An unchanged stance

Headmaster's Office.

The sight of two white-haired, white-bearded, and White Robe Dumbledore conversing in the Office added a slightly eerie touch to the scene.

Will pushed open the door, raised an arm to catch Fawkes as he flew in, and rubbed Fawkes's head while looking at the two of them:

"Good afternoon, Frank; good afternoon, Professor Dumbledore. So, what's the matter?"

Actually, these two "Dumbledore" are easy to distinguish. Frank and Dumbledore have different temperaments. The young Wizard who don't often interact with the Headmaster might not be able to tell them apart, but Will can see it clearly.

"Ah, Will, come and sit down. You seem to be getting some rest lately? It's much easier without tutoring, isn't it?" Dumbledore very welcoming, while Frank had already gotten up, seemingly about to leave.

"Yes, now that tutoring is over, I have a lot more time to do research. If Professor Flitwick hadn't been so busy lately, we could have done a lot of research together."

Will sat down in the chair, turned Fawkes into his lap, and kept playing with Fawkes in his arms. Fawkes seemed to enjoy it very much, rolling around in Will's arms.

Dumbledore put down the candy box he was holding. "How's your research with Filius going? Are you in a hurry to do this research?"

"Everything is going well. We're studying Ancient Ritual Studies, and..." Will glanced at Dumbledore, "What do you want me to do? You're going to take up my time again, aren't you?"

Dumbledore inquired about his research, Will knew roughly what was about to happen.

That Dumbledore is really something. Hogwarts students don't have much private time to begin with, and the professors don't know how to give students more private time. Instead, they encroach on students' private time with matters outside of school.

"Will," Dumbledore a smile, "This is the last time."

"Really?" Will stared at Dumbledore suspiciously.

"I promise, this is the last time." Dumbledore nodded.

Now that they have a significant advantage and have obtained all the necessary information, Will naturally doesn't need to undertake any further tasks.

But he couldn't rest easy if he didn't find Will something to do.

What if Will gets so engrossed in his research that he goes astray again? I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to keep an eye on Will, and Will tutoring has already ended...

Will managed to get into so much trouble while attending tutoring classes, and now he has all the time to himself... so he feels it's necessary to take up some of Will's personal time.

Will looked at Dumbledore, full of suspicion. "So, what is it?"

"It's about Harry..." Dumbledore lowered his voice.

Will's expression gradually darkened...

After a moment, Will stared into Dumbledore's eyes. "So, you mean you want me to teach Harry how to face death?"

"No, it's about teaching him not to fear death."

"Excuse my bluntness, Professor, but it's the same thing." Will, unusually, didn't give Dumbledore friendly look.

To be honest, Will's concern wasn't just about Harry; it was more about his dissatisfaction with Dumbledore — Dumbledore would rather Harry risk his life than let him study the Soul Studies.

This self-doubt and defensiveness is the root cause of Will's displeasure.

I've done so much for the Wizarding World, and helped Dumbledore, but even so, that old Dumbledore is still so wary of me.

"It's different, Will," Dumbledore. "I don't want Harry to die. As long as he's willing to face it, he still..."

"There's still a chance of survival, isn't there?" Will scoffed. "Why 'chance of survival' instead of 'just surviving'?"

Forgive my bluntness, Professor, but you should talk to Harry about this yourself. If he agrees, I'll help him.

Of course, if you want to limit my research time, you can just tell me directly, Professor. Beating around the bush is a very bad habit.

Will kneaded Fawkes's neck, making Fawkes whimper softly in pleasure— Fawkes seemed eager to stay with him a little longer.

Dumbledore sighed. "You can't hide anything from you, Will."

Yes, I did want to limit your research, but on the other hand, it was also to eliminate Voldemort.

You know about Harry's situation; I'll speak with Harry personally. However, regarding your situation...

Will interrupted Dumbledore, his tone serious. "Professor, my position has never changed, and it never will."

I can swear Unbreakable Vow, I can even guarantee it to you with those Ancient Ritual Magic!

Dumbledore looked at Will, and couldn't help but think of what Will had done for the Wizarding World over the years... Finally, he nodded. "Will, the fact that you can say it makes me believe you."

As for those Magic oaths, you don't need to do them at all.

Will nodded— Dumbledore hadn't completely disappointed him. "Hopefully Harry can make his own choice."

In addition, I want to see Professor Grindelwald.

We haven't seen each other for a long time, and I'd love to talk to Professor Grindelwald for a day.

After all, Professor, once you leave the school, I won't be able to see him on my own, and it will definitely be a long time before I can see him again.

"Then tomorrow, and only tomorrow morning," Dumbledore said. "My time is also very tight."

Will nodded—it seemed Dumbledore would most likely leave Hogwarts tomorrow afternoon.

A look of regret crossed his face. "Then we'll have to go earlier tomorrow morning."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, Will. Well then, don't stay up too late tonight. Please fetch Harry for me."

Oh, I'm sorry, it's lunchtime now. Please have him come find me after he's finished lunch.

"You should go eat too, Will. I'm sorry to keep you from having your meal."

"No need to apologize, Professor. Well, I'll tell Harry in a bit." Will decided to get some rest early tonight—he'd have plenty of time after Dumbledore left anyway.

Now that Dumbledore is at school, it's inconvenient for him to do anything.

He calmed Fawkes down, put him back on the shelf, and then pushed open the door to the Headmaster's Office.

As Will walked toward the Dining Room, he pondered something.

It was lunchtime, and the Dining Room was full of students.

Will didn't go directly to the Slytherin table for dinner; instead, he blocked Harry and his friends who were coming from the other side of the Corridor.

"Harry, Neville, I have something to do. I'll go to the High Tower after lunch."