Chapter 4: Felix's Theories
Felix seemed somewhat puzzled and inquired, "I don't understand, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore placed his hands before him, his gaze contemplative. "What I mean is, your potential is vast, yet you've been fixated on returning to Hogwarts! I wonder why."The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
The Headmaster's intent was clear. Felix had already gained considerable renown—three years since graduation, three remarkable books written. Especially the two about Muggle studies, although their sales weren't impressive—certainly not compared to the other professor he had interviewed, who was also an author. The difference in sales between their works was like night and day.
Undeniably, these two books held immense influence. "A History of Muggle Struggles: From Millennia Past" and "How Muggles Think" had become guiding texts for many magical department dealing with Muggle-related matters across the world.
At least Dumbledore himself had discussed some of the content with friends, including the head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office and members of the Wizengamot, who spoke highly of these two books.
Felix pondered for a moment and said, "Headmaster Dumbledore, I have a deep connection to Hogwarts. It's like a home to me, a place of comfort! Moreover, I'm genuinely enthusiastic about teaching students. It's a rewarding endeavor..."
Dumbledore interrupted him, his bright blue eyes sharpening, showing none of the gentleness one might expect from a centenarian. "We all know that's not true. I want to know your true thoughts; it's crucial, especially for determining whether you should be granted a teaching position."
Felix grew a bit uneasy, feeling the pressure. He instinctively tried to employ the Occlumency technique, then abruptly stopped himself.
That wasn't a wise decision. Occlumency wasn't all-powerful, especially when you were of a relatively lower level, not to mention you were facing one of the greatest wizards of this century.
Luckily, he had made some minor preparations before coming here—
For instance, a few drops of Felix Felicis.
After a brief two-second contemplation, he decided to go with his gut feeling and said, "To be completely honest."
Felix finally spoke up, earnestly confessing, "To delve deeper into the mysteries of magic."
Dumbledore nodded, adopting an attentive demeanor.
Though he was a Slytherin.
A pity he was a Slytherin!
Dumbledore fell silent, contemplating and hesitating. Time seemed to rewind fifty years in an instant.
It was too alike, eerily so!
The same Muggle orphanage background, the same Slytherin House, the same excellence and politeness, the same obsession with power. How should he decide?
History had proven that perhaps his choice decades ago was wrong. If he hadn't forced the young man to submit using the flames of magic, if he had cared a bit more back then, or even if he had discovered his latent ambition a bit sooner, perhaps a terrifying Dark Lord wouldn't have emerged.
So, what about now?
Seemingly, another similar choice was before him. How should he decide again?
The old man looked a bit dazed, gazing at the young, handsome, brilliant student before him, as if seeing the shadow of another.
Voldemort!
On the other side, Felix seemed puzzled. Everything I've said was true, even if selectively. We were having a good conversation earlier, so why does Dumbledore suddenly look so complex and solemn?
Did I say something wrong?
Did it sting him?
What's going on, exactly?
Felix had quite the headache!