174)In the headmaster's office for the last time in the first year

It was the next morning, and Hannah, Neville, and I found ourselves in the headmaster's office. The previous day had been overwhelming, filled with questions and comments after Dumbledore's announcement. Neville and Hannah had also been affected, though to a lesser extent. In fact, both of them approached me yesterday to discuss it.

We were the only three students selected for this opportunity, and we were at the end of our first year. Doubts arose about why us and what the selection criteria were. Assumptions were made; Neville and Hannah had excellent grades in Herbology, and although I did too, my interest wasn't as deep as theirs.

I knew why all of this had happened; it was part of my agreement with Dumbledore, although I couldn't share the details with them. I was surprised by Neville's inclusion, but that didn't matter. What mattered was our presence, Hannah's and mine.

In the headmaster's office, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sprout, Snape, and Kettleburn were waiting for us. They all watched the three nervous children, well, actually, only Neville and Hannah were nervous. I, on the other hand, was having a slight staring contest with Snape.

There, the headmaster repeated the explanation about this particular event. The children asked questions and received answers, although some were vaguer than others. There wasn't much more to be done about it; everything had been arranged at the last minute. Maybe an exchange wouldn't be so complicated, but one planned with such short notice and involving young children presented its challenges.

We had to remember that Hogwarts was not solely run by the headmaster; there was the Board of Governors, which would not allow Dumbledore to send students away without justification. But now that I think about it, Neville's grandmother was also part of that. Was that the reason she was here, or was there another motive?

Anyway, the professors explained that this was a unique opportunity, secured by the headmaster who had been in contact with his friends in Brazil recently. Although it was actually Dumbledore who approached them for this, but that wasn't disclosed; it was presented as an agreement that arose casually. I could notice McGonagall a bit displeased by this sudden arrangement, and Snape with his characteristic mocking tone insinuating that maybe it was the best thing that could happen to Hogwarts, keeping me away.

Finally, we were allowed to leave, being informed that our guardians had been notified and that the trip to Castelobruxo would be organized on behalf of Hogwarts, provided their permission was obtained. We had nothing more to do than prepare for our return home and wait for our parents to discuss the trip.

Dumbledore dismissed the professors and the students, but before we all left, he asked me to stay to talk about a special recognition for my participation in the fight against Quirrel. Actually, it was just an excuse for us to talk alone. And here I am, sitting in front of the headmaster, now without fake smiles between us.

"Thank you for holding up your end of the deal," I expressed with gratitude.

"It was what needed to be done," he replied with a slight laugh as he took a candy from a jar on his desk. "But I'm not sure you're aware of the implications of this exchange."

"I know very well what I'm doing... mostly. I didn't expect you to secure a full year, but I appreciate it. I also regret how difficult it must have been to accomplish it in such a short time and ensure that nothing happens to us as a consequence," I added with subtle hints while also taking a candy from the jar.

"As headmaster, I must look after the academic future of my students. Although it was a bit challenging at first, but it seems that after Lucius Malfoy exchanged letters with his son, he supported the idea I proposed of sending you to Brazil," he explained.

I chuckled inwardly at the image that came to mind. Lucius telling Draco about Dumbledore's plan and Draco pleading with his father to make the idea of sending me to the jungle a reality in the hope that some creature would devour me.

"There was also Augusta Longbottom, who was completely against sending her only grandson so far for a simple exchange," he continued.

"Yes, that surprised me. I only requested Hannah and myself, but I don't mind Neville coming along either," I admitted.

"Well, I think this trip will do the lad good. He has great potential hidden beneath that shyness. I became much more confident about it after what happened recently. I also mentioned it to Augusta, and eventually, I managed to convince her that if she wanted Neville to grow, she should give him the opportunity to do so. After that, she supported my plan, although I still have several threats aimed at my genitals if anything were to happen to him or if I make any mistakes," he added with a comical expression.

"Great, then everything is settled, I suppose. If there's anything lacking like funds or anything else for the trip and expenses, I can help in whatever is needed," I offered with some confidence now that I had my source of income, although I hoped not to need to use it too much. There are still many places where I could spend that money, but I would spend what's necessary for this trip.

"Oh, I think I even feel like a poor old man compared to you after you could promise something without hesitation. I didn't know Mr. Weasley had so much savings," he laughs, but his perspicacity was palpable.

"Let's cut the games," I replied to the feeling that Dumbledore was trying to gather information through this conversation. "No, it's not wealth given by the Philosopher's Stone. I don't have it with me; I destroyed it," I affirmed decisively, hoping the old man would stop bothering me about it.

"I didn't say anything about that. I fully trust your word. I know you did," commented Dumbledore.

'Your sister believes it' I said mentally.

"But I am well aware of your family's situation and I don't see how you could have the funds to finance what you proposed. I even thought I might have to dip into my own pocket for some galleons to ensure you had enough for your trip and to prevent the same thing happening to you as your brother William. You must understand the doubts of this old man; I am a bit concerned about the means you have to employ to get the money you mention. Not all ways of making money are safe for you or for others," expressed Dumbledore.

"You don't need to worry so much. Although I don't have the Philosopher's Stone to make gold, I have something better. Remember, I also have another identity, Tenebrius, and with it, even though I no longer have a future as an auror, I still have my methods. I know someone trustworthy to trade with about anything. I buy and sell at prices that give me a certain profit margin as an intermediary," I explained.

"Hmmm..." (Dumbledore)

"You don't have to worry about anything, everything is legal and my contacts are reliable. In fact, if you need something, I might be able to get it for you at a good price, just as if you want to get rid of something. Of course, in exchange for a small commission," I offered.

"... You know, right now you're reminding me of a former student, Jae Kim, a great Gryffindor. He had the title of 'the Hogwarts trafficker' because he was able to get almost anything that could have a buyer, illegal or not. He was a resourceful young man who always tried to bend the rules in his favor," shared Dumbledore, but he didn't know that I only listened for a while and then drifted off in my thoughts.

I listened to Dumbledore with interest, although not in the way he expected. The student he mentioned, Jae Kim, sounded familiar from one of the Harry Potter games, but it was one I hadn't finished in my previous life. Also, wasn't he supposed to be in the same year as Tonks? But Tonks is, or was, in the last year now. Some details don't add up; I think I should investigate. I understand this is an alternate world, but...

"Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore interrupted me.

"Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. But it's really an interesting story; it has given me a lot to think about, the moral is clear. I already told you everything is safe. I even have some former Hogwarts students working for me," I clarified. "I couldn't do it all alone, spend my time with Tonks and go to Hogwarts at the same time. I have my limits, even if it takes clones to achieve them," I lied effortlessly. "Now, I think I should be going."

"One more thing, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore announced.

"Yes...?" I responded.

"I'd like to meet this contact," he expressed with curiosity.

"If you wish, look for Remus Lupin," I responded without much emotion. It would truly be easy for me if that alone sufficed to relax the old man's vigilance over me.

"He's the one you trade with!?" he asked with surprise and suspicion.

"No, but he works under the infamous 'Tenebrius' and can lead you to him, as he is involved in the trading business. Although there may be an unbreakable oath to keep secrets or not, so I would advise you that if you seek answers, go alone and ask him to introduce you to Merk. Oh, and one last reminder about that: you won't be able to extract information from my 'contact,' he doesn't speak and it's practically impossible to communicate with him normally," I explained, before sending a message to the merchant to ensure he didn't reveal certain information about me, if he could.

"Very well, thank you for the information. I suppose if I see that I need something, I could commission it from you. In fact, Severus might need to make several deals with you if you can truly get whatever he needs," Dumbledore suggested.

"I don't think he would want to accept anything I offer," I commented.

"Yes, true, it seems you two have had a complicated relationship lately. Has something happened between you? I know he can be somewhat complicated in interpersonal relationships but..." (Dumbledore)

"Nah... we're fine... it's just that our relationship is complicated, like all relationships. We have our history," I responded.

"History? Didn't you meet for the first time here at Hogwarts in this school year?" he asked, not understanding.

"Yes, and it was a great school year. Don't worry about us, it's just some bro stuff," I clarified.

"Bro stuff?" he asked, increasingly confused, wondering if he had missed something, whether a piece of information or several years of his potions professor's life. "Yes, perhaps I'm just worrying too much," he said, but in reality, he made a note to investigate further. "I just have one last question, if you have that wealth, why don't you share it with your family? Knowing their condition," he asked, trying to test my personality once again.

"I do, with Ginny," I replied.

"And the others?" (Dumbledore)

"Well, it's the same as with Tenebrius; I can't tell them or everything falls apart. If my mother finds out, she won't let me continue with any business that could 'put me in danger,' and I would lose a source of money that could help my family in times of need, as well as allowing me to indulge myself. My father can't hide anything from my mother. Percy is too upright to keep a secret. Ron is the same and has a loose tongue. Bill and Charlie don't live at home, so it doesn't make sense to tell them. Fred and George..." (Red)

"What about the twins?" inquired Dumbledore.

"I can trust them, and I believe I can help them fulfill their dreams with the money I earn. But I thought it didn't make sense to tell them now at school; I had too many things to do, so I postponed it. However, I think I'll have time now when we get back home," I explained as I started my way to the exit. I didn't want to linger here much longer.

"Hmmm... I see the problem, but as an old man who has lived a lot, I want to remind you once again that money and success only show their true value when you share it with your family and the people you love," Dumbledore reflected.

"I know, that's why Ginny, Luna Lovegood and her father, as well as Tonks and her mother, can always count on me and my wealth," I replied as I opened the door and left the headmaster alone in the room.

...

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, looking up at the sky through the windows, thinking about the discussion and what to do from now on.

"You have a complicated student, but I think he's not entirely lost," commented one of the portraits of the former headmasters.

"Shut up, Diped! The boy is a danger to everyone. He's much more dangerous than Riddle and should be locked up in Azkaban, hands and feet bound," Phineas retorted.

"Wow, Phineas, I didn't think you thought so poorly of students from your own house," another headmistress mocked.

"That boy shouldn't be in Slytherin, he only tarnishes our good name. You didn't hear how he talks about the members of my Black family. We all know about the harem he made in the castle. Yes, they're women erased from the family tree, but they would still tarnish the name of the Black family if he were to defile them," he lamented.

"Wow, I hadn't thought of that..." another headmaster who hated Phineas responded. "I think I should talk to the boy... to give him some advice on leaving a lot of offspring."

The portraits of the other headmasters laughed and mocked Black, although none of them left aside the main topic: the redheaded boy. However, as Dumbledore hadn't said anything about it yet, none of them continued and enjoyed Phineas's misfortune.