- What brings you to me at such a late hour? - Dumbledore politely inquired. His glasses sparkled, reflecting the candlelight, and he smiled mischievously.
- Professor! - Ron addressed him. - Harry had a strange dream today... and it's not the first time it's happened! Tell him, Harry!
- Professor... - Harry reluctantly began. - This summer, I had a dream... it was as if a certain Muggle was wandering through an abandoned house. Then he walked down a corridor and overheard a conversation between two people... At one point, a snake slithered past him, and one of the men stated, as if the snake had told him about the Muggle... When the Muggle entered a room, he saw a huge chair facing him, but I don't know what was in the chair... There was a flash of green light, and...
Dumbledore listened attentively to Harry, and when he finished his story, he didn't say anything. Judging by the focused expression on his face, he deeply contemplated. It's unknown what exactly he was thinking about, but he only spoke after some time. He asked:
- Well, Harry, what did you see today?
- Professor! I had a dream, and in it, there was... a girl who looked like my classmate, d'Arc. In the events of this dream, she was involved in a war and killed people... She killed a small family of three!
Dumbledore pondered for a couple of seconds, then turned to Professor McGonagall, who had accompanied Harry and Ron to his office.
- Minerva, bring the young d'Arc here.
McGonagall quickly left the office.
- Professor, you don't think that...
- I'm not thinking anything, young ones. And now, if you don't mind, I would like to have a small tea party between us... You know, there's nothing better than a cup of strong tea to relieve stress and get rid of disturbing memories.
Dumbledore waved his hand, and a plate filled with sweets appeared on the table. He waved his hand again, and another plate with a teapot and cups appeared. At that moment, McGonagall entered the office with Jeanne.
- Here is the young d'Arc. Have a seat. - Dumbledore politely invited them to the table. - Help yourselves, young ones.
Jeanne sat next to the boys. Unlike the others, her appearance was extremely cheerful, but at the same time, casually self-satisfied, although there was a shadow of suspicion in her eyes, as if she wanted to hide something.
- Young d'Arc, do you know why you're invited here? - Dumbledore asked her when she poured herself some tea. She shook her head negatively.
- What could be special about a nighttime tea party at the headmaster's of a magical school, even if it takes place during Christmas holidays? - she chuckled, stirring her tea with wandswishes.
- Tell me, d'Arc, have you managed to find any friends? The Triwizard Tournament is intended to create connections between students. How are you doing with establishing them?
- I communicate with Harry, Hermione, and Ron on a regular basis. - she replied, looking into her cup. - We talk, attend the same classes together, spend time together, help each other with homework...
- And yesterday, you and Harry performed together at the Ball. - Dumbledore noted.
- And yesterday, Harry and I performed together at the Ball. - Jeanne replied.
Dumbledore picked up an old book from the table. It wasn't too thick or large, but judging by its cover and binding, it seemed very informative and rich in content. The book was in such good condition that its appearance alone indicated it had been rarely read, and its owner had taken good care of it. The title on the front read "The Most Incredible Historical Figures and Events to the Present Day." Dumbledore opened the book to the middle and asked, "Do you young people know the legend of the Holy Grail? You won't believe it, but this book says that there is an artifact that can grant any wish to its possessor! According to the legend, it can even extend life and make it eternal, but for that, a sacrifice is necessary. What a strange condition, isn't it? And most importantly, an impossible one."
"Professor, how is that possible?" Ron exclaimed in surprise.
At that moment, Harry noticed Jeanne's gaze. Her eyes were burning with a fire, as if possessing the Holy Grail was the pink dream of her entire life.
"That's what I'm talking about, young Weasley. It's an entirely unattainable goal, unless you believe that someone can be in two places at once, simultaneously die and continue to live eternally. Despite all our achievements, it is impossible for a human being," Dumbledore explained.
"But, sir," Harry turned to him. "Even if we assume that the Holy Grail exists in reality... don't you think it would become an object of desire for the whole world, and possessing it would unleash a devastating war?"
Dumbledore winked at Harry. "You're thinking right, Harry. And what else should be a consequence of its existence?"
Harry and Ron pondered seriously. "Some irreversible consequences of someone's insane desires?" Ron suggested.
"Exactly. People often wish for anything and everything, and if their desires come true, it's not always for the benefit of the world. Sometimes people's desires focus on things that would require turning the whole world upside down to achieve. Such desires are extremely dangerous, and their fulfillment needs to be corrected," Dumbledore explained.
"But professor, if this thing is so powerful, could someone wish for humanity to disappear upon finding it?" Harry asked.
"Anything is possible, Harry. We each know what our hearts desire. Whether we are aware of our own wishes is another matter," Dumbledore replied.
"But why have we never heard of it?" Ron inquired.
"I think if we have never heard of anyone finding the Holy Grail and fulfilling their wish, it either means that it doesn't exist, or someone found it and caused harm that was later rectified by someone unknown to us, someone who always remains in the shadows," Dumbledore answered.
"Professor," Harry addressed him. "You said a whole war could be unleashed for the Grail. But who could win this war? Wouldn't it require soldiers or servants?"
- Required. - Dumbledore replied. - Particularly experienced wizards summon powerful servants who are reflections of real historical figures who have lived in all times, as well as all legends, songs, and myths about them. But sometimes, when two sides clash in the struggle for the Grail, the Grail itself can summon its own servant in order to balance the fight and judge these two sides. An amazing being with its own mind, this Grail! Do you think it is possible in our world?
- I don't know. - Ron shrugged.
- If you don't know, then neither do I. - Harry shrugged as well.
- What do you think, young d'Arc? - Dumbledore asked.
She sat, mesmerized, staring at the open pages of the book; she had not touched her tea, causing it to cool down. Coming out of her thoughts, Joan dropped a candy she had taken who knows when, and it fell into her cup, splashing those around her with tea.
- Did you say something? - she asked.
For the first time, an expression of extreme embarrassment appeared on her face.
- What do you think, young d'Arc, does the Holy Grail exist? - Dumbledore asked her.
For a few seconds, she struggled to come up with an answer, but Dumbledore did not wait for her words. Finally, he just winked at her imperceptibly and said:
- I also don't know if the Holy Grail exists in reality. But if it does exist, we will learn about it only by confronting it personally. You cannot be prepared for this, and in its presence, the most reckless and foolish desires may awaken in you.
- If it exists, can Voldemort use it? - Harry asked. Ron and McGonagall flinched, but Dumbledore didn't react.
- I don't think he knows about the Holy Grail. - Dumbledore calmly replied. - And if he has heard about it, he barely takes it seriously. But only for now. And now... - Dumbledore looked at his watch. - Minerva, escort the students back to their dormitories. They can sleep a bit longer today, but the holidays will be over very soon.
Returning to the dormitory with Ron and laying his head on the pillow, Harry heard his friend's voice.
- Harry, did you see her eyes? She clearly knows something about it.
- Let's suppose she does. - Harry replied. - What could Joan know that even Dumbledore doesn't?
- Harry, I think she has seen the real Grail.
Harry didn't sleep at all that night.