INTERLUDE II
The two men watched Flitwick hurry after the boy. Only when the door closed after the Master Enchanter, did Lord Dumbledore speak. "Well? Are you satisfied?"
Lord Akingbade smiled ruefully. "Was I so obvious?"
Albus chuckled. "I doubt our young Mr. Potter would have been able to notice, but I'll be shocked if Filius doesn't return to my office later today, asking why your "out of control" Mana Cloak parted the boy's hair exactly at his scar." His smile drooped, as he observed his old friend over his half-moon spectacles. "You went through all this trouble to get a good look at it, so tell me, what do you think?"
Babajide slowly leaned back in his seat, looking lost in thought. "My youngest grandchild is now older than they were when they died." His apparent non sequitur did not faze Albus. "I still can't tell which is which, though."
"I didn't just place the boy with any old Muggle, you know. It was Lily that made the initial sacrifice, so I left him to be raised by her sister."
Babajide nodded slowly. "He found shelter with his kin? Good, good." His eyes focused on Albus. "You want my thoughts? You can never tell their son the truth." Albus made a protest, but Babajide raised his hand. "I don't say this out of any kind of malice or mistrust of the boy, but you are not a father Albus. I am certain James would prefer it if his son never knew the price he and his wife paid for his survival." Babajide's expression darkened. "Especially as he can never help him. None of us can. Young James is beyond our reach."
"It's only a matter of time before he finds out. We are not the only ones capable of putting the pieces together."
Babajide scoffed. "Between them, the Potters had the same number of masteries as a Sage. There are only, what? Twenty? Twenty-Five Dark Arts Masters capable of recognising their work? Even then they would have to meet their boy in person and get a good look at his scar."
Albus tutted at his friend's infamous overconfidence. "There are still just as many Dark Wizards, Rogues, who are learned enough to recognise it for what it really is! I would prefer it if he learned it from us, rather than-!"
Babajide cut him off. "When would they ever get within speaking distance of the boy? I've already decided, Albus. Let the child live in peace."
Albus regretted bringing the boy to his office. He regretted giving up on the obscuring charm he had tried to invent for Harry's scar. But most of all he regretted underestimating Babajide's lingering affection for his last apprentice. Of course, he would go out of his way to respect James' final wish. He still blamed himself for not being able to save his prized student.
Despite it all, he knew he could not circumvent a direct order from Lord Akingbade now. Not if he wanted to remain on good terms with the Magister.
Albus bowed his head. "As you wish, Lord Akingbade."