The Old Ones of Hogwarts

Chapter 63: An Untold Conversation [Second Update]

In the corridors of Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall hurried toward the principal's office.

There is a gargoyle at the entrance to the Headmaster's office. There are many such gargoyles in Hogwarts Castle, but the one at the entrance to the Headmaster's office is particularly eye-catching.

"Sour Pop Candy"

This was a peculiar password that only appeared when Dumbledore was in office. As the gargoyle leaped away, Professor McGonagall strode up the stairs leading to the Headmaster's office.

"Minerva, the new batch of young wizards shouldn't be causing you any trouble, right?" Dumbledore asked, his head bowed as he read an ancient book about the Deathly Hallows.

"I'm not troubled, but I'm definitely feeling a bit apprehensive right now." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, her expression serious, and her voice was complex as she stood in front of the principal's desk.

"Oh? What happened?"

Dumbledore looked up, curiosity appearing in his eyes behind his glasses.

"That Snape kid, in Transfiguration class today—" Professor McGonagall told Dumbledore what had happened during her class with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff that day.

"I have never seen such incredible progress; it's as if he has leaped across several years of learning in one go."

He accomplished something that many senior wizards couldn't.

Her voice still carried a strong sense of disbelief, as if Ian's previous performance was still vivid in her mind.

"This proves that your teaching has been very effective. Isn't that something to be happy about?"

I'm even a little envious that you were able to quickly get such an outstanding teaching assistant position for your transformation course.

"Professor Snape will definitely be very jealous of you." Dumbledore's calm smile contrasted sharply with the worry on Professor McGonagall's face.

"I've always hoped to have a exceptionally talented young wizard become my teaching assistant, but his talent isn't just exceptional, it's downright frightening."

Professor McGonagall sighed.

"Undeniably, Mr. Prince's performance is indeed extraordinary. I have seen many brilliant talents, but I never thought that I would meet a junior in my lifetime who makes me somewhat jealous."

"Exceptionally talented, confident and composed—unstoppable."

Dumbledore closed the book he was reading and met Professor McGonagall's gaze with a calm expression.

"In fact, there have been such wizards in history."

In response to Dumbledore's remarks.

Professor McGonagall frowned.

"Who?"

She considered herself to have a fairly good grasp of the history of magic. Although she often felt sleepy when she was in school, she had reviewed and revisited her knowledge in various aspects after being a professor for so many years.

Merlin Ambrose.

Dumbledore smiled as before.

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened, feeling both absurd and horrified. Many figures had flashed through her mind, but she never expected Dumbledore to utter such a name!

Merlin!

Wizards in the wizarding world always pray to Merlin!

This clearly demonstrates its high value!

"You're comparing the Snape children to Merlin?" Professor McGonagall looked utterly incredulous; she even felt like she might be experiencing a bout of Dumbledore's dementia.

"After the Sorting Hat made that decision, I read through many books and documents, which made me understand some things." Dumbledore placed his hand on the desk.

"There are a handful of wizards who are indeed different from us."

"They can see the magical world that we cannot, and experience the wonderful magical senses that we have no chance to explore. This is why they were able to rise like a comet."

"Minerva, we must acknowledge the existence of geniuses; it is not their fault," Dumbledore said softly, as if giving a lecture to the cat professor who had graduated many years ago.

"Aren't you one of the geniuses too?"

Professor McGonagall frowned in confusion.

"Without boasting, I am certainly a genius." Dumbledore readily accepted the title, but then casually changed the subject.

"However, compared to the four giants of Hogwarts, I still have some gaps to close with them."

And Ian, this child was chosen by the Sorting Hat itself for Madam Ravenclaw.

"We must trust the Sorting Hat's judgment; Ravenclaw's successor cannot be a bad person." Dumbledore invoked the name of the founder of Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall remained unmoved.

"That's not the same thing; we're talking about Merlin now!"

If the wizard has faith.

That must be Merlin.

Professor McGonagall was clearly one of them.

"That's true, Minerva. Ian may not reach Merlin's level, but he definitely has the same talent as Merlin, and I trust my judgment."

Dumbledore's mind drifted back to some recent events.

His tone was firm.

Professor McGonagall had absolutely no idea how to refute this.

"In any case, Mr. Albus Prince stood next to young Grindelwald when school started," Professor McGonagall had no choice but to change the subject.

She didn't understand why Dumbledore wasn't worried at all.

Since Dumbledore believed Ian possessed Merlin-like talent, shouldn't he have been more cautious and vigilant? Others could grasp advanced Transfiguration techniques on their own in their first year!

Will you, Dumbledore, be able to keep things under control for a few more years?

Voldemort's PTSD suddenly healed?

Then wouldn't those of us who have become somewhat paranoid thanks to you over the years be seen as clowns?

"Of course I saw it."

Unaware of Professor McGonagall's inner turmoil, Dumbledore continued to reassure her, "Isn't this exactly what we wanted to see? The young wizards have gained friendships at Hogwarts."

Upon hearing this...

Professor McGonagall nodded.

I know we shouldn't treat them with prejudice, and I'm trying to do that, but I need to know if your old friend has instilled any crazy ideas in them.

"We all know that person's abilities and skills. If he has already changed the minds of those two people, even if the four giants are resurrected, they probably won't be able to lead them back to the right path."

Professor McGonagall's words were blunt and clearly revealed her inner unease. Dumbledore waited quietly for her to finish speaking, and after a moment of contemplation, he slowly opened his mouth.

"I cannot assure you of that, but I can assure you that Gellert Grindelwald's ideas can absolutely not be imposed on those who are already of sound mind."

"I don't think Mr. Prince will disappoint us on this point." Dumbledore's tone remained calm, not as serious as Professor McGonagall had expected.

"What about Grindelwald Jr.?"

Professor McGonagall was filled with doubt and confusion.

"Talent aside, I actually think that Ian Prince is a lot like me in some ways, so you don't need to worry that Miss Grindelwald will influence Ian."

Professor McGonagall shook her head.

"Minerva, you've been wrong about one thing all along."

Dumbledore suddenly called out softly.

He raised his head.

Professor McGonagall looked at the bewildered man at his desk.

Those deep eyes seemed to carry a brightness that had already seen through the fog.

"That day, Miss Grindelwald stood beside Ian Prince—realizing this,"

"Very important." A soft, gentle voice rang out in the office.

It quickly subsided.

The firelight from the fireplace flickered in Dumbledore's eyes.

In a quiet environment.

The paintings of figures on the wall seemed quite noisy, much like Professor McGonagall's turbulent inner world, her eyes narrowing.