Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.
Reconciliation
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster Office, Hogwarts
The things that boy has gone through. I feel guilty, knowing full well I am responsible for leaving him there with the muggles. Was the blood protection worth it? Does it outweigh what he might have gone through? I sighed. Minerva is going to tear me apart for this, and I wouldn't stop her. If even half the things Harry spoke of are true, then I did nothing more than fail another of my charges. Already I regret the decision to leave Harry with them. So many pieces suddenly make sense.
His small stature, he should be the same size as the youngest Weasley boy, his father was certainly taller than most in his year, and far more filled out, and Lily was by no means short. His timid behavior, not matching either of his parents in that regard, though he seemed more confident. His grades are always average, only a little above Ronald's. So many red flags, and I missed them all. All of Hogwarts staff did. It's astounding how we simply ignored the signs. Almost two dozen trained staff members, all of whom went through training to spot and help children who are abused, neglected, or bullied.
And yet, one of the most known children in the world, one we all looked at, watched, and it didn't matter. We missed it. And even then, the blame still lies with me. I should have checked in more, yet with my duties, it was hard. It's why I stationed Arabella across the street, to keep an eye on things, but she never reported anything other than him wearing baggy clothes. Never did I think it was because of neglect to get him his own things.
"Fawkes, do you thing he will follow the past Tom did, seek vengeance and fall to the darkest arts?" I asked, hoping for even the smallest reassurances. I knew Tom wasn't dead, but if Harry were to follow in his footsteps, I doubt I could stop him. He is strong, stronger than any student in the school. Already his aura is developing, something that normally doesn't happen until after their twenty-first birthday. Yet I saw it, if only barely thanks to my mage sight. His eyes glowing, and just the slightest glow on his skin, radiating magic as he vented his pain. The thought that he could go down a similar path scared me. Even Tom didn't develop an aura until his fifth year.
I looked to my phoenix, and watched as he shook his head. "He has a fine mind, and a will that has been strengthened and tempered by what he has endured. Guide him Dumbledore."
The shock of the hat speaking stunned me. Typically he only puts in a line or two. Never a full conversation. He seemed to sense my speechlessness. "I was just in his head earlier. The boy is lost, but free. Down there he forged himself anew. I remember the first time I sat on his head. He was so determined to not be in Slytherin, ironic if you ask me, but I caved. Just now though, the boy gained something, and now has a purpose. If you want my suggestion on what he needs, training, help to show him what he has in this world, and healing. You are all fond of St. Mungos, but the boy needs better. I suggest the goblins. Yes they do healing, it just isn't a widely known thing. It also gives him a chance to claim his heritage."
I sat in thought, occumulency helping me manage my thoughts. He was right though. The dark magic most likely had effects that no one other than the goblins would know. They deal with dark magic all of the time. I knew there was something special about his scar, and I hoped that I was wrong. Yet having the diary, I know now I wasn't. The goblins could confirm my theories though. I need to write to the Potter account manager, get Harry there to see them and their healers.
I looked at the clock. Six am. I need some sleep before I make a visit to the Dursleys, and before the staff meeting. I was stopped from going to bed due to young Ginerva being taken, but now seems like a great time to rest.
Break…
Harry Potter
Hospital Wing, Hogwarts
Late evening
Where am I? I slowly sat up, completely confused at the environment I was in. It took me a minute to register that I was in the hospital wing, and the memories of the past day came back to me. I buried my head in the blanket, mortified at my breakdown in the headmaster's office. I would've rather done it in a more composed manner, but too late now I guess. I sat there for a few minutes, focusing on slowing my thoughts. It didn't take long, but I was soon interrupted by the matron.
"Ah Mr. Potter, how do you feel? You slept all day." She asked hurriedly. Running her wand over my body several times, much like Dumbledore did back in his office. Frowning here and there.
"I feel fine, just stressed, and my back still hurts slightly. Hungry too." I said quietly.
"I am not surprised. I doubt you remember but you had a slipped disk in your lower back. It was easily fixable but you will be sore for a few days. As for your other health. The venom in your system was neutralized by the phoenix tears, though I can still detect trace amounts of both, it seems to be of no harm to you. You are malnourished, yes the headmaster told me about your breakdown, and I am ashamed I never caught it sooner despite your several admissions here. You will need a course of nutritional potions, easily made, to repair the damage, which is something I can fix. On top of that, you had a binding on your core broken. An old binding, maybe placed by your parents years ago. It should have faded itself but it didn't. An odd incident, but it has happened before. Your magic is unstable, and you should not use it much if you can help it for the next week. As for food, I will have some brought up to you. And if you feel up to it, you may take a bath, but not a shower. We don't want you to strain your body too much." She spoke.
I wondered how much she was going to list. I flushed slightly at her knowing of my childhood, but I understood that it was necessary. Dumbledore or Mcgonagall must have told her once I was asleep. I nodded in acceptance of what she said.
"I'd like a bath, I still feel dirty from the chamber." She nodded.
"Very well. I have written out everything for you, and given a copy to your head of house and the headmaster, along with a suggestion to see a healer. I'm not capable of dealing with it all, as my speciality is in children's health. The malnutrition and physical injuries I can handle, but you might need to see someone about the broken binding if you struggle to cast spells, or may need a new wand. I am also unsure of the venom or the traces of dark magic on you, and furthered that in my report."
I thought I understood most of it, and nodded in acceptance as she called an elf. After eating a meal that consisted of pork chops and soup, along with a side of nasty and only slightly less nasty potions, I was given fresh robes and guided to the bathroom. It felt great to soak in the hot water, and after nearly half an hour, I washed out my hair and got out, getting dressed and heading back to my bed.
"Your body needs rest . I know you just woke up an hour ago, but would you like a sleeping potion? It would allow the others to work more efficiently and help reduce the pain you need to feel." I thought about it for a moment, before nodding in acceptance. Oddly, this one only tasted of blueberries, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It was only a few more minutes before I drifted off, falling back into the realm of dreams.
Morning…
Waking up, it only took me a few seconds to sort out where I was. However, moving from where I was took far longer. My body was stiff, far more than it ever had been, my back was aching, and I had a headache. Yet I also felt more energized than I had in a while. I tried to sort out what to do. My stomach made the first decision quite clear, food was the first thing. Luckily it didn't take long, and after some eggs, ham, and pumpkin juice, along with another dose of potions, I was up to do my business. I wasn't discharged from the matron's prison, unfortunately, so I asked if I could sit next to Hermione for a few. She was fine with it, but only for a short bit.
Ron came and visited before lunch, and we sat and talked. Making jokes and trying to ignore the eventful night we had. Madam Pomfrey said that the petrified would be woken in two days, as the oldest mandrake was finally matured. It was relieving to know there was no lasting harm to those frozen. Besides, we missed Hermione. I was told I was allowed to leave until tomorrow, but that gave me time to rest. Luckily classes had still been canceled, and it was Friday so there weren't any classes tomorrow.
Saturday…
Let me just say for the record, being released from the hospital was the best part of the past week. I felt better than I ever had, despite the minor soreness in my back still. I was cleared to do some magic, but to not strain myself. The not so fun part was going to be the meeting I had with the headmaster after lunch. I knew what it would be about, and I wasn't quite excited about it. Still. The words of my parents rang in my head, and I knew that even if I didn't like it, it was necessary. Hopefully I wouldn't return there this summer, or ever again if I could help it.
I went up to the tower, and chatted with some of the housemates. Most were curious as to what happened. Apparently at dinner yesterday, Dumbledore made an announcement, telling everyone a much less detailed version of what happened. I agreed with the tale, not wanting to discuss it a whole lot. Some of the others made a big deal from it, as we were awarded with awards of special services to the school. It was a big deal according to Neville.
The twins of course knew more, and pulled me aside to thank me for what I did, and even Percy said his thanks, in a snooty way of course, still expressing his disappointment in us breaking the rules. I shrugged it off. I did find out Mrs. Weasley was upset that she didn't get to thank me, and fully expected to see me soon to do so, along with .
Lunch came soon enough and so did more staring and whispers, though what surprised me was someone tapping on my shoulder halfway through. I turned around to see Susan Bones standing there. She was a Hufflepuff in our year, cute with bright red hair. Her aunt worked in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and like me, she was an orphan. Her parents, along with almost all of the rest of her family, were killed near the end of the war, only leaving herself and her aunt alive. She was one of the ones who said some pretty mean things, not that they truly upset me, but I was certainly unhappy with her, and most of the school really. Gryffindor was the only house that had stood with me, though oddly Slytherin hadn't been worse than normal.
"Harry, I wish to apologize for my words earlier this year. I should have known better than to say those things, especially since you lost your parents to someone who was like that." She was trying her best to look me in the eyes, but kept turning red and looking down. I wonder if that was caused by me not having glasses anymore?
I gave her my best stare as I realized the hall had gone silent and was watching this. I figured I should make a small showing of this since everyone was going to pay attention. She was the first to apologize to me, and despite the fact I wanted to hold the insults against her, I didn't. It didn't mean I wasn't going to make her fidget under pressure for a moment though. I watched as she became slightly unnerved, completely avoiding my eyes. Her hands shook slightly, which I took as a sign I had pushed enough. I sighed deeply, being dramatic.
"I can't say I forgive you, not yet, but this is a long way towards that. Words can only mean as much as actions though, so please remember this, and not make the mistake again." She looked up, shocked before nodding, thanking me, and excusing herself.
"Bloody hell Harry, your stare is unnerving enough, but without glasses it's gotten a lot worse." Ron exclaimed. I shrugged, as conversation picked up in the hall.
Several others came over to apologize. I just told them they heard what I said the first time, and to remember those words. As I started to lose my patience, Professor Flitwick interceded, stopping others from interrupting my lunch. Finally finishing my lunch, I glanced up to the head table to see the headmaster already gone. Mcgonagall saw me looking and nodded, before rising and heading out of the hall. I excused myself from the group, telling them I had to meet the headmaster. They didn't ask many questions, just said their goodbyes as I walked out and up to the headmaster's office.
Walking up to the gargoyle. I realized I didn't know the password, and after several failed guesses, I gave up. "Can you tell the headmaster that I am here?" The gargoyle didn't move for a moment, before suddenly stepping aside. I stepped onto the moving stairs, and once at the door, went to knock.
"No need to knock Mr. Potter, it is unlocked." I froze for a moment. How did he know what I was about to do? I slowly lowered my hand to the handle, turning it and walking in. He laughed loudly as he saw my stunned expression. Mcgonagall was smirking as well.
"You are probably wondering how I did that? Besides the Gargoyle letting me know you needed to be let in, my apologies for not giving you the password by the way, I have an alert ward on the door, along with an Identification ward. It helps to know who is coming to see me after all. The current password is Hersheys." I nodded dumbly at his explanation, shocked at the knowledge of the muggle candy, as he gestured to me to sit in one of the nice chairs across from him and Mcgonagall. They weren't at his desk, but in a small lounge area to the right of the room. It had a couple of end tables with small trinkets on them, not dissimilar to those on the other shelves.
As I sat, there was a trill, Fawkes flying and landing on the arm of the chair. He leaned into my touch as I rubbed his head, quite content with the attention. I noticed the headmaster smiling at this, probably thinking it was adorable or something. I didn't care.
"I know it is hard to bring up, but I would like to discuss your life at the Dursleys. I've received the report from Madam Pomfrey, and it matches what you said. I know you left a lot out, and we both would like to hear it, so we can help you." He said quietly. I took a few deep breaths, before pulling in memories from before Hogwarts.
I started explaining everything. From when I was four and was forced to learn to clean, five and six, learning to do lawn work and cooking. The different beatings and why I got them. The lack of any proper meals, clothing or medical care, especially for any injuries I had gotten. There were several instances where I needed care, whether it was stitches or joints put back into place. Even broken bones. He said it was most likely instinctual that my magic was healing me, and also why I didn't scar very much.
The story of me ending up on the roof came up again in more detail, and both of them looked angry and thoughtful. So did the story of getting my letter. Dumbledore sighed at this.
"Had I known you were being treated in such a way, or that you were so ignorant of your heritage, I would have never sent Hagrid. Your aunt was told to ensure you knew about your family, and that you would have a high standing in our world. She knew about your parents and their importance. The blame still falls on me to a degree, as I put you there. I won't ask for forgiveness Harry, but I wish to explain first, before you get angry at me."
Unknown to me, once he had said he placed me there, my eyes had glowed again, my magic latching onto my anger. I saw his eyes widen briefly, before his face returned to normal. I nodded slowly, giving him the chance he asked for.
"Back during the war. Things were dark. I won't lie and say we were winning, because truthfully, we probably only had months before we would have lost. The Ministry was losing Aurors too quickly, and the Order of the Phoenix wasn't capable of holding the fights as we were losing members. Attacks happened daily, and the death toll was rapidly approaching the three thousand mark, not including non-magical deaths of course. I won't lie and say there isn't a reason you are hailed so much. Tom falling when he tried to kill you was the biggest change in the war. Most death eaters quickly either claimed imperious, that they were being controlled, or were caught shortly after his fall. Some chose death instead, or even suicide rather than Azkaban, the wizarding prison. Most of his inner circle was arrested, though seven were killed in the attempt to round them up. The death eaters, his followers, quickly ended the fighting, choosing to run and hide instead, all because their powerful leader was gone."
He stopped. Allowing me to absorb the information, before continuing
"Just over seven years since the first attack to the day he fell. It took two months after he fell to end the major fighting, but it was over, the attacks were done, and so were a great majority of the trials. Numbers of death eaters walked free though, like Lucius Malfoy, yes he was a death eater, and still bears the mark, because the ministry refused to allow the DMLE to administer truth serum." I was shocked at this, but then again, Vernon always complained about corruption in politics, and this was probably a good example of it.
"At the time of your parents death, their will had been sealed, as only family or a prearranged benefactor could release it. Gringotts has a copy that you would need to release, which we can do next week." I nodded. It was probably important that it was done.
"Without their will, we only knew of a handful of guardians in the magical world you could go to. The first being Alice and Frank Longbottom, Neville's parents. However, they were hidden until two days after the death of your parents, both driven insane by the LeStrange family through torture. Sirius Black was another option, but he was supposedly the one to betray your parents, telling Voldemort where to find them, as they were also hidden with you under a fidelius charm. He was arrested the day after your parent's deaths, after supposedly killing thirteen muggles and a friend of his, Peter Pettigrew." He explained.
I felt my anger boil up. Professor Flitwick had once had a lesson on the fidelius charm, a filler lesson after exams last year. It was a charm where one hid a secret in a person, and only that person knew where to find it, and only they could tell others the secret. It was a charm few could due to the power requirements for it. Before I could speak, he held his hand up.
"I do not believe he did it, as I knew him well. He was far too loyal to your father, and even lived with your grandparents for a time. He would have chosen death before betraying your parents. But the Ministry arrested him, due to him always bragging about being the keeper of your parents location. I had doubts that he actually was the keeper as it was far too odd for him to act as he was. Of course, the ministry of did not accept this, and I believe your parent's will could shine light on this better." It didn't alleviate my anger, but I stopped myself from lashing out.
"I am sorry sir, but could you get to the point of how you are responsible for me ending up with my relatives." I said, I was losing my patience.
"After those two people, you had no other magical relatives, meaning that you could be taken in by any magical family. The Malfoys were a close option, as they were to be cleared, and they are the closest blood relative, from your paternal grandmother's side. I couldn't risk it, so I claimed custody magically, and then used the reasoning to allow you to live with your mothers relatives. Naturally, I couldn't just leave you there. So again, I did something I probably shouldn't have. I casted blood wards, anchoring them to a stone buried a few feet in the flower bed. The stone was powered by the blood I took from you, along with the blood of your aunts. The wards made it to where none who wished you harm could reach you." He sighed at this.
"The wards would have also been stronger if you shared a close bond. Before this meeting, I went and evaluated the wards. I was surprised they were as powerful as they were, but I believe that is from your own power, as if you had a close bond, the wards would be nearly unbreakable due to the small size of the property. Along with that, I investigated inside, and confirmed much of what you had said last time we had spoken."
I sat and contemplated this. He was the one who put me through hell, but he did it thinking it would be the best place for me. He hoped they would be the best, actually caring for me. At the end of the day, he didn't know they would be so cruel.
"It isn't your fault, professor. We all make mistakes, and you didn't know…." I trailed off, sitting and thinking. An elf appeared and brought us butterbeers. I took a drink, enjoying the flavor.
"We can't let you return there, Harry. And from the recommendation from Madam Pomfrey, we need to get you seen. Albus has suggested we take you to the goblins, as you have business with them anyways. I am hesitant but the hat supported him in his decision." Professor Mcgonagall spoke.
The headmaster sat in thought, Mcgonagall looking between us as he seemed to contemplate something. "Harry, I believe it a bad idea to simply put feelers out to find a place for you to live, as people who are less and savory would want you, whether for the power, influence, or money. They would do it for the wrong reasons, or use you to further themselves. You could always stay with the Weasley's if you would like, as long as they were willing, though Molly would never say no?"
I immediately shook my head. "I would rather not, headmaster. As nice as they are, its too much there sometimes, too loud and too much going on." He nodded, not seeming surprised.
"There is another option, it is less ideal, but doable. It would also be something to decide after the will." He spoke slowly. Mcgonagall raised an eyebrow at this, before her eyes widened.
"Surely not Albus?" She asked in disbelief. He just smiled at me.
"Would you like to hear the offer?" I nodded, wondering what idea he had.
"Legally nothing would change. However, your residence would. You would stay within the school during the summer, specifically with me. Typically I am only gone two weeks in total. Both for the ICW gatherings. You could stay here, or come with me. At least this year I would rather you stay as the world is dangerous. I would rather you spend this year learning, even from other instructors if they were willing. With me, you would be given assignments, and I may ask other teachers to assist you. One would be Professor Flitwick, to teach you dueling."
I sat silently. Not sure what to say. "What else is there to it?" I asked. He thought about this.
"Firstly, I would want only the best from you. Effort in all of your classes, and more assignments from me. I haven't and never will get to be a parent, but I am a teacher and capable of caring for you, and would be quite happy to. I would only ask that much from you. On top of that, I would teach you about politics and nobility, and get an instructor for both dance and etiquette. All of which is necessary. As time goes on. I would teach you things you need to or should know."
I looked at him, and he seemed to actually want this, not seeing me as a burden but as an opportunity. "Where would I stay? In the tower?"
"No. The headmaster's office can supply you a room to stay in, one that would be there even during the school year, though you would have to stay in the tower during the semester. The stairs would stop halfway up and the door would be hidden to those who don't know the password, which would be different from the password to get here. The room would be yours, though I would expect you to keep it clean and organized."
Both Mcgonagall and I were shocked by the offer. I gave in quickly, as this was the opportunity of a lifetime, to be taught by one of the world's most renowned figures. Plus, no matter what he demanded of my education or learning, it would still be far better than the Dursleys or people like Malfoy. He smiled as I agreed.
"Well, what do you say the three of us go to the Alley this upcoming Saturday. I will make the appointment and we can meet here at an appropriate time. Maybe go shopping for clothes and other necessities, as you need clothes that actually fit, and I am sure some of your supplies were bought cheaply. Bless Hagrid, but sometimes he is a cheapskate." He reasoned.
Truthfully, I was excited at the opportunity to get clothes that were for me, and me alone. I knew I had a lot of gold, and Hagrid had once told me school was already paid for, so it might be worth splurging a little bit. I agreed to the idea quickly.
"Very well. Minerva will stop by your dorms Friday, most likely when you are in class, to see what conditions your things are in, and we will go from there. Why don't you head off and enjoy your day, as Minerva won't allow me to cancel exams, you should go study, or maybe visit with your friends." I nodded.
He was right earlier, my grades could be better with some more effort, effort I never put in most times. Besides, maybe it would encourage Ron to do better as well, and make Hermione happy.
As I walked back to class, I couldn't help but wonder if I could actually keep up with Hermione, if I put the effort in.
Albus Dumbledore
"I am sorry Minerva, I should have listened to you those years ago."
"Albus, you need to remember that despite everyone asking your opinion or what choice you would make, you aren't all knowing. We both know that despite being the leader of the light, you have always been closer to gray than anyone knows." She replied, attempting to console my stupidity.
"I know. I often wonder if I should have allowed the kill order to be given, both in the ministry and in the order. When he rises again, I don't plan on holding leashes. We made mistakes last time, and it costed us good people, and those losses will always lay on my mind. When I do eventually pass, I hope I am not judged too harshly." I could feel my emotions reacting to my pain and anger, all of which was at myself, with some to the Dursleys. It had taken considerable effort for me to stay in control when Harry recounted everything.
How the boy was as good natured as he was proves that in some cases nature wins out, or maybe the nurture he received made him build himself opposite to those who nurtured him? Either way, he could have turned resentful, vicious, a bully, or even into another Tom Riddle. One far more dangerous, and possibly even more powerful. Even now, the glow in his eyes was a sign, one that he would grow to be as powerful as myself, maybe even surpass me.
"Come Albus, you have a staff meeting here soon." Minerva said, shaking me out of my thoughts. I just sighed. Severus had helped the Order to protect Lily Evans, then Lily Potter, and only continued to help to ensure her son's life, something I have been failing to protect. The two of us walked to the staff room, and I noticed there was only Severus and Filius present. Only a few minutes passed before everyone was there, minus Septima, who was overseeing everythings, and Binns, who never showed up.
"What is this meeting about Albus? You scheduled it two days ago after your return and our first meeting, so why are we here, as you gave no hint as to why you called this meeting." Professor Pomona Sprout asked.
"I called a meeting to discuss Harry Potter." I spoke quietly. I was still working on controlling my emotions. Severus was the first to speak.
"What has the brat done now? Demanded something insane, or gloated everywhere about his fame and fortune." He sneered. I didn't even get a chance to rebuke that before Mcgonagall tore into him.
"The brat, as you so kindly put it, has lived a childhood much like your own, Severus. Out of anyone in this room, you would be the one able to easily spot this and your grudge against James Potter blinded you, much like it always does. Have you ever paid attention to the boy? If you did, you would notice a lot of his movements and facial expressions are like his mothers, and so are his morals despite how Petunia treated him." Half of it was shouted, which despite her soft spoken manners most times, and her scottish brogue coming out with her anger showed just how bad of a mood she was in.
I watched as he sat in thought, surprising everyone in the room as he didn't immediately disregard the notion of Harry being an abused child. Several emotions flickered across his face, and he swore before it stuck between pain and anger, and he turned to me. "He was with who? Albus, I swear on everything that if she just said Petunia, as in Petunia Evans, or whoever she married, you will remember why I was a formidable duelist."
He didn't have his accustomed sneer anymore, which was worse than if he did. It was a clear indication he wasn't simply putting up an angry or displeased front, but was legitimately feeling it. "I did Sever-" I was cut off.
"You absolute fool. You dimwitted old fuck! Out of every possible choice of a guardian, and you send him to the only one who's care could possibly be worse than the likes of Lestrange or Riddle himself! Petunia has always been a spiteful bitch, even before Lily left Hogwarts, she was a terrible human being, despising her sister in jealousy and insecurity because her sister had everything she wanted." I flinched. "For Merlin's sake you old coot, I would've rather take him in than send him to the cow."
Everyone seemed shocked at that statement. "You mean Harry Potter, the savior against You-know-who, the one who is soft spoken, kind, and caring, who fought a basilisk and cursed artifact, was abused?" Professor Babbling asked. While she didn't often interact with him, she still saw him throughout the school. Other teachers were watching.
I explained how he came to be there, and how my negligence led to him not being checked on. What his relatives had been like, and that he would be removed from their care before the end of the year, and that I was going to be taking him shopping and to Gringotts. By the end of the meeting, Severus was incredibly angry, mostly at me, while the other teachers realized we needed to be more diligent in checking for abused and neglected children. Severus only spoke once before he left.
"Do not come to me for a while Albus. Of all of the foolish things you have done, this is in the top ten. Not only am I angry at you, but myself as well, and I need time to sort through it. I will also be speaking with the boy, once I have calmed myself down enough to." Were his parting words. He wasn't even using occumulency to control his emotions, as his power seemed to radiate off of him as he walked from the room, others soon following. Severus was an honorable man, at least in recent days, so I only hoped his talk would be good for them.
After everyone had left, leaving me alone, I sat back and sighed, realizing I had a lot of problems to sort, and a lot of mistakes to fix, and certainly a lot of apologies to make.
A/n: So Chapter three is done here. I hope you like the different points of view, and Dumbledore not seeming like a terrible person. A lot of fictions make him out to be one, and sometimes I hope he was just a faulted man that needed reflection, but never got it before he died. Up next is a week of school, Harry adjusting to no longer being a Horcrux, and some discussions between teacher and student.
