After the intense confrontation with Harry and his friends, Severus Snape leaned back in his chair, the faint flickering of candlelight casting shadows across his cluttered office. A mixture of irritation and contemplation brewed within him. He felt the weight of his responsibilities as the Potions Master and protector of Hogwarts pressing heavily on his shoulders. With urgency, he knew he needed to inform Dumbledore of the turn of events—specifically concerning Harry Potter's burgeoning interest in dark magic.
Snape stood, smoothing his dark robes as he headed down the dimly lit corridor toward Dumbledore's office. The atmosphere in Hogwarts felt charged, tension bending the air as whispers of the Philosopher's Stone and Voldemort's potential return rippled through the castle. He ruminated over Harry's spirited determination, both admirable and alarming.
As he approached the door to Dumbledore's office, the gargoyle guarding the entrance moved aside, recognizing Snape with a slight shift. He ascended the spiral staircase that led to Dumbledore's sanctuary, the familiar scent of lemon drops and incense welcoming him.
The door opened with a soft creak, revealing Albus Dumbledore staring out the window, his blue eyes peering into the distance. He turned slowly, an air of wisdom enveloping him as he regarded Snape with a hint of curiosity.
"Severus," Dumbledore said warmly. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit this evening?"
"I believe it is time we discussed Harry Potter," Snape replied, his tone clipped but respectful. "He has become quite… ambitious."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, stepping away from the window to take a seat. "Ambitious? In what sense?"
"He has taken a keen interest in dark magic," Snape began, his voice steady but underlined with concern. "*I discovered that he has been studying from a book he clandestinely obtained from the restricted section—Advanced Dark Magic: Techniques and Applications."
Dumbledore leaned forward, his expression contemplative. "That is indeed troubling—though not entirely surprising."
"You do not understand," Snape pressed, growing more agitated. "He is crafting his own spells, attempting to modify existing dark arts to suit his needs. This child sees the power it could give him."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful, the weight of Snape's observation hanging in the air. "Harry's desires stem from a noble intention to protect others, I believe. But that doesn't diminish the danger."
"Exactly," Snape said, leaning closer. "But as Lily's son, he carries a risk much greater than mere curiosity. If he delves deeply into dark magic, it may not only empower him but also make it easier for Voldemort to influence or corrupt him."
Dumbledore's brow furrowed slightly as he considered this new angle. "You're concerned that Harry could become a target for Voldemort's manipulation due to his lineage. It would indeed be dangerous if Voldemort could exert influence over him because of his studies."
"Every choice Harry makes in this realm could expose him to danger," Snape replied, his voice tense. "I promised Lily that I would do everything in my power to protect him. I will not let him follow in her footsteps—straying too close to dark magic would only welcome the threat of Voldemort's control."
"We must be vigilant," Dumbledore emphasized. "Stopping Harry outright isn't an option, especially now that he's shown himself capable of crafting spells. If we force him away from the knowledge he seeks, we risk pushing him further into darkness. He must understand what he's facing."
"What kind of understanding can we offer that would prevent him from exploring this dangerous path?" Snape countered, frustration simmering just below the surface. "How can he truly grasp the risks?"
"By engaging with him," Dumbledore replied, his voice calm and firm. "He must be mentored and guided, not redirected out of fear. Harry needs to comprehend the stakes involved, not only for his safety but for the safety of all we hold dear."
"You think this is wise?" Snape asked, his skepticism evident. "By treating him as if he were an adult, just because he has begun to explore these powers?"
"Yes," Dumbledore affirmed. "To dismiss Harry's capabilities would be a grave mistake. He is indeed growing up; he is more than just a child, especially if he can manipulate dark spells. We must treat him with the respect his abilities warrant."
"I will assist you in this," Snape replied reluctantly, though still uncertain. "But I won't stand by if I believe this path is leading him astray. I will protect him from the allure of dark magic, even if it puts me at odds with your plans."
Dumbledore nodded, recognizing Snape's fierce commitment to Lily's son. "Your vigilance is crucial, Severus. Keep a close eye on him, and guide him toward understanding. Our objective is to steer him away from danger while providing him the knowledge he seeks."
With that, Dumbledore motioned for Snape to leave, the gravity of their conversation settling in both their minds. They were allies against a formidable foe, but Harry's journey was now a pivotal factor that could alter the course of the upcoming storm.
As Snape departed Dumbledore's office, he felt a tension between apprehension and resolution. Harry was not just a child; he was Lily Evans's son, carrying the weight of legacy and potential danger. If Harry could understand the balance of intent and consequence, there was hope yet for the wizarding world.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore prepared to engage with Harry directly, believing that a conversation with the young wizard could fortify his resolve against dark influences. The stakes had never been higher, and the road ahead would test them all in ways they could scarcely imagine.