A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 139: Two Memories

Chapter 139: Two Memories

The office was filled with silence.

Exquisite silverware on the corner of the desk spun around, emitting wisps of smoke and making a "tick-tock" sound.

"Your testimony has been incredibly helpful, Felix," Dumbledore said, his eyes beneath his thick silver eyebrows fixed thoughtfully on a journal. "He's even more insane than I imagined."

"You mean Voldemort?"

"I prefer to call him Tom, Tom Riddle, his original name. He never shied away from it during his school days. Professors wouldn't refer to his last name 'Riddle'; instead, they would kindly call him Tom," Dumbledore explained.

Felix contemplated, it seemed Voldemort had a more indulgent time at school than he thought.

"Is it because he created more than one Horcrux?" Felix asked.

"Exactly, Felix. This magic is even more sinister than you can imagine – attaining immortality by splitting one's soul—"

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I'm not interested in that," Felix interrupted, "Do you have any other questions?"

Dumbledore blinked and smiled contentedly, "Felix, you understand the art of restraint better than a younger me... I do have one more question."

His hands interlocked on the table, "I'd like to know more about the information regarding the destruction of Horcruxes."

Felix had anticipated this and coincidentally had two things he wanted Dumbledore to know. So he turned to look at the black cabinet behind him, "Why don't you take a look for yourself, Dumbledore?"

Turning back, he caught Dumbledore's surprised gaze.

"You mean, the Pensieve? Many wizards shy away from that..." This was a reaction he hadn't expected at all.

"Yes, I saw it the last time I was here. The cabinet was open then," Felix explained, "As for shying away, I do, but personally, I believe that since Voldemort hasn't died, one day he'll return, and you are the one he fears the most."

Dumbledore shook his head, his aged face already lined with wrinkles, "Felix, I have grown old." He waved his hand, and the black cabinet door swung open, revealing a shallow stone basin that floated steadily out and landed on the table in front of the two.

Felix carefully examined the Pensieve, this magical creation was ancient and rare. The rim was carved with peculiar and mysterious letters and symbols.

He could recognize some, but most were within the realm of his ignorance.

Inside the Pensieve was a pool of silvery substance, somewhat like bright silver but constantly shifting. Felix pulled out his wand and lightly tapped the surface, causing the silver light to swirl gently.

Then he pressed his wand against his forehead. Dumbledore spoke softly, "Felix, I must thank you for your trust."

Felix gave a mischievous smile, "Oh, Headmaster Dumbledore, I'll only show you the most crucial memories. I'll keep private matters well hidden. Even if you put your nose against someone's face, you won't gain anything."

Tonight, for the first time, Dumbledore broke into hearty laughter.

A shimmering strand of silver thread was drawn out and joined into the Pensieve. Felix stirred it with his wand, blending the thread into the silver light.

Both of them extended their hands, and as their fingertips touched the silver light in the basin, a powerful attraction pulled them in. They didn't resist, and they fell into the depths of the Pensieve.

The first memory was exceedingly brief—

A house-elf lay on the ground as "Felix" summoned the Sword of Gryffindor, pointing it directly at the diary.

The Horcrux let out a dying cry, "No, I can tell you the secret to conquering death—"

But 'Felix' hesitated not for a moment. He controlled the sword and thrust it through the Horcrux, silencing the voice abruptly.

This memory came to an end.

The two figures reappeared in the office once again. Dumbledore's expression was complex, carrying an inexplicable sense of relief.

He looked at Felix, "I am proud of your choice. During the time of war, many renowned wizards were easily seduced by him, let alone the secret of defying death."

Dumbledore didn't even mention how Felix managed to master the Killing Curse to this extent.

At other times, he might have advised Felix not to get too entangled, but now, compared to resisting the lure of Horcruxes, these concerns were trivial.

And that was exactly the first thing Felix wanted to tell Dumbledore.

Next came the second memory—

In a realm of pure white, magic of ice-blue and bronze intertwined into a massive whirlpool. They continuously tore at a crown. Threads of black mist emanated from the crown.

Dumbledore stared at something not far away with a strange expression. Opposite 'Felix' was a beautiful and solemn witch, Helena, who stood beside him. They were saying something, but Dumbledore couldn't hear a thing, not even their faces were clear.

"So, this is what you call privacy?"

"We're discussing my magical path," Felix said succinctly.

Dumbledore tightly shut his mouth. Matters like these were the secrets of powerful wizards. He turned to look at the vortex suspended in midair and let out an amazed sigh.

After a while, a blurred face burst out of the crown, only to be completely shattered by the whirlpool right away.

Dumbledore sighed with a tinge of melancholy. But he realized that they hadn't left the memory. After a moment, he heard the sole sentence from the entire memory.

It was Lady Rowena Ravenclaw speaking to Felix, "I shall remake the crown as your reward."

This sentence echoed endlessly in the empty white space.

Dumbledore looked at Felix wordlessly. Felix nodded in agreement. The next second, the memory ended.

The atmosphere in the office was calm and quiet, neither of them spoke first.

After a while, Dumbledore said helplessly, "I understand your intentions. The crown is yours, and no one can take it away. If anyone objects, I will testify on your behalf."

Felix beamed a radiant smile, "Thank you so much, Headmaster Dumbledore. I've always worried that some narrow-minded Board of Governors or Ministry official might give me trouble."

As he spoke, Felix deftly used his wand to extract his memories, causing them to dissipate entirely.

Dumbledore suddenly felt a pang of heartache. He waved his hand, "You can keep the crown."

Felix courteously bid farewell and turned to leave.

Walking out of the office, a satisfied smile appeared on his face. His anticipated goals had all been achieved.

His three main goals were as follows: First, how to incorporate the diary into his version of the story; second, how to dispel any doubts Dumbledore might have—what if Felix became interested in Horcruxes? And third, the ownership of the crown. He wasn't willing to compromise on that.

So, after telling the story, he cleverly presented two memories, corresponding to the second and third goals. Among them, the second goal was the most crucial.

He was so cautious because he knew that Dumbledore had once held concerns about him, fearing he might tread the path of darkness and become the next Dark Lord.

What's even more frightening was that Dumbledore was over a hundred years old. He couldn't bear the cost of a misjudgment. But Felix? He was only 22, far from his prime.

Based on his past actions, Felix fully understood this concern.

So, he had no choice but to put in more effort, engaging in a battle of wits with the old headmaster to dispel his doubts.

"I truly am a considerate person."

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