An Irresistible Offer

Klein hadn't told the complete truth, that much was certain, but no third party knew Snape's identity.

On that, Dumbledore had full confidence.

So then...

Only one answer remained.

Those azure eyes might indeed have glimpsed the future!

"I must say, I don't fully trust your words, but I sense no hostility from you."

After a moment of silence, the old man spoke slowly.

"I'm curious—you could have hidden yourself until graduation. Why go out of your way to reveal that you know Dark Magic?"

This was what Dumbledore understood least. If Klein hadn't deliberately exposed himself, he wouldn't have noticed anything amiss.

"To me, magic is magic. There is no good or evil, no black or white."

Klein straightened his back. Under the lamplight, a fire seemed to burn in his eyes.

"What do wizards rely on to turn water into wine, summon thunder and lightning, or even achieve immortality?"

Rely on what?

Magic power!

Was such an obvious question worth asking?

The Headmasters felt speechless, but Dumbledore behind the desk sank into thought.

"Belief!"

Klein gave the answer with absolute certainty.

"Because we believe water can become wine, it does. The essence of magic is 'believe and it exists; doubt and it vanishes.'"

The office fell silent.

"Magic influencing the heart? That's just an excuse for the weak-willed. A true wizard should control magic, not be controlled by it."

Locking eyes with Dumbledore, Klein asked with a smile.

"Professor, did you really defeat my great-uncle—Gellert Grindelwald—using only the Disarming Charm?"

"This..."

The old man faltered, unsure how to answer.

As everyone knew, most high-powered spells were Dark Magic. In truth, he did possess some forbidden arts he couldn't casually reveal.

"You still haven't answered my question. With your knowledge and experience, even I wouldn't dare claim I could definitely defeat you. What meaning does attending school have for you?"

At first, Dumbledore had only seen Klein as a gifted youth, but now he placed them on equal footing.

"I like school. Isn't eleven the right age to attend? Besides, I still have much to learn—Potions, Transfiguration. Dark Arts defense, though, I don't need."

Magic was a profound discipline; no one could master it all. Klein was a grandmaster in ordinary spells, Forbidden Spells, Summoning Rituals, and Alchemy, but only a beginner in Potions and Transfiguration.

Why not seize the chance to unlock new skills?

"My intuition tells me that's not your real goal. If you can't convince me, I'll regretfully inform you, Mr. Klein, that you're expelled."

Dumbledore could sense no hostility from Klein, but as Headmaster, he had to be responsible for all the teachers and students.

A wizard proficient in Dark Magic was far too dangerous.

"Fine. Because I need to hide myself."

Thinking the old fox wasn't easy to fool, Klein shrugged and told the truth.

"I need Hogwarts and your prestige, Professor, to save me from a lot of trouble. You know, if I wanted, in ten years I could become emperor like in the dream's prophecy—but that's not what I want."

When Klein finished, Dumbledore's expression didn't change at all.

"As long as Grindelwald's blood flows in my veins, prejudice will always exist. I need your help."

Meeting the old man's scrutinizing gaze, the Youth's eyes burned brightly.

"Regrettably, that doesn't convince me."

Dumbledore shook his head, his aura suddenly turning dangerously sharp. This answer, he could not accept.

"What if I said I could help you completely destroy Voldemort?"

Klein wasn't surprised and threw out another condition.

One that Dumbledore couldn't refuse!

"Oh?"

Hearing this, the old man's brow furrowed involuntarily.

"After all, aside from casting spells on Muggles, I haven't done anything wrong. You know that well.

And what Voldemort has done—I don't need to spell it out."

Klein pressed his advantage while the iron was hot.

The old man's brow furrowed even deeper.

Seeing this, Klein wore an expression of unsurprised certainty. In truth, he had long been prepared to be summoned by the Ministry of Magic for questioning at any moment, but he had waited and waited, and no one came for him. Clearly, Dumbledore had handled the loose ends for him.

Given the old man's abilities, it would be easy for him to investigate what Klein had done since arriving in England.

"I'm beginning to regret letting you come to Hogwarts."

Dumbledore took a deep breath, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"I thought you'd be grateful."

Klein replied with a smile, his body relaxing.

"Grateful? Oh, right. A wizard like you is indeed more dangerous left out there."

The old man's expression shifted to one of sudden realization as he put away the Elder Wand, which had already changed owners.

"So, how do you plan to help me?"

"You handle the Ministry of Magic and public opinion for me, and I'll protect the students at the school and deal with Voldemort and his followers."

Klein had clearly prepared for this, speaking without hesitation.

"How do I know you won't break your promise?"

Dark Magic users were mostly treacherous and cunning; Dumbledore had to be cautious.

"I can swear a Blood Oath."

Klein still didn't hesitate.

"A Blood Oath?"

Dumbledore was stunned, a person and some past memories flashing through his mind.

After a long silence, he shook his head with a bitter smile.

"No need. A Blood Oath is the most reliable thing, and also the most unreliable. Compared to magic, I'd rather trust my instincts.

Klein, I'm willing to try trusting you. I'm willing to believe you won't become another 'Voldemort,' even if you've already surpassed him in terms of danger."

"Thank you. Those words are worth a Christmas gift. You'll be pleasantly surprised then."

Klein knew he had convinced Dumbledore, and his smile grew even brighter.

"I look forward to it."

Having set aside his concerns, Dumbledore smiled as well, his terrifying aura vanishing without a trace.

"In that case, allow me to cast the last spell of the night."

Raising his Purple Sandalwood Wand, Klein gave a slight nod.

"Please."

Dumbledore gestured in invitation, straightened his deep purple robes, and walked unhurriedly to the door.

"What?"

The Headmasters finally snapped out of their daze from the conversation, exchanging puzzled glances.

What did "the last spell" mean?

"Obliviate All."

Seeing that Dumbledore was ready, Klein turned and cast the Obliviate on the portraits. How could mere Thought Bodies, not even true souls, resist his magic? Their gazes instantly went vacant.

"No problem. All the troublesome memories have been erased."

A secret, by nature, was best known to as few as possible.

Klein walked over to the bookshelf and casually picked up a copy of Advanced Alchemy.

"Good evening, Klein."

Both were seasoned veterans of the craft. The moment Klein took his position, Dumbledore slipped into character almost instantly.

The Headmasters, recovering from their daze, detected no flaw.

Their coordination was flawless.