A trace of sadness crossed Dumbledore's face, but he didn't say anything to Snape right away.
"I'm all right now, Harry. You can go back."
He said this to Harry, trying to manage a smile.
Harry nodded. His gaze swept over Snape, then he hurried down the stairs and disappeared from the Headmaster's Office.
"Who touched the ring?" Dumbledore asked, suddenly curious.
Professor McGonagall glanced at Snape, pointing Dumbledore in the right direction.
"You shouldn't have put it on, Dumbledore. The temptation was obviously untrustworthy."
Snape showed no embarrassment as he bluntly criticized Dumbledore.
"Yes, I was too greedy."
Dumbledore gave a bitter smile. He opened the box again and looked once more at Marvolo Gaunt's ring.
Deep in the old man's eyes, a flash of desire still lingered.
"McGonagall, please give me the Sorting Hat," Dumbledore said.
"You need to rest, Headmaster," McGonagall urged him. "Whatever it is, please wait until tomorrow."
"No, McGonagall." Dumbledore's voice was still weak, but his tone was remarkably firm. "I need to confirm that I still have courage. Perhaps I've lost it entirely."
Though McGonagall didn't understand what he meant, she could hear the conviction in his voice.
She turned reluctantly, picked up the old Sorting Hat, and handed it to Dumbledore.
"Every time I see it, I remember what I was like the first time I put it on."
Dumbledore held the Sorting Hat as he spoke. "I wish I could wake up and find myself back in those days."
Tears welled in his eyes. After speaking with deep feeling, he pulled the hat down over his head.
Then he shut his eyes tightly. Snape and McGonagall had no idea what he was trying to do.
After waiting a moment, Dumbledore pressed his left hand to his forehead and reached inside the