007 - Meeting with Dumbledore
The small and simple piece of parchment had been delivered that morning by a regal barn owl; its message simple but direct: "Come to my office. We have much to discuss." Signed, Albus Dumbledore.
As Alex made his way through the winding corridors of the castle, he couldn't help but marvel at the quiet power Hogwarts seemed to hold.
The ancient stone walls were brimming with centuries of magic, and despite the tension brought about by the recent events, Hogwarts felt like a sanctuary – a place where knowledge, power, and mystery coexisted in harmony.
Approaching the familiar stretch of hallway leading to the headmaster's office, Alex came to a halt in front of a large, stone gargoyle.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure of the password. Just as he was about to knock on the statue, it sprang to life.
"Peppermint humbugs," the gargoyle croaked, stepping aside to reveal a spiral staircase ascending into the heart of Dumbledore's domain.
"Of course it's a candy," Alex murmured to himself with a chuckle, stepping onto the moving staircase that carried him upwards.
In all his years at Hogwarts, Alex had never personally met the headmaster.
The thought of facing Albus Dumbledore should have stirred nerves, but there was a calming serenity about the prospect of meeting the legendary wizard.
Still, Alex had questions – and perhaps, today, he might find answers.
The office was grand and cluttered in a way that spoke of wisdom accumulated over lifetimes.
Shelves were filled with ancient tomes, odd instruments whirred and clicked on various tables, and perched on a golden stand was the phoenix, Fawkes, whose deep crimson feathers seemed to flicker like embers.
The creature regarded Alex with a curious tilt of its head, its intelligent eyes gleaming.
"Ah, Mr. Du Lac. Please, come in," came a warm voice from across the room. Dumbledore stood behind his desk, his half-moon spectacles perched on the edge of his crooked nose, and a kind smile playing at his lips. "I trust you had no trouble finding the way?"
Alex nodded, his gaze briefly wandering to the mesmerizing collection of trinkets and magical artifacts scattered about. "No trouble at all, Professor," he replied, stepping closer.
"Excellent. Please, have a seat." Dumbledore waved his hand and a plush chair appeared across from him. As Alex sat, Dumbledore reached for a small, ornate dish on his desk. "Would you care for a Fizzing Whizbee?" he offered, eyes twinkling.
Alex hesitated, eyeing the peculiar candy that was buzzing faintly in the dish, like a bee, but decided to trust the old wizard's eccentric tastes.
He popped one into his mouth with his eyes half closed, To his surprise, it was delicious – sweet and tart, with an invigorating fizz that danced across his tongue. He smiled, genuinely impressed.
"Not bad," Alex said, his tone light.
Dumbledore chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I'm glad you think so. Now, tell me – how have your studies been progressing?"
"Well, everything's going well enough, sir," Alex replied, the warmth of the candy still lingering. "I've been keeping up with my work, there's a lot to learn at Hogwarts."
"Good, good. And how are things at home?" Dumbledore asked, his tone casual, but Alex knew the headmaster never asked idle questions.
Due to his special circumstances of being a legit noble descent unlike the ones from ancient magical families, Alex's heritage had been hidden from most of the Hogwarts, not even his friends knowing the full extent to how much power he actually held.
Alex had suspected that Dumbledore was aware of his family's history. The headmaster's reputation for knowing everything about everyone was well-founded.
"Everything's fine," Alex said, keeping his response measured, though inwardly curious about just how much Dumbledore knew. "Father's busy, as usual."
Dumbledore gave a knowing nod, his eyes gleaming behind the spectacles. "Indeed. The Du Lac lineage is one of great renown. Your father's work with the Church, in particular, is admirable. Not an easy path, but a noble one."
Alex raised an eyebrow. That was more information than he had expected, though he wasn't entirely surprised.
Dumbledore had a way of seeing more than others did. Before Alex could respond, the headmaster continued, his tone now shifting slightly.
"You recently approached Professor Flitwick, requesting extra instruction in charms. Offensive and defensive magic, if I'm not mistaken?"
Alex nodded, sitting up a little straighter. "Yes, sir. I thought it would be useful, given… recent events. I want to be prepared. Not just for myself, but for my friends."
Dumbledore smiled, a touch of pride in his expression. "A wise decision, Mr. Du Lac. But I believe I can offer something even better."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Alastor Moody, as you know, will be staying at Hogwarts for the remainder of the term to assist with certain… difficulties we are currently facing. He has agreed to take on a more active role with a few students. Specifically, students like yourself, who wish to prepare for what may lie ahead."
Alex's heart skipped a beat. Moody was one of the most formidable Aurors of the age, a master of defensive and offensive magic.
The thought of training under him – of learning the skills necessary to protect his loved ones and confront the dark forces surrounding them – was exhilarating.
Alex had always been like this. Learning new ways of combat and fighting had always ticked his monkey brain like nothing else.
"Moody?" Alex repeated, trying to keep his excitement in check. "That would be… incredible."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled again. "I thought you might say that. In addition to Moody's instruction, I've spoken with Professor Flitwick. He will be offering additional lessons in dueling. Between the two of them, I believe you will receive all the training you need."
"I don't know what to say, Professor," Alex said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you."
"There is no need for thanks, Alex," Dumbledore said softly. "It is clear to me that you have the potential to do great things. You remind me of someone I once knew." He paused, a flicker of sadness crossing his features for a brief moment before he smiled again.
"Meet in the Great Hall tomorrow morning, with your friends. From then on, Moody and Flitwick will see to your training."
Alex stood, feeling a sense of purpose settling over him. "I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Dumbledore replied. "And please, help yourself to a few more Fizzing Whizbees on your way out."
Alex grinned, grabbing a handful of the buzzing honeybee like candies before he made his way to the door.
He paused, glancing back at Dumbledore, who was now stroking the feathers of Fawkes.
Before he left, Dumbledore spoke again, his voice softer. "You wear your mother's locket, I see. A wise precaution. It may protect you from forces you cannot yet see."
Alex's hand instinctively went to the locket resting against his chest. He hadn't mentioned it, but of course, Dumbledore would notice.
As Alex stepped out of the office and began making his way back through the winding corridors, he couldn't shake the feeling of Dumbledore's gaze, the warmth of Fawkes' eyes, and the weight of his family's legacy pressing more firmly on his shoulders.
Still, he felt ready – ready for whatever lay ahead.
Back in his office, Dumbledore watched as Alex left, his expression thoughtful.
He gently stroked Fawkes' head, feeling the soft warmth of the phoenix's feathers under his fingertips.
"I couldn't use Legilimency on him, you know," Dumbledore said quietly, his voice contemplative. "The boy has been well-trained, and that artifact from the Vatican is quite formidable." He chuckled softly. "Still, I see more than enough."
Fawkes cooed softly, blinking at Dumbledore with those wise, ancient eyes.
"You feel it too, don't you?" Dumbledore murmured. "The boy's heart is pure. There is much love within him – love for his friends, love for something greater than himself. He is far from the darkness."
The phoenix let out a soft trill, and Dumbledore smiled, a twinkle in his eye.
"Yes, Fawkes. I also think that Alexandre will surprise us all."
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A/N : Those who give power stones be blessed with big PP.
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