Chapter 27 : An advice

ARGH

As I hung suspended from the ceiling of Snape's potion room, the gravity pulling at my blood, I contemplated the current situation in Slytherin House.

Frankly speaking, it was a volatile environment, one in which I had to tread carefully. Only my talent seemed to be saving me from potential backlash. The more I show Off, the less the backlash.

BURP

A burp escaped me, a result of the blood rushing to my head due to the upside-down position I found myself in.

Snape, my potion professor, regarded me with his usual calm demeanour, though there was a hint of contemplation in his gaze. If it weren't for his unwavering dedication to Lily, I might have doubted if he swung that way.

In his characteristic manner, Snape drawled out his words, his tone condemning yet with a hint of acknowledgement, "You know, I thought you to be a good example of Slytherin despite your handicap of being a muggle-born. Trust me, I know a muggle upbringing is a handicap in Hogwarts. You reminded me of myself, navigating the terrain rather well."

With a snort, he continued, "If you were anything like that little know-it-all, then we would have a problem. That girl is, for all her intelligence, plain incompetent in social ways. Most of all, she is stubborn and arrogant, unwilling to change herself."

I couldn't help but agree with Snape's assessment, particularly the last part.

Despite her talents, Hermonie seemed determined to remain true to herself, a mindset I had long outgrown in my previous life.

Just change a bit to enjoy a comfortable life. So, I offered my perspective, "She will change in time, no worries. Especially if she found friendship with the events of last night."

SIZZLE

From my vantage point, I could see Snape administering the final elixir to a wound caused by Fluffy's claw. It was a reminder of an encounter with a class xxxxx beast. Luckily, he is competent enough in brewing high-cost potions to counteract their effects. This particular potion utilized Fluffy's willingly given saliva as an antidote, rendering the drinker immune to the cursed magic within the creature's claw.

SIZZLE

Snape's words cut through the air like a knife, his tone dripping with disdain, "Stupid idiots, not even a hint of thought or planning before doing something. If it wasn't for Merlin's hard work, Potter and Weasley should have been dead."

I couldn't help but interject on their behalf, "You must agree they are the most athletic and have the best combat instincts in my year. Otherwise, they couldn't survive the Troll swings."

Fuck this position. It is messing with my thinking. I blurted out.

Snape's narrowed gaze bore into me, his suspicion evident, "How did you know of the exact sequence of their encounter with the troll so fast?"

Internally, I braced myself for his legitimacy, but to my surprise, it didn't come.

SIGH

Instead, he sighed heavily and said, "So, are you contemplating changing houses to the idiotic Gryffindor oafs? If so, you will find the rarest potions in your food every day."

Shaking my head, I replied, "It had to be done, sir. The earlier, the better. Besides, on the bright side, at least they know enough about me to not declare I am their enemy."

Snape drawled on, "That is only because you are willing to integrate into the wizarding world. The Headmaster has been coddling the muggle-borns since World War II to calm the wizard-muggle conflicts in the shadows. Though it isn't well-liked, the decision is still accepted. After all, he is the most watched figure in the wizarding world; his actions and thoughts influence many things."

Memories of the chaos unleashed by a Dark Lord hailing from Germany flooded my mind, he caused chaos by casting imperious on a muggle leader. Of course, the main point is that the muggle leader is a dwarf and was used vigorously by Grindelwald's crusade for World Domination.

Yep, World War 2 is a wizard calamity. Of course, the black death from our own black house. And many more.

Calling the divide between both sides as Conflicts is putting it mildly. Muggle leaders now had a contingent of muggle-born Aurors sworn to their protection by the Ministry of Magic, yet they had no direct control over them, leaving them vulnerable and paranoid.

People with supreme power feel like that is not good for the future.

Shifting the conversation, I asked Snape for his insights, knowing his opinion held weight in Slytherin's house, "So, what do you think will happen, Professor? You might be the only reason I took this step; if the head of house were anyone else, I would have doubted them."

Snape, clearly disgusted by my attempt at flattery, brushed it aside, "Stop spewing flattery, Mr. Prasad. Lucky for you, the incident was covered by the implications of a break-in from trolls. Coupled with the revelation of Cerberus a few days prior, people are gossiping about important things."

I glanced away, feeling a pang of guilt at my involvement with Fluffy, yet I pressed on, "I have the utmost confidence in the Headmaster that he will calm the situation with a single sentence. sure, a pity though it would leave many people bald from the psychotic breakdown, which I am sure will be a result of Dumbledore's delivery of wisdom words. Also, sir, I am sure he will throw in a wink and twinkle here and there."

Snape waved his wand, removing the spell that bound me to the ceiling, signalling for me to leave.

THUD

Finally, the anti-social bat had his fill of social interaction.

I complied eagerly, grateful to be free from the uncomfortable position. Just as I reached the door, Snape's voice halted me.

"Use that brain of yours to form some type of business alliance or invention," he advised, his tone surprisingly earnest. "Investing in business is far faster than the need for experimentation, avoiding the complex political intrigue in patenting any new magic. Most importantly, it will give you an ally in the business. A bond formed by wealth and power is far tighter than naive relations."

I nodded, acknowledging his wisdom, but I couldn't help adding my thoughts, "Yes, but I also believe a bond based on true intentions and emotions, spewing wealth and power can forge an unbreakable alliance. Thank you for the suggestions, sir. I will try to secure some funds from my father for a suitable business venture during Christmas."

Pausing for a moment, I added a word of caution, "You know, if you try to maintain at least a normal relationship with the other houses, especially Gryffindor, it might improve your reputation among the student body. Your dislike for Gryffindor combined with your favouritism for Slytherin is colouring the perception of the students, especially with Potter's arrival in classes. I just hope your reputation will improve."

Snape's expression turned icy cold, and he whispered in a voice filled with venom, "It will be the day of my death if I get chummy with a member of that house, especially with Potter."

----Snape's pov-------

As I stood there in the quiet solitude of my office, the echoes of the past reverberated in my mind like ghosts of the past.

----------------------------------

Flashes of laughter mingled with pain, humiliation, and envy danced before my eyes, interwoven with the haunting howls of Lupin. Black's mocking laugh echoed in the chamber, his words like venom seeping into my consciousness. "Slimey Sleazy Snape," he would sneer, a constant reminder of my place in the world.

Then there were those piercing green eyes, filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding, eyes that had once held the promise of friendship before betrayal tore us apart. And amidst it all, the crimson gaze of the Dark Lord, offering power and fulfilment of desires, a temptation I had once succumbed to.

------------------------------

But I pushed these memories aside with practised ease, burying them deep within the recesses of my mind.

My attention returned to the present, noting that my problematic student had departed. I couldn't help but wonder if Minerva's exasperation with the Weasley twins was perhaps justified, their pranks, though foolish, pale in comparison to the torment I endured from the Marauders.

But I quickly dismissed these thoughts, reminding myself that the twins were not them and that I should not allow past grievances to cloud my judgment. Returning to the matter at hand, I focused on Arjun Prasad, a student whose actions were causing unrest within Slytherin's house.

Slytherin, a house steeped in history and tradition, held a significant influence over the politics of our nation. The formation of core followers for the Dark Lord, the Original Marauders under Arcturus Black, and even Merlin's order all began within the walls of Slytherin's house. It was a house of ambition, cunning, and power, qualities that could shape the course of history.

However, there have been occasional anomalies like Dumbledore, who hail from other houses.

----------------------------------------------

Temporal magic: Flashback

Ever since Harry Potter graced Hogwarts with his presence, Dumbledore's scrutiny of him has been relentless. He tracks Potter's every move, seeking feedback from professors and keeping a watchful eye on his development.

However, during his focus on Potter, another student also captured Dumbledore's attention.

Initially, this secondary interest seemed inconsequential, a mere footnote to the numerous issues Dumbledore deals with.

But as time passed, it grew into something more significant, particularly leading up to the orchestrated encounter with the Cerberus. His observation of this student evolved from casual to intense, consuming an increasingly large portion of his time and energy, then suddenly thrown out of the window one day.

RUNG RUNG

As the clock struck midnight on Halloween Eve, Dumbledore is still reflecting on the events of the night: Quirrell's audacious attempt, Potter's daring actions, and Prasad's revealing his status.

Speaking of status, I was reminded of the few things that can me smile other than the fate of Marauders. 

"I wonder," I voiced my thoughts aloud, unable to resist a pointed jab at Dumbledore, "how the Muggle-borns who idolize you for championing their rights would react to your neutral stance. You advocate for their inclusion, yet you withhold true equality."

Dumbledore's twinkling eyes met mine as he embarked on one of his customary lectures. "That's why," he began, his tone laced with wisdom, "I always recommend you understand politics, economy, and multiple things." His words, though familiar, held a weight that demanded attention. "Unfortunately, you are always quite impatient."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his assessment of my character, but I remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"While Wizarding society and Muggle society share the same earth, they are different entirely in many aspects," Dumbledore continued, his voice taking on a sombre tone. "Checks must be maintained to keep each of its identity separate. If it means that the Muggle-borns as a whole class must not be given core power, it must be done. "

I nodded in agreement, understanding the delicate balance that must be upheld to prevent conflict and maintain order.

One example is the Salem witch trials, a muggle-born who had access to Hogwarts' knowledge during his term as headmaster. Yes, there was a muggle-born headmaster, but his traces were wiped clean from history out of sheer spite.

The same is true for wizards involved with muggles unchecked.

So, neglecting these checks brought too many things in history, far too many times—the Salem witch trials, the rise of Grindelwald, and the dark reign of Voldemort.

Each incident carried with it a weight of despair and destruction, a reminder of the dangers when divisions were blurred.

However, I remembered another thing- Dumbledore's funding of a research project to blur this division. 

The Unspeakables are researching ways to perhaps give magic to Muggles, turning them into Wizarding kind.

It is nowhere near the start.

Only the likes of this old man can spend their life's wealth and accomplishments in such a bottomless pit. 

People generally think, that with enough smart men, any solution can be found, It is true, but it also requires time and resources. Resources for this type of project need to be invented, like newer ingredients, herbs, and even facilities.

Dumbledore's determination rang clear in his closing words, leaving a weighty silence in its wake. "So, until a feasible solution comes for combining the two worlds, I will ensure the stability of both but also ensure that everyone is given the chance to make their fortune. Just like Lily is given one. After all, even the purebloods toiled over generations to reach their current power."

His message underscored a hidden message, Arjun Prasad will also have a chance.

As the weight of the conversation settled upon us, I felt the exhaustion of the night creeping in.

The events had taken their toll, and I had little energy left to spare for further discussion. The can of Flobberworms called Potter and even the rotten topic regarding Quirrell could be discussed tomorrow.

While I was taking my leave, I couldn't help but be curious about Dumbledore's reaction to my next words, "What if there is a way for the worlds to combine?" I ventured, knowing the complexities and potential pitfalls such a scenario would entail. "Even if there is one, it won't be as idealistic peaceful handshake as you dream about. The powerful will start their games around that solution."

Dumbledore's response was both poignant and sobering.

His smile held a hint of sadness, tempered by the weight of experience. "I know, Severus," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with resignation. "While I am an idealist, it doesn't mean I am a fool. Even if it is hard to believe, I am no naive fool."

CREAK

With a sudden burst of energy, Dumbledore rose from his seat, his aged body creaking with the effort. His eyes sparkled with a resilient spirit, undimmed by the passage of time. "If such a way I can accept comes," he declared, his voice filled with resolve, "I am sure this body of mine is ready for another war. After all, what's one more in the long list spanning a hundred years."

With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore transformed his robes into comfortable pyjamas, a subtle reminder of the human behind the legend. With a wink, he made his way to his bed with a fart in his wake.