Hearing the Little Witch's question,
Dumbledore's face showed a trace of guilt.
He lowered his head. Behind his half-moon spectacles, his bright blue eyes suddenly grew a little moist.
"Oh, sorry."
The old man murmured, seeming afraid to look the Little Witch in the eyes. "I'm truly sorry... I'm too old. Though my mind still has some vigor, my body can no longer support me in crossing that threshold. I hesitated before that threshold for a long time, and in the end, I lost my courage... and handed that possibility over to another Dumbledore."
"Then you now..." Hermione was somewhat confused.
"After crossing that threshold, only one Dumbledore remains within this 'worldview.' I am him, and he is me. So, the me standing here bears this world's Dumbledore's guilt."
Like a truly ordinary old man, Dumbledore rambled on, trying to explain it in terms the Little Witch could understand. At last, he simply added, "As for the reason for that guilt... because it was the Dumbledore from the Source World who advanced, the reward from the world's feedback went to another world as well... I'm truly very sorry for placing such a heavy responsibility on your shoulders."
He apologized again.
Hermione opened her mouth uneasily, wanting to stop the old man from repeatedly apologizing, but the words that reached her lips took on another meaning.
"Then why don't you find a few more 'seeds'?"
She spoke a little faster, her voice very soft as she suggested, "I mean, statistically speaking, wouldn't the chances of success be greater if more people tried to advance? Also, if you think you're too old—sorry, I mean, if you think your age is too advanced—then what about Professor Snape?"
Dumbledore's beard trembled. The moisture faded from his eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.
"Without question, Professor