Schrödinger's Headmaster

When they returned to the castle, they split up.

The professors informed the students of Dumbledore's instructions, and Ivan and the others headed for the Headmaster's office.

In an attempt to prevent panic, Sirius transformed into the form of a large black dog.

The sight of a large black dog walking through the castle was strange, but with Lupin, Ivan, and the others by his side, the young wizards he met along the way did not come up to ask questions, so he arrived at the Headmaster's office without any trouble.

"Professor Lupin, do you know what the password is?" Ivan asked when he saw Lupin.

"I do know one, but Dumbledore hasn't been back for a while, and I'm not sure if the password will still work…" Lupin hesitated, trying to speak.

"A cockroach pile!"

Crack …

The heavy guardian statue slowly began to turn, slowly rising to give way to a passageway.

Lupin sighed in relief; it seemed Dumbledore had not changed the password.

Ivan led the way into the Headmaster's office, carrying the rat, which was much emptier and more polished than the last time he was there.

The most eye-catching object was a thick letter lying on the table in the middle of the room, with a golden Time-Turner resting on top of it.

The back wall was covered by a piece of cloth, and Fox, with his beautiful feathers, habitually perched on the olive branch, his eyes narrowed as he snored…

Dumbledore was sitting behind the table, looking at the two objects in front of him through his half-moon glasses, seemingly lost in thought, unaware of their arrival…

"Professor Dumbledore!" Ivan called out.

The white-bearded old wizard inclined his head slightly, his eyes scanning the room, and then he extended his hand, indicating that he was ready to speak.

Ivan nodded, and began with his discovery of Peter Pettigrew's name on the Marauder's Map in his previous school year, and how he had been able to find out the truth of the matter by following the various clues…

Ivan had rehearsed this speech countless times in his mind, and there were basically no loopholes. He blamed Peter for everything that was difficult to explain.

Peter forgets everything anyway and can't talk back…

Sirius returned to his wizarding form, occasionally adding information as Ivan explained.

Harry, Lupin, and the others all spoke up in their defence.

Dumbledore listened quietly, nodding from time to time, his expression unchanging, as if he had expected this, perhaps even a little impatient.

Ivan's sharp eyes picked up on Dumbledore's strange behaviour, and he became suspicious. Could it be that the old headmaster had been monitoring what was happening at the school?

Also, unlike her previous meetings with Dumbledore, Ivan's meeting with Dumbledore did not have the same sense of urgency as before. Instead, it felt familiar and kind.

Ivan frowned, wondering if he was imagining things, since Fawkes the phoenix was here and Fawkes had the Elder Wand.

Some of these thoughts passed through Ivan's mind, but he did not stop talking.

Dumbledore looked a little sad when he heard this, and spoke to Sirius in a low voice.

'Sirius, I'm sorry, it was my mistake… If I had trusted you more and met you in Azkaban after what happened, perhaps this misunderstanding would not have lasted until today.'

"Don't ever say that, Professor, it's not your fault!" Sirius says, not blaming Dumbledore.

He was the one who temporarily replaced James without telling anyone, indirectly causing the deaths of James and Lily.

"I appreciate your understanding…" Dumbledore sighed, standing up and addressing the crowd.

"Well, I think it's time to clear up this misunderstanding and join me in the Great Hall!"

"That's great, Sirius, you don't have to hide anymore!" Harry exclaimed, turning to Sirius with a look of pure joy.

Sirius was equally delighted, having been tracked by the Ministry of Magic and living in constant fear.

More importantly, once he got rid of his status as a fugitive, he would be able to meet Harry openly!

He had heard from Ivan that his uncle-in-law's adoption would not be good for him, and he might be able to get Harry to move in with him…

The only one who was unhappy was Peter. He was still in his rat form, but his body had gone limp, and the rat looked listless. He knew he was finished…

Dumbledore then led the way to the Great Hall, but just as they were about to leave, he suddenly looked at Ivan.

"Hales, you'll stay here. The letters and things on the table are for you. When you've read them, come to the Great Hall…"

"I'm sure you can see how it is!" Dumbledore added with a wink before leaving.

Ivan watched them go, confused.

He looked at the letter and the Time-Turner on the table, thought for a moment, then put the Time-Turner in his wizard's robe pocket and opened the envelope.

Inside, there was a list of names, letters, and a small bottle containing a tuft of white hair…

Yvonne became even more suspicious, and checked the list one by one. There were a number of names on it, as well as titles, all of which were high-ranking members of the Inquisition and the Ministry of Magic.

The letters were signed with Dumbledore's name at the end, and the contents were blank except for one that was written…

Ivan read the letter patiently, and his face became uglier and uglier.

Dumbledore's letter stated that he was aware of what had happened here through the Time-Turner, and that he had to attend to an important matter.

Seeing that Ivan had done a good job, Dumbledore was pleased and said that he would leave the school to Ivan for the time being, as he was confident that Ivan would be able to handle it.

If necessary, Ivan could use his status to get things done.

The other letters were enchanted by the old professor, who placed his wand on a blank envelope to translate the contents of his mind into words.

During this time, Fox would follow orders and use it to deliver messages to old friends and receive help.

At the end of the session, Dumbledore stated that he would be back to see it.

A surprise for Ivan in passing…