Dumbledore naturally hoped Shawn would have family ties, and he was happy to help foster them.
But with undercurrents stirring at the Ministry of Magic lately, arranging an immediate visit to Azkaban was not something he could simply promise and deliver.
After a moment's thought, he said,
"I'll find someone to arrange it. It may take a little time. I think Christmas is a day for family reunions, and I hope Sirius will tell us the truth after seeing you, his family."
Shawn was quite satisfied with that timing too.
Otherwise, if he truly wanted to leave immediately, he could have Fudge arrange his entry into Azkaban tomorrow. Unlike the Old Beekeeper, he did not need to worry about so many legal considerations.
Still, he had to keep up appearances, so he quickly bowed in thanks.
"Thank you, Headmaster."
The two then chatted amicably for a while, with Dumbledore steering the conversation toward matters concerning pure-bloods.
Shawn naturally "held nothing back." He even admitted that Voldemort had tried to recruit him, but he had not rejected the offer outright, hoping to use it to uncover the whereabouts of some Horcruxes.
He even directly told Dumbledore what he already knew: Voldemort had not been resurrected, and the Dark Lord who had now returned was a Horcrux.
Only when Dumbledore felt the potion's effects fade did he stop questioning him.
Naturally, Shawn had to put on a performance too, his expression shifting repeatedly before settling into indignation.
Dumbledore stood and bowed, apologizing with great sincerity.
"Shawn, I am deeply sorry for what I have done to you. Please forgive an old man's selfishness. I have little time left to test your character. You may hate me or resent me, but I only hope you will stay true to yourself and show the