"Mr. Antonius..."
"Mr. Antonius?"
This was the first time Snape had spoken since they'd entered the office.
Snape looked directly at Sean, one eyebrow arching sharply. "Who, exactly, is this Mr. Antonius you're referring to?"
Sean's face stiffened. He suddenly realized that he had... perhaps... possibly... never actually told his Head of House about Mr. Antonius.
This was... problematic.
"Um..." Sean turned desperately to Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore, I need to return and consult with Mr. Antonius about this matter first, so I can't possibly—"
Before Sean could finish his hasty explanation, Dumbledore raised one hand with a gentle smile. "It's quite alright, Sean. Nicolas cannot visit Hogwarts for the time being anyway. You have plenty of time to discuss Mr. Antonius with Severus first."
Is he gloating?
He must be gloating!
Dumbledore is definitely gloating right now!
Seeing the barely-concealed amusement dancing in Dumbledore's eyes, Sean turned to Snape with a slightly ingratiating tone. "Professor, you see... through Madam Pince in the library, I've been receiving instruction in alchemy from a ghost who resides within Hogwarts. As you're aware, my recent Transfiguration research happens to intersect significantly with alchemical principles, so I thought—"
"What you choose to study and who instructs you in those subjects is entirely your own business," Snape interrupted, his voice utterly flat. "It has nothing whatsoever to do with me, and you have no obligation to inform me of such matters."
Snape's dark eyes fixed on Sean with unsettling intensity. "However, I trust you haven't forgotten your primary responsibility. I expect the completed second phase of your Wolfsbane research paper on my desk within one week."
"Professor," Sean protested, "didn't you say I had half a month?"
Snape glanced at Sean, a cold smile playing at the corners of his mouth—that familiar expression that never meant anything good. "Since you clearly have sufficient time to pursue other studies of questionable relevance, you naturally have even more time available to complete your actual assigned work."
With that pronouncement, Snape rose smoothly from his chair, looking down at Sean. "Of course, you are entirely free to abandon the paper altogether. That choice is yours, is it not?"
If I actually dared to abandon it, the consequences would be catastrophic, Sean thought desperately.
Looking helplessly at his Head of House, Sean could only surrender to the inevitable. "I understand, Professor. I'll submit the completed paper within one week."
"See that you do."
Snape turned on his heel and swept from the Headmaster's office without another word, his black robes billowing behind him like a storm cloud.
Watching Snape's dramatic exit, Sean turned to regard Dumbledore with profound resentment written across his features.
"Professor Dumbledore, you did that deliberately, didn't you?"
"Sean, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with barely-suppressed mirth. "I was merely relaying Nicolas's message, as any friend would."
That manipulative old—
Sean bit back his thoughts and departed the Headmaster's office with as much dignity as he could muster.
He had genuinely believed he might gain some leverage over Dumbledore this time, but he'd barely had an opportunity before Dumbledore had turned the tables on him completely. Though Sean suspected Dumbledore might not have planned it initially, after witnessing Snape's reaction, the Headmaster had definitely seized the opportunity for maximum effect.
Merlin's beard, Sean thought with resignation as he descended the spiral staircase.
With a mounting headache, Sean returned to his dormitory and began working with desperate intensity to complete the second phase of his Wolfsbane research within the impossible one-week deadline.
Back in the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore's smile lingered as he watched the space where Sean had departed.
A portrait stirred behind him. Phineas Nigellus Black leaned forward in his frame. "Dumbledore, what is your assessment of the boy?"
"A remarkable student," Dumbledore replied thoughtfully. "I must admit, my previous understanding of him was... insufficient. Consequently, some of my earlier judgments were perhaps unfair." He paused, stroking his long silver beard. "However, my initial assessment wasn't entirely incorrect either. The boy is intelligent, powerful, and ambitious. His capacity for learning and research is genuinely exceptional. Moreover, his speed in mastering new magic is quite astonishing."
Dumbledore's expression grew more serious. "I've observed him carefully. After each duel or confrontation, he seems to absorb magical techniques from his opponents with remarkable efficiency. Even Tom Riddle in his youth couldn't match such rapid acquisition of magical knowledge."
"According to your description, isn't this child potentially quite dangerous?" Phineas asked sharply.
"No, quite the opposite." Dumbledore shook his head. "These very qualities that might seem concerning are what make him exceptional. His relationships with Severus and Mr. Antonius demonstrate that he deeply respects his mentors and values those connections. Of course, his proficiency with the Patronus Charm proves he isn't harboring darkness within his heart—but that's not the most significant indicator."
Dumbledore settled back in his chair. "To truly understand a person, one must examine their network of relationships—their friends, family, and teachers. From these connections, you gain insight into their fundamental character."
"So how, precisely, do you intend to handle this student?" This question came from Dilys Derwent, a former Headmistress who had always shown particular care for Hogwarts students.
"Guide him toward the right path," Dumbledore said simply. "He maintains a good relationship with Harry Potter, and I intend to encourage them to deepen that bond further. Naturally, nothing will be forced. His future ultimately depends on his own choices."
Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, his expression growing distant. "Also, regarding the future, this boy seems to..." He trailed off, lost in contemplation.
However, his reverie didn't last long. Rising from his desk, he allowed Fawkes to settle on his shoulder. In a flash of phoenix fire, they vanished from the office, heading directly to the Ministry of Magic.
Dumbledore would not, of course, go back on his word regarding the promises he'd made to Sean. He fully intended to seek justice on the boy's behalf.
Besides, the Slytherin Brotherhood had indeed been overstepping its bounds recently, extending its influence into Hogwarts in ways that were becoming problematic. This was the perfect opportunity to use Sean's situation as justification to properly curtail their activities and sever their inappropriate connections with current students.
Slytherin House belonged to Hogwarts—not to ambitious politicians and social climbers.
The first Quidditch match after the Christmas holidays was Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw.
Sean hadn't originally intended to attend. However, he couldn't resist Blaise's persistent pleading, combined with his friend's excuse that they both needed a break from their exhausting academic schedules. Half-heartedly agreeing, Sean found himself seated beside Blaise in the Slytherin stands, reasoning that he could always make up the lost study time later using his Time-Turner.
The Slytherin section was sparsely populated. After all, there weren't many die-hard Quidditch enthusiasts like Blaise in the entire house.
Drawing his wand, Sean cast a warming charm around himself and settled back, stifling a yawn. Potions could restore physical stamina, but they did absolutely nothing for mental exhaustion. Just as he was beginning to relax, a dreamy voice spoke beside him.
"Are you here to support Ravenclaw?"
Startled, Sean turned to find Luna Lovegood sitting next to him, though he could have sworn that seat had been empty moments ago. She looked underdressed for the cold weather, shivering slightly in the winter air.
Sean blinked in surprise. What was going on here? Had someone hidden Luna's winter cloak as a prank?