Chapter 17: Observation

Eighth floor, Headmaster's office.

This is a big, bright circular room. The walls are covered with portraits of different people, all with their eyes closed. But sometimes, they open their eyes, it can be assumed that they are just pretending to be dead.

A ragged hat is lying quietly on top of a tall chair behind the desk. If Arthur were there, he would recognize it as the Sorting Hat.

Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore sit facing each other.

"So, Severus, would you like something to drink or some afternoon desserts?"

"Lemon sherbet? Treacle tart? Or perhaps some cockroach clusters?"

Snape frowned and immediately declined.

"No, thank you, Headmaster Dumbledore. I am here to discuss the matter involving Arthur Gaunt with you."

Dumbledore seemed disappointed when Professor Snape refused, but he got serious when he heard what Snape had to say. He put down the book he was holding and put his fingers together on the desk.

"That's quite a high observation coming from you, Severus. Could you tell me about Arthur Gaunt?" Dumbledore asked.

Professor Severus calmly stated, "He's Calm, determined, genius, and has a clear sense of purpose."

"He's also a bit of a playboy," Severus added at the end.

"Oh?" Dumbledore adjusted his glasses, a glint of surprise flashing across his eyes.

Dumbledore didn't expect to observe coming from Professor Severus. If he understood correctly, Professor Severus must have made a sarcastic comment at the end.

Dumbledore's interest in Arthur grew stronger.

"I thought you might have some personal bias towards Mr. Gaunt at the Sorting Ceremony, but I didn't expect you to observe him," Dumbledore said.

"Yes, Headmaster, that's my observation of him. I have a lot of things to deal with, and I don't want to waste time on a first-year wizard," Professor Snape replied, ignoring Dumbledore's slightly teasing tone.

"His last name is special, but he won't be the next Dark Lord because of his nature. Professor Snape said, "The last Dark Lord came to school on the first day, found a new girlfriend, and even tried to seduce another Gryffindor."

Dumbledore couldn't help but laugh again at this point.

"No, Severus, I think you misunderstood me. My interest in Mr. Gaunt is true because of his special surname," Dumbledore explained.

"You know, his surname will definitely bring him some trouble, and Voldemort will eventually return. Bloodline is often used in some dark magic. Tom's research in this area is something that even I find impressive."

After explaining the reason for his interest, Dumbledore continued to speak.

"Actually, during the summer vacation, I also did some small investigations on Mr. Gaunt" Dumbledore winked at Professor Snape as he said this.

Hearing this, Snape's expression became uglier. 'You must be sick, you had investigated the person, so what is the point of my observation today?'

He couldn't believe that the greatest wizard of the 20th century was paying so much attention to a teenage boy.

As if not seeing the change in Professor Snape's expression, Dumbledore continued.

"I have been to the orphanage where Mr. Gaunt lived, and the people there spoke highly of him. Every year, Mr. Gaunt donates a lot of money for the expenses of the orphanage." "

"Most importantly, he owns a phoenix. A phoenix can greatly dispel the darkness in people's hearts and give them great courage."

"So, he's different from Tom. I asked you to observe him because I believe you can provide him with some help to grow faster. This way, he can better face the problems that may happen in the future."

When Professor Snape heard this, he felt like he'd just eaten a dead fly. It was offensive as a head of house from Slytherin was teaching a student who didn't want to be in Slytherin.

However, he hesitated when he recalled their conversation in the Potions classroom.

As if seeing through Professor Snape's thoughts, Dumbledore followed closely.

"Of course, yesterday, Professor Flitwick told me about Mr. Gaunt's talent in charms. I think he would be very happy to develop an excellent wizard for Ravenclaw."

"No need!" Professor Snape interrupted Dumbledore.

"He is also the last blood of Slytherin. As the head of Slytherin, I have an obligation to provide some special treatment for the descendants of the founder. I will talk to Mr. Gaunt about it."

After speaking, Professor Snape stood up and walked out of the room, ending the conversation.

Dumbledore watched Snape leave and his mouth curved slightly as he muttered to himself.

"It seems that Hogwarts has another interesting little fellow who can make Professor Snape care so much about him."

At this moment, the former headmasters on the wall were no longer pretending to be dead, and one of the portraits spoke out in anger.

"As a descendant of Slytherin, he chose Ravenclaw. This is a pure-blooded shame."

"Headmaster Black, Mr. Gaunt is not a pureblood. According to the investigation, his mother is of Gaunt bloodline, while his father is a Muggle," Dumbledore explained with a smile.

When Headmaster Black heard this, he got even angrier and started cursing.

Another hot-headed headmaster couldn't stand it anymore and charged into Black's portrait, throwing a punch that knocked the Headmaster to the ground.

The two then engaged in a brawl while Dumbledore paid no attention. Other portraits watched the scene and cheered on the hot-headed Headmaster. Two other headmasters even seemed eager to join in.

It appeared that Headmaster Black was not very friendly.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore seemed to be lost in thought, with a deep and calculating look in his eyes clearly thinking about something.

...

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