In the Headmaster's Office, Tris took out Ravenclaw's Diadem, which he had prepared well in advance.
"This is..." Dumbledore's eyes flickered slightly the instant he saw the Diadem. It lasted only a moment, but Tris still caught it.
That was an exceedingly rare sight.
Dumbledore almost always remained composed, as though he wouldn't bat an eye even if a mountain collapsed before him. He was either smiling gently or grinning cheerfully. Seeing him look grave was far rarer than seeing Snape smile.
"Professor, I came across it by chance. It felt very similar to that locket we found at the Black residence, so..."
"Yes, Tris, it is very similar to that object. Or rather, it is the same kind of object." Dumbledore first nodded, confirming Tris's assessment, then asked,
"But like that locket, this object is also extremely special in its own right. Do you know what this diadem represents?"
Tris shook his head, feigning ignorance. "No, Professor. This diadem looks old, but it's actually exquisitely crafted. And the material seems quite extraordinary, too.
"It's just that there's terrible magic clinging to it now, so I haven't dared examine it closely."
"Such caution is a virtue," Dumbledore said approvingly. "Many people, perhaps myself included, reach a ripe old age without ever truly learning that lesson."
You couldn't be more right! Tris thought.
You got carried away the moment you saw the Gaunt Ring. Otherwise, the battles afterward wouldn't have been nearly so difficult.
Unaware of Tris's little inward criticism, Dumbledore had already turned his gaze to the Diadem. "This is Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem. I have seen it in the headmasters' notes. There can be no mistake.
"And the locket you and Harry found before was Salazar Slytherin's Locket. Both are relics passed down by the founders of Hogwarts. Of the