The Headmaster Wants to See You

At seven in the morning, someone knocked on the office door.

Voldemort jolted awake, and the book beside him fell to the floor.

Heaven knew, Madam Pince had only just returned last night. He had rushed into the library late that evening, eager to pick out a few books to read.

[Origin of Magic: From the Past to the Future] was his favorite. He had read until dawn broke, then finally fallen asleep. And now...

"Percy, it's much too early." Looking at the red-haired boy standing awkwardly outside the door, Voldemort said.

"Sorry, Professor, but there's something I need to tell you."

Percy was a little excited. "I spoke to Professor McGonagall last night, but she said she'd give me an answer today. When I went to see her this morning, she said the Headmaster would discuss it with you."

"Headmaster Dumbledore?" His drowsy mind cleared at once. Voldemort poured himself a glass of water. "But I haven't heard anything from the Headmaster."

Percy nodded. "I went to the Headmaster's Office. He asked me to invite you over."

Voldemort grinned. What a damn good kid.

"Now?"

"Yes, he's waiting for you in his office. The password is 'honey water.'"

"Fine. I'll head up now."

Voldemort pulled [Encountering Faceless Monsters] from the bookshelf, picked up [Origin of Magic] from the floor, and left his office.

"Professor, please do your best to help me become your assistant. It means so much to me." Percy followed behind him, chattering away.

"Of course, Percy. I'll do my best. Go get some breakfast. You don't need to come with me."

After sending Percy off, Voldemort stepped straight onto the spiral staircase nearby. It was a shortcut from the third floor to the seventh floor and would save him quite a bit of time.

"Honey water," Voldemort said, gathering his energy in front of the familiar statue.

"Rumble."

The statue sprang aside, revealing the passage behind it. Voldemort went straight up.

"Good morning, Quirrell. I hope I haven't disturbed your rest." Dumbledore wore a bright purple dressing gown. He stirred some unidentified liquid as he spoke.

"I'm fine. I was about to get up anyway." Voldemort smiled, then sat down in front of the enormous desk and set the two books in his hands on it.

"[Origin of Magic] is an excellent book. Its description of Merlin is fascinating."

Dumbledore carried the stirred drink over to him. "Chocolate and honey juice. Would you like some?"

"No, thank you, Headmaster. It's too sweet." Voldemort declined.

Dumbledore shrugged, returned to his seat behind the desk, poured himself a glass, and drank more than half of it in one gulp.

"The great wizard Merlin followed the path of Elemental Magic. He wanted more wizards to join him, but clearly not every wizard was named Green. Elemental Magic requires a unique talent."

Dumbledore recited a long passage from the book, which greatly surprised Voldemort.

"You're very fond of this book?" Voldemort asked.

"Of course. Who wouldn't want to explore the origin of magic?"

Dumbledore raised his hands theatrically. "Some of the theories in this book are the most plausible I've ever seen. You can look at page two hundred and thirty-six. I wrote down some of my thoughts there."

Voldemort nodded, mentally noting the page number. He had to admit, Dumbledore's memory was astounding. Was this really a 109-year-old man?

"I heard your magic has changed. Would you let me have a look?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes full of curiosity behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Of course, Headmaster, but it's unreliable."

As he spoke, Voldemort cast an Illumination Charm, then separated the glow from his wand and turned it into a speck of light that floated in the air.

Dumbledore didn't take out his wand. He merely waved a hand, and the speck drifted toward him.

"Fascinating, isn't it?" Dumbledore said. "I can sense the magic inside it. It should have vanished, but some force is stopping it."

"Yes, I can't figure out why either," Voldemort replied.

"Did anything unusual happen?" Dumbledore asked.

Voldemort shook his head. He couldn't very well say it was because of a skill.

"Then it must be your talent. Just like Merlin, no one in the Wizarding World has ever wielded Elemental Magic as well as he did."

Dumbledore waved his hand again, sending the speck of light to hover above their heads. "Let's leave it alone and see how long it lasts."

"All right, Headmaster." Voldemort nodded, then asked, "May I ask what you wanted to discuss with me?"

"Oh, yes. Percy." Dumbledore finally turned his gaze from the speck of light. "Is there no better Prefect in Gryffindor? He has exams this year."

"I considered that too. For the other houses, I chose Prefects in their sixth year who wouldn't be under pressure from exams. But there's no denying Percy is the best in Gryffindor. Someone else could do it too, though. The decision is yours."

Voldemort stated his view plainly and left the choice to Dumbledore.

"If that's the case..."

Dumbledore seemed hesitant, which puzzled Voldemort. This wasn't a difficult decision.

"Please allow me to ask something impolite."

Dumbledore furrowed his brow. "You aren't making this decision because you want to get the Time-Turner, are you?"

Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise. Before Dumbledore had said it, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind. He just wanted a Death Eater with the surname Weasley.

"Pfft."

The speck of light went out, and Voldemort snapped out of his surprise. Dumbledore's face, too, wore an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Quirrell. I've been overthinking it." He shook his head with a rueful smile. "You'll have to forgive a confused old man. He's lost in the fog and can't find his way."

Voldemort looked unconcerned, but deep down, he pondered the meaning behind Dumbledore's words. Was he anxious because he couldn't find me?

"I don't mind, Headmaster," Voldemort said. "But I have to admit, your words gave me an idea. If I get the chance, I think I will study it."

Dumbledore smiled ruefully. "You used one in your third year. They really are extraordinary, but they're difficult to understand."

"I was young then, just as I wasn't thinking about the origin of magic back then," Voldemort said.

"Fine, do as you like, but remember this." Dumbledore grew serious. "Don't try to use it. An adult's magic has a great effect on it. You could lose yourself in the fog of time."

Voldemort nodded earnestly to show he understood, then pointed to the spot above their heads where the speck of light had disappeared.

"My magic has the same property. I think that will make it easier to study." This was what Voldemort truly thought.

"That's true."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, then added, "If you ever need help studying the properties of your magic, come to me anytime. An old man's experience can still be useful now and then."

"Thank you, Headmaster. I'll come to you if I need help." Voldemort rose to take his leave. The matter had been settled, after all.

"How is the curse? Has it acted up?" Dumbledore asked.

"I don't think so, Headmaster," Voldemort replied.

"All right. If there's any problem, you can tell me."

Dumbledore stood and saw him out. "I'll write to the Ministry of Magic myself. Percy's things will be mailed to him soon."

"That's good news for him. I thank you on his behalf, Headmaster."

"He's a good boy. He deserves it."

The two said their goodbyes. Voldemort went downstairs and headed for the Great Hall—which was both a hall and a dining room.