A Twisted Old Man

The Daily Prophet is the primary source of information for England wizards, and therefore has a significant impact on the England magical world.

As the Christmas holidays came to an end, on the Hogwarts Express on their return journey, some students were catching up on their homework, while others were discussing the latest Daily Prophet.

"The Daily Prophet has gone mad! Who would believe something like that?"

"My grandfather believed it... He lived in the Hebrides Islands and even swore that Headmaster Dumbledore invented Dragon Pox."

"No offense intended, but the Hebrides Islands... did Fire Dragon kick him in the head? Dragon Pox existed in the fourteenth century, how old was Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"He might actually have been kicked by Fire Dragon... because he was Fire Dragon keeper, and once Hebridean Black Dragon, he was attacked by Fire Dragon, and ever since then... well... he's become strange..."

Similar conversations filled the carriage, with many of the older passengers, especially those from remote areas, trusting the Daily Prophet and willing to believe Rita Skeeter's investigative reports.

In addition to past follow-up reports, the new edition of The Daily Prophet's coverage is also on the students' lips.

"Have you read today's Daily Prophet?"

"Look! Lockhart actually concocted an effective antidote and cured those unconscious students!"

"I also find it unbelievable... He was defeated by Vizet Lovegood's Disarming Charm, yet he managed to concoct an antidote?"

"With so many adventurous experiences, he should know some skills, right?"

"Didn't that book, ' Vacation with a Hag, ' mention that the Hag's food was practically poison? Luckily, he knew how to concoct an antidote, otherwise he would have been poisoned by that pot of soup."

"But at the Duelling Club, he was defeated by a student... Adventure and combat, that's what adventurers are all about, isn't it?"

"That's true... it doesn't make any sense at all!"

The discussion continued into the Great Hall, where a lavish Great Hall was held, perhaps to welcome back the students or to reassure them.

Dumbledore wore a crimson robe embroidered with intricate rose patterns, and looked exceptionally spirited.

However, according to Penelope and the others, Dumbledore was under considerable pressure and received several complaint letters every day.

However, in Wizet's view, Dumbledore's eyes were still bright, and he should not have been affected in any way. He could even read a bit of... expectation and interest in them.

Lockhart, who had been silent since the Duelling Club, also appeared in the Great Hall, and looked to be in good spirits.

However, what bothered Wizet was that Lockhart wasn't wearing a wizard's hat anymore; instead, he was wrapped in a thick headscarf...

Just like Professor Quirrell in the past.

After the dinner ended, Wizet escorted Luna back to the Common Room and then turned to walk towards the Headmaster's Office.

The gargoyle's password remained unchanged. He went up the spiral staircase to the door and gently knocked on it.

"Come in!" came Dumbledore's cheerful voice from inside.

Wizet pushed open the door and entered, first offering a brief greeting before getting straight to the point, "Headmaster Dumbledore, is Lockhart... is there something wrong?"

Dumbledore picked up a berry and put it into the mouth of the Phoenix Fawkes.

Compared to its initial state after its rebirth, Phoenix Fawkes is now growing stronger and becoming more beautiful.

After returning Fawkes the Phoenix to the bird stand, Dumbledore gestured for Wizet to sit down. "If you're talking about being possessed by Voldemort... there's at least no sign of that yet."

"Because of the ' Wand Backfire,' he lost all his hair... Compared to the wizard's hat, the turban was obviously safer and less likely to be blown away."

Wizet let out a soft breath and asked, "Headmaster Dumbledore, did Professor Lockhart give anything away?"

"So many things have happened recently... You mentioned in your comment that it 'even saved a lot of energy'..."

"Could I interpret this to mean that Lockhart has... colluded with those Pure-blood Family?"

"Very perceptive..." Dumbledore smile. "To be able to solve so many problems at once, doesn't that save a lot of effort?"

"And about the Malfoy Family ..." Wizet murmured before continuing, "Headmaster Dumbledore, Mr. Lucius Malfoy sent me Dobby."

"Hmm!" Dumbledore, without the slightest hint of surprise in his tone. "That was an interesting House-elf."

"He is indeed very different from others..." Wizet agreed. "He wanted freedom, but he also wanted to work... so I signed a contract with him."

Dumbledore blinked, then repeated with interest, "A contract signed?"

"He gets paid a salary every month and he gets time off, that's about it," Wizet said simply. "But he doesn't ask for much... he prefers his work."

"That's very good!" Dumbledore exclaimed with satisfaction. "That's really good! Perhaps I should try...doing the same thing with the House-elf of Hogwarts ..."

"Of course, this might frighten them, after all, they are different from Dobby ..." Dumbledore sighed. "Wizet, what have you gleaned from this report?"

"I can see... the Ministry of Magic's hostility towards you." Wizet said very bluntly without much hesitation.

"I didn't think so at first, but now... I think Mr. Lovegood was right."

"I was also somewhat surprised. I never expected Cornelius Fudge to turn out like this..." Dumbledore stood up and sighed deeply.

"He used to be a passionate person, often asking me for advice... He was always anxious and worried that he hadn't done this or that well..."

"Headmaster Dumbledore, is this... repaying kindness with enmity?" Wizet asked.

Dumbledore, his tone becoming strange. "Perhaps he has simply rediscovered himself? In some ways, I can still understand him!"

Wizet asked, somewhat puzzled, "Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"Power! It's a terrible thing!" Dumbledore exclaimed, gazing silently out the window.

Outside the window was a dark, oppressive night sky, like an abyss, without a single star in sight.

After a while, as if he had made up his mind, he turned around and walked to the cabinet, taking out the Pensieve from it.

"As you get older... sometimes you can't help but think about things," he said softly, "Things about youth..."

"I want to relive this feeling, but I'm also afraid and regretful... I want to talk about it with others, but I don't want them to know... It's so conflicting!"