"Well, it seems Professor Dumbledore is 'abnormal' too, though I wonder if a certain someone else is 'normal'," Harry declared loudly, emphasizing "normal" to make his point.
Dumbledore chuckled at that. Snape just let out a heavy "hmph" and didn't bother to reply.
Seeing Harry about to continue teasing Snape, Dumbledore quickly interjected, "Alright, Harry, it's quite late. We should be going."
Harry, though clearly reluctant, followed Dumbledore out of Snape's office. Once outside, Dumbledore admonished him, "Harry, you shouldn't tease your professors like that."
"But Professor," Harry countered, "you must have heard Snape implying I'm a freak!"
"Harry, Severus wasn't implying you're a freak," Dumbledore said, shaking his head. "He was resentful that he doesn't possess your level of talent."
"Resentful? Snape is the youngest Potions Master of the century! What could he possibly envy?" Harry asked, baffled.
Dumbledore hesitated, but ultimately decided to share a bit more with Harry. "I must admit, Severus was far less accomplished at your age. Perhaps he wishes he had your talent back then, so he wouldn't have made so many regrettable choices."
Harry's brow furrowed at Dumbledore's words. "Professor, are you saying Snape was just... ordinary when he was at school, and he felt insecure, which is why he broke up with my mum?" Harry guessed.
Dumbledore carefully studied Harry's face, noting that there was no sadness when he mentioned his mother, only simple curiosity about what had happened. He shook his head. "Severus was anything but ordinary at school; he very quickly demonstrated an exceptional talent for Potions."
"Then why did Snape break up with my mum?" Harry pressed, still confused.
This time, Dumbledore's hesitation was even longer. "Harry, to be honest, I'm not even sure if Severus and Lily were ever truly 'together' in the way you mean." He finally spoke once they were out of the dungeons.
Harry immediately looked at Dumbledore, surprised. Could his guess be wrong? Had Snape and his mother never been a couple after all?
As if guessing Harry's thoughts, Dumbledore continued, "Harry, that's all I know. The more detailed story can only be told by Severus himself."
Harry nodded, falling silent. As they reached the entrance hall, Harry realized it was already dark outside. It seemed his Occlumency practice had taken quite a while.
The two walked in silence to the third floor. As Harry looked at the Hospital Wing, something suddenly occurred to him. "Professor, how do Colin and Mrs. Norris eat after they've been petrified?"
"Harry, this particular petrification keeps Miss Creevey and Mr. Filch's cat in that exact moment. They don't require sustenance."
"What about their souls then? Are they petrified too?" Harry continued to probe.
"Perhaps, Harry. I'm not entirely certain, actually." Dumbledore lied. Harry was still too young, and he didn't want to discuss anything about souls at that moment. Harry, of course, didn't believe that Dumbledore, often called the greatest wizard of the century, wouldn't know such things, but he was clever enough not to press further.
"Professor, how long will it take for Colin and Mrs. Norris to recover?"
"Madam Pomfrey says the Mandrakes still need some time to mature."
"Why don't we just buy some from outside?"
Dumbledore suddenly stopped, unsure how to explain this to Harry. The good news was, Harry didn't wait for an answer, but started talking to himself.
"To make the attacker drop their guard? So that's why you're deliberately not un-petrifying them? Am I right, Professor?"
"Harry, I know it's unfair to Miss Creevey and Mr. Filch's cat, but I have to do this."
To Dumbledore's surprise, Harry accepted the explanation quite easily. "I understand. For the Greater Good, right?"
Dumbledore's mouth opened, then he merely gave a wry smile and continued walking towards the Gryffindor common room. Harry realized that Dumbledore seemed unusually open and forthcoming tonight, and he didn't want to miss this rare opportunity.
Professor, you've brought this upon yourself! You can only blame yourself for being so fond of riddles usually, Harry thought to himself, then posed another question to Dumbledore.
"Professor Dumbledore, during Occlumency practice, what was that potion Snape used?"
"Everyone calls it the Potion of Life. I imagine you already know its effects."
"And what are its ingredients? Snape wouldn't tell me."
"Ah, I might know why Severus was reluctant to tell you." Dumbledore paused, building suspense. "Harry, why do you think Severus is known as the youngest Potions Master of this century?"
"Because he invented a new potion? But I don't think I've seen it in Potent Potions..." Harry trailed off mid-sentence, realizing he might have let something slip.
Dumbledore frowned. He had only intended to guide Harry to recognize Severus's achievements and change his prejudice against him, but it seemed he had stumbled upon something else. "Because Severus improved many potion-making processes. The most crucial ingredient for the Potion of Life is phoenix tears. Alright, Harry, I've told you about the Potion of Life. Now, perhaps you'd be willing to tell me about Potent Potions."
Harry started rambling about the weather, trying to muddle through, and continued doing so all the way to the Fat Lady's portrait. "Professor, we're at the common room entrance. Can I just—"
But Dumbledore didn't let Harry leave, instead smiling and watching him. Harry had no choice but to selectively mention Lockhart's signature.
"Perhaps others have also accessed the Restricted Section this way. I'll have a word with Gilderoy about this tomorrow," Dumbledore murmured thoughtfully.
Then, Dumbledore asked Harry to promise he wouldn't enter the Restricted Section again.
"What if other professors are willing to sign for me?" Harry asked, still hopeful. But Harry was sly; he only mentioned the "signature" and not taking the opportunity to read other books.
"Then you may go to the Restricted Section, but only to read the book for which you have a signature."
Dumbledore issued his final ultimatum, and Harry had no choice but to accept. "Alright, Harry, you can go back now." Dumbledore said cheerfully, but Harry didn't move.
"Alright, Harry, one last question," Dumbledore sighed.
"Professor, why did Snape say he had nothing more to teach me? I feel my Legilimency is still quite crude," Harry finally voiced his inner query.
"Because Severus is more skilled at Occlumency than Legilimency. When you can cast Legilimency without a wand, I'll teach you some more advanced techniques."
Hearing Dumbledore's promise, Harry smiled contentedly. "Good night, Professor."
"Good night, Harry."
Once Dumbledore's figure was out of sight, the Fat Lady let out a relieved sigh. "The Headmaster's finally gone..." she muttered, pulling out a bottle of whisky and taking a delightful swig.