Dumbledore, seemed impervious to the recent events at Hogwarts, dining with grace and a kind smile on his aged face. His gaze wandered kindly over the students in the auditorium.
Sensing Artel's eyes on him, Dumbledore subtly turned and met Artel's gaze, offering a smile and a nod. Artel responded with a polite acknowledgment.
"What a good boy," Dumbledore sighed appreciatively.
Beside him, Professor McGonagall raised her head, smiling as she observed Dumbledore's interaction with Artel.
"Yes, Artel is a kind and polite young man. His talent is the most exceptional I've seen in years. I believe he'll surpass even me in transfiguration, but, Dumbledore, his aptitude for dark magic is truly remarkable."
Professor McGonagall looked concerned.
"I've always been against placing him in Slytherin. You know how much a child's surroundings influence their development."
"And his family... if Artel turns out like that, it won't just be a loss for the wizarding world; it'll be a disaster."
Professor McGonagall held high hopes for Artel's future, believing that his achievements would rival Dumbledore's. Yet, she couldn't shake her fear. Artel's talent was so potent that it struck terror in her heart. Should he become a dark wizard, she feared he'd be more dangerous than Grindelwald and Voldemort.
"Don't worry, Minerva. Artel's mind is steadfast and won't be easily swayed. He will become a wizard akin to Merlin. Whether Slytherin or Gryffindor, it's all part of Hogwarts."
Dumbledore reassured her.
Artel's purity of heart and unwavering kindness made him fundamentally different from Voldemort. Dumbledore appreciated and admired Artel but held no illusions of defensiveness.
Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, remained more anxious about Artel.
As Artel's Transfiguration professor and the one who accompanied him to buy his wand, she intimately understood the depth of his talent. Artel could master any transformation rapidly, reaching levels of expertise that were nothing short of extraordinary.
In the realm of high-level wizards, Transfiguration played a crucial role, and Artel's unparalleled talent in black magic foreshadowed formidable combat abilities in the future.
"He won't let you down," Dumbledore reassured Professor McGonagall, understanding her concerns.
"If Artel were in Gryffindor, I wouldn't be worried," Professor McGonagall grumbled.
On the other side, Snape, having finished his meal, gave her a cold look. "I think I'll educate Artel, Professor McGonagall. Maybe you forgot, Gryffindor has notorious Death Eaters too!"
Professor McGonagall opened her mouth but ultimately remained silent. Snape's reference to Sirius, imprisoned in Azkaban, was a reminder of the betrayal that led to the Potters' tragedy—a wound that lingered in Snape's heart.
Observing McGonagall's silence, Snape snorted softly, turning his face away in a tsundere manner.
"Okay, Minerva, I don't think the focus right now is on these kids. It'll be a few years before Artel grows up. Our aim is to provide them with a carefree environment to grow in."
Dumbledore lightly clapped his hands, capturing the attention of McGonagall and Snape. He then lowered his voice.
"When the students see us dining here, it effectively eases their nerves. However, I have some matters that are not suitable for discussion here. Meet me in my office later."
After Dumbledore spoke, he glanced at Quirrell, engrossed in his food, then rose and departed. Following suit, McGonagall and Snape quickly finished their meals and left.
With Dumbledore gone, Artel and Hermione concluded their dinner conversation, bidding each other goodnight before parting ways. Once Artel returned to his bedroom, he retrieved the Isil spar from the bed.
Curious about what Dumbledore knew, Artel sensed that the old man held key information. The crystal stone rippled, revealing a scene in Dumbledore's office.
Seated opposite Dumbledore, Snape and Professor McGonagall engaged in conversation. Dumbledore took a sip of hot tea and continued, "Newt informed me that the troll creature has been around for at least a century. They share no blood ties with trolls and, based on certain characteristics, likely inhabit tropical rainforest areas. Newt plans to explore the rainforest to see if he can find anything."
Dumbledore paused, then added, "Of course, there's one more crucial matter."
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