When people know that something bad can happen to them, they prepare themself by giving their 100%.
Like a person knowing that he is about to be jailed, he will resort to anything to escape.
In my case, knowing about the fact that Mind readers, as they are called Legilimens in this world, exist and walk among the wizards made me shit scared.
In the Room of Requirement, I poured over books and scrolls, absorbing every piece of information I could find about occlumency—the art of shielding one's mind from intrusion. It was a troublesome task, especially considering my limited magical reserves, but I was determined to make the most of what I had.
Occlumency, I learned, required a deep understanding of the mind and disciplined control over one's thoughts and emotions. It was a delicate balance between redirecting the flow of consciousness and fortifying the mind with bursts of magic to repel unwanted intruders.
While I couldn't dedicate myself fully to training in occlumency, due to my lack of reserves. I found safety in the fact that non-Occlumency users are not helpless against mind users.
With a trained mind, intrusion can be detected, and awareness could be a defence against the mind reading. One can even withstand the mind read by walling the mind with mundane memories or averting their eyes, the pathway of intrusion.
It was during those that day, I found another advantage of Wandless casting.
With every step towards wandless casting, I honed my ability to imbue various intent. You must know that intent in any form whether will, Knowledge or emotions are all facets of the mind. It means that I have a trained mind,
As I thought back to my research, I found myself facing Dumbledore once again, while I can't defend if he wants to read my mind, I can at least know if he does attempt to read.
Besides, I already have a failsafe in my AI database.
All of these measures are on the off chance that Dumbledore is the bad guy. I blame the numerous fan fiction I read for making me this paranoid. Despite multiple pieces of evidence of his actions over the past decades saying he is a good guy, my paranoid mind is troubled because of the fanfiction.
So, coming out of these thoughts, I faced the headmaster and continued the explanation of my earlier statement.
"You know, Headmaster, Peeves is a poltergeist of Hogwarts," I remarked, seeking to share my newfound insights. "It means only authority that can command Hogwarts can make him do their bidding. In the wide world, only one position or, to say, only one person has any form of authority over Hogwarts—it's the headmaster. Even the board of directors are nothing but an external imposition to the Hogwarts by the Education Department of the Ministry of Magic. Forget about the board, Peeves will easily piss on the minister if he comes before his presence."
Dumbledore regarded me with a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "That's why I say you are an intelligent one, Arjun," he replied, his tone filled with admiration. "Because most won't deduce such things in such circumstances."
I couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at his words. "It is pure luck, Headmaster."
As Headmaster Dumbledore entered Fluffy's room, His presence seemed to have a soothing effect on the ferocious Cerberus, transforming the growling creature into a whining dog.
Approaching the Cerberus with a gentle smile, Dumbledore began to scratch the creature's chin, eliciting contented whines from the once-growling beast.
AWOO-WOO
It was a ridiculous sight, witnessing the giant XXXXX beast become putty in the hands of the Headmaster.
"Come, Arjun, lend me a hand in massaging our friend here," Dumbledore's warm smile invited me to join him in tending to the Cerberus. Fluffy, as he was affectionately called, responded with three enthusiastic yelps, indicating his approval of the idea.
WELP WELP WELP
Suppressing the urge to scream in frustration at the turn of events, I reluctantly approached Fluffy, keeping a wary eye on the creature despite Dumbledore's assurances.
As Dumbledore cast an unknown spell over Fluffy. Which I come to realize is a diagnostic charm to scan its body. It's ironic, I just used it a few minutes ago.
Sensing my continued anxiety, Dumbledore explained to me, "Fluffy will not resist your diagnostic charm now that he recognized you as a friend."
Not questioning the How and Why, I did as I was told.
With a deep breath, I cast the diagnostic spell, scanning Fluffy's body for any signs of strain or discomfort.
The results of the scan were staggering, revealing numerous pressure points and muscle strains that required attention.
[AI Info: Body scan of Fluffy, the Cerberus
Pressure points detected = 1276.
muscle strains = 83 muscles.]
I nearly fainted under the weight of the work that needed to be done to massage this dog.
Dumbledore, however, saw the humour in my predicament, laughing heartily at my pale expression.
"The prank that always works with the students who are dealing with magical creatures for the first time." he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Relieved by this, I sighed in relief, tentatively suggesting, "So there's no need for massage, then?"
Dumbledore adjusted his glasses with a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with wisdom as he replied, "No, we must. But not as complicated as Muggles do. You see, magical creatures are filled with magic. Magic that flows even closer to their body inside their bodies. So, cross-reference the magic buildups and the anatomy."
Taking his guidance to heart, I performed another diagnostic charm, this time focusing on identifying the areas of magical buildup within Fluffy's body. With each pass of my wand, I observed the bright spots of concentrated magic, indicating areas of imbalance or strain.
I was certain that Dumbledore had noticed my double casting a few minutes earlier when we were escaping the room. It was a decision I had made in a moment of panic, due to the sheer terror of facing a creature as formidable as Fluffy. Trust me, when you're confronted with an XXXXX class magical predator, panicking is a mild symptom.
With Dumbledore's sharp vision, there was no point in attempting to conceal the use of my wandless magic. He was already aware of my capabilities, and trying to hide it now would only be a joke.
So, I followed suit by integrating my wandless magic into the task at hand. There was a sense of liberation in embracing my abilities openly, knowing that I was working alongside someone who not only understood but also respected the depth of my magical proficiency.
And as I witnessed Fluffy's demeanour gradually relax under our ministrations, I couldn't help but laugh at the snoring dog.
SNORE
With Fluffy snoring away, Dumbledore led me out towards the Slytherin dungeons, the dorms of Slytherin house.
As we walked, I couldn't help but anticipate the various conversations that might arise. Perhaps Dumbledore would explain his use of Peeves to divert our group, or maybe he would comment on my wandless casting. I even entertained the outrageous thought that he might mention Voldemort's existence in the castle and his actions tonight as a test for Harry.
But to my surprise, Dumbledore spoke directly to me about rules. "Mr Arjun Prasad," he began, his tone grave, "for breaking curfew, you are deducted 20 points and will assist Madam Pomfrey for three months, essentially acting as an unpaid assistant. Additionally, for attempting to enter the Forbidden Corridor, you are deducted 70 points and are required to assist the gamekeeper, Hagrid, for the rest of the year."
With a casual wink, Dumbledore left me standing in front of the Slytherin entrance, feeling like a gaping fish out of water.
Professor Snape, seemingly materializing out of nowhere, remarked, "He truly operates on a different frequency than normal thoughts."
I nodded in agreement, thinking about Dumbledore's motivations behind his decision. While assisting Madam Pomfrey could be seen as a reward for honing my healing magic, the loss of points and accompanying Hagrid was a challenge. Hagrid's notorious aversion towards Slytherin students, coupled with my similarities to Tom Riddle, could make for a disaster.
Professor Snape told me, "As head of the house, I issue you detention with me for the rest of the year. You will clean the cauldrons of your fellow students."
The only way for the Anti-Social Man-child to tolerate another person's presence is to force him. So, Dumbledore's order again.
I can foresee the future, all this news combined will be explosive fodder for the Hogwarts rumour mill tomorrow.
Still, on second thought while it seems my day-to-day schedule will be under Dumbledore's watchful eye shortly, I recognized the opportunity to learn and grow.
So, again I came back to the start, still puzzled at Dumbledore's motive.
Snape seemed to sense my thoughts; he offered me a piece of his thoughts. "Stop trying to understand his actions," he advised. "It's often a futile task, as they may hold multiple meanings or simply be done for the sake of it."
I nodded, considering Snape's experience with him. Before parting ways, I remarked, "But, I must say Dumbledore's enigmatic nature looks like fun. Perhaps I should adopt a similar approach in the future."
Snape, with his characteristic drawl, issued a warning. "Please don't. I've had my fill of one such person. If you follow suit, I'll have no choice but to stuff you in a cauldron."
My last thought as Snape departed was a smirk – I was determined to march to the beat of my drum, regardless of Snape telling me otherwise. After all, I don't like being told to do something.