Chapter 177

Harry frowned. Maybe they were researching that theory of theirs in the restricted section. The theory about Nott actually being the heir didn't seem all that implausible anymore. The fact that Justin roughed up Nott in the dueling club, and then ended up petrified with one of the only other people who believed the same thing as him was looking more and more incriminating.

Deciding that he had no reason to hide that from Dumbledore, Harry said, "Were they in the Restricted section? Looking up family trees or something?"

Dumbledore looked at him over his glasses curiously, "And why would they be doing that Harry?"

Harry proceeded to explain the entire theory about Nott being the Heir of Slytherin that Justin, Ernie, and Seamus had. "Isn't it possible," he asked, "that they are right?"

"It is indeed possible," said Dumbledore, "however, I feel that it is extremely unlikely. Forgive my immodesty, but being of an age such as mine allows you a certain insight into a wizard's character, and Lucius is not the kind of person to trust children. And to answer your earlier question, no. They were not in the restricted section."

"So what were they doing then?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Let us just say," Dumbledore genially answered, "that they were engaging in some consensual nibbling."

'What?' Harry thought as he tentatively asked, "Consensual…nibbling?" not sure if he had heard it right.

"Indeed," Dumbledore confirmed, sagely nodding. "Sexual experimentation, if you would prefer to call it that."

"With each other?" Harry squeaked out.

"With one Miss Clover from the sixth year," Dumbledore corrected, "It so appears that she had generously volunteered to assist them in their experimentation. Thankfully Miss Clover was able to escape unharmed since she had passed out minutes before whatever caused the petrifactions reached the spot they were in. The reason nobody is allowed to meet them is that since they were petrified, they are now stuck in some very…compromising positions. "

Well. That was unexpected.

Completely shoving that particular thought and the unpleasant images it conjured up towards the back of his brain, Harry remembered why he had come here in the first place. He quickly changed the topic, and gingerly asked, "Is it, true sir? That you got sacked?"

"It is indeed true. The appointment or suspension of the headmaster is a matter for the governors, and they, in their infinite wisdom have decided to enact an Order of Suspension on me. Perhaps they feel that I am losing my touch. And with the number of attacks growing, it is quite honestly understandable."

"They can't be serious," Harry said, "You being here is probably the only thing stopping the heir from going on an all-out killing spree."

"It's not just me Harry," said Dumbledore, watching the last book fly into the suitcase, which immediately zipped itself shut, "but we will talk about that later. There is a reason I called for you before I leave, and it will need some elaboration and explanation. Would you bear with an old man while I try to explain the best I can?"

Harry hesitantly looked around. The question of why he of all people was called was one that had been haunting him from the moment he had entered the office. And there was only one way to find out now.

Looking Dumbledore in the eye, he nodded.

Dumbledore's eyes took on their trademark twinkle, and with no more words, he rose up to his feet, walked briskly across the office and pulled open a cabinet door, bathing the office in an ethereal blue. Harry left his armchair behind and followed the Headmaster closely, peering around his shoulder to see what was giving off the light.

A shallow stone basin lay there in the cabinet, with odd carvings around the edge, filled with runes and symbols that Harry did not recognize. The silvery light was coming from the basin's contents, which seemed to be formative of both liquid and gas, and was like nothing Harry had ever seen before. It was a bright, whitish silver, and its translucent surface swirled smoothly in the basin.

Harry wonderingly cast an Observe.

Pensieve

It is an artifact used to review memories. It has the appearance of a shallow stone or metal basin, into which runes and strange symbols are carved and precious stones are fitted. It is filled with a silvery substance, often thought to be the collected memories of people who have siphoned their recollections into it. Memories can then be viewed from a non-participant, third-person point of view.

Harry's eyebrows rose into his hairline. Was Dumbledore going to show him memories? But memories of what? Something related to the heir perhaps?

Unknowing of Harry's internal questioning, Dumbledore lifted the basin, carried it over to his desk, placed it upon the polished top, and sat down in the chair behind it. He motioned for Harry to sit down opposite him.

Harry did so, staring at the stone basin.

"This, Harry, is called a Pensieve," said Dumbledore. "I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind."

Harry, having the skill of Gamer's Mind, couldn't honestly say that he had ever felt that way, but he nodded anyway.

"At these times," said Dumbledore, indicating the stone basin, "I use the Pensieve. One simply siphons the excess thoughts from one's mind, pours them into the basin, and examines them at one's leisure. It becomes easier to spot patterns and links, you understand, when they are in this form."

"So…that silvery stuff is your thoughts?" Harry said, staring at the swirling white substance in the basin.

"Certainly," said Dumbledore. "Let me show you."

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