Endowed with a thousand-year heritage and having withstood the vicissitudes of history, the ancient castle still exudes a mysterious charm amidst the swirling snowflakes. During the Christmas holiday, Hogwarts is notably quieter than usual.
In the vast castle, there is only the whisper of figures on the long corridor on both sides, as well as the sound of armor standing, accompanied by Pei Pi's shrill singing piercing the serenity of the castle occasionally.
Snape's agile stride made his robes billow like a fluttering cloak, making him appear like a bat spreading its wings yet running on its feet. The severity on his face and the pale lips betrayed that he was in a terrible mood.
"Frozen lemonade."
The ugly stone beast, after hearing the right password, jumped aside quickly and even got a little flustered, as if also afraid of something.
Snape strode into the split wall and, as he stepped into the circular office hidden behind it, his mood inexplicably darkened further.
The greatest wizard of the era, Albus Dumbledore, was leaning back in his chair, with his deep blue eyes behind the crescent-shaped glasses focused on the high vaulted ceiling of the office. His long fingers were intertwined atop the table covered with an array of curious alchemical devices and piles of letters awaiting replies.
"Where have you been?"
Snape looked at the still-attached purple traveling cloak on Dumbledore's body, speaking straightforwardly in a crisp tone.
"Just a walk, " Dumbledore returned his deep gaze and said in a gentle smile, "You know, Severus, for an old man like me, maintaining moderate exercise is very necessary.”
"That's true," Snape said with a faint sneer curling at the corner of his mouth, "You've been taking those walks for several days now?"
Snape's reaction could be said to be within expectations. Dumbledore shrugged indifferently and asked, "What about Miss Granger?"
"It's quite stable. Pomfrey used the right approach to deal with her issue, as long as she rests for a few weeks, she will return to normal."
Snape's tone was stern, but he had at least answered the question truthfully. However, when he saw Dumbledore looking relieved and preparing to move past the issue, he finally lost his patience.
"I think you should be quite aware of what a few arrogant and attention-seeking Gryffindors have done. They've been secretly brewing potions and boldly entered my office to steal materials. Dumbledore, when did this school become so lenient? Breaking the rules and stealing property from professors is apparently acceptable?"
"Disgraceful actions are never tolerated,"
Snape's relentless questioning seemed to weary the exhausted Dumbledore, who took off his glasses from his nose and massaged his brow.
"But we should observe people's intentions by what they do, not just what they show. That way, we can judge whether their inner selves are equally deplorable, Severus. I don't believe Harry, Mr. Weasley, or Miss Granger's desire to investigate the truth behind the attack qualifies as such."
"So you intend to let him go on, even though he might be in danger because of his recklessness?"
For some unknown reason, Snape's face looked somewhat pale under the gentle glow of the fire, and his words, although not explicitly mentioning the "he," were clear enough for Dumbledore to understand that he was talking about Harry.
The office fell silent for a moment. The only sounds were the soft snores from the portraits of past headsmasters on the walls, and the faint but clear chirping of Fawkes.
"Not allowing him to go unchecked, Severus, but observing."
For a moment of silence, Dumbledore spoke again, but the tone lacked the silent confidence.
"Yes, the line between bravery and reckless behavior isn't always clear, but we should be more tolerant of young people, Severus. That way, we can avoid stifling their inherent virtues."
"Tolerance?"
Snape's mouth twitched, reluctantly and yet uncontrollably, as he remembered his past experiences at this school while speaking.
"Don't flatter yourself, Headmaster Dumbledore, you have always only been accommodating of students you appreciate."
Snape transferred all his hatred for James Potter and his admiration for Lily Evans onto Harry. On one hand, he had to protect the son of the woman he loved, and on the other, he had to endure the fact that this child was so much like his father, which twisted Snape's emotions immensely.
"Let us end this discussion, Severus,"
Since Harry Potter's arrival at the school, such conversations had been happening in secret for countless times. Even Dumbledore felt helpless about it.
"Would you be a favor to meet a guest at the school gate for me?"
Dumbledore stood up, and the clothes he was wearing couldn't possibly meet a guest.
"To be honest, this task was originally supposed to be entrusted to Minerva. It's a shame that she accepted an invitation from the editorial team of 'Today's Transfiguration' to attend a cocktail party on the topic of transfiguration. It's a rare leisure for her, and I'm reluctant to disturb her."
Snape was uninterested in Dumbledore's private audience, and he turned to leave with determined strides, his face even worse than when he had entered the office, due to the jumping memories in his mind.
But by some strange twist of fate, before leaving the office, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned around, and looked at Dumbledore, who was cleaning the mud stains from his robes with a wand. His voice was doubtful.
"Who did you meet?"
"Oh--I had originally planned to let you know this surprise at the school gate, but since you asked..."
Dumbledore smiled and his deep blue eyes once again shone with an unreadable light.
"Amyasta Blaine, your most admired student in recent years."
"Continue."
7:40 pm on December 31st.
Amyasta arrived at Hogwarts Gate on the express train, stepping off at Hogsmeade Station, and crossed a stretch of snowy path to arrive on time at the Great Gates of Hogwarts.
The two wild boars guarding the entrance of the great magical school were stood there for centuries, their backs arched and wings spread. Amyasta's gaze passed through the iron fence, soaring over the six tall poles in the playground and the looming darkness of the ancient castle on the cliffside, until it disappeared into the boundless forest.
He had to admit that the feeling of returning here was even better than he had imagined.
"I guessed even before getting on the train that you would be the one to meet me, Professor."
The creaking gate opened slowly as the door with rusty stains. Amyasta stepped through the school gate and greeted the black shadow, crossing the long strides towards her. When Severus Snape's face showed no expression under the dim light, Amyasta put down her suitcase, opened her arms, and offered a genuine smile.
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