Dumbledore "Actually, I know considerably more than that. Earlier this evening, Professor Umbridge stormed into my office in hysterics, convinced a student had attacked her. Most peculiarly, however, she possessed no memory whatsoever of events following class dismissal."
Dumbledore spoke with scholarly gravity.
Orli "What's your assessment of the situation?"
Orli inquired carefully.
Dumbledore "I confess myself utterly mystified... Hogwarts is an exceedingly ancient castle, after all, harboring countless enigmatic magical mechanisms and sealed enchantments that remain unsolved to this day. Perhaps some mischievous contraption lurks within an innocent classroom vase?"
Dumbledore adopted a tone of profound regret:
Dumbledore "That was my explanation to her, though she remained unconvinced. Furthermore, she's demanding tomorrow's breakfast assembly in the Great Hall to examine every student's wand using Prior Incantato."
Orli "I suspect her investigation will prove fruitless."
Orli smiled knowingly.
Dumbledore "Your lesson appears to have proceeded rather turbulently."
Dumbledore observed.
Orli "Indeed. Moreover, I believe Umbridge is targeting Harry specifically—she assigned detention during her inaugural class, scheduled for tomorrow at five o'clock. I suspect malicious intent, though evidence remains elusive. Consequently, I've provided Harry with pain relief and hemorrhage control potions as precautionary measures."
Orli spoke with grave concern.
Orli "I also recommend monitoring Harry's wellbeing closely—recent gossip has subjected him to tremendous psychological pressure."
Dumbledore "I hadn't anticipated such profound concern for Harry from you."
Dumbledore appeared genuinely surprised, though Orli redirected the conversation.
Orli "Was there something specific you wished to discuss tonight?"
Dumbledore "Precisely so."
Dumbledore placed both hands upon his desk, revealing an grotesque, oversized golden ring adorning his finger—its center bore a fractured black stone of ominous appearance.
Orli "This is...?"
Orli regarded him questioningly.
Dumbledore "Indeed. The Horcrux I recovered from the Gaunt family's ancestral residence."
Dumbledore confirmed with a solemn nod.
Dumbledore "I must confess to a grievous and catastrophic error in judgment."
He flexed the ring-bearing hand, which appeared miraculously unharmed.
Dumbledore "The unfortunate reality is that because I am—forgive the immodesty—considerably more powerful and intelligent than most individuals, my mistakes tend toward correspondingly greater severity."
Orli "Yet you appear uninjured."
Orli sought confirmation.
Dumbledore "Only because I consumed your life-preserving elixir with fortuitous timing."
Dumbledore sighed with deep remorse:
Dumbledore "I'd hoped to avoid using it—such precious medicine should be reserved for someone more deserving..."
Orli "You intended saving it for Harry?"
Orli grasped the implication immediately.
Dumbledore cast her a startled glance.
Orli "I've already deduced that Harry likely constitutes a Horcrux himself."
Orli stated with clinical calm:
Orli "However, Harry's circumstances prove more complex—such remedies may prove ineffective for his condition. He possesses blood protection, plus... the power his mother bequeathed. Voldemort utilized Harry's blood for resurrection, which I believe creates a double-edged situation."
Profound silence settled between them.
Outside, darkness had consumed the sky entirely, making Dumbledore's office illumination seem more brilliant than ever.
Dumbledore "Orli, I've long sensed your trust in Severus far exceeds any faith in me."
After considerable pause, Dumbledore spoke deliberately.
Dumbledore "Have you shared these revelations with Severus?"
Orli "He deserves fundamental knowledge—especially if you're requesting he sacrifice his life protecting Harry Potter."
Orli responded with unwavering conviction.
Dumbledore "You know that he..."
Dumbledore's blue eyes widened with comprehension.
Orli "I know."
Orli employed Occlumency to conceal all emotional responses.
Orli "He confided in me personally. He's always loved Lily Evans, therefore he must protect Harry."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (140+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Happy reading, everyone!