"Kukuku, you see the news? Youngest seeker in a century. Impressive, huh?"
Draco swiped the newspaper from my hands, bunching it up in his own in a fury. "Can't help but notice there's no explanation about how I nearly fell and got crippled."
"What, scared of a little fall? You've got an ironic name for it." So much for ruler of the skies, the dragon was more like a baby chick, afraid of falling from the nest.
"She nearly threw me onto the ground, I could've died or broke my legs at least!"
"You wouldn't shut up about your brilliance on a broom. I made use of it. Suck it up. You're so busy worrying about some stupid shit like that, that you completely missed the school's reply to our plan."
"So what? They called it even since we were both on brooms. They didn't push the issue despite the fact that I had the Remembrall in hand. If they pushed for memories, then we would've been even worse off." Maybe so, but they didn't. That too was an important piece of information that he was forgetting.
"Doesn't matter. Even if that's the case. Gryffindor's golden boy still got rewarded from it. Seeker as well, didn't you say that's the most important role?"
"What, are you rubbing it in my face? As if I want that insufferable Potter in the Quidditch games. Just watching will make me want to throw rocks at him. All because of your stupid plan!"
"Haah... How aren't you understanding this? Let me spell it out for those that still have the silver spoon firmly lodged up where the sun don't shine. It's preferential treatment. Proof Hogwarts or at least the higher ups are somewhat biased in Gryffindor's or my guess; Harry Potter's favour."
"The boy-who-lived, probably used to that treatment. Damn hero. A hero that didn't even do anything! The accolades should be left to his parents, but no, because they passed that makes him a hero. What a joke."
"But didn't he beat... you know?" The more rounded boy asked, I forget which one is Crabbe, and which one is Goyle. Same difference.
"Think for two seconds. You really believe a newborn child could beat a dark lord? Even if it was baby Dumbledore or hell, Merlin himself that's impossible. Don't tell me you guys actually think that's what happened?"
"...Well, I mean that's how the stories are always told..." The other answered, the two looking down ashamedly.
"You can't be serious... Are you idiots? What, you think he whipped out the wand, he doesn't even have, to duel the dark lord?! Crabbe, what spells do you know that could combat a grown wizard? You, Goyle? I suppose he just fought him with his fists then, did he? With his tiny little baby hands, because in case you were forgetting he was one year old when it happened!"
"Forgetting his legitimacy as a hero. You might be used to biased treatment because of your father's position. But it can't be the same for a huge institution like Hogwarts, this doesn't belong to Dumbledore or other staff, he's simply the overseer of it. Meaning there are certain rules he can't bypass. You would think that the broom incident would be the same..."
"I'm confused then, what was the point of the plan?"
"To confirm whether that suspicion was correct. If they took actual measures, it would mean you were both punished. And look what happened, they quickly shoved it under the rug." The newspaper didn't have hide nor hair of a story about the Remembrall. It was all about his appointment to the position, yet it failed to give information about how it came about. They couldn't very well slander Draco in the newspaper without punishing him. And they couldn't do that without punishing the other kids involved, whether right or wrong they broke rules. Organizations and their strict adherence to regulation was the weakness I could exploit.
"I could've gotten expelled! Madame Hooch said herself-"
"A bluff."
"Huh?"
"Do you really think this is the first time this would've happened? A bunch of students given the ability to fly for the first time? Not only that, what if the Japanese students were the ones to step out of line? You think Hogwarts can just immediately expel students without even a meeting beforehand? What the hell has your dad been teaching you?"
"Hmph, he's above shallow politicking. Real power comes from wealth and prestige. Which we have in abundance."
"That wealth is useless here. Not to mention your constant reliance on prestige has brought you to this position. Right under me."
"T-That's only because-"
"I don't need a stupid explanation. Do you even know what your dad does? Do you know why he has any power or sway?"
"..."
"That useless politicking may one day put you in a position above others. Especially in this school."
"..."
"Idiots, honestly." I wasn't mad, after all their lack of ability and understanding made it that much easier to stand above them. But if this was the average level of the students here, then I was going to be incredibly bored for the next seven years.
Seven years... God, what a long time.
If I thought about it anymore it'd just piss me off. Better to transition to something more enjoyable. Much more enjoyable.
The opening volley was a failure. I wasn't expecting that girl to get involved though, I guess we had other students that fancied themselves as heroes on campus. Stepping up for someone that's not even in the same house, that's rich.
The only question was; what to do next?
If the school's thoughts are firm and they want to protect the VIP's, then I should avoid stepping on the tiger's tail...
As if.
By making it clear what they're trying to protect they make it even more appetizing to take it out from underneath them. It was like stealing the pot of honey right from under the bear's arm. Nothing was sweeter.
The boy-who-lived. The Director's daughter. The Headmaster's son.
Whichever one I picked, I just had to make sure my methods weren't too obvious. Even if they gave a skewed opinion, the school still had to appear impartial. That was the only reason that Potter kid didn't get the position of seeker alongside Malfoy's suspension, despite his obvious misbehaviour. I imagine his father's position probably had an effect on that as well.
What a useful person I had found in my arsenal.
So...
Shall I continue with the boy-who-lived? Or should I find another to amuse myself with? The options were endless. As was my appetite.
[Scars Of White]
"I don't see the need for such measures against what is no more than a child-"
"Severus. You are the only one I can task with such a thing."
"Even so, do you not think it impertinent to constantly slide such meddlesome tasks my way... for Merlin's sake! The last thing I want is to interact with him and now you have me-"
"It needs to be done Severus. That is why I come to you."
"Why even agree to these systems if you are to just tiptoe around them?"
"It wasn't a choice I made lightly. You know as much as anyone just how dangerous he can be. That mark still burns, doesn't it? We need all the help we can find. There are greater matters at stake than the house cup."
"Yet you'd have me tamper with that same thing?"
"The developments that could come from it will turn sour like unripe grapes if we were to allow them to run their course undeterred. Having less to worry about will make everything else easier."
"All this to divulge a wallet. It makes you no better than a pickpocket. The great Headmaster of Hogwarts resorting to such a thing... Just why did you even agree to drag that brat here? A son? Don't make me laugh. He learns quickly enough, however, I could find several like him in any year. Memorisation is pointless without application."
"Careful now. You are a dear friend. But even in the privy of my own office you will refer to him as you would any other member of my family."
"Friend? Do not misunderstand yourself. This is a coalition of interests alone, nothing else. If it weren't for your advice... she would still be here."
"She's gone Severus. That loss hit us all."
He slammed the desk. "Yet you have me purposely antagonising the only link left to her in this world, why?!"
"Is it not easier as an order? It's a kindness. You would've resorted to the same methods regardless. I simply channelled the direction."
"...No, I wouldn't have..."
"That's incorrect, Severus. You're just that type of person. You are pitiful and wretched in your spite of the world. After all, don't you remember what made you cross this path?"
"..." His eyes widened, hands glued to the desk. As much bewildered as he was furious by the old man's goading tone.
Dumbledore removed himself from his seat, walking around the desk separating them, each step poised and confident, despite that he never removed his hands from behind his back. "...I'm not saying you didn't have it hard. I'm not even saying your hatred is undeserving. However, the time has come to throw away that animosity you carry in your heart. Do you not think there's a better path than this?"
"Do not talk down to me. You know nothing of the resentment I carry." Professor Snape spat back.
"Oh, but I do." The Headmaster walked until they were mere inches apart.
"I do." He leaned into his subordinate's ear.
"I know just what sets your heart ablaze. It's a wonder the rest of the world hasn't figured it out with how brazenly you wear your heart on your sleeve. The boy meets a girl and jealousy thrives. A simple story. Only you weren't written into that story's pages, were you? And as the pages progressed and you reached the end of each chapter you wondered just when you might once again be involved. Might once again stand by her side. Only to realise it was already over. Was it not enough when they wed? When a child popped out? Did you think that things could revert back to a time before then, if you just waited long enough? No, they can't. They won't. But that was too much for you to accept, wasn't it?"
"Do you derive some pleasure from this? To know my weaknesses so... intimately?"
He continued unabashed. "And so his scathing eyes watch as the girl moves forwards hand in hand, step in step to the beat of the world's clock. All the while, little Severus gathers his hate. His jealousy. And lets the devil in."
"..."
The Headmaster leaned back, straightening his posture once more. "That's about right, isn't it?"
"..."
Dumbledore turned his back to the professor, his hands deftly manipulating a device. "It's time. Let it go, Severus. She will never come back. She didn't choose you because you made a wrong choice."
"..."
"Sometimes... we just can't come back from them." The aged headmaster instinctively reached towards his chest for something that hadn't been there in ages, reaching towards the ghost of a memory. "It's high time you made peace with it."
"...I can't."
"If it truly hurts too much to bear. Then throw it away."
"You mean-?"
"I could relieve you from that curse. As could any practiced witch or wizard." A simple enough procedure for men of their stature.
"Are you joking? How would you even survive, any of you? You need me precisely because of my position in the years to come-!"
"That's nothing but a fantasy you've convinced yourself of. I don't need incompetent allies."
"What... did you say? This is but madness, has senility gripped your mind?! Throwing me aside would be akin to admitting defeat here and now!"
"Then we're as good as dead, aren't we? You've done worse, Severus. Whether they were orders or not. These are children's games in comparison. What's stopping you?"
"...Why?"
"Hm?"
"Why is he of so much importance? I had no idea what your plan was three years ago by introducing that alliance with the Japanese. But then here we are... a son? Was he the only reason you agreed? What could be so special about that boy?"
He sighed. "Enough. It appears our time on this subject has reached a natural conclusion."
"I demand an answer, I will not do as you bid freely. I am not some lapdog for you to use, Albus!"
Before a knock could echo on the door, the aged headmaster simply stated. "It's open. Come in."
A frizzy-haired young Gryffindor appeared at the helm of the room, her face weary and anxious. "Uhm- I apologise for bothering you, Headmaster Dumbledore. I'm sorry- I- I'll just come by later!"
"Nonsense, Ms. Granger. My door is always open. Why we were just finishing our business, Severus?"
"...This is not over. I will have my answers. And you... bid Mr. Potter my regards, I heard his injuries were... quite severe." The pale shadow peered down from his hooked nose, scowling at the small girl. Before gliding past her and down the spiralling staircase.
"I apologise you had to see that. Now, would you care for a sherbet lemon?"
"O-Oh, um. Yes, please."
"Here you are. No need to feel so nervous, have a seat and feel free to speak your mind whenever you feel ready." The aged wizard smiled gently turning and waving his wand once, the previous headmasters stood in the portraits disappeared momentarily, leaving the two as the only living or undying presences in the room.
"Uhm... I feel I might be prying but... I heard shouting... Are things alright, Headmaster Dumbledore?"
He paused for a moment, before reluctantly relenting. "I would like to say that children shouldn't be pondering over the worries us adults share. However, in good faith I cannot lie..."
"Then?"
"Ms. Granger, do you know the reason we have a sister school at all?"
"No... I'm afraid in my journeys to the library or making notes in class I have yet to be told."
"You know a limited amount about the recent history of wizardkind don't you? Of a specific dark lord?"
"Only what you explained before."
"There's only one reason for a coalition. The threat of a greater power."
"But... he died, didn't he?"
"He-who-must-not-be-named is far from ordinary and not the least bit competent to boot. Magic spans far and wide, dark magic especially. With outlawed spells and regulations even finding how he did so would be difficult."
"Doesn't that mean we're all in danger... Harry-!"
He raised his hand to placate her, lowering her to the seat once again with but a subtle gesture. "I understand your concern Ms. Granger. You are a good friend and a kind person." Dumbledore allowed a wistful smile to trace over his features. "I'm sure Mr. Potter is beyond happy to have such companions. At the moment, Hogwarts is the safest place for him."
"...Was that him?"
"Hm?"
"Gringotts... Harry and Ron said there was a break in a while back. That someone tried to steal something, something that Harry and Hagrid had gone to collect just a day before. Was he responsible for it?"
"Harry told you about that, did he?"
She nodded sombrely once.
"I begin to wonder of the competence of us adults when children take our burdens upon their shoulders themselves..."
"...We don't believe such a thing, Professor Dumbledore! You're a powerful wizard and a great teacher. We're all glad to be able to study under you, it's just... Gringotts and then the- the troll incident as well... it's scary."
"Feel free to speak your mind."
"...Something's under this school, isn't it? Something that he wants. Whatever was in that vault, he's come to take it back from the 3rd floor. The traps in place must mean you were expecting him..."
"He is nothing if not stubborn, after all. Even death could not put a stopper on his ambition. However, I haven't looked past the fact that students shouldn't even know of their existence. Even if there were a good enough reason for the intrusion."
"I apologise... We- we weren't thinking..." Her head lolled downwards, her vision gravitating to the ground in resignation. "Are you going to expel us?"
"If it were common knowledge perhaps, I would have no option but that. However, let's chalk it up to a lucky guess from an astute student."
"...We never really meant to. It was an accident, honest! We happened there whilst on our way to the great hall, but..." She stopped, unsure whether she should divulge more.
"At your own time, Ms. Granger."
"...We were scared we might be punished if we were found there. At that moment we heard Mr. Filch and ran so he wouldn't know who was there. We never meant to find anything, I promise!"
"Raise your head, Ms. Granger. I think we should all be thankful that none of you were injured."
"...Thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore."
"I should be thanking you. For bringing this information to my attention, even with punishment on the line. I'm glad you notice the importance this academy has over things like the difference between houses."
"Of course! The house differences mean nothing if the school is in danger."
"I'm glad to have such astute students in attendance. I'll make sure to redouble our efforts so that this never becomes an issue for you young ones to worry over again. May I ask if that's the end of your troubles?"
"...Y-Yes."
"Are you sure Ms. Granger? I detect another struggle you're keeping bottled up."
"...No, it's nothing."
"Is that so? I apologise for prying, it wasn't my intention."
"..." Her eyes rested on a small device on the table, pulsing with brilliant blue light that peeked out from orifices on the container.
"Oh, did that catch your attention?"
"What is it?"
"You've got a good eye. Have you ever heard of Merlin?"
"Of course! He's the father of wizardry, any history book worth its salt touts him as the greatest wizard to have ever lived. To ever live. That's just how incredible he was."
"You've done your research. In my youth I travelled the Earth in search of artefacts of magic long lost, of intrigue to both me and collectors around the world. The implements you see in this room are just a few of the ones I'm most proud of."
"I don't even know what they are... but they're most impressive."
"Thank you. This piece, in particular is quite special." He removed more of the carapace, the brilliant light spilling even further and the smooth pearlescent surface of the device greeting the open air amicably.
"How so?"
"Because I have no idea what it does."
"You don't?"
"No. But it is beautiful. Perhaps that's magic enough, but there is another reason..."
"Which is?" Her eyes glued to the glowing crystal all the while.
"I have it on good authority this was once in Merlin's possession."
"That was..."
"Over a millennia ago. Despite its age it remains spotless. Perhaps, it is some sort of great magical artefact. Perhaps, it holds a purpose that could unravel the very secrets of the universe itself. Or maybe it's no more than an ornament. I don't know. But the mere chance of that fact gives its existence all the more meaning, doesn't it?"
"Yes..."
"Its beauty just pulls you in, doesn't it? Be careful not to look too long, greed can be easily imparted."
"A-Ahem."
"Was that all, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione shook her head slightly, removing the brilliant glow from her mind. "Yes. Uh, thank you kindly, Headmaster."
"Ah, before you leave. I must thank you myself."
"?"
"For Kiyotaka. I'm sure he's been benefitting from your steady hand in the library."
"Not at all. He... picks up things quickly."
"Indeed, he has a knack for learning, not dissimilar to you."
"..."
"Of course, he is a troubled young man. So there are plenty other areas with which he struggles."
"...Like?" She asked, half expecting no reply. Or a dismissive answer.
"With compassion." He met her gaze head-on.
"..."
"Kiyotaka... has abilities that people would covet after noticing. However, he also has a dispassionate execution of them that turns them away. You are not wrong for being scared and shunning him. However, I don't think he was wrong in doing what he did to protect you all. After all, that is why he did it."
"...I know."
"I'm sure you do. That doesn't mean there's not a better way to go about it. Right?"
"...Yes. Though Ronald certainly doesn't agree."
"Therein lies the problem."
"..."
"Kiyotaka has a penchant for trouble. If he doesn't seek it, then it quickly comes to find him. The two are like opposite ends of a magnet."
"He reminds me of Harry in that way."
"Haha! Indeed, they are alike. In more ways than one."
"..."
"It would be a great relief to me if you would watch over the both of them."
"...But why ask me?"
"Because you truly care for them both. And you are unafraid to tell them when they've strayed off the path. Fun friends, acquaintances, peers, family. All of them are important. However, sometimes people need that one person that can pull them back onto their path, unafraid of their anger and resentment. Family and friends don't always have the strength to do that."
"...It's not my place."
"No one but the individual chooses their place in this world. I was not gifted tenure as the Headmaster. You were not gifted with knowledge, you seek it. This is no different."
"But... I'm not strong enough... If I was then I could stop them."
"You don't have to be strong to stand by someone's side. Just your presence is enough."
"..."
"Please, Ms. Granger... Your assistance would reassure me to no end."
...
"What... should I do?"
Relief spread over his features for a moment. "For now, tell me what you think of him."
"Pardon?"
"Kiyotaka. Was he inspecting the third floor alone? Did he go with you three? Does he react strangely in any ways when you study? Does he seem to be enjoying himself? Do you enjoy the time you spend with him? Those kinds of things."
"W-well, I've never thought about it so much..."
"Ah, apologies. It appears fatherhood has made me lose my manners. I just can't help but be interested when it comes to his personal life, I'm sure parents are always intrusive when it comes to such things."
"...This won't be reported to my parents, will it?"
He chuckled leisurely. "No. Rest assured, this conversation will never leave this room. Feel free to speak your mind."
"Then... sometimes. Just a little bit."
"I'm sure it's stifling. Why, I can remember the same as a child! My parents often had their eyes on me looking out for any trouble I could cause. And trouble did I cause."
"That sounds unlike you, Headmaster."
"Oh, I assure you in my youth I was quite the rabble-rouser. I've been known to be a trouble causer even now." He chuckled, to which she shortly joined.
"Of course, in our advanced age we often forget just what it was like to be a child. The secrecy and intrigue, the curiosity of everything in the world. Instead we become purely invested in their safety, even if that hides the rest of the world from them. That stifling sensation can feel akin to danger to a child, I don't want to do the same thing to Kiyotaka. However, I can't just leave him to freely wander into danger. You see my predicament?"
"..."
"...As such, I would be incredibly grateful if this remained between us, Ms. Granger."
"I understand. It's a promise."
"Thank you... truly. I don't know what this old man might do if I didn't have your aid. If only Severus was as understanding..."
"Is everythi-" She asked sensing the morose mood of the experienced wizard.
"Ah, apologies. Just more worries. I won't concern you with them."
She smiled knowingly. "Now... where should I begin?"
"Anywhere you're comfortable. Another sherbet lemon?" The Headmaster removed another of the hard candies from the container.
"Thank you."
He smiled lightly.
"Well... Oh, the first time we studied in the library. He tried to tell a joke."
"Really? Now that certainly is unusual."
"He was so proud of himself. It was like the sort of joke my dad might've told..."
The two continued to animatedly chat about the enigmatic boy that had burst into their lives. All the while unaware that another was listening.
---
Word count: 4147
Bit of a hodgepodge chapter. I think the reasoning behind Ryuuen's understanding makes sense as Malfoy clearly should've been punished for his behaviour both here and in the canon yet wasn't.
Dumbledore's dealings with Snape and Hermione have a slightly different meaning depending on if you read into it. I think this is when Dumbledore's at his best. When his motivations are questionable. Because he does always act for the greater good, but that greater good can become muddied by the actions he takes to achieve it.
In some ways he's similar to Ayanokouji. The ends justify the means sort of approach.
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Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter, let me know your thoughts below.
Until next time.