Chapter 70 The old man has a dirty heart
Aaron clearly felt Snape let out a sigh of relief, making him even more certain that he knew Lord Voldemort might be at Hogwarts and that he might be after the Philosopher's Stone.
But he was also sure that Snape could not possibly be an accomplice of Lord Voldemort, otherwise his Resurrection Potion would not have been kept safe, because a Dark Lordin his prime would definitely have the ability to leave Hogwarts with Snape unscathed.
"Professor, can you tell me now who else knows about this?"
Snape took a deep breath, smiled, and looked at Aaron, "Don't worry too much; not many people know. Besides the person from last night, there are only two others."
"That's good, it won't be too much trouble to deal with." Aaron breathed a sigh of relief; as long as the other person in the know wasn't Professor Quirrell, his safety could be guaranteed.
But it couldn't possibly be Quirrell. Lord Voldemort had taken two spells in Quirrell's body last night, and even if he didn't care about the injuries, he still had to take care of the lingering Lord Voldemort.
Presumably, besides teaching, he would try to avoid public appearances and stay in his office.
"But the other person who knows isn't as easy to talk to as I am." Snape smiled meaningfully, pouring a bucket of cold water on Aaron's heart, "You'll have to come with me to the Headmaster's Office. Our Principal is waiting for you there."
"The Principal? Albus Dumbledore?" Aaron asked in surprise, "He knows too?"
"What do you think?
You know Hagrid.
Although I'm not fond of him, he has his unique qualities to have been at Hogwarts for so many years.
It's just that he's too loyal to Dumbledore; he has almost no secrets from him. After coming out of the Forbidden Forestlast night, he went to the Headmaster's Office overnight."
"Fantastic!" Aaron's face grew a little bitter, on the verge of tears, "No one at Hogwarts is harder to deal with than Dumbledore. What a hassle."
"You seem to know him very well?" Snape asked curiously, "I didn't know you had any dealings with him."
"Don't misunderstand, Professor.
I'm not familiar with the Principal. My knowledge of Dumbledore is limited to what's in books.
However, my family's ancestors compiled a treasure trove of wisdom, and one of its tenets is this: The longer a person lives, the richer their experience, and it's very difficult to guess their true thoughts."
Snape raised an eyebrow, "That's very true."
"Right!
This type of person is colloquially known as an old immortal.
If you encounter those with no fame, it's fine, because they often live peacefully, only wanting to enjoy their old age.
But if you encounter those famous and high-ranking elders, then you need to be more vigilant, because these people are all cunning old foxes; if you're not careful, you might be sold out without even knowing it.
In short, old immortals have dirty hearts."
Snape clapped his hands, a look of emotion on his face, "That's so right, absolutely correct.
If I had known this saying before, I wouldn't have... Alas! It's a long story!
Aaron, I have an impolite request: could I see your family's treasure trove?"
"Impossible, give up on that idea!" Aaron refused without thinking.
That incredibly thick treasure trove was his family's ancestral teaching passed down for thousands of years, and it was constantly being improved.
It had no magic, no valuable spells recorded; it was just an ordinary book, but it wasn't something outsiders could just look at.
"Alright! I was presumptuous." Snape said, then opened the door, "Come with me!"
"Professor, can I not go?"
"Of course, and I'd be happy to have some peace.
But if Dumbledore doesn't see you, he'll probably come looking for you himself."
"Then I'll go!"
The two arrived on the eighth floor of the Castle. Aaronfollowed Snape and stood in front of a gargoyle.
"Lemon Drop!"
Snape uttered the password, and the gargoyle jumped aside. The wall behind it split in two, revealing a spiral staircase slowly moving upwards.
Through the staircase, they arrived at a door, and Snapepushed it open directly.
"Principal, I've brought the person you were looking for."
"Thank you." Dumbledore, with his back to them, was organizing bookshelves on the stairs. "Aaron Gaius, you are the first student this semester to visit my office."
"I'm flattered." Aaron said with a forced smile.
He surveyed the circular room and had to admit it was much better than Snape's office.
It was more spacious, brighter, and didn't have the mixed smell of various Potions.
Various silver instruments were displayed on the cabinets, and the walls were adorned with portraits of past Principals, through which one could see the visages and smiles of these famous figures.
Although they were just a bunch of deceased old men, being displayed here by the contemporary White Magic King was enough to prove their abilities during their lives.
On the desk was a gilded perch, and a strange bird with red feathers stood upon it, staring at Abey with sharp eyes, as if it had discovered something interesting.
Abey also looked at the strange bird curiously, his agile eyes showing a hint of fascination, and then... he shamelessly wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.
He also saw the Sorting Hat dozing on a shelf, and a Giantsmiling awkwardly and waving at him... A Giant?
Gi... Damn it!
Hagrid.
Aaron was instantly wide awake, glaring at him furiously, his black wand already drawn.
Hagrid shivered inwardly and slowly moved towards Dumbledore, fearing that Aaron wouldn't be able to control himself and would cast a spell on him.
He knew what he did was not kind, but with such a big incident in the Forbidden Forest, for the safety of Hogwarts, he could only report to Dumbledore.
As a meticulous person like him, details naturally couldn't be omitted.
"Why are you hiding? I won't hit you."
"You never know." Hagrid said guiltily.
"You know it yourself!" Aaron sneered, "For all the things you've done, it's only right for me to beat you up. If only I wasn't weaker..."
"Sorry!"
"I've heard those two words too many times recently.
Hagrid, I just want to ask you, what exactly did I do to offend you that you keep targeting me?"
"I... this..." Hagrid's eyes darted around as he nervously explained, "Actually, this really is just a misunderstanding. I didn't do it on purpose."
"Do you think I'll believe that?"
"Enough." Dumbledore slowly walked down the stairs. "Whether it was intentional or not, it no longer matters.
Aaron, you're a smart boy; you should know what I mean."
"I know." Aaron glared fiercely at Hagrid. "What's done is done. There's no point in constantly holding a grudge against someone."
"Thank you!"
"Don't be so quick to thank me, Hagrid.
You'd best control your mouth and think twice before speaking."
"I understand!"
Aaron shook his head, holding no hope for Hagrid's promise.
"Please sit down, Mr. Gaius." Dumbledore sat at his desk, smiling at Aaron.
Aaron didn't hesitate; he picked up Abey from the floor and sat down in the chair.
"Professor, is there something you need me for?"
"Didn't Professor Snape tell you?" Dumbledore asked meaningfully, "I thought you knew?"
"What he said and what you said are two different things."
"Alright!
Hagrid told me some things that happened last night, including the Unicorn being attacked by the Black-robed Man, and you possessing a very special Potion." Dumbledore paused slightly, "Aaron, may I see that Potion?"
"I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid not." Aaron said earnestly.
"Principal, I've seen it." Snape's expression was solemn. "The effect is very strong, incredibly so. It can instantly restore a critically ill person to optimal health, and can even resurrect a life that has recently died.
However, it is powerless against lives that have been dead for a long time."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed at the words, but quickly returned to normal, and he chuckled softly, "That's already quite remarkable."
"Professor Dumbledore, if you wish to learn about my Potion, I must refuse.
From yesterday until now, that bottle has been opened twice, and a small portion has evaporated."
"Don't misunderstand, I didn't mean that." Dumbledore said with a chuckle, "What I meant to say is, could you entrust that Potion to me for safekeeping?"
"What?" Aaron was instantly dumbfounded.
What does he mean? Others just want to look, but you're pushing your luck?
You're the White Magic King, and powerful, no doubt, but you can't bully people because of your position!
"Professor, I might have misheard." Aaron frowned, "Are you saying you want me to hand over the Resurrection Potion for you to keep?"
"I'm afraid you didn't mishear."
Dumbledore felt a bit awkward forcing a junior like this.
But considering his plan, he still brazenly made the request.
"Give me a reason, or rather, why?" Aaron said blandly, "Even if you are the Principal, you have no right to force a student to hand over their belongings."
The others in the office exchanged glances, not expecting Aaron to be so firm in front of the Principal.
"Aaron, you saw last night that there's a Black-robed Manhidden in Hogwarts.
He's very dangerous and urgently needs to replenish his life force, so... this is also for your safety.
I can guarantee that it will be returned to you after the holidays."