Snape's Concern

The two clasped hands tightly, a moment that seemed to transcend time and space, connecting two wizards who were originally on different paths.

When their hands parted, the heavy atmosphere in the office seemed to dissipate with it.

"To be honest," Lin Du sat back in his armchair, rubbing his temples, "tonight's conversation was more exhausting than dealing with an adult fire dragon."

Dumbledore smiled knowingly and conjured a new pot of hot tea. "I completely understand. Open and honest conversations are always the most draining, especially when we have to face our deepest desires and fears."

They quietly sipped their tea for a while, letting the night flow outside the window.

The flames in the fireplace crackled softly, and Fawkes let out a contented purr on its perch. The entire office was enveloped in a rare tranquility.

Lin Du put down his teacup, preparing to leave. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, he suddenly stopped.

"Wait," he turned around, his brow furrowed slightly, "since you discovered the Horcrux problem long ago, why was Mrs. Norris attacked? That doesn't make sense..."

Dumbledore tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop, revealing a rare hint of awkwardness. "Regarding this matter... actually, Mrs. Norris's petrification was my doing."

A brief silence fell over the office.

Lin Du slowly walked back to his seat, looking at the old man thoughtfully. "So, this was all your setup?"

"Not entirely," Dumbledore gently adjusted his half-moon spectacles. "The awakening of the Basilisk did involve certain forces outside the school. But I needed a plausible excuse to make those people believe their plan was proceeding smoothly."

A meaningful smile played on Lin Du's lips. "You're using entrapment, aren't you?"

"More accurately, I'm cleaning out the fishpond," a sharp glint flashed in Dumbledore's eyes. "Tom is about to return, and I need to put some of the restless ambitious individuals in their place first, to keep them quiet. The Basilisk is a good bait."

"But why choose Filch's cat?" Lin Du pressed.

"Because Mrs. Norris is fine," Dumbledore stated calmly. "She was merely temporarily incapacitated by my spell. When our conversation is over, I will personally apologize to Filch."

He sighed softly, his gaze behind his half-moon spectacles growing profound. "I couldn't possibly let a student be petrified. Not only would it be an unbearable blow to any family, but the panic it would cause on campus alone would throw Hogwarts into chaos. As Headmaster, I must prioritize the safety of the students."

Lin Du put down his teacup and asked thoughtfully, "Since the Horcrux issue has been resolved, what do you plan to do about the Basilisk? It can't just wander around the castle's pipes forever, can it?"

Dumbledore's gaze became distant. "Actually, I intend to use it one more time. Fifty years ago, Hagrid was wrongly expelled because of the Chamber of Secrets incident, and his wand was broken. It's time to clear his name."

"So you're going to recreate the scene from back then?" Lin Du immediately understood his intention. "But this time with irrefutable evidence proving that the real culprit was Riddle?"

"Precisely," Dumbledore nodded. "And this time, we'll let the true Chosen One end this legend. Harry needs such an experience to prove himself, and such a victory to build his confidence."

Lin Du couldn't help but press his forehead. "You've really prepared a grand gift for that child. Facing the Basilisk? If you'll excuse me, that sounds more like it'll just increase the workload for the hospital wing."

He shook his head. "I have more faith in students like Cedric Diggory. At least he knows which section of the library to look in."

"Every child has their own shining points, Lin Du," Dumbledore said gently. "Harry may not be the most diligent in his studies, but the courage and decisiveness he shows in the face of danger often exceed expectations."

Dumbledore paused, his blue eyes gazing at Lin Du through his half-moon spectacles. "Since you've become one of us, perhaps you could pay more attention to Harry?"

"Pay 'attention' like Snape?" Lin Du's lips curved into a sarcastic arc. "If that's the case, I wouldn't mind 'looking after' Mr. Chosen One a bit more. But honestly, I'd rather spend my time on students who genuinely love learning, like Hermione Granger."

Dumbledore was momentarily taken aback and coughed lightly. "Severus actually cares about Harry the most."

"Oh?" Lin Du responded noncommittally. "Then his way of caring is truly... unique."

The conversation had clearly reached its conclusion.

Lin Du nodded slightly and turned to leave the Headmaster's office.

As soon as he stepped out, Chao Feng, who had been waiting invisibly outside, materialized and landed lightly on his shoulder.

"So, the great White Wizard admitted he orchestrated the attack on the cat?" Chao Feng's voice sounded directly in his mind. "Just to test an eleven-year-old child?"

Lin Du walked slowly down the spiral staircase, a playful smile on his lips. "What's even more interesting is that he just said Snape is the one most concerned about Harry."

After a noticeable pause, Chao Feng ruffled its feathers. "That Slytherin Head of House who glares at Harry with such a gloomy expression all the time and deducts points at the slightest provocation? That's how he shows he cares?"

"Perhaps that's Slytherin-style love," Lin Du chuckled and shook his head. "Twisted, but sincere."

This realization sent a shiver down both man and bird.

"Seriously," Chao Feng patted Lin Du's shoulder with its wing, "your human ways of expressing emotions are sometimes harder to understand than ours, us magical beasts. Snape, who looks like he wants to devour Harry every time he sees him."

Lin Du scoffed. "Dumbledore calls that 'caring'? Do you believe it? I certainly don't. I'd sooner believe Peeves suddenly developed a love for cleaning than that there's any affection hidden in Snape's dead fish eyes."

Chao Feng let out a purr that sounded like laughter. "Maybe that's what they call 'British humor'? Like you said, the British always use sarcasm to express their feelings."

"If that's considered caring," Lin Du rolled his eyes, "then doesn't deducting fifty points from Gryffindor every day mean I'm expressing my deep love for them?"

The two walked slowly down the corridor, the moonlight casting long shadows.

"But seriously," Chao Feng tilted its head, "if even Dumbledore is making excuses for Snape, does that mean there's really something we don't know going on here?"

Lin Du stopped, looking thoughtfully out at the dark Forbidden Forest. "You know, I suddenly feel like we might never understand the thought processes of these British wizards. Just like I'll never understand why anyone would put jam on a scone."

"Maybe that's cultural difference?" Chao Feng teased. "Like how you always find their food hard to swallow."

Lin Du chuckled and continued walking forward. "Forget it. Instead of dwelling on whether Snape is 'caring' about Potter, let's think about how to make him treat me better. That guy's venomous tongue is the real deal, whether he's faking it or not."

"At least we agree on that point," Chao Feng flapped its wings happily. "Honestly, if that's considered caring, I'd rather he hated me."

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