3 Conversation with Dumbledore
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Hermione glared at the two young wizards before her. "I can't believe you did that. How dare you engage in such recklessness? Fortunately, Professor McGonagall didn't expel you"
"Oh, come on, Hermione, stop lecturing us. You sound like my mother. The platform was blocked for some reason, and there was no other way. We had to drive to Hogwarts," Ron scratched his head in frustration, pleading.
"No other way?" Hermione couldn't help but exclaim, realizing that the attention of the surrounding wizards dropped to a hush when her voice carried.
"Why didn't you use owls to send a letter to the professors? I'm sure they would have found a way to get you to Hogwarts. Driving is undoubtedly the most foolish option" Hermione scolded Harry and Ron, her frustration evident. Her front teeth even peeked out as she bowed her head to reprimand them.
Hearing Hermione's words, Ron and Harry appeared even more disheartened. They finally grasped the magnitude of their foolish act. The two young wizards hung their heads in annoyance, even sighing at the grilled cheese and oily chicken thighs on the table, which now seemed unappetizing.
Hermione, on the verge of continuing her critique, looked at the dejected duo before her, their eyes still red from crying. She halted her impending scolding and adopted a soothing tone, "But it's okay now. Professor McGonagall isn't planning to expel you, right? Just eat something."
The sorting ceremony and opening banquet eventually concluded without further incident. Fearing questions or ridicule, the three young wizards hastily made their way to the Gryffindor common room after Dumbledore announced the end.
Observing the exodus of young wizards from the auditorium, Dumbledore turned to Snape. "Severus, could you accompany me to the medical wing to check on that gentleman?"
"Alright, it seems the aftermath of Mr. Potter's trouble will be handled by us." Snape cast a disdainful glance in the direction of the Gryffindor Tower before heading towards the medical wing with Dumbledore.
Upon their arrival, Madam Pomfrey was already waiting. Seeing Dumbledore and Snape, she eagerly approached Dumbledore and whispered, "The injuries on this gentleman don't seem serious, but a thorough examination would be advisable."
Dumbledore approached Ethan's bed upon hearing Madam Pomfrey's words. However, the sight of him was genuinely surprising. Ethan's body was adorned with scratches and bite marks, evidence of battles against various monsters. The scars, stab wounds, burns, and even two deep vampire bite marks on his neck were a testament to the fierce encounters he had faced.
Dumbledore's countenance turned serious as he entered a contemplative state. It was beyond his imagination how someone could survive with such grievous wounds. Each of these perilous injuries would be fatal for an ordinary wizard. Moreover, in the magical world, there existed potent healing agents like Essence of Dittany, which usually left no scars on wounds. However, Ethan's wounds seemed to be treated in a more Muggle-like manner, evident from the visible stitches around some of the larger wounds.
Madam Pomfrey interjected into Dumbledore's thoughts, "This gentleman's resilience surpasses that of ordinary wizards. When you brought him here, his bleeding had already stopped on its own. There's something extraordinary about his body."
"I'm afraid he's not as simple as he appears." Snape, engrossed in examining the two long swords Ethan carried, spoke to himself. His slender fingers traced the runes engraved on the silver sword of the demon hunter. Showing it to Dumbledore, Snape commented, "I have never seen this rune style, and the mana structure within is unfamiliar. Even the casting process of the sword itself is beyond any weapon I've encountered."
Madam Pomfrey frowned at Snape's unauthorized exploration of her patient's belongings. She considered saying something to stop him but, upon observing Dumbledore's thoughtful expression, chose to remain silent.
Dumbledore traced his fingers over the intricate runes on the sword. Even the most powerful wizard in the world found it challenging to decipher the subtle markings.
After placing the long sword back in its sheath, Dumbledore instructed Madam Pomfrey to notify him as soon as he woke up. He then left the medical wing with Snape.
The opening night at Hogwarts was a sleepless one for many. Ron and Harry tossed and turned in Gryffindor Tower, Hermione fretted over her two friends, and Ginny, the red-haired witch, communicated with a black leather notebook beneath her quilt. Even the headmaster, Dumbledore, sat in silence in his office. Yet, as the long night persisted, dawn eventually graced the world.
When Ethan opened his eyes again, the sight that greeted him was the ceiling of the Hogwarts Medical Wing, with silver-haired Dumbledore sitting beside him. Ethan surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings with a blank expression.
Simultaneously, Dumbledore, too, observed Ethan. When their eyes met, a brief moment of shock passed through Dumbledore, well-versed in magical knowledge.
A palpable awkwardness lingered in the air until Ethan decided to break the silence. "Take the liberty to ask, can you tell me where this place is?" he inquired.
"You are at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Dumbledore, the headmaster here," replied Dumbledore, taking a moment to consider Ethan's slightly oddly accented English.
Hogwarts? The memories of the Harry Potter series that had gradually faded returned to Ethan's mind. He scratched his head with a wry smile. Was this another twist of fate playing out?
"Sir, are you alright?" Dumbledore interrupted Ethan's contemplation upon seeing his thoughtful expression.
"Ah, I'm fine," Ethan assured with a self-assured smile.
"Hello, I'm Ethan of Toussaint." He didn't want to leave a negative impression on the world's most powerful wizard.
"I'm sorry, sir, I don't seem to have heard of Toussaint," admitted Dumbledore, partly intrigued by Ethan's ancient way of addressing himself and partly puzzled by the unfamiliar place name.
"Haven't heard of it? What about Velen, Nilfgaard, Novigrad, Skellige?" Ethan, despite understanding his current situation, intended to playfully test Dumbledore's knowledge.
Dumbledore, genuinely puzzled, acknowledged that Ethan wasn't fabricating the names but remained unfamiliar with them. "I'm sorry, I've never heard of these places. Hogwarts is located in Scotland. Do you know places like London, Edinburgh, and Belfast?" Dumbledore inquired.
Ethan pretended to shake his head helplessly, further confirming that he had indeed crossed into the Harry Potter world. "I think I know what's going on. Would you mind listening to a story?" Ethan asked, adjusting on the bed as he prepared to share his tale with Dumbledore.
