In the corridors of Hogwarts.
Professor McGonagall hurriedly walked towards the Headmaster's Office.
At the entrance of the Headmaster's Office, there was a gargoyle with a spout. In Hogwarts Castle, there were many such gargoyles, and the one at the Headmaster's office was particularly eye-catching.
"Sherbet Lemon."
This was a peculiar password that only appeared when Dumbledore was in office. As the gargoyle moved aside, Professor McGonagall quickly stepped onto the staircase leading to the Headmaster's Office.
"Minerva, the new batch of little wizards hasn't given you too much trouble, has it?" Dumbledore buried his head in an ancient book related to the Deathly Hallows.
"No trouble, but I certainly feel a bit uneasy." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, looking serious as she stood in front of the Headmaster's desk, her voice was quite complex.
"Oh? What happened?"
Dumbledore raised his head, his eyes behind the glasses showing curiosity.
"That child from the Snape family, today in Transformation Class..." Professor McGonagall recounted to Dumbledore what had happened during her class with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
"I have never seen such dramatic progress; it was as if he leaped through several years of study, achieving things many high-year wizards haven't been able to do."
Her voice still carried a strong sense of incredulity, as though Ian's previous performance was still vividly clear.
"This proves the success of your teaching, isn't it something to be happy about? I'm a bit envious that you may soon get an exceptionally talented Transformation Class assistant."
"Professor Snape will surely be quite jealous of you." Dumbledore wore a gentle smile, presenting a stark contrast to the worry on Professor McGonagall's face.
"I've always wanted a talented little wizard as my assistant, but such talent as his is more than exceptional; it's a bit terrifying."
Professor McGonagall sighed.
"Undeniably, Mr. Prince's performance is truly extraordinary. I've seen numerous gifted individuals, but never thought I would, in my lifetime, encounter a junior that would make me a bit envious."
"Astonishingly gifted, confidently composed... unstoppable."
Dumbledore closed the book he was reading, gazing at Professor McGonagall with calm eyes, "Throughout history, there have been wizards like this."
Confronting Dumbledore's statement.
Professor McGonagall furrowed her eyebrows.
"Who?"
She asked herself, thinking her Magic History knowledge was quite good, although prone to drowsiness during school, but after years as a professor, she'd revisited and refreshed her knowledge in all areas.
"Merlin Ambrosius."
Dumbledore smiled as always.
"..."
Professor McGonagall widened her eyes, feeling both ridiculous and a bit horrified. Many figures crossed her mind, but she never thought Dumbledore would utter such a name!
Merlin!
The wizarding world's prayer is often to Merlin!
This shows its prestige!
"Are you comparing the Snape child with Merlin?" Professor McGonagall was full of disbelief, she even thought maybe she had caught Dumbledore in a phase of senility.
"After the Sorting Hat made that decision, I consulted many books and documents, which made me understand certain things." Dumbledore placed his hand on the desk.
"Some wizards simply stand apart from us."
"They can see the magical world we can't, experience wondrous magical sensations we can't explore, and this is why they can rise like comets."
"Minerva, we must acknowledge the existence of geniuses; it's not their fault." Dumbledore spoke gently, seemingly giving Professor Cat a lesson once more, despite her many years since graduation.
"Aren't you yourself a genius?"
Professor McGonagall queried with furrowed brows.
"Without self-praise, I'd say I am a genius." Dumbledore accepted this title with ease, but then candidly changed the topic.
"But compared to the four founders of Hogwarts, I still have some way to go. And Ian, this child was personally chosen by the Sorting Hat as Lady Ravenclaw's heir."
"We must trust the Sorting Hat's judgment; Ravenclaw's heir would certainly not be a bad person." Dumbledore invoked the name of Hogwarts' founder.
Professor McGonagall remained unconvinced.
"That's not the point; we're talking about Merlin now!"
If wizards have faith.
It would certainly be in Merlin.
Professor McGonagall was clearly among them.
"It is a fact, Minerva, that Ian may not reach Merlin's heights, but he undoubtedly possesses talent akin to Merlin's. I trust my judgment just as much."
Dumbledore recalled some recent events.
His tone was firm.
Professor McGonagall was at a loss for words.
"No matter what, Albus, Mr. Prince was standing next to Little Grindelwald at the start of school." All Professor McGonagall could do was change the topic.
She didn't understand why Dumbledore wasn't concerned at all.
If Dumbledore believed Ian had Merlin-like talent, shouldn't that warrant more vigilance and caution? He grasped advanced Transformation Techniques as a first-year!
Could Dumbledore hold up against him in a few years?
Has Voldemort's post-traumatic stress suddenly healed?
Otherwise, wouldn't we, who've been on edge for years, be the fools!
"I certainly saw."
Dumbledore, unaware of Professor McGonagall's inner grievances, continued to reassure her, "Isn't this what we hope to see? Little wizards making friendships at Hogwarts."
Upon hearing this.
Professor McGonagall nodded.
"I know we shouldn't have prejudices against them, and I'm trying my best, but I must know your old friend hasn't instilled any crazy ideas in them."
"We all know the capability and tact that person possesses. If he has altered their thinking, not even the revival of the Four Founders could bring them back to the right path."
Professor McGonagall's words were unreserved, highlighting her inner unease. Dumbledore patiently let her finish, contemplating before slowly speaking.
"I can't assure you of that, but I can guarantee, Gellert Grindelwald's ideology cannot influence those with strong minds."
"I believe Mr. Prince will not let us down in this regard." Dumbledore's tone remained gentle, not as stern as Professor McGonagall had anticipated before coming.
"And what about Little Grindelwald?"
Professor McGonagall was filled with doubt and confusion.
"Putting aside his talent, I actually think that in some ways Ian Prince is a lot like me once, so there's no need to worry about Miss Grindelwald influencing Ian."
Facing Professor McGonagall's headshake.
"Minerva, you've always misunderstood something."
Dumbledore suddenly called softly.
He lifted his head.
Looking at the puzzled Professor McGonagall.
Those profound eyes seemed to shine with the clarity of someone who has seen through the fog.
"That day, it was Miss Grindelwald who stood beside Ian Prince... recognizing this is very important." Softly and gently, it resonated in the office.
And quickly settled down again.
The light of the fire flickered in Dumbledore's eyes.
In the silent environment.
The portraits on the walls seemed noisy, just like the churning thoughts within the narrowing eyes of Professor McGonagall.