Dumbledore: Do You Want to Meet My Old Friend

"A dozen or so Patronus..."

Upon hearing Lucien's reply, Dumbledore quickly waved his hand to stop him from continuing to cast the Patronus Charm.

So, the reason Lucien said his Patronus couldn't fit in the Headmaster's Office wasn't because they were large, but because there were too many of them...

Even though the Headmaster's Office isn't small, it's still quite cramped with a dozen or so animals crammed together.

Dumbledore adjusted his Half-moon Spectacles, met the gaze of the silver owl on the table, and a rare look of bewilderment crossed his eyes.

The owl Patronus tilted its head, its round eyes staring back at him without blinking, looking utterly adorable, completely unaware of the profound impact it had had on this greatest wizard of our time.

Patronus Charm can reflect the qualities of the soul to some extent.

If a wizard possesses a special Patronus, such as Magical Creatures, an ancient creature, or even a fantastical creature that does not exist in reality, then that wizard must possess extraordinary talent in a certain field.

Dumbledore never doubted Lucien's talent and ability.

But there's no record of multiple Patronus in magical history!

Dumbledore tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table, as if to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

He had seen many wizards' Patronus, and he himself had one, but he had never heard of anyone having multiple Patronus.

This cannot be explained by mere "gift"; it directly shatters the Wizarding World's understanding of Patronus Charm that has existed for thousands of years.

Dumbledore seemed lost in thought, and Lucien didn't bother him.

He only told Dumbledore the number of his Patronus, but did not mention the most special one, the humanoid Patronus.

Lucien sensed that the humanoid Patronus might undergo further changes, but it was too early to say for sure.

It took Dumbledore to come to his senses.

"By the way," he picked up his now-cold green tea and took a sip, trying to make his tone sound casual, "Your nascent Patronus Charm Mist could already affect other people's emotions and memories. Does a complete Patronus also possess this ability?"

"It also possesses that ability, and after the Patronus was formed, that ability seemed to have been elevated," Lucien carefully chose his words, "... able to directly touch the soul itself."

Dumbledore paused slightly in the hand holding his teacup.

Touching the soul.

"Are you sure?" His voice lowered.

Lucien briefly described his feelings when Nagini passed through the Patronus.

Dumbledore fell silent again.

Touching the soul...

Dumbledore's thoughts drifted away. Although the wizarding world was not lacking in magic involving the soul, only a few wizards dared to delve deeply into the study of the soul.

Because the soul is too complex and too fragile, the slightest carelessness can cause irreversible damage.

In this respect, some wizards who are obsessed with Dark Magic go even further, acting more recklessly and disregarding the consequences.

"Can your Patronus Charm be used to observe injuries or illnesses on the soul level, or to assist in healing?" Dumbledore suddenly asked.

Lucien knew that Dumbledore wanted to ask about Nagini's treatment.

"The Patronus's unique nature does give me hope for curing the soul curse," Lucien replied cautiously, "But I still dare not attempt it rashly. There is too little relevant information and literature; I fear that a mishap could cause even greater harm."

Dumbledore nodded. "Don't rush, take your time."

Nagini, Dumbledore was unable to find a way to break the curse for her back then.

Dumbledore would be delighted if he could cure Nagini's curse and restore his old friend to health.

After a long silence, Dumbledore spoke again, but asked a seemingly unrelated question:

Are you free during summer vacation?

Lucien paused slightly, then said, "Yes."

"Would you like to meet an old friend of mine?" Dumbledore's blue eyes blinked behind his Half-moon Spectacles. "He's quite skilled in the realm of curses; you could exchange ideas. Perhaps it will give you some inspiration."

Lucien lowered his eyes, his mind racing.

An old friend skilled in curses?

"I'm fine with it, Principal," Lucien replied first, then tentatively asked, "Could you tell me... where are you going?"

Dumbledore, seemingly considering his words.

"Hmm... that wizard has a rather eccentric personality; he doesn't like people knowing his exact address and doesn't want to be disturbed."

"So I'll take you directly to see him then."

Lucien nodded calmly on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil.

Don't like others knowing your address? Don't want to be disturbed?

Is it that you don't want to say it, or that you can't say it?

Um, is that "old friend" living in some prison?