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Chapter 34 Back Then

Under the intensely imposing gaze of Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of our time who once defeated the first Dark Lord and kept the second Dark Lord in hiding, Ares remained calm and composed... seemingly calm and composed.

His magical skills, which protect his mind from corruption, are still not fully developed, and their use inevitably adds to his physical burden.

Theoretically speaking, based on his understanding of Dumbledore, he probably wouldn't be ashamed to use techniques like Legilimency on a minor wizard.

But... Ares dared not gamble, not even a little bit.

His identity as a time traveler and his foresight of the plot were naturally his greatest secrets.

Dumbledore was so obsessed with the fact that he failed to give Voldemort proper guidance during his student years that Voldemort later became a menace to the community.

If he reveals anything... no one can guarantee what will happen.

Ares met Dumbledore's sharp gaze. He knew he had to give an answer, and he couldn't lie.

"This is just my personal hobby, Professor Dumbledore."

Ares said.

"That's a very peculiar hobby, Mr. Delfino—"

Dumbledore's words were as sharp as his eyes.

"I thought young wizards your age were all eager to stand out, I mean, to show their classmates and professors how good they are."

"As the Muggle philosopher famously said, no two leaves are exactly alike, let alone people."

"A famous quote from Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: Yes, Muggles may not have magic, but they have a unique understanding of the world... admirable."

Dumbledore is like a silent mountain, whose strength and mind are not easily shaken.

"There has to be a reason, Mr. Delfino?"

The silhouette of the lamplight on Dumbledore's aged face grew even more profound.

"Planned according to your specific interests and hobbies."

A moment of silence descended.

Ares and Dumbledore stared at each other... To be honest, neither of them could figure out what the other was thinking.

"If I answer your question... if I give a satisfactory answer."

After a long silence, Ares asked softly,

"Can you save me from being expelled?"

Phoenix Fawkes let out a soft cry, its elegant and melodious call sounding like a resounding bell, causing Dumbledore's face to flutter slightly.

The imposing aura he exuded visibly dissipated, eventually leaving him somewhat dejected.

"I can't do it, Mr. Delfino."

Dumbledore's voice was somewhat hoarse.

"The troubles you're facing right now extend far beyond the school campus, understand?"

"You can do it."

But Ares calmly offered a completely different perspective.

"But you won't do it unless..."

"unless?"

"Unless you're willing to use force to compel power to submit, but then what's the difference between you and the mysterious man—that's what you think."

"I can't even remember how many times today I've been amazed by your magical skills and wisdom, which far surpass those of your peers." Mr. Delphinor

Dumbledore locked his gaze on Ares's eyes once more, while the confusion in his own bright blue eyes was unmistakable.

He clearly knew that he couldn't find out from the boy in front of him why he was so keen to hide his talents through normal means.

Instead of normal methods...

Just as Delfino's words implied, the only difference between him and Tom was a single, unintentional crossing of the line.

He gazed at Ares Delphinor, into his eyes; into his gaunt frame; into the ever-active, volcanic magic within him; into his soul...

This was the only thing that gave him solace: the boy's soul was whole and untainted.

"Have you ever conducted any body modification experiments, taken any potions with severe side effects but capable of enhancing your magic, or tried any ancient magical techniques to increase your magical power?"

"No, Professor Dumbledore."

Ares said calmly,

"Furthermore, I believe I will not attempt this in the future."

Another silence descended, and it was the longest silence of the night so far.

On the curved wall behind the Sorting Hat hangs a row of portraits of Hogwarts headmasters, Ares's unwavering eyes reflecting the expressions on each portrait.

Some of them expressed sympathy for him, some looked at him with suspicion, and some even tried to wink at Dumbledore, signaling him to lock them up directly in Azkaban.

"I have no further questions, Mr. Delfino."

After a long silence, Dumbledore's first words were these, his voice hoarse.

Ares nodded, stood up, and took two steps back.

Ares gazed at the weathered old man behind the slender desk, staring at him intently, and then—

His glacial indifference melted away.

For the first time tonight, Ares smiled—a polite, warm smile.

He slowly bowed, performing a classical curtsy to Dumbledore, his voice clear as a mountain spring.

"Well then, please allow me to take my leave for now, Professor Dumbledore."

Clearly, Dumbledore was quite affected; his silver beard trembled, and his eyes were not as bright as before.

He watched Ares's composed figure as he walked away, his heart filled with confusion, hesitation, and unease...

"You don't need to be in such a hurry to leave school, Mr. Delfino—"

Dumbledore said,

"You... can stay here until the end of the semester; that might be better for your family."

Ares stopped, turned his head, moved the corner of his mouth again, and then continued walking.

"Have you considered staying at Hogwarts in another way, Mr. Delfino?"

Dumbledore stood up from his seat, his voice slightly urgent as he strode to catch up with Ares's retreating figure.

This time, however, the boy in his eyes did not stop walking and left his office directly.

Many years have passed since then...

"He was fired just like that?"

In Hagrid's hut, Harry and Ron stared at Hagrid in disbelief, their eyes filled with anger and confusion.

"Why-"

Hagrid sighed heavily.

"You're still young, it's normal that you can't understand."

"But Professor Dumbledore—"

Harry said eagerly.

"Professor Dumbledore is remarkable, but he's not..."

The office of the Gryffindor Headmaster.

"Amazing!"

Professor McGonagall, with a hint of guilt and a heavy heart, said...

"Can you forgive us, Ares?"