Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office
"Dumbledore, what do you want to talk to me about?" Snape asked, his tone sharp.
"Please take a seat, Professor Snape," Dumbledore replied gently.
"I still have a potion brewing. If there is nothing important, please keep your conversation brief," Snape said, his cold expression revealing his dissatisfaction at having his holiday plans disrupted.
"Well, it's like this: I've accepted Damon as my apprentice," Dumbledore continued.
Snape's face twitched involuntarily at the mention of Damon.
"The child is very interested in Occlumency, but I've been too busy lately to teach him. I hope you can take on this responsibility."
Now the corners of Snape's mouth began to twitch.
"What do you mean? You want me to teach him Occlumency?" He sneered, forcing a smile. "They were right; this boy is truly a natural Slytherin. After getting close to you, his first thought was to hide his secrets—Dumbledore, you really should have looked into his mind before he mastered Occlumency. Who knows, we might uncover a new Dark Lord."
"Snape, I will never use Legilimency on my students. Besides, I must ask you not to do so," Dumbledore said calmly, doubting that Snape would stoop to such methods.
Strange, Dumbledore thought to himself. Where is Snape's prejudice against Damon coming from? Why does it seem like he's a bit dissatisfied?
After a moment of consideration, Dumbledore continued, "If you find it inconvenient, then forget it. I'll find another time to teach him myself—"
"It's convenient for me!" Snape interrupted, almost eagerly.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at Snape's sudden reaction, but Snape quickly realized he had lost his composure. He settled back into his seat and said lightly, "You rarely ask me for something; how could I refuse?"
Despite maintaining his typical indifference, the corners of Snape's mouth curled slightly as he imagined that the very student who had caused Slytherin to lose the House Cup would soon be under his control. He couldn't help but feel pleased.
"I trust you can be gentle. Damon is a gifted wizard, and I believe it won't be too difficult for you to teach him."
Although Dumbledore couldn't sense Snape's emotions, he felt there was a slight shift in his mood. "In addition, Damon has already learned the basic techniques for blocking his mind and has done so very well. However, if you want to take his skills further, you'll need to invest extra time and effort. Please, Snape."
"He has already learned it?" Snape purred, the hint of irritation evident on his face. This would make it less convenient to control him. But it didn't matter—he was the professor, and Damon was the student. There were still plenty of ways to challenge him.
This time, Snape resolved to deduct all of Gryffindor's points at the beginning of the school year! He eagerly anticipated the start of school.
On the last day at the Weasley family's house, Mrs. Weasley prepared a sumptuous dinner.
Afterward, Fred and George used the Filibuster Fireworks they had purchased. These magical fireworks only required moisture to ignite and created a spectacular display that perfectly capped off their final night before school.
The kitchen was soon filled with red and blue stars that danced between the ceiling and the walls for at least half an hour.
When the fun was over, everyone enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate, said their goodbyes, and returned to their rooms.
In Ron's small room, Damon squeezed in next to Ron and Harry. Initially, Ron and Harry pretended to be serious and were trying to sleep.
But after just two minutes, Ron broke the silence. "Damon, Harry, are you asleep?"
"No," Harry replied.
"Me neither, Ron," Damon added.
"Oh—Harry, I really envy you. You got to learn magic with Damon for a month during the summer vacation. Now you've left me far behind."
Ever since Ron learned this from Harry, he had been bothered by it. He believed it was quite significant. Ever since he had managed to briefly catch up with Harry in "Expelliarmus," he thought maybe he had some talent and as long as he worked hard, he could catch up in other areas as well.
However, he was now anxious. He had hoped he and Harry would start school on equal footing, with ideas of even surpassing Harry. But now, with that month of missed learning, how could he close the gap?
"Don't worry, Ron. I can teach you after school starts. Besides, we have Professor Lockhart! He's a great wizard who can handle trolls and werewolves on his own!
With him teaching us Defense Against the Dark Arts, what is there to worry about? We'll practice in the Room of Requirement after class every day. One day, the three of us will join forces and defeat Voldemort!"
Harry spoke with full confidence and excitement. This summer had been truly magical for him, and he was ready to give everything for success.
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