45 New Revelations
AN[i am currently looking to find more online tools to aid int he making of this as this first chapter didn't go quite as well as i had wanted. if anyone has any ideas please let me know! I know this isnt as long as all the previous ones were, ill try and ramp it up to the same length as i go on but this one was just to try and find the best way to do this. If you have any feedback on this chapter let me know, i have no problems going back on this and editing it to make it better.]
**Saturday, November 14, 1992**
The morning sun barely peeked through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I lay in bed, thoughts racing through my mind about the upcoming day. After last night's detailed planning session with Aurora, a sense of urgency filled me. Today wasn't just another day at Hogwarts; it was the beginning of a more proactive stance against Voldemort and his followers.
Aurora was still asleep, her breathing steady and calm. I quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her. Today's agenda was clear: discuss my plan to teach about Tom Riddle with Dumbledore and deliver Ravenclaw's Diadem. The latter was especially crucial to mend things over with the Headmaster.
As I prepared for the day, I mulled over the conversation I planned to have with Dumbledore. Revealing the truth about Riddle was necessary, but I anticipated resistance. Dumbledore always played his cards close to his chest, and this move would lay some of them bare.
---
The classroom was unusually quiet as the students filed in, perhaps sensing the shift in our usual routine. I had decided to approach today's lesson with a new angle, aiming to lay the groundwork for future revelations about Tom Riddle without revealing too much too soon.
As the last student found their seat, I began, "Today, we'll be delving into the nuanced complexities of wizarding history, examining the forces and personalities that have shaped our world."
I watched their faces, noticing the flickers of curiosity and intrigue. It was essential to pique their interest without giving away too much.
"History," I continued, "is often a story told by the victors, but there are always layers beneath the surface, stories untold or hidden away." I walked slowly between the rows of desks, making eye contact with several students. "For instance, how much do we truly know about the individuals who have significantly impacted our world? What drives them, their motivations, and the consequences of their actions?"
A few hands raised hesitantly, and I nodded to a Ravenclaw student. "Yes, go ahead."
"Are we talking about specific individuals, Professor? Like... important historical figures?" the student asked cautiously.
"Precisely," I replied, my voice measured and calm. "Let's take, for example, a hypothetical figure. Someone who might have attended Hogwarts, walked these same halls as you do now, but whose path diverged greatly from the norm. What influences would shape such a person? What events could turn a promising student into... something else?"
Whispers broke out among the students, their minds evidently trying to piece together the puzzle I was laying out. I let them ponder for a moment before continuing.
"Consider this: an individual's journey is often shaped by a myriad of factors – their upbringing, their experiences at school, the friends they make, and the choices they face." I paused, letting the words sink in. "Over the next few classes, we will explore these factors in depth, looking at hypothetical scenarios and real historical cases. We'll try to understand the complexities of character and destiny."
The class was silent, but their expressions showed a mix of confusion and anticipation. I knew I had successfully planted the seeds of curiosity.
"Before we conclude, let's have a brief open discussion. What do you believe influences a person's path the most? Is it their environment, their innate nature, or perhaps something else entirely?"
The students began to engage, some tentatively, others with more confidence. As the discussion unfolded, I knew I was setting the stage for a deeper, more revealing journey into the life of Tom Riddle. But that revelation would come in due time. For now, it was enough to stir their minds and prepare them for the challenging lessons ahead.
--
Later that day, I found myself at Dumbledore's office door, the Diadem securely tucked away in my pocket. Taking a deep breath, I knocked and entered upon his invitation.
The air in Dumbledore's office was thick with unspoken tension as I broached the delicate topic. "Professor Dumbledore," I began with a measured tone, "I've been considering a significant shift in my teaching strategy, particularly concerning Tom Riddle."
Dumbledore's expression was one of thoughtful caution. "Really? What do you have in mind, Professor Dovahkiin?"
Gathering my thoughts, I replied, "Our students need to grasp the true nature of the threats we face, starting with Tom Riddle, the boy who became Voldemort. It's sensitive, but crucial."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your intentions are noble, Professor, but I must express my reservations. Education and instilling fear are closely intertwined, and it's a delicate balance."
I was ready for his resistance. "I'm aware of the risks, sir. However, our best defense lies in knowledge. We cannot effectively combat what remains hidden in shadows and rumors. We need to shed light on these truths."
Dumbledore sat in silent contemplation, fingers interlocked, as the room's tension thickened palpably.
It was time for my decisive move. I carefully presented the Diadem. Dumbledore's eyes widened, betraying a rare flicker of surprise.
I placed the Diadem gently on his desk. "This is not just an ancient artifact. It symbolizes a new era of trust and collaboration. I entrust it to you as a gesture of our united front against these dark times."
Dumbledore studied the Diadem and then me, gauging the full implications of my action. After a protracted, tense moment, he gave a slow nod. "Proceed with your plans, Professor Dovahkiin. But be assured, I will be monitoring these developments closely."
Leaving his office, I felt a blend of relief and unease. The discussion had been more intense than anticipated, yet the outcome was ultimately positive. The road ahead was uncertain, but necessary to tread.
Back in my quarters, Aurora's inquiring gaze met me. "How did it go?" she asked.
"It was intense," I confessed, taking a seat beside her. "Dumbledore agreed to the curriculum change, though not without reservations. The Diadem was instrumental in convincing him."
Aurora's face mirrored a mix of relief and worry. "What's the next step?"
"We move forward," I stated resolutely. "With Dumbledore's cautious backing, we can now focus on what lies ahead."
She nodded, her determination clear. "Together," she asserted.
"Together," I echoed.
We spent the evening strategizing our next steps, cognizant that the path ahead was fraught with challenges. The battle against Voldemort was intensifying, and we were at the helm, prepared to lead.
