The sisters stopped not far from the entrance, near the wall. Dumbledore was busy playing with the phoenix. I couldn't help it and rolled my eyes like a famous philanthropist.
— Come in, sit down. — The old man smiled kindly and pointed to two chairs for visitors.
I wanted to growl, snarl, curse, swear, be hysterical, but I just sat down in the chair. This old dotard can and likes to make trouble out of nothing. I'm just mad about English customs, not all of them, but to respect a man just because he fought a duel with someone once, long ago, and after that he only got involved in politics. "Professor?" Dumbledore hasn't taught a single class, not even courses, in over twenty years, so why call him that? Many students in all seven years of study have never spoken to him personally, but there are "favorites" that this m... wizard likes to call on for business and pleasure. It would have been good for him if he had gone for a walk.
The headmaster remained stupidly silent for a few minutes, standing on the perch of a slumbering bird, while the dean waited obediently. She had heard that I had almost no free time, so she could have hurried the bearded man up! And I will remain silent on principle, to ask — to give him the initiative, and now I will fall into a light meditation to calm my nerves. He was silent for ten minutes. And she was also silent. And I meditated, already calm. Daphne, for all her faults, had grown up in a pureblood family, as had Gabby and Fleur, so I had some good helpers. Especially since the Delacour sisters were also present at two of the rituals, so they're already familiar with my style, I mean Japanese. At the thirteenth minute "It" spoke.
— I received an official letter last night. — And again a long pause, and a look out the window, as if thinking aloud. — It told me that a pagan festival was planned for today on the Hogwarts grounds. Mr. Hoshino, — he looked at me for the first time while I sat with my eyes closed. — Why didn't you tell me this in person?
— When I met with Lords Malfoy and Greengrass, I expressed my desire to hold this MAGICAL feast properly, according to magical laws. They were interested because it turns out that in the lands of Britain, traditional holidays are not celebrated for some reason, and those who want to celebrate do not know how to do it properly or have no experience with complex rituals. — Through my closed eyelids I could see the piercing gaze of the director, who listened to me attentively. — I have such experience — you are witness to it. Lord Malfoy offered to handle all official matters without my participation, my job is to prepare and perform the ritual. — And I remain silent, waiting for a reaction.
Again, a few minutes of silence and a glance out the window. In the meantime, I had time to answer a few questions from the girls about the stacking of the baskets, and also to confirm Daphne's words about personal preparation for the ritual — special ablutions with herbs and oils.
— And yet you should have informed me of your intentions. — The headmaster said in a thoughtful voice, looking out the window as he continued. — Performing rituals is a very complex and dangerous science, it requires a lot of theory and experience, and if you lack it, you should consult older, more experienced and knowledgeable people. — The man turned around and gave himself a serious look. — Overconfidence can get you into trouble. I advise you to consider abandoning this foolish and ill-considered venture. Through ignorance you can not only harm yourself, magic does not like jokes. — He frowned.
— You're right — I nod. — And I agree with you on almost everything, except that last point. — Dumbledore frowned naturally, not demonstratively, at these words. — Celebrating the Celtic festival of Samhain is a deliberate decision, and I'm not the only one who's been preparing for it. As for ritual magic, which this state for some reason wants to stigmatize and ban as "dark," I would like to say the following. Personally, I have studied magic from its ritual component, so you can let go of your worries — I have enough experience and knowledge. But if you don't want to take my word for it, you can ask Lord Malfoy and Lord Greengrass about my competence: they have all the proof you need.
— You are too young to have the kind of knowledge and experience that inspires confidence in a favorable outcome. Your words, Mr. Hoshino, only reinforce my conclusions about your self-confidence. — Dumbledore shook his head. — I insist that any activity involving the celebration of pagan traditions cease. — And he looked at me, and the mind defenses began to scramble again.
For a few seconds, I stared into the man's eyes, wondering how this creature had acquired such power. By what merit? Dumbledore is not the head of a family, he has no Altar of Ancestors, he is not connected to any spiritual plans, he has no blessings, he is a half-blood. So where does that come from? I close my eyes, concentrate, open my eyes. Dumbledore's aura, visibly shaken by my 'new' gaze, shows no signs of great deeds — no good, no evil, nothing. His artifacts are strong, very strong, and his aura is very powerful. There are sins, and quite a few, but he is old, and that only shows that Albus Dumbledore has not performed purification rituals, and he is not a priest of any deity. Multiple traces of oaths — still in effect, and no longer. No, he did perform some rituals... ah, ah, ah... sacrifices. I've read about it. I close my eyes, release my gaze through the spirit world, the whispers subside considerably, open my eyes.
— How do you imagine my refusal? — The scratching in my head has become more active. I'm fed up. — And stop trying to get into my head or I'll report you to the DMLE.
Perfectly calm as she drank her tea, McGonagall choked and coughed. Dumbledore made a completely incomprehensible and innocent face.
— What are you talking about? Do you realize it's a crime to slander?
— Call me the new Dark Lord. — I chuckle ironically. — I've felt your attempts to get inside my head from the beginning and I'm sick of it.
— You have to be a master of mental magic to use Legilimens without a wand. — The Dean finally coughed. — Headmaster Dumbledore doesn't have that title! — A burning look, absolutely sure of what she was saying. What was the point of explaining to her the advantages of hiding such a cool trump card and whatnot? I just shrugged my shoulders.
— Let's get back to the subject at hand. — The director has spoken. — You should stop this right now.
— How do you plan to do that, hmm? — I repeat myself.
— I don't see any problem: you have to apologize to the important people you misled with your words and promises. Apologizing is not as scary as young people think. Ah, those were the days.
— Uh, no.
— Pardon me? — The principal has come back from his memories.
— If I do that, I'll lose what little respect and authority I've earned. Such a move would ruin my future. — I pause and raise my eyes to the ceiling. — Or is that what you're trying to do, take away my future?
The dean was loudly indignant and began to recite speeches in honor and praise of the Great Bright One, but I didn't listen to her, I looked at the headmaster. Then I spoke.
— Headmaster Dumbledore. I have all the official documents and permissions I can get. Even the Minister himself has signed the papers. In this situation, you can only advise, and it's up to me to take your advice or not. If that's all, I'd like to get back to my business.
— As headmaster of the school these children attend, I forbid any pagan rituals on Hogwarts grounds.
— Samhain, in case you didn't know, is an ancient holiday celebrated in these lands long before Christian propaganda. And it will be celebrated on the grounds of the Dark Forest, which is adjacent but not part of the school. — I rise from my chair. — Have a good day. — And I wish him nothing.
The old wizard has eaten up more than an hour of my time! I wish he had three times as much diarrhea as he took up my time!