn't reflect the tutor's expertise at all.
At this age, students need time to consolidate and accumulate what they have learned. Blindly instilling knowledge will only produce a bunch of theorists and academic wizards. But if someone wants to be a good wizard, theory alone is not enough. Wizards valued practice. What use was it to explain the theory and methods of casting a spell perfectly if you stopped short of having the student actually perform it?
In Solim's view, the biggest problem with Hogwarts was not the level of teaching, but that the school did not set goals for its students. In Schuyler, students knew what they would face in the future, understood the suffering they had endured, and the reasons for it. They knew their goals and the meaning of their existence.
Hogwarts was different. It only taught magic and did not help students develop their outlook on life or their values. To put it bluntly, Hogwarts had no ideological or moral classes. There were no courses on guiding students toward the right path, becoming decent wizards, or strengthening their moral and ideological foundations. Was it any wonder, then, that some wizards strayed onto evil paths?
This was especially concerning in Slytherin, where most young wizards were purebloods. Exposed to extreme pureblood ideologies from an early age, these students received no guidance to correct their thinking or attitudes. Considering this, it was remarkable that there had been only one wizard like Voldemort in all these years.
Dumbledore fell into deep thought after hearing Solim's words.
"Indeed, as you said, the school is not doing enough to guide students on the right path," Dumbledore said heavily.
"Not enough? It's not okay at all," Solim thought.
"Now that you've noticed the problem, do you have any solutions?" Dumbledore asked, looking at Solim.
Obviously, they had just been discussing Horcruxes. How had the topic shifted to students' ideological construction? This was hardly something a visitor should be concerned about—it was a matter for principals, deans, and professors.
"Isn't this a bit off topic? Headmaster, we were discussing a very serious matter concerning Horcruxes. Can we not digress?" Solim said. The late hour made him even less inclined to prolong the conversation, especially as Snape had just yawned.
"Guiding students on the right path is also a serious topic," Dumbledore said after a pause. "However, compared to matters like Horcruxes, we can indeed set this aside for now."
He leaned back in his high-backed chair, clasped his hands, and asked, "May I ask you something, Solim?"
Seeing that Solim did not immediately reply, Dumbledore continued, "Since you already know about the Philosopher's Stone, can you help Harry at the right time?"
"If you mean helping with breakout challenges, Headmaster, I can agree to that," Solim added, "but I do not work for free."
Both Dumbledore and Solim knew very well that the Philosopher's Stone could never truly be stolen. Even if it were, the greater trouble would fall on the thief, not the school. Anyone daring to meddle with the Philosopher's Stone had to be prepared to face the Presbyterian Action Team—a challenge far more daunting than facing Death Eaters.
Since the Stone was virtually unstealable, there was no need to overcomplicate the protections. The first and last levels were crucial—the first to prevent students, particularly Gryffindor troublemakers, from entering; the middle level was incidental; and the last level ensured that the Stone would not fall into the wrong hands. Dumbledore also intended these levels as exercises for Harry, so they were not overly difficult, tailored to his abilities.
"I don't have any particular thoughts about that savior," Solim said. "Honestly, it is better to maintain a proper distance. I don't want to get involved in Harry Potter's affairs arbitrarily. But regarding your request, Headmaster, there are some areas where we can cooperate."
"Headmaster, you must have investigated everything about me. You know what I've done and the trouble it may cause. Allowing me to come to Hogwarts is my way of showing gratitude. The message in the ring is my thanks. I will use it shortly and then return it to my grandfather myself," Solim said, emphasizing his point.
Good. There were external threats, and keeping a distance from Potter was prudent. And as for the Resurrection Stone—he would retrieve it when the time came.
"The ring is still a Horcrux. Although Elrond has taken measures so it won't confuse approaching wizards, it is still dangerous. Can you explain what you intend to do with it?" Dumbledore frowned.
Solim waved his hand. "It's all about using it correctly, Headmaster. If you don't know how to use it, the ring only summons the person as remembered by the user. It looks real, but it is just an illusion."
He glanced at Snape, still standing like a statue by the wall. "I promised Professor Snape he would meet Evans."
Dumbledore thought for a moment. "So the potion Severus prepared is for your sister, and Argus was just an experimental trial," he said, realizing the truth.
Perhaps Dumbledore hadn't known all the details of Snape's brewing, though he likely noticed Filch's changes. A wizard of Dumbledore's caliber was exceptionally sensitive to magical shifts.
"By the way, Headmaster, can the school provide Mr. Filch with follow-up potions? He has already come to me." Solim assumed Dumbledore would manage the matter—Hogwarts could handle the expenses, Snape would endure the burden, and Solim would gain a favor from Filch.
Dumbledore remained silent. Solim assumed consent.
"As for helping Potter, Headmaster, I can do it. But as I said, I don't work for nothing."
"Oh? Then what do you want?" Dumbledore asked.
Solim thought to himself: the tears of the phoenix, the blood of the phoenix, the feathers of the phoenix, the ashes after nirvana… all of them.
But could he ask for such things outright? Transactions required equality. A small favor for Potter could not compare to rare phoenix materials. Even if Solim were audacious, he could not shamelessly demand them. He would let Dumbledore owe him first and decide on the specifics later.
"It seems you have a good idea of who is behind the Sorcerer's Stone. May I take that as correct?" Dumbledore asked suddenly.
Solim froze, caught off guard, but quickly recovered. "Speaking of which, Headmaster, don't you want to save that brave wizard? Or do you think it unnecessary?"
Dumbledore hadn't expected that. Something was wrong with Quirrell, and it was impossible to hide from him. Even at the school dinner, their proximity meant Snape could sense the danger—let alone Dumbledore.
"It seems this matter has not been hidden from you, Solim," Dumbledore said seriously for the third time.
"To put it bluntly, I'm not one of those foolish Gryffindors. Only they would think our Headmaster intended to kill Potter," Solim replied, frustrated. He couldn't understand how they could misinterpret the situation so completely.
"Let's leave it for now, Headmaster. It's late, and I should go back. Tomorrow morning is Professor Flitwick's Charms class, and I don't want to be late," Solim said, eager for rest.
"I think you and I still have things to discuss, but I'll go back myself. Don't worry, I won't wander around," he added and left without waiting for Dumbledore's response.
It was admittedly impolite, but Solim had just remembered something urgent—Neville's toad that had disappeared on the train.
Sometimes, thoughts came unexpectedly, and right at that moment, Solim remembered the toad. He needed to check the Marauder's Map to ensure no unfamiliar names were wandering the school. In his memory, the toad had seemed insignificant, but now he was uncertain—it might not be as trivial as it seemed.
Watching Solim leave in a hurry, Dumbledore smiled quietly but said nothing. Instead, he turned to Snape. "Severus, it seems your student has many little secrets."
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