Ivan jumped at the sudden noise and turned to see Snape standing behind him.
What bothered him more was Snape's words.
"Professor Dumbledore is back?" Ivan asked in alarm.
"Yes, he's waiting for you in the Headmaster's office…" Snape replied, looking at Ivan with a troubled expression.
If he had not seen Voldemort's exasperated face, he would not have believed that this young wizard in front of him had been secretly plotting to control the British wizarding world and had succeeded!
Snape gave Ivan a long look. Not even the Dark Lord in his youth could have been so calculating and charismatic. He couldn't imagine how far Ivan would have grown in a few years, whether it would be a blessing or a curse for the British wizarding community…
Ivan was lost in thought as Snape's imagination ran wild.
Dumbledore, who had not been seen at all during the term except for the Welcoming Feast, had been missing for the better part of a year, and it seemed too much of a coincidence that he would suddenly appear and ask him to go to the Headmaster's office.
"Professor Snape, do you know why Headmaster Dumbledore wants to see me?" Ivan asked.
Snape shook his head and replied, "No, I was just following orders."
Ivan raised his eyebrows. He did not believe that Snape was as clueless as he claimed.
The only member of the Order of the Phoenix who could possibly have guessed his plan and passed it on to Dumbledore was Snape.
Ivan's scrutiny made Snape uncomfortable. He felt as if he were being watched by a ferocious dragon, its breath threatening to take his life.
However, he was a former double agent, and despite the subtle pressure, Snape's expression did not change as he continued to speak.
"The password to the Headmaster's office is lemon ice cream!"
"Understood, I'll go now…" Seeing that he wouldn't get anything out of Snape, Ivan didn't try to make things difficult for him. After greeting Harry and the others, he got up and left the Great Hall.
On the way to the Headmaster's office, Ivan's frown never left his face. In all likelihood, Dumbledore was looking for him at this hour because of the attack on the Ministry two days earlier.
With a spy like Snape at Voldemort's side, Ivan did not think he would be able to fool the most powerful white wizard…
The more Ivan thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He tried to think of a solution, but to no avail.
He couldn't very well claim that he had broken into the Ministry of Magic and killed Fudge to avoid infighting and to rally all the resistance against Lord Voldemort, could he?
Despite this truth, Dumbledore may not be able to accept this justice…
"How troublesome…" Ivan sighed helplessly. He had not anticipated Dumbledore's sudden return, or he would have made the changes to the plan more thorough and discreet.
Unfortunately, it was too late…
Ivan did not want to be enemies with Dumbledore if he could help it.
Even though the white wizard may have had some trouble with his mother, Alicia, Dumbledore was, in all fairness, a great help to him over the years…
As he thought about it, the huge stone beast came into view. Ivan collected his thoughts and shouted an order.
"Lemon ice cream ~"
The stone beast immediately began to shake violently, and with a dull noise, it began to spin slowly upward. A moment later, the staircase leading to the Headmaster's office came into view.
Yvonne stepped onto it hesitantly, feeling a little apprehensive.
He couldn't help but think of Hallowe'en, the year he started at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and how he had gone to the Headmaster's office with a similar mindset, trying to think of a way to justify himself to Dumbledore.
Ivan was uncomfortable with the loss of initiative, and he had been desperate for strength, partly to avoid such a predicament.
As they climbed the final flight of stairs, Ivan unconsciously ran his left hand over the alchemical device on his wrist. The sheer amount of magic contained within the stone did not reassure him.
He was well aware that he was not strong enough to face Voldemort, let alone Dumbledore, who could single-handedly defeat the Dark Lord.
The worst part was that he could not use Apparition at Hogwarts, but Dumbledore could use the power of the phoenix to teleport. If he lost the fight, it would be difficult for him to escape…
Ivan took a deep breath and pushed the door open. A slightly hoarse voice answered.
"There you are, Hales…"
Ivan turned to see Dumbledore, whom he had not seen for half a year, sitting at a table in the back of the office. He looked very different from the last time they met. His eyes were sunken, his beard and hair were unkempt, and there was a patch of charred skin on the right side of his neck.
He was going to die…
This thought came to Ivan's mind as soon as he saw Dumbledore, but he dismissed it when he met Dumbledore's blue eyes.
The eyes are the windows to the soul.
After mastering Legilimency, Ivan could easily read a wizard's thoughts and state of mind.
Dumbledore, on the other hand, was in a strange condition. His body was withered and decayed, and he was in an unprecedented state of health.
Ivan had a feeling that if they fought now, he would be the one to die…
Was it a terminal lucidity?
Ivan thought to himself, but he did not stop walking. Instead, he went straight to the desk and asked, "It's been a long time, Headmaster Dumbledore. Why did you ask Professor Snape to see me?"
"Also, you don't seem to be in good health. Should I inform Madam Pomfrey?" Ivan added tentatively.
"No, that will not be necessary. I am afraid Madam Pomfrey will not be able to help me, though it would be offensive to say so…" Dumbledore's voice was light, and he did not seem at all concerned about his health. He extended his good left hand, indicating that Ivan should sit down, and then suggested gently.
"Would you like a cup of hot cocoa?"
As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, two cups appeared out of thin air in front of them.
On such a cold winter's day, it would be a pleasure to sit before a roaring fireplace and drink warm cocoa.
Ivan, however, had no such intention, and was surprised at Dumbledore's attitude.
Before entering the Headmaster's office, he had already anticipated what Dumbledore would think of him.
Probably anger, disgust, and disappointment?
However, Ivan was unable to detect any similar emotions on Dumbledore's face. Dumbledore's face was calm, and his blue eyes were like a dark lake outside of school.