Facing Dumbledore, Breaking Through His Defenses?

Outside the Headmaster's Office.

Cro froze as he raised his hand to knock on the door.

Looking at the dozens of additional treasure chests that had appeared,he couldn't help but smile.

Although they were mostly bronze and silver chests,as the saying goes,

"Even the smallest mosquito is still meat!"

"In just half a day, I've gained 32 bronze chests, 8 silver chests, and 6 gold chests. Hogwarts is a treasure chest paradise, and Slytherin is the paradise of paradises!"

Shaking off his thoughts, Cro raised his hand and knocked on the stone door of the headmaster's office.

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

Dumbledore, hearing the knock, wasn't surprised.

On the contrary, he seemed to have anticipated it.

From the moment Cro reached the door of the office,Dumbledore had already sensed his arrival.

But he didn't point it out,choosing instead to see what Cro wanted to do.

"Professor Dumbledore, I'm sorry to bother you. I was hoping you could answer some of my questions."

Cro pushed open the door and entered the office, locking eyes with Dumbledore's knowing smile.

Cro tried to maintain a calm demeanor,though inside, he was under immense pressure.

After all, this was Dumbledore.

Not to mention his mastery of the Legilimency spell,which he no doubt excelled at!

Even though Cro knew Dumbledore was a Light wizard ,who generally wouldn't invade someone's mind,he still couldn't be too cautious.

And Cro already felt somewhat guilty.

Standing before Dumbledore now,he was naturally overwhelmed by the pressure.

Thinking of the things he was about to say,

Cro couldn't help but swallow hard.

Was there a chance Dumbledore might kill him for this?

No... surely not... right?

"Don't be nervous, child. You can ask me anything. As a teacher, it's my duty to help students with their questions."

Dumbledore waved his hand,gesturing for Cro to sit on the sofa.

"But before we get to that, I have a small question for you. Shouldn't you be in class right now? Skipping class isn't a good habit."

"Hmm, pumpkin juice or strawberry juice? I imagine you'd prefer strawberry juice, though pumpkin juice isn't bad either."

Dumbledore's expression was gentle.

Cro's mouth twitched slightly.

"If possible, I'd prefer tea. Green tea would be even better."

"I didn't skip class. It's Charms class right now, but Professor Flitwick said I've already mastered the Levitation Charm and allowed me to return to the dormitory to read."

Cro reached out and caught the tea cup that floated toward him.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

He glanced at the red tea in the cup offering a polite smile and thanks.

"Oh? If Professor Flitwick said so, then it's not really skipping class. But I'm afraid I don't have any green tea here. 

Dumbledore opened a box of colorful Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

"Would you like to try one? They're quite fun—like life itself. The flavor you get depends entirely on luck."

Without hesitation, Cro grabbed a handful of the beans causing Dumbledore to look a bit distressed.

Relaxing on the sofa, Cro began munching on them leisurely.

"Strawberry, very sweet! You know, most of the red ones are chili flavored. Last time I ate one, the spiciness was... unforgettable!"

Cro shook his head with a look of mock regret.

At this point, he was much less nervous.

Dumbledore was still the same as in the original story:

the kind, grandfatherly figure.

"Indeed. I once had a booger-flavored one. That taste is something I'll never forget. In fact, I ate one just yesterday."

Dumbledore popped another Every Flavour Bean into his mouth savoring it with a slight squint of pleasure.

"Grape, very sweet! Now, what's your question? I believe I can help you."

Dumbledore smiled warmly at Cro.

Initially, he had been wondering how to approach Cro to guide him onto the right path.

But Cro had walked right into his office on his own Though he didn't know what Cro's purpose was it played perfectly into his hands.

Didn't it?

"My main question can wait. First, there's something small I'd like to ask."

"What's that? Feel free to ask."

Dumbledore reached for another bean.

"How did you know it was booger-flavored? Have you ever tasted a booger, Professor?"

Cro looked at Dumbledore curiously.

His curiosity was genuine;

he really wondered how Dumbledore knew it was a booger flavor.

Dumbledore's face twisted slightly—

not because of Cro's question,

but because...

he had just eaten a poop-flavored bean!

But he couldn't complain to Cro.

Instead, he had to force himself to swallow the nasty bean otherwise, Cro might ask why he knew it tasted like poop!

Which he hadn't tasted, of course!

Dumbledore's face contorted his bearded cheeks twitching involuntarily.

Seeing that Cro was still staring at him with curious eyes Dumbledore took a deep breath regaining his composure.

"You may not know this, but potion ingredients can be quite peculiar. Once you start working with them, you'll understand. Now, what was your question? I believe I can assist you."

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T/N:

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