thefictionvixens Page 74
Page 74
But answering the other person's questions is a different story.
Because psychologically, asking questions means taking the initiative, and this control of the initiative will make the other party lower their guard.
In this way, by answering questions, Dumbledore can easily find out what the other person cares about most, and thus figure out the other person's true character traits.
As expected of an experienced bee, they have a real knack for getting things done.
If he were really just an ordinary little wizard, he would have been completely fooled long ago.
Therefore, even though Levin, as a time traveler, knew the inside story of the whole affair very well, he still had to ask some questions that he already knew the answers to.
"Professor, although I defeated the Dark Lord with the Sticky Charm, I still want to know why Professor Quirrell turned out like this after he met Harry?"
"I think a smart child like you must have some guesses, right?"
Dumbledore winked at him, then said,
"Because Professor Quirrell has two souls, and the one who truly caused this effect is the Dark Lord. Although I didn't witness your battle firsthand, I know some things. In fact, the Dark Lord is very knowledgeable about souls, but this kind of behavior is extremely dangerous."
"Harry survived because of this curse—you may be a Muggle, but you should have heard about it this past year—in fact, the protective curse is still in effect; the Dark Lord still can't touch Harry, even though he's not relying on his own body. Poor Quirrell became his master's substitute."
"Scapegoat."
Levin nodded.
He wasn't sure when the old bee discovered the Horcruxes, but in any case, he needed to study the magic of the soul a little. Otherwise, it wouldn't do to be unable to deal with the Horcruxes. He still owed Helena Ravenclaw a crown.
It just so happens that Lockhart, that old liar, will be coming to Hogwarts next semester.
Perhaps the key to understanding soul magic lies within him, in the forbidden book section.
Next, Levin asked a few more questions that he knew the answers to.
For example, who designed the levels in the "Brave and Smart Challenge" game?
Finally, he asked, "Headmaster, don't you think Professor Quirrell's behavior this semester has been somewhat unusual, given that he is the Dark Lord's subordinate?"
After saying that, he repeated his analysis of Harry and his friends in the troll's room during the challenge.
After these words were spoken, the entire principal's office fell into a moment of silence.
We were too careless then to realize its meaning.
I don't dislike not noticing it; rather, I don't want to notice it.
A conspiracy theory flashed through Levin's mind: perhaps after Quirrell brought the Dark Lord into Hogwarts, Dumbledore had already abandoned him and was using him as a sacrifice to train a savior.
Of course, he himself wasn't entirely convinced of this possibility.
From his personal perspective, Dumbledore wouldn't go that far.
The old bee may be too stubborn, or he may have flaws such as being too superstitious about prophecies, but at his core he is indeed a good person.
Given his personality, if Quirrell really surrenders, he will most likely step in to save him.
Of course, this doesn't mean Dumbledore didn't have a ruthless side.
In fact, he was quite cold towards Harry.
Looking at his entire scheme, it becomes clear that Dumbledore probably realized very early on that there was some connection between Harry Potter and the Dark Lord.
Considering his upbringing of Harry, a chilling conclusion can be drawn:
Dumbledore's entire approach to training Harry Potter had only one ultimate goal:
That means sending him to the Dark Lord and then letting him unleash an Avada Kedavra attack.
Only in this way can Voldemort be truly killed.
As for whether Harry lives or dies during this process... well, that's up to fate.
From this perspective, Dumbledore is indeed very ruthless.
If Snape found out that he had risked his life to protect Lily's child, and that his ultimate goal was to be struck by a Killing Curse in front of the Dark Lord...
He would most likely recite a killing curse on Dumbledore first.
Oh, so he already did that in the original story. Never mind then.
In short, Dumbledore, a complete idealist, can be quite terrifying at times.
For the sake of his ideals, he was willing to use his own life as a pawn.
Of course, they wouldn't mind using other people's lives as pawns.
Thinking about this, Levin couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for Harry's future.
"Quirok, in my opinion, was a talented but weak boy who, perhaps because of his timidity and neuroticism, had been ridiculed quite a bit during his school years. He was dissatisfied with himself and wanted to prove himself. Like those who felt insignificant or even ridiculous, Quirrell had an underlying desire to make the whole world look at him with new eyes."
However, it was precisely for this reason that I appointed him as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Dumbledore spoke slowly in a self-reproachful tone,
"It's a pity that he could have become a competent professor if he hadn't encountered the Dark Lord."
Finally, in remembrance of Quirrell, Dumbledore ended the conversation: "Thank you, Mr. Green, for satisfying this old man's curiosity in the middle of the night. I have enjoyed the conversation, but it is time for bed. I trust you can get back to your room without Filch."
Shortly after Levin left, in the headmaster's office, Dumbledore was exchanging views with portraits of past headmasters.
"He is indeed a genius, mature, intelligent, and a little ambitious. Perhaps, besides Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, he is also suited for Slytherin? But he is indeed a kind boy, and I like him very much," said the portrait of Delis de Winter.
Besides being the headmistress, she was also a renowned healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Injuries and Healings; her portrait hangs not only in the headmistress's office but also on the wall of the waiting room at St. Mungo's Hospital.
“He never even mentioned the Philosopher’s Stone. I probably couldn’t resist when I was alive,” said the portrait of Armando Dippert.
He was Dumbledore's predecessor as headmaster, and Voldemort's rise to power occurred during his tenure. However, other portraits seem to think he's joking, as he was over 300 years old when he became headmaster.
“I think that just proves he has a problem! Who wouldn’t be tempted by a Philosopher’s Stone unless they already have one themselves?” said the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, unaware that he had inadvertently revealed the truth.
He is an elder of the Sirius family and the most unpopular headmaster in Hogwarts history. He is a true pure-blood and harbors malice towards wizards like Levin who are Muggle-born.
Incidentally, the ancient magic heir, the one whose name cannot be revealed, transferred to Hogwarts during his term.
“You once said that person was the smartest and most talented student you had ever met. Now there’s someone even smarter than him. Based on his deep and thoughtful nature, I have reservations about his future prospects.”
Because of Levin's arrival, the portraits in the principal's office were embroiled in a heated debate.
Most of the portraits of the principals clearly expressed their liking for him, but some principals still held skeptical views.
Finally, Dumbledore summarized:
"As it stands, Mr. Levin Green is a good boy. He certainly has a bright mind, great talent, and ambition for certain things, which I think is mainly reflected in his pursuit of knowledge—in this respect he is undoubtedly a true Ravenclaw."
"And most importantly, he has a kind heart. He was willing to help Harry and could sense the last bit of kindness in Quirrell's heart... something I haven't even managed to do. As things stand, he won't become the next Dark Lord."
Chapter 80 Green Tea Boy
When Levin arrived at the Great Hall the next morning, he was surprised to find that, apart from the Ravenclaws, the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and even the Slytherin wizards were all looking at him with curiosity, as if he were Potter on his first day at school.
It seems word of their adventure last night has spread.
As he sat down at the dining table, he was surprised to find that Ciri and Hermione had arrived one after the other.
Steve, who was standing nearby, consciously moved to sit two empty seats away.
"You little brat, you're going on an adventure without me, aren't you?!"
Ciri sat down familiarly next to him, patted his shoulder hard, and said with dissatisfaction, "I thought we were good friends!"
Hugs! If it's a silver party, I'll definitely invite you.
Levin paused, forcefully pulling his gaze away from the pair of pale thighs pressed tightly against his body.
Just as he was about to say something, Hermione sat down on his other side and answered for him, "I'm sorry, Miss Rayanlen, Mr. Green joined the adventure at our invitation. We didn't expect Miss Rayanlen to be interested in our 'little adventure' as well. It was our mistake not to invite Miss Rayanlen."
Miss Granger's tone was very polite, but Levin could detect a hint of hostility in it.
"Hermione, she..."
Just as Levin was about to say something to Miss Know-It-All, he was interrupted by Ciri again.
"You just said...an invitation? But I've heard that the actual situation is more like a 'request for help' out of a sense of inadequacy?"
Ciri gave a cold snort with an odd emphasis.
"As expected of Gryffindor, they're good for nothing except recklessness. In crucial moments, we Ravenclaws still have to step in."
“You…” Hermione said urgently, her sore spot hit. “Levin only helped us because he’s our friend, right, Levin?”
“Friends?” Ciri glanced at her sideways and said unhurriedly, “It’s better to have fewer friends who only cause trouble for others, don’t you think, Levin?”
For a moment, both girls' eyes were fixed on Levin.
This made him feel a sudden increase in pressure.
The eaglets next to them had already moved to sit outside the four seats.
But Levin, true to his nature, understood what had just happened in a flash.
It seems that Hermione was somewhat displeased by Cirira's joke with Levin, and she picked a fight to imply that the adventure project was led by them and had nothing to do with her as an outsider.
Cirella countered: Although the adventure was your idea, Levin is the real main force. Besides, she and Levin are both Ravenclaws, while you are a Gryffindor. It's obvious who is closer to whom.
Hermione was naturally unhappy: the difference between the schools doesn't matter, we're all good friends.
Shirella said: You guys are just causing trouble, you're bad friends, I'm a good friend.
The whole thing boils down to who has a good relationship with Levin.
In short, it all boils down to two words: "competing for favor."
Since it's about "competing for favor," that makes things easier.
Levin increased the flow of his mental energy into [Charming Humans] while simultaneously displaying his signature gentle smile and softly saying:
"Why is there such a strong smell of gunpowder so early in the morning? You two are both good friends of mine, and it makes me feel very uncomfortable to see you arguing with each other."
As he spoke, a hint of sadness appeared on his face.
"It's all my fault for not introducing you properly. Otherwise, you wouldn't have had such a big misunderstanding."
"This isn't your fault, there was no misunderstanding between her and me!"
"It's not your fault, Levin, I just feel she's a bit..."
The two defended themselves in unison.
But Levin ignored their words and said to himself, "Maybe you two didn't have any interaction before, which is why you're arguing like this. But it doesn't matter, you'll get to know each other."