Man of Archives

Chapter 24

The conflict between the wizards didn't affect Malfoy and Longbottom much, despite what seemed to be a deadly duel right in front of them. It was simple—Madam Pomfrey had given both first-years some potions, ensuring they'd wake up the next morning feeling refreshed, without dwelling too much on the previous evening's events. Well, perhaps that's not entirely accurate. They did remember what had happened in the forest, but the memories weren't as vivid as they could've been.

In the Headmaster's office, however, a serious conversation was taking place. After all, the appearance of such a creature in the forest near the school was neither normal nor safe for the students.

"So, Mr. Jody, could you remind me which spells you used?" asked the Headmaster, frowning as he returned from the Pensieve. The Pensieve is a top-tier magical artifact that can only be created by Archmages of Transfiguration with advanced knowledge of both spells and potions. It's tailored for a specific person and works fully only for that person. Of course, it can be adjusted to allow access to third parties, but that's uncommon, requiring great skill in Transfiguration. Such skills are usually only found in masters or higher.

"Protego," I told him. "Then an extensive Transfiguration and a fire-repelling spell."

"Hmm," murmured the wizard.

Snape, who was also seated at the table, didn't look pleased. He was upset because a certain student had been in danger. If word got out, he'd have to take the heat for it. This student was, of course, Malfoy—since Snape was Draco's godfather.

"Indeed," Snape nodded. "I'd like to commend you on your level of spellwork. If not for you, the outcome could've been very different."

I acknowledged his praise with a nod, waiting for what he'd say next.

"Alright, Severus, you saw the battle as well," said the most powerful wizard in England. "What can you say?"

"High level of preparedness," Snape answered immediately.

"And did anything seem familiar to you?" Dumbledore inquired.

Snape pondered for a few seconds.

"Yes, it did," he confirmed, validating some of Dumbledore's thoughts.

"And what do you think?"

"It wasn't him," Snape replied. "I've seen him use the same spell before. Perhaps it was someone from his Inner Circle. Or someone who's learned the spell."

"I don't believe in such coincidences," the Headmaster said, drumming his fingers on his armrest. "What about you, Minerva?"

"It wasn't him," she echoed. It seemed the Gryffindor Head also knew whom they were talking about.

If you consider the knowledge of recent magical history, only one person fits this description—the Dark Lord Voldemort. But Potter had killed him... or had that monster found a way to return to life? In the magical world, nothing is impossible, except unexplored fields or a lack of magical power.

I couldn't give an expert opinion on this since I had never encountered the Dark Lord. Overall, nothing of personal interest to me.

"We need to be careful," the Headmaster finally said, just as his phoenix flared, bathing the room in a red, fiery glow. "Fawkes, behave."

"Coo-coo-coo," the phoenix responded. For a second, it seemed as though the bird was mocking Dumbledore. No one acknowledged it.

With nothing else to discuss, Dumbledore dismissed us all.

"Mr. Jody," Snape addressed me. "You demonstrated an admirable level of skill. I'd like to invite you to a small master class with me."

"Thank you, Professor Snape," I nodded, feeling my heart leap slightly. A master class with Snape was priceless. "When should I come?"