HP: Pure-Blood Glory

"Are we just leaving like this?"

Fred shook off George's hand, looking puzzled as he asked.

He didn't believe George would just leave Luke behind like that, but whatever plan George had, Fred couldn't figure it out for now.

"What else can we do? Confront Dumbledore for Luke?" George replied helplessly. "I don't think Dumbledore would mind us standing up to him, but that might not necessarily be good for Luke."

Compared to Fred, George reacted quicker in such situations. Though similar in personality, the two brothers complemented each other.

"Dumbledore shouldn't go so far as to do anything excessive to a child..."

Fred stood still, staring at the now-closed door to the classroom.

George thought for a moment before saying, "Let's wait here for a bit. Of course, I think we should trust Mum and Dad's choice."

Someone their parents revered as a leader probably wouldn't let them down too badly.

Fred said nothing, just stayed silent.

Meanwhile, inside the classroom, Luke gradually regained his composure, though he still appeared deep in thought.

It seemed he had seen something remarkable, leaving him both shocked and perplexed.

Dumbledore, still smiling, stood behind Luke, saying nothing, simply watching him quietly.

After a while, Luke finally turned back to see Dumbledore standing there with his usual kind expression.

"Good evening, Professor."

Luke bowed slightly. Dumbledore nodded and said, "A truly remarkable mirror, isn't it, Mr. Gaunt?"

"Indeed, it's extraordinary," Luke replied, reflecting on what he had seen. "Sometimes, what we see surprises even ourselves."

"And what did you see, Mr. Gaunt?" Dumbledore asked gently, his tone warm. "Of course, you don't have to share if you'd rather not."

"Just call me Luke, Professor," Luke corrected him first, then said, "I don't mind sharing. It's about balance: equality balanced against privilege, responsibility exchanged for power, and sacrifice offsetting favoritism."

"That's my dream and I hope to achieve it."

Luke's words were simple, and Dumbledore only nodded, it was unclear whether he agreed or not.

"You're quite forthright, Luke"

He said sincerely.

"You are too, Professor. I would have thought your testing would be more subtle—waiting for me to clash with Professor Quirrell, or until the summer holidays, or perhaps during the Christmas break when I'd be facing scrutiny and hostility. Watching from the shadows before stepping in to tie me to your cause."

Luke shook his head. "But your approach is so direct, yet leaves no room for refusal."

"I'm not fond of conspiracy and schemes; much of what I've kept hidden was done out of necessity"

Dumbledore explained earnestly.

Luke kept a neutral expression. Dumbledore was a complicated person, someone whose vast experience granted him unmatched insight. Against him, Luke had no choice but to maintain Occlumency at all times, his only real defense.

Honestly, even in his past life watching the films, Luke had never fully grasped Dumbledore's ideals or what he sacrificed for.

His death, much like Shanks losing an arm in *One Piece*, seemed to be simply a matter of his own choice.

If given the choice, Luke wouldn't want to deal with this elderly man either. But since Dumbledore had approached him, there was no room to hide.

"I think so too, Professor. Conspiracy and schemes may achieve temporary success, but they cannot lead to great accomplishments."

Luke expressed his agreement with Dumbledore. On this point, he was being completely honest; he genuinely believed it.

Dumbledore nodded as he waved a finger. Two chairs floated over and gently settled behind them.

Luke thanked him and sat down without hesitation. Since Dumbledore had come to him directly, it was clear they were here to have an open conversation. By the end of this discussion, they would either part ways in conflict or find a way to cooperate harmoniously.

Either way, it meant Luke wouldn't need to tread carefully around Dumbledore anymore.

After all, he was also a member of the Board of Directors, and in some ways, his position rivaled, or even surpassed, Dumbledore's in the school hierarchy.

Dumbledore also took a seat and said apologetically, "My apologies, Luke. I had originally thought our conversation would take place in my office—where, at least, we'd have tea."

"You could always summon a table," Luke replied casually, pulling out a set of teaware and a can of tea leaves from a gem-encrusted slot on his belt.

"Oh, such a refined touch!" Dumbledore chuckled, waving his finger again to summon a table between them.

Luke placed the teaware and tea leaves on the table. The items began preparing the tea on their own.

The tea can opened gracefully, tilting to pour the leaves into the pot, which then filled itself with water and began heating.

"You've visited the old Gaunt estate, haven't you?"

Dumbledore's tone shifted slightly, as though testing the waters.

"I have. I only took the family tree records. After all, there's no point maintaining two copies when the Gaunt family has been reduced to just me," Luke said, helplessly. "I had planned to retrieve the two family heirlooms, but the locket was missing, and the Gaunt ring… it gave me a very bad feeling, so I left it alone."

In truth, even without his foreknowledge from the story, Luke had felt a strong sense of foreboding as he approached the old Gaunt estate.

His instincts—or perhaps his Innate magical senses—had warned him of danger.

"Indeed, your family is down to just you… How did you come to know about Quirrell's situation?"

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with curiosity, signaling his keen interest in Luke's answer.

"Just a bit of deduction," Luke replied. "A professor who returned from his travels acting strangely, paired with bait as obvious as yours, and the way different houses talk about Defense Against the Dark Arts—it all adds up. He probably assumed Slytherin students would be too proud to discuss their classes with others, but in our year, the inter-house relationships are surprisingly good."

Luke subtly jabbed at Dumbledore with this comment, but the old wizard merely smiled in response.

"And there aren't many people you'd be so wary of, Professor. Someone who 'lives on' even after death—that narrows it down to one."

"Of course, I can't fathom why someone would take such a blatant risk. Even if your bait is enticing, there must be better ways than stealing under your watchful eye."

Luke genuinely couldn't understand Voldemort's choice. While the Philosopher's Stone was undoubtedly valuable, trying to snatch it from beneath Dumbledore's nose seemed reckless. A more patient, strategic approach would have made more sense.

"Indeed, it's hard to say why he would opt for something so straightforward," Dumbledore said, his expression turning nostalgic. "Tom was truly remarkable in his time."

Then, he blinked and looked at Luke with a twinkle in his eye.

"Much like you, Luke."

The classroom fell into a sudden silence.

*****

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