As we walked, the Dean was curious about my life at Hogwarts. I had nothing to hide so far, so I had no problem sharing. The woman shook her head unhappily and told me to ask the senior classes, the headmasters, for help. But how could I explain to her that I hadn't gotten used to outside help over the years?
That the process of studying had become a completely different endeavor for me than it was for most people here? She complained that I was not in the faculty lounge. How was I supposed to find time for everything when I was even putting off my memory bracelet training, leaving only the gymnastics complex? Anyway, somehow we made it to the gray-bearded old man's office. The dean had left, by the way, so I went in alone.
I was surprised to see an unfamiliar wizard in a black robe over a classic business suit, but I didn't let on. Dumbledore was behind his desk, looking at me through his half-glasses.
— Good evening, Headmaster. Mr. — Two nods to the wizard.
— Have a seat, Mr. Hoshino. Tea?
— Thank you. — Why refuse? You need a reason, otherwise it's an insult to your host's hospitality, that's all.
— Now, — the headmaster said with a wave of his wand. — I've invited you here to meet your court-appointed guardian. Mr. Andrew Scrunch. — the stranger nodded. — He has an important conversation to have with you.
— That's right. — He was not very strong, but he was not a weakling of mediocre appearance, with red hair and a smudged chin, almost no chin at all. — I've been appointed as your guardian, Mr. Hoshino. That's why I've come to meet you in person and settle some important matters. — I hid my emotions, only raising an eyebrow as I sipped a nice black tea from a beautiful porcelain. — So. The Ministry was interested in your developments, and the demand for them gives a clear confidence in the possibility of wide distribution, even entering the world market. — A pause, which I did not interrupt, I just looked into the eyes of the interviewer, watching the director out of the corner of my eye. — So, the Ministry of Magic believes that such a discovery can not remain in private hands, but in the hands of the state these developments will significantly expand the exchange of goods with other states, increase the authority of magical Britain on the world stage.
Therefore, you are offered the transfer of the technology to produce a range of musical artifacts and recording media, and I, as the official guardian, have given my consent to this step.
According to the law, you must hand over the documentation of the artifacts to me and stop your personal production immediately. — He was silent and looked at me, who had long since turned his back on the phoenix.
A beautiful bird, by the way, with a strong affinity to fire, but not to the level of Ifrit. Semi-reasonable, you can feel a kind of "warmth" from him, the phoenix, benevolence. A good familiar, reliable and kind — just right for proper PR. After a few minutes of silence, when I finished my tea leisurely, I spoke.
— And what makes you think that I not only recognize you as my guardian, but also your claim to my property, hmm? I've already told you that I don't care about your 'wishes'.
— By law.... — began the wizard, but was interrupted.
— I have the right to choose my own guardian, or not to choose one at all. I am a free man and I owe nothing to anyone. Well? And what are you going to do? — I smile ironically and study the real Englishman from my comfortable chair.
— According to the law, the official guardian has the right to dispose of the minor's property as he sees fit. You must obey. — Unhappily, he pursed his lips and murmured this ... this.
— Thank you for the tea, Headmaster Dumbledore, it's very good. If you have no further business with me, I'd like to return to my business... ....
— My boy, you shouldn't behave like this. — said calmly to the "old man". — Laws are written to regulate our lives, to settle disputes. You can't just ignore them.
— Why not? You can, and you even have to, if the laws are specially tailored to your needs by greedy people. For example, I am being robbed, openly and very brazenly. I've put a lot of effort, work, and time into creating these artifacts, and now I have to give it all to a stranger, a complete stranger? Why would I do that? — The calming effect of the powder helped me a lot to keep my temper. — What moral right do you have to do this? As a long-time principal, tell me, is it fair to do this? — I'm really interested in his answer, especially since I have an activated tape recorder in my pocket.
— You're too young, Sora. — The director sighed heavily and looked away from the sleeping bird. — The adult world is a complex one, full of conflicts and contradictions, and not everything is always as it seems to the young, hot-hearted. — Dumbledore sighed again. — I advise you to listen to the voice of reason and put aside your emotions. This step will be the right one, for the good of all society.
I studied the faces of the two men for a moment as they waited in silence for my answer. I wanted to make a long speech, to say a lot of things, not only my own thoughts, but also those of my grandfather from that life, who fought in the Second World War. But what was the point? Would they understand anything? These people who are used to live like this — without honor and truth? So I decided to tell only a part of it. For myself. I've just formed an opinion about the director.
— That's why you can't live well, gentlemen. You can't live without cheating and stealing. You're used to hiding your deeds behind a pretty wrapper. Your souls are empty. — I pause for a moment, looking at each of them in turn, then speak in a firm, confident tone. — I will not accept or recognize anyone's guardianship over me. You've wasted your time, thieves. — I turn and walk away in silence.
No one tried to stop me.