Helplessly, Aiden could only listen as Dumbledore continued speaking.
Their pace was surprisingly swift. In what felt like moments, they moved from the second floor to the eighth.
From the corridor, the view was breathtaking. Bathed in silver moonlight, Hogwarts looked almost unreal.
"It is beautiful, is it not?"
"Yes, Professor. Hogwarts at night feels like a fairyland."
Aiden answered honestly.
They stepped onto the high platform of the Astronomy Tower.
The sky was clear. Countless stars shimmered brilliantly above them.
For Aiden, those distant lights seemed to point toward the future, steady and unwavering.
At least, that was how he chose to see them.
He glanced at Dumbledore.
At this moment, the Headmaster did not appear to be the most powerful wizard in Britain.
He looked like nothing more than an old man quietly admiring the stars.
And yet, no one who knew his name could ever see him as ordinary.
"We have walked through Hogwarts at night, and we have admired the constellations. I believe it is time for us to part ways."
Dumbledore turned toward him. His blue eyes held a depth Aiden could not decipher.
For a moment, Aiden was speechless.
"Very well, Professor. Tonight has been… unexpectedly pleasant."
"Oh, and if you happen to encounter Mr. Filch on your way back, tell him I summoned you."
Dumbledore flicked his wand lightly.
A small parchment floated into Aiden's hand.
He looked down.
Night Roaming Permit.
Below it was Dumbledore's unmistakable signature.
Aiden almost laughed.
What was the meaning of this?
Why invite him to stargaze, only to hand him an official permit afterward?
Had Dumbledore discovered something?
After all, he was a Muggle-born wizard with entirely non-magical ancestry.
"Professor, are you not worried that I might use this to wander Hogwarts every night?"
The question slipped out before he could stop himself.
It was the most honest thought he had.
He feared Dumbledore's intentions.
That fear came from memories of another life.
Facing the greatest wizard in the world created an instinctive pressure.
He was terrified that his secrets would be uncovered.
Whenever he stood before Dumbledore, his Occlumency operated at full strength.
No one liked having their mind examined.
Even by someone trustworthy.
And Dumbledore was not merely trustworthy.
He was formidable.
"Hogwarts at night has its own charm. It is quiet and reflective. I rather hope you will come to appreciate it, Ramirez."
Dumbledore's tone carried layered meaning.
But Aiden's face remained calm.
With Occlumency active, even his shock could not escape outwardly.
"I will, Professor. I have always loved Hogwarts. Here, I have experienced friendship and love. And that is the most important thing I have ever felt."
A sharp glint flashed briefly in Dumbledore's eyes before softening.
"You are correct, Ramirez. Friendship and love are the greatest forces in this world. It is late. You should return."
"Yes, Professor."
Aiden inclined his head.
The strange conversation ended without clear answers.
As he walked away, he still could not understand Dumbledore's true intention.
At first, he had been convinced the Headmaster had seen through him.
Now, he was not so certain.
After Aiden disappeared down the corridor, Dumbledore watched thoughtfully.
"So similar, Ramirez."
The words were barely audible.
Once he was far enough away, Aiden released his Occlumency.
Fine beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.
He did not wipe them away immediately.
Instead, he glanced back.
Though Dumbledore was no longer visible, Aiden felt certain he remained nearby.
"Well, well, what have we here? Another brave soul roaming the castle at night. And not even from Gryffindor."
Two identical voices echoed from either side of him.
Aiden nearly jumped.
Turning, he found himself flanked by two red-haired boys wearing Gryffindor robes.
Instantly, he recognized them.
Fred Weasley and George Weasley.
"Not everyone is like you two, running around at night, Weasley."
His voice steadied quickly.
Seeing them eased the tension in his chest.
They were mischievous, yes.
But rarely malicious.
"George, it appears he recognizes us."
"That seems obvious, Fred."
"Do you suppose our dazzling charm has spread to other Houses?"
"Be confident and remove the word suppose."
"Although, I must admit, I am clearly the more handsome twin."
"Dream on, George."
Watching them exchange lines like performers in a comedy act, Aiden could not help but find it amusing.
Then—
Footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor.
The twins' expressions changed instantly.
Without hesitation, each grabbed one of Aiden's arms.
Under his stunned expression, they grinned.
"Time for a joyful escape."
And before Aiden could protest, the Weasley twins dragged him into the night.
...
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