The expression on Dumbledore's face made Will's heart sink—the old bee was unflappable about most things.
"Patronus... Patronus..." Dumbledore repeated the word several times, then pushed up his half-moon glasses. "Patronus mutations are exceedingly rare. There have only been a handful of cases in all of wizarding history. You know that, I assume?"
"Of course. Are you referring to Andros the Invincible and the Dark Wizard Lachidian?"
Dumbledore scooped up a spoonful of jam-covered cake. "Andros... Personally, I don't think his case should count as a Patronus mutation. He must simply have had some special technique. The Dark Wizard Lachidian's case was closer to a Patronus mutation, though it most likely stemmed from problems with his emotions and happy memories."
"Then what do you make of mine?" Will scraped a layer of cream off his cake.
"Will, do you know something? I once distrusted you deeply." Dumbledore took a sip of tea, abruptly changing the subject.
"Professor, I honestly never noticed." Will shook his head, unsure why Dumbledore had steered the conversation in this direction.
Ever since he had started dealing with Dumbledore, aside from a little wariness during their first meeting or two, Dumbledore had largely treated him with trust. He had also shown considerable sincerity in their collaboration and helped him in many ways.
"Will, you are special. Extremely special." Dumbledore let out a long sigh. "You gave me a great deal to worry about. At first, I saw a shadow of Tom in you. That was why I said so much to you during your first year.
"I'm sorry. I even used Legilimency on you. What surprised me, however, was that I couldn't see anything at all. That only made me more curious. I suspected you might be a natural Occlumens, and for a time afterward, the