0011 Conversation

Words : 1270 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

After passing the test, Adrian was invited to the headmaster's office to sign some agreements. By the way, today's office password was "Licorice Wand." This was a candy that Adrian absolutely disgusted; he couldn't understand why anyone would like this sweet that tasted like dirt. There was, however, a faint sweet smell in the office. This was probably because the drawer under the desk was stuffed with different types of candy. Dumbledore asked Adrian to sit down at the desk, then brought out a paper document, something like a contract. "Do you remember your fifth year?" he paused, as if he had mentioned a topic he shouldn't have, "Hmm... that was a difficult time. Perhaps I shouldn't bring this up." Adrian smiled awkwardly. The truth was, not everything went as planned. During the height of Voldemort's power, no one at Hogwarts could remain uninvolved, and Adrian was no exception. Even though he had been very careful not to cause trouble, problems always seemed to find him. During the First Wizarding War, Adrian was in his fifth year. It was then that certain events disrupted his five years of peaceful academic life. At that time in Hogwarts, Voldemort's influence had permeated the entire school, not limited to any particular house. To some extent, the four houses of Hogwarts achieved unprecedented unity—those who supported Voldemort in one faction, and everyone else in another. As a non-pure-blood wizard, Adrian naturally belonged to the group that didn't support Voldemort. Initially, he didn't intend to get involved in these conflicts, but the situation was beyond his control. Even though he repeatedly avoided those fanatical Voldemort worshippers, he was eventually targeted. After all, as the top student in his year, Adrian was a valuable target. So, under the planning of Slytherin students, one weekend afternoon, Adrian was cornered by a large group. The only consolation was that none of the students were from Hufflepuff. Coincidentally, at that time, Adrian had just completed the first evolution of his Devil's Snare. So, that afternoon, the north wall of the castle was draped with a mass of students, hanging like hams being air-dried. Afterward, Adrian's life suddenly became quiet, with no more black-robed students secretly following him. Those Voldemort worshippers seemed to reach an unspoken agreement to stay away from Adrian. Because of this incident, he was called to the headmaster's office to have some tea and sweets, who was overwhelmed with other matters at the time. "That was indeed not a pleasant experience," Adrian said while carefully reading the document on the desk—it was a Hogwarts appointment letter. "Where should I sign my name?" "Bottom left, Adrian." After twirling the quill in his fingertips once, Adrian solemnly signed his name. After signing and putting down the pen, Adrian had an indescribable feeling, as if he had formed some connection with Hogwarts beneath his feet. He looked up at Dumbledore, who smiled kindly: "Hogwarts welcomes you, Professor Adrian." ..... Having successfully completed the formalities, Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. "Candy?" Dumbledore smiled as he opened the top drawer of his desk, revealing colorful candy wrappers. The variety of candies here seemed even greater than at Honeydukes. Searᴄh the NôᴠelFirё.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adrian shook his head, declining the kind offer from the old headmaster. Seeing this, Dumbledore didn't press the matter. He took a piece of chocolate and placed it in his mouth, then waved his right hand. With a flash of magic, a teacup filled with tea gently floated down in front of Adrian, emitting a warm fragrance. "We have plenty of time to chat," he said, glancing at the clock on the wall. Adrian was naturally willing to chat with his future 'Boss'. Dumbledore took a small sip of tea, his blue eyes twinkling slightly behind his half-moon spectacles, as if recalling something. "Adrian, how is your sister doing recently?" He asked in a gentle tone, with a touch of concern. "Is she well?" Hearing this question, Adrian's hand, which was lifting the teacup, paused slightly, his eyes dimmed a little: "She's still receiving treatment in the United States. Her condition... is somewhat better than before, but the effects of the Cruciatus Curse aren't easily eliminated." "The situation has improved?" "Yes, occasionally she wakes from her coma, but she stares at the ceiling as if she can't see anything." Upon hearing this, Dumbledore's brow creased subtly, he said in a consoling tone: "The traces left by dark magic are indeed difficult to heal completely, especially the Cruciatus Curse, which tortures both the body and mind of the victim to the extreme." Then, he sighed heavily, "But she's still alive, and that itself is a kind of fortune." Adrian also sighed inwardly. His sister had also been a student at Hogwarts, but painfully, due to certain oversights, she was caught in the crossfire between Voldemort and the Order of the Phoenix during a Hogsmeade visit and was hit by a Cruciatus Curse. That day happened to be the day before Voldemort's downfall. It could only be described as fate's cruel joke. That attack left an ineradicable shadow deeply imprinted in Adrian's memory. If he had arrived at the scene sooner that day, things might have been different. But there are no "ifs" in life; his sister had been in a prolonged coma since that day, and was still receiving treatment in an American hospital. After graduation, Adrian's wandering experiences were not only to expand his knowledge but, more importantly, to find a way to heal his sister. Dumbledore was silent for a moment, and gently swirled the teacup in his hand. "I'm very sorry," hHe suddenly said. "What?" Adrian raised his head to look at Dumbledore. "I failed to protect my student," Dumbledore said softly with a hint of self-blame in his tone. "The safety of students should have been my responsibility, but war always makes too many people pay the price... I'm truly sorry..." Hearing Dumbledore's words, Adrian lowered his eyelids, his fingertips slowly sliding along the edge of the teacup, and whispered quietly: "You should save your apology for my sister, Headmaster. I remember you promised back then that you would protect all of your students. But obviously, Headmaster, you failed my sister." Dumbledore hadn't expected Adrian to be so sharp. His hand holding the teacup paused slightly, but he didn't immediately refute, just silently watched the slowly swirling tea in his cup. "Your anger is justified, Adrian," he said softly, with a heavy tone. "I cannot deny—I have indeed failed the trust of many." By now, Adrian already felt his own excessive reaction and realized that he had gone too far. He knew his accusation just now seemed too direct and disrespectful. A moment later, he slowly released the teacup in his hand, his tone softening somewhat: "I'm sorry, Headmaster. I spoke too harshly... It's just my complaint. After all, you've already done so much." Dumbledore looked at him without speaking. Adrian thought to himself. Then, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. He knew that pouring his resentment onto the old headmaster in front of him wouldn't change anything. "I will heal her," Adrian said firmly, as if speaking to Dumbledore, yet also as if making a promise to himself. "I definitely will." Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then said earnestly: "I believe you, Adrian."

0011 Conversation

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