One person and one bird leisurely strolled through Hogwarts Castle. This wasn't because Augustus hadn't explored the Castle enough, but rather to familiarize the Phoenix with the Castle's layout.
Hogwarts Castle has a strong Anti-Apparition magic array, so it was necessary to leave more magical marks there, making it convenient for the Phoenix to Apparate within Hogwarts later.
"How is it, Phoenix? Are all the marks done?" Augustus asked softly, stroking the Phoenix's back.
Chirp, the Phoenix let out a clear cry, then disdainfully glanced at Augustus with its head, even pecking Augustus's hand with its beak.
Augustus looked at the Phoenix on his shoulder, thinking that this Little Wizard was still so tsundere. He quickly stroked the Phoenix's head and communicated with it using magic, saying,
"Don't be angry, I know you can definitely handle it. I didn't doubt you at all. After all, our Phoenix is the strongest Phoenix."
After saying this, the Phoenix slowly turned its head, then looked at Augustus with its small eyes, as if saying, 'At least you're sensible, kid.' Then, a pleasant, ethereal female voice came from his mind.
"Kid, you need to remember, between the two of us, I'm the boss."
Augustus looked at the Phoenix in surprise and silently thought, "So you're a female, huh."
Upon hearing this, the Phoenix paused for a moment, then began to furiously attack Augustus, pecking with its beak and scratching with its claws, leaving Augustus in a sorry state, only able to beg for mercy repeatedly.
After much persuasion and pleading, the Phoenix finally calmed down, though it was still sulking, turning its head away and ignoring Augustus.
Walking and stopping, they arrived at the eighth floor of Hogwarts Castle, in front of a gargoyle statue. The Headmaster's Office was behind the gargoyle. Augustus slowly walked over and said,
"I want to see Headmaster Dumbledore."
The gargoyle slowly replied, "Password."
Oh right, a password was needed. How to do this? He only remembered one from watching the movie in his previous life. He decided to take a gamble. Augustus slowly said,
"Lemon Sherbet."
"Incorrect password." Hearing this, Augustus felt a pang in his stomach. Was it messing with him? He thought about it. These things were all magical creations, with their own thoughts and personalities. It seemed he had to use Plan B.
So Augustus loudly said to the gargoyle,
"I am Mr. Augustus Dumbledore, Headmaster Dumbledore's heir. If you don't open the door, when I become Principal, I'll dismantle you and throw you into the Black Lake to feed the fish."
The gargoyle opposite fell silent. After a while, it turned, revealing a spiral staircase, and an old voice came from inside.
"No need to threaten it. It doesn't possess such intelligence. Also, this week's password is 'Cockroach Clusters'."
Cockroach Clusters. How truly disgusting, Augustus thought, as he slowly walked up the spiral staircase.
Arriving at the Headmaster's Office, it was a luxurious, high-ceilinged duplex office. The walls were covered with framed portraits of past Principals. They moved freely and had a certain degree of self-awareness, chattering amongst themselves when they saw Augustus enter.
"It seems you're doing well. Are you getting used to the environment here?"
Dumbledore said.
"It's alright, at least better than what I had in the United States. I still want to ask, why did you bring me here?"
Augustus said.
Hearing this, Dumbledore sighed and slowly said,
"I never intended to harm you, child. Although your birth stemmed from a mistake, and I bear an undeniable responsibility for it, you must believe that we are connected by blood. I am your relative, and the Phoenix on your shoulder is proof."
"Then how do you plan to arrange for me?"
Augustus asked.
"Of course, you're going to school now. Every Little Wizard comes to Hogwarts. Here, you'll gain friendships, and perhaps even love, after all, our Little Mr. Dumbledore is so handsome and charming."
After Dumbledore finished speaking, he even winked at Augustus.
Augustus's face was full of black lines after hearing this, thinking that this old man must be boasting, because the last time he was here, the portraits all said he looked very much like him when he was young—no, that he was even more handsome.
Composing himself, Augustus slowly said,
"Then how should I address you? I can't really just call you 'Dad'; I can't accept that."
Hearing this, Dumbledore thought for a moment and said,
"You can call me Professor. If others ask, just say I'm your grandfather, to avoid any ambitious schemers taking advantage of the situation."
Augustus thought to himself, his background must be problematic. If it was just a magical experiment, there would be no need to hide it like this, especially after so many years. Never mind, he wouldn't think about it. He was a man destined to become the strongest Wizard! If anyone disagreed, he would fight them until they submitted.
After Dumbledore finished speaking, he slapped his forehead and said with an apologetic tone,
"Getting old makes one forget things easily. This is your admission letter. Please forgive an elderly man."
With that, Dumbledore stood up from behind his desk, opened a drawer, took out a white envelope, walked down the steps, handed the envelope to Augustus, and then smiled, saying,
"Every Little Wizard receives this letter, and you are no exception."
Augustus took the envelope from Dumbledore's hand and looked at it. It bore the Hogwarts crest: a snake, a lion, a badger, and an eagle, four animals around the four corners of a shield-shaped emblem. In the center was a circular wax seal, and at the bottom, it read: Mr. Augustus Dumbledore, Headmaster's Office, Eighth Floor, Hogwarts.
Augustus took a deep breath and slowly opened this envelope, which every child in his previous life had dreamed of receiving. He took out the paper inside and unfolded it, reading:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Principal: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class; Chief Warlock, Wizengamot; Supreme Mugwump, International Wizarding Federation)
Dear Mr. Dumbledore,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by July 31.
Yours faithfully,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Augustus looked at it, pouted, and said, "It says to reply by July 31st, but it's already August 23rd. How am I supposed to do that?"
Dumbledore smiled and said,
"Actually, it's just a formality. Every Little Wizard feels genuine joy when they receive this letter. You should enjoy it too, child. You should live a happy and wonderful life."
"So what should I do now?"
Augustus asked.
"Of course, it's time to go shopping in Diagon Alley. Every Little Wizard should complete their pre-school shopping with their family. This is an expression of love."
Dumbledore said.
"How do we get there?"
Augustus asked.
"We'll Apparate there. Bring your Phoenix. Once you've been there once, you can Apparate to Diagon Alley with your Phoenix anytime."
Dumbledore said.
"Okay, Phoenix, stop bullying Fawkes. Let's go, we have important business to attend to." Augustus called out to the Phoenix beside him.
Ever since they arrived, the Phoenix had gone to find Fawkes. It not only took over Fawkes's nest but also ate all its snacks. Fawkes could only sadly crouch in a corner, watching its strange kin.
The Phoenix chirped and flew back onto Augustus's shoulder. Augustus turned to Dumbledore and said,
"Ready. Let's go."