"I don't think there is any need for any intersection between us, Mr. Dumbledore," Evans said neither humbly nor overbearingly. There really was no need for any intersection between Evans and Dumbledore. Evans performed his duties honestly, and Dumbledore, as headmaster, simply oversaw the school.
Due to the Presbyterian Church's involvement, Hogwarts could not escape its scrutiny entirely. But no matter Dumbledore's reputation or his position as headmaster, no one would welcome a spy lurking under their roof. There was no guarantee that the Presbyterian Council would not take action against Hogwarts in the future.
Rather than remove Evans, who had already been exposed, only to have the Council send another intrusive wizard, it was better to maintain the status quo. Evans had been revealed, and that was sufficient.
As for courting, Dumbledore had never entertained the thought. Evans was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and even if he were willing, would it be wise? Could Evans actively assist in the fight against Voldemort without drawing attention? Any deviation from his current role would instantly attract notice. So Dumbledore had long dismissed the idea of attempting any personal pursuit.
As long as Evans behaved professionally at Hogwarts, Dumbledore would leave him be. The double-story classroom Evans now occupied was already a concession Dumbledore had made. Without his acquiescence, where would Evans have stayed? Dumbledore had prepared for Evans' indifferent reaction. Maintaining distance and not interfering with each other was best. It allowed Dumbledore to focus on more pressing matters, like Vince.
"Let me deal with the Philosopher's Stone first," Dumbledore thought, "and then find a time to speak honestly."
Compared to Evans, Solim deserved more of Dumbledore's attention. In the past, Dumbledore had only suspected that Voldemort had created a Horcrux, but lacked concrete evidence. After Christmas, Solim presented a significant gift: the Resurrection Stone. This temporarily gave Dumbledore proof that Voldemort had indeed created Horcruxes.
But how did Solim know that the Resurrection Stone was a Horcrux? What was his purpose in moving Voldemort's Horcrux? A wizard of Solim's background, so long as he was not openly opposing Voldemort, would normally avoid attracting attention. Yet taking a Horcrux was a direct confrontation with Voldemort, and Voldemort could not threaten Solim's family, such as the Selwyns.
What, then, motivated Solim and Elrond? If curiosity alone had driven them, they could have studied Horcruxes privately. But instead, they entrusted such a dangerous artifact to Dumbledore, hinting they needed something from him. Dumbledore possessed nothing of particular value, apart from the Elder Wand—a fact widely known in the wizarding world.
After the duel with Grindelwald, the Elder Wand had been in Dumbledore's possession, and many knew of it. Given that Solim and Elrond had searched for holy artifacts, the news could not have escaped their notice. Some wizards believed in the legend of the Deathly Hallows, earning the title "Saints." Dumbledore and Grindelwald were considered among them, meaning information inevitably leaked during their communications.
Moreover, Dumbledore could not conceal the Philosopher's Stone or his advancing age from powerful figures like the Selwyns. Did they intend to claim the Elder Wand after his death, perhaps in exchange for eliminating Voldemort? Dumbledore concluded that an honest conversation with Solim was necessary.
Observing Dumbledore's contemplation, Evans said, "Since the work here is done, I should return and finish that dreadful report. But, Mr. Dumbledore, if you can, please manage these ignorant students and stop them from causing trouble."
For Gryffindor students, Evans carried a great deal of resentment. Nearly a quarter of his extra work stemmed from them. Taking advantage of the moment, he hoped Dumbledore would impose some restraint.
Dumbledore merely smiled. "We shouldn't deprive them of the fun of their school days. It will be a precious memory for them."
Evans twitched the corners of his mouth in disdain. "If you don't care, just say so. Do you think I'm naive?" With a dismissive wave, he left, vanishing down the corridor.
Watching Evans disappear, Dumbledore turned to Solim. "Can you tell me what you think, Solim?"
"Thoughts? Thoughts on the Philosopher's Stone? Quirrell? Voldemort? Harry Potter? The whole situation?" Solim replied.
Dumbledore nodded. "You know… You are unlike almost every young wizard I've met. You remind me of someone… Voldemort."
Solim spoke exactly what Dumbledore was thinking. Voldemort had taught Dumbledore countless lessons. When Dumbledore had had the chance to contain him, he merely observed, allowing Voldemort to grow unchecked. Dumbledore felt responsible, at least in part, for Voldemort's actions.
But this was not the source of his current worry. "Yes, Voldemort," Dumbledore continued, looking at Solim. "Yet I know you are different. Still, outstanding people often share certain traits. It doesn't surprise me that you perceive Quirrell's problem. But do you have any solutions?"
Solim understood Quirrell was under Voldemort's control, yet he resisted. Though coerced, Quirrell had shown some agency, however limited. On the court, his actions alerted professors to potential harm to Harry and hinted that he sought help to escape Voldemort. Yet those who noticed the danger did not act, and those who could act remained unaware.
Dumbledore and Solim both recognized Quirrell's dilemma. He was unwilling, but trapped. Decent wizards like McGonagall, Harry, and Hermione, upon realizing Quirrell's situation, would have attempted to save him. But after consuming unicorn blood, Quirrell's chances of survival had become nearly impossible.
In truth, saving him would require exorbitant sacrifices. Even if rescued, his body and spirit would suffer immensely. It was safer to let events unfold gradually, minimizing complications. That was the unspoken consensus between Dumbledore and Solim.
Dumbledore returned to his thoughts on Solim and the Resurrection Stone. Solim's motives were unclear, yet his actions demonstrated a willingness to confront Voldemort indirectly. Unlike others who sought artifacts out of greed or curiosity, Solim's intentions suggested strategic foresight. The information Dumbledore held—the Philosopher's Stone and Elder Wand—were precisely what someone like Solim might need.
The situation with Evans remained secondary. He completed his duties with rigor, independent of personal entanglements. Dumbledore's attention, for now, was fully absorbed by the mysteries surrounding Voldemort, Quirrell, and Solim's intentions.
"So," Dumbledore finally said, breaking the silence, "you have a perspective on all of this?"
Solim nodded, eyes steady. "I see the threats and the players. Quirrell is caught in a game beyond him. Voldemort continues to manipulate the pieces. And you… you observe, waiting for the right moment to intervene. I do not think you act recklessly, Dumbledore."
Dumbledore's expression softened. "No. I do not. But observation has its limits. Action must come at the correct time. Too soon, and it fails. Too late, and consequences are dire."
Solim studied him quietly, understanding. Here was a man who bore the weight of choices he had made, of opportunities missed. And yet, even in his caution, he sought a way to counteract the darkness looming over the wizarding world.
"Then we wait," Solim said finally, "and prepare."
"Indeed," Dumbledore agreed. "Preparation is everything."
Outside, Hogwarts continued as usual. Students laughed in the halls, oblivious to the silent battles unfolding in the shadows. Teachers performed their duties, some unaware of the complex web of motivations and secrets surrounding them. Evans returned to his reports, Solim remained at Dumbledore's side, and the headmaster, as always, weighed every possibility, every danger, every subtle move in the intricate game against Voldemort.
For Dumbledore, honesty and discretion were paramount. With Evans keeping his distance and Solim revealing just enough, the balance of information was maintained. Everything else—Voldemort, the Horcruxes, Quirrell's fate—would unfold according to the careful calculations of those who understood the stakes.
The wizarding world was full of uncertainties, yet even in that chaos, Dumbledore sought clarity. Every artifact, every secret, every conversation had its purpose. Every choice could tip the scales. And for now, Dumbledore, Solim, and even Evans, each in their own way, prepared for what was to come.
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