Late-night conversation

From Snape's perspective, William spent the first half of his first year comfortably playing the role of a conventional genius.

Snape considered himself a genius, one in a million, only he was more modest and humble.

People like them are more talented, more patient, and know better what they want than their peers.

Overall, what William did was within the professor's expectations and not too outrageous.

However, after a certain day, the entire art style suddenly took a dramatic turn towards a collapse, resembling "my pain is greater than yours."

William seemed to have raised his level in all subjects to an extremely high level overnight.

If it weren't for several in-depth conversations, Snape would have realized that Stark was still the same Shit Stark.

His manner of speaking and actions remained unchanged... otherwise, he would almost have thought that William's soul had changed and that he had been possessed by some powerful wizard.

Snape can only be attributed to William's exceptional talent.

But as he observed the traces of William and Tywin's battle, and saw William fending off a dark wizard in Gringotts and trying to force a dragon, Snape finally sensed something was wrong.

This increase in power is happening too fast. Could William be secretly researching Dark Magic?

He didn't want to encounter another Dark Lord Dark Lord he was still recklessly courting death.

Dumbledore defeated the first Dark Lord when he was a teacher at the school, and then encountered the second Dark Lord in his old age.

If that's really the case, then he's living Dumbledore's story.

Wait, Snape suddenly felt that this meant something. Could it be that he was going to overthrow McGonagall and become the next headmaster?

Just as Snape was lost in thought, Dumbledore waved his wand, and all the keys flew up again.

He didn't see the key to open the door, so he had to take out a new silver key from his pocket.

"He will not become the third Dark Lord," Dumbledore said calmly, as if he were discussing what to have for breakfast the next day.

Why are you so certain?

"I know Voldemort's growth trajectory perfectly well." Dumbledore gestured for Snape to continue walking forward.

"The two are completely different. William has a complete family, a lovely younger sister, and a lot of friends."

Voldemort never had friends or family, only servants... He didn't understand love, but William did, so he wouldn't become the third Dark Lord.

"Just because... love?" Snape was highly skeptical.

"Isn't that enough?" Dumbledore laughed. "Love isn't something we invented; it's visible, it's incredibly powerful, and love has its purpose..."

"Yes, love certainly has its uses—for socializing, maintaining relationships, raising offspring," Snape scoffed. "But does it have anything to do with whether a person becomes obsessed with power and goes astray?"

"Severus, your understanding is too superficial." Dumbledore shook his head. "We also love the dead; is this place for what you call social interaction?"

Snape was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "No... no."

"The meaning of love is profound," Dumbledore said gently. "It is a far greater power that we can express with magic."

Love compels us to protect those who are unrelated to us; love is the only thing we can perceive that transcends time and space.

We should believe it, even if you don't quite understand it yet.

Snape for a moment, then asked, "And what about his abnormal increase in power?"

I know, but I can't tell you right now.

Snape frowned. "You trust him... but not me?"

"This isn't a matter of trust or distrust. You and I both know that person isn't dead and will come back." Dumbledore patted Snape on the broad shoulder.

"And when he returns, you will bear a heavy responsibility. I don't want all the secrets to be in one basket, especially one that will be hanging on Voldemort's arm for much of the future."

"I'm doing exactly what you say!"

"You have done exceptionally well, but do not underestimate the dangers that lie ahead, Severus," Dumbledore said solemnly. "If he returns, you will face Dark Lord far more powerful than before."

Snape fell silent.

The two continued walking forward and finally saw the wall covered in graffiti.

Dumbledore looked at Hermione's suggestion with a warm smile in his eyes.

"Severus, the students still like you very much. Look, William and Hermione both mentioned you, and the twins even drew the Slytherin mark."

Snape rolled his eyes. "Is that what they like?!"

Dumbledore waved his wand, and the writing on the wall fluttered and flew into his pajama pocket, as if he wanted to find a new place to preserve it.

Dumbledore, with his back to Snape, sighed deeply.

"Severus, I think you could change your attitude a little. Do you really not care what the students say about you?"

After another long silence, Snape said stiffly, "Over the years... maybe I've just gotten used to it."

Habit and caring are two different things, at least that's how Dumbledore sees it.

He sighed, "Severus, I wish I were as strong as you."

You know, sometimes I feel that our department selection process was too hasty...

Snape looked dejected. If he had been sorted into Gryffindor, things might have been different.

"Please help Harry a bit, okay?" Dumbledore pleaded.

Snape became angry again and paced back and forth behind Dumbledore.

"How can I help him—who is just as mediocre, arrogant, and late as his father, who loves to break rules, show off, attract attention, and is rude and disrespectful—by helping him as much as possible?"

I'd rather go help that little Stark bastard; at least it'll give me a few more years to live."

"What you see is what you expected to see, Severus."

Dumbledore examined the missing Devil's Snare, but showed no intention of rebuilding Devil's Snare.

"Don't be too prejudiced. Other teachers all say that the boy is humble, easy-going, and quite talented."

I personally found him to be a likable child.

Dumbledore stood up, looked up through the trapdoor, and saw Fluffy.

Fluffy was also peeking at him through the trapdoor.

A hint of reproach flashed in Dumbledore's eyes, Fluffy whimpered twice, trying to explain that he hadn't put William down.

Snape snorted and said, "I'm going back to sleep. I don't want to listen to your nagging."

He's not even half as good as Granger; at least she has some cleverness and her IQ is on point...

Hermione will be very happy to hear that.

Dumbledore said, "One last thing, watch out for Quirrell, okay?"

Snape's shoes slapped against the ground as he strode away, seemingly oblivious to what was happening.

Dumbledore sighed.

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