章 41: Headmaster's office

...

Inside the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts, Arthur Weasley and Mrs. Molly stood with serious expressions, their eyes fixed on Ron.

Ron shrank behind Harry like a frightened quail, not daring to lift his head.

As the key figures in the incident, Dyroth and Draco were also present in the office, having been invited by the school to discuss the situation.

"Ron!" Mrs. Molly's voice boomed through the room. "Did you not listen to a single thing I said in my letter? I barely finished sending it, and here you are, causing trouble again!"

Her anger was palpable. She glared at Ron, her fiery temper barely held in check, even in the presence of Dumbledore.

However, when her gaze fell on Harry, her expression softened instantly. She rushed over and pulled Harry into a warm embrace.

"Oh, Harry, dear, it's so good to see you. You poor thing! I'm so sorry you were dragged into this." She gently stroked his hair before turning her fierce gaze back to Ron. "You'd better listen this time, Ron. If you ever pull something like this again, your father and I will come and take you home ourselves!"

On the other side of the room, Arthur Weasley approached Dyroth and Draco with an apologetic expression. Even though the Weasley family and the Malfoys were hardly on friendly terms, Arthur was prepared to take responsibility for Ron's actions.

"Mr. Grindelwald, Mr. Malfoy," Arthur began earnestly, "I apologize on behalf of my son."

Dyroth smiled politely, maintaining a calm demeanor as he responded. "There's no need for an apology, Mr. Weasley. Children have their conflicts—it's a part of growing up."

Arthur, visibly relieved by Dyroth's lack of hostility, extended a grateful nod. "You are very understanding, Mr. Grindelwald. You're always welcome at the Burrow."

The Ten-year-old Ginny Weasley, who had come with her parents, curiously was looking at Dyroth. His composed and elegant behavior left a lasting impression on her.

"This is Ginny," Arthur said, introducing his daughter. "She'll be starting Hogwarts next year."

Dyroth smiled kindly at the young witch, who blushed slightly under his gaze. "A smart and beautiful young witch. We'll be glad to welcome you to Hogwarts, Ginny."

Ginny stammered, "Th-thank you," her cheeks flushed.

Arthur, sensing it was time to leave, called for Molly, who had finished giving Ron a thorough scolding. The Weasleys said their goodbyes, and the room emptied of all but Dumbledore and Dyroth.

But before Dyroth could leave, Dumbledore finally spoke. "Mr. Grindelwald, could you stay for a moment? There's something I would like to discuss with you."

Dyroth paused, then turned with a polite smile. "Of course, Professor. What is it?"

Dumbledore motioned to the chairs, offering Dyroth a seat, but he declined with a shake of his head. "No need for formalities, Professor. What would you like to discuss?"

Dumbledore sighed, popping a cockroach cluster into his mouth and savoring it for a moment before speaking again. "As headmaster, I must apologize for the trouble you've faced at Hogwarts."

Dyroth raised an eyebrow. "Apologize?" he echoed, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

If Dumbledore had truly cared, Dyroth thought, he would have intervened long before now. His absence during the flying lesson incident when Ron attacked had not gone unnoticed. If not for Professor McGonagall's intervention, Dyroth doubted anyone else would have stepped in.

Dumbledore, ignoring the subtle rebuke, continued, "Yes, Ron's actions are his own responsibility, but I fear Harry is being influenced in a wrong way."

Dyroth cut in sharply. "Who Harry chooses to befriend is his own business, Professor. If he suffers for it, that's his choice."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, seemingly unfazed by Dyroth's cold tone. "You're right, but I believe Ron is no longer the best influence for Harry. He needs... better guidance."

Dyroth crossed his arms, eyeing Dumbledore warily. "You're not suggesting that I should take Ron's place, are you?"

"..." Dumbledore remained silent for a moment, his piercing gaze focused on Dyroth.

Dyroth felt a flicker of surprise. So, this was really what the headmaster wanted.

"I don't need you to take Ron's place entirely," Dumbledore finally said. "But Harry needs someone to guide him—someone who can offer better advice at the right moments."

Dyroth chuckled. "You want me to be Harry's mentor?" he asked, incredulous. "Why me?"

Dumbledore's reasoning was clear. He had already ruled out several candidates. Neville was too timid, Seamus lacked the talent and background to provide real support, and Hermione's loyalty to Dyroth meant she no longer have the same opinions and views with Harry. Draco was out of the question, leaving only Dyroth.

Still, Dyroth wasn't particularly interested in playing babysitter. "I'm not looking to play caretaker, Professor. I have my own life."

Dumbledore smiled faintly. "You won't need to watch over him constantly. Just... offer guidance when it's needed."

Dyroth weighed his options. He could refuse outright, but that wouldn't benefit him in the long run. However, he realized he could use this opportunity to his advantage.

"I'll consider it," Dyroth said after a pause, "but on one condition."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

Dyroth leaned forward slightly. "I have a few shops opening soon in Diagon Alley. If you could help smooth over any... issues with the pure-blood families, that would be a great help."

Dumbledore thought it over for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I can manage that."

Satisfied with the response, Dyroth gave a small bow. "Then we have an agreement, Professor."

As he turned to leave, a thought crossed his mind, and he glanced back at Dumbledore. "By the way, Professor, I'm surprised you haven't asked me about Quirrell's office."

Dumbledore only smiled and said nothing, leaving Dyroth to wonder about the headmaster's true plans.