"This really doesn't seem like something you'd do, Professor."
Roy looked sincerely at the white-bearded old man across from him and spoke with a touch of emotion.
Dumbledore could only sigh helplessly. He had not wanted to do this either, but Roy's experiences always made the centenarian involuntarily see the pain he had suffered in his youth. He had no other choice.
"I always see the shadow of my younger self in you, but you're far more outstanding than I was, and much more mature."
Dumbledore spoke wistfully of his own life.
"And much luckier. When you were young, you didn't have such a great and selfless headmaster offering you so much help."
Hearing Roy flatter him, Dumbledore smiled and shook his head.
"You were entirely capable of handling something like this yourself. My help merely cleared away a few obstacles for you. Besides, I certainly wasn't as good at fighting as you in my first year, and don't think too highly of me. I'm not as flawless as the public believes."
Dumbledore turned to look at the kitchen. Through the window, he saw Aisling chatting happily with Charlie and Mrs Weasley across the dining table, a carefree smile on her face.
Dumbledore silently stared at the cheerful scene in the kitchen, and the far more outgoing Aisling made him seem to see the young Grindelwald.
"Look, she's much more cheerful now, isn't she?"
Roy leaned closer to Dumbledore and looked into the kitchen as well, completely unaware that the people inside were laughing so happily because they were talking behind his back.
Dumbledore seemed to hear what they were saying in the kitchen and revealed a meaningful smile as he nodded at Roy.
"That is thanks to you."
Aisling had the gift of prophecy. She seemed to sense the