Facing Dumbledore

The Headmaster's office.

Li Wei and Dumbledore sat facing each other.

"Still lemon tea?"

"No, it's late. I don't want to drink anything."

Li Wei refused Dumbledore's offer, not in the mood for a drink at the moment.

"We'll likely be talking for a long time. I think you should have something—hot chocolate, perhaps?"

Dumbledore conjured a cup for himself out of thin air and raised it to Li Wei. Seeing Li Wei nod with a slightly softened expression, he smiled and conjured a cup of the same hot chocolate on the table in front of Li Wei.

"Li Wei, I must admit that I didn't pay much attention to you during your student days, and therefore, I know very little about you."

That was my intention all along.

Li Wei took a sip of the hot chocolate, remaining silent.

"Because I wanted to invite you to teach at Hogwarts, I conducted some investigations into your background and your activities in recent years—I hope you don't mind, as I had no other way to learn about you."

"It's alright, Headmaster. It's also about ensuring the safety of your students. I don't think Hogwarts would be so absurd as to hire someone whose background is unclear."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Dumbledore continued.

"But in truth, after I tried to search for information about you, I still know very little. To put it crudely, your actions after graduation have been like a ghost's. Even during the war, there were no records of you anywhere. The only thing I know is that you and Minerva maintained a long correspondence. I'm curious, what exactly have you been doing since graduation? Would you indulge an old man's curiosity?"

"Aren't we getting a bit off-topic? Headmaster, I thought you wanted to discuss the Basilisk with me."

"Ah—" Dumbledore responded belatedly, but persisted, "You know, as people get older, they tend to reminisce. And it's not enough to just reminisce about their own lives; they often crave strength from the memories of others."

"And I assure you, what we're discussing now is related to the Basilisk."

Li Wei lowered his gaze, neither confirming nor denying Dumbledore's statement, and said calmly:

"Just ask what you want to know directly."

"Hmm—the atmosphere has become a bit like an interrogation. That wasn't my intention."

Dumbledore took a sip of his hot chocolate. When he put the cup down, he changed the subject abruptly.

"Perhaps we can talk about the commendation first? Would that perhaps motivate you?"

"Commendation?"

"Of course. You've helped me immensely, saving the students of Hogwarts from the threat of the Basilisk. All of us, faculty and students alike, are indebted to you. While you are a professor here and the school's safety is partly your responsibility, as Headmaster, I also want to express my special gratitude for your outstanding contributions."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone casual, as if sharing a trivial secret—

"For instance, we could discuss how to enhance your magic power, how about that?"

"..."

Li Wei's index finger, which had been tapping rhythmically on the back of his chair, suddenly paused for half a second. He slowly sat up straighter, his gaze towards Dumbledore now holding a hint of inquiry. Dumbledore was pleased with his reaction, a faint smile flashing deep within his eyes—he actually admired Li Wei's dedication to magic, but worried he might stray down a dark path because of it.

"You seem surprised? What, do you see me as someone who hoards his knowledge?"

"I don't know, Professor. In most cases, you aren't."

Li Wei's eyes met Dumbledore's directly—a highly dangerous act among wizards. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and wizards skilled in Legilimency can often glean thoughts through eye contact, even without using a spell. But both individuals present were experts in Occlumency. Rather than an offense, Li Wei's action was more a display of sincerity—a sincerity Dumbledore undoubtedly received.

"But who knows? Although you investigated me, I believe I understand you better than you understand me."

"What have you learned? I hope the reports haven't misrepresented me too badly."

Dumbledore merely smiled and followed Li Wei's lead as he deliberately changed the subject.

"Both the good and the bad."

Li Wei's gaze did not waver, his eyes calm to the point of being almost cold—even Dumbledore, under such a steady gaze, couldn't help but feel an odd sensation of being completely dissected.

"For example, you are recognized as the greatest white wizard of this century, having led the defeat of two Dark Lords who swept disaster across the wizarding world. Countless people see you as a beacon against the darkness. But in private, they gossip about you, believing the power you wield far exceeds ordinary imagination, that your will has long surpassed the law. I've heard many people call you that."

"The White Devil."

Dumbledore's smile remained unchanged, and he simply hummed softly, as if contemplating the deeper meaning of the words.

"There's one thing I must correct you on."

Li Wei's figure was reflected in his clear blue eyes.

"Whether it was the first or second war, many remarkable wizards contributed their strength silently. Without them, I alone could not have accomplished those things. I am not as great as the newspapers claim."

"Mmm, I sincerely admire those people."

Li Wei's tone was sincere, truly heartfelt.

But, Dumbledore's words suddenly struck out like a sharp sword!

"But you don't want to be one of them, do you?"

"."

"...Yes."

Li Wei's voice was a little hoarse, as if squeezed from his throat.

But the next second, his voice had already returned to normal.

"I don't mind helping others within my capabilities, but I will never throw myself into danger for it."

He admitted this frankly.

Dumbledore nodded, not rushing to judge, and continued to ask:

"Anything else? I must say, hearing evaluations of oneself from others is quite a novel and interesting experience.

And I don't think that information was enough to cause you to misunderstand me."

Li Wei saw through his composure and recalled the sharp point Dumbledore had just 'thrust' at him. He snorted lightly, a faint, mocking smile appearing on his lips—at this moment, he bore a slight resemblance to Snape.

"There is, but you might not like to hear what I'm about to say next."

"I believe harsh words also have their necessary place. They keep us alert, don't they?"

Seeing Dumbledore say this, Li Wei naturally wouldn't humor him any longer.

"For example, you were once close friends with the first Dark Lord, Grindelwald, and even proposed a dangerous idea—"