Dumbledore’s Visit

Warmth and light — the natural enemies of Devil's Snare.

Vizet felt the magic in his transformed fingers weaken as the vine-like tendrils recoiled, curling tightly like an ironclad maple leaf. The strange sensory awareness he'd gained from the transformation faded just as abruptly.

The fire vanished, and the hospital wing's lights flickered to life.

"It's rare," Dumbledore's soft voice broke the silence, "to see a transformation magic performed with such precision."

He stood near the doorway, clad in turquoise robes embroidered with gold buttons — each bearing the Hogwarts crest. The shimmering fabric seemed to ripple as he moved, a stark contrast to Professor McGonagall's fondness for dark green robes or Professor Snape's ever-present black attire.

For a brief moment, Vizet's gaze lingered on Dumbledore's robes. Does he ever wear the same outfit twice?

"Good evening, Headmaster Dumbledore," Vizet greeted him awkwardly, hurriedly returning his fingers to their original form.

"Are you feeling better?" Dumbledore asked warmly. "I believe Professor Snape's potion — despite its unfortunate taste — has been quite effective."

"Actually, it wasn't so bad," Vizet replied thoughtfully. "It tasted a bit like porridge... though thicker. But yes, it worked wonders — I've recovered remarkably fast!"

"Hmm..." Dumbledore murmured, almost to himself. "It tasted okay, you say? Perhaps I should ask Severus to add a bit of sugar to mine next time…"

He smiled wryly before shifting to a more serious tone.

"Professor McGonagall tells me you're remarkably gifted in transfiguration — particularly in advanced transformations within the same species."

"But now I see," Dumbledore gestured toward Vizet's restored hand, "that your abilities extend beyond that... Transfiguring the human body itself is no small feat. To be honest, calling you 'talented' hardly does it justice."

Vizet felt his face grow warm. He waved his hand modestly.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, I still have much to learn," he said earnestly. "This time... it was mostly inspiration from Theory of Metamorphosis and Transformation. I happened to stumble across a method that allowed me to transfigure the Flitterbloom into a Devil's Snare."

"Theory of Metamorphosis and Transformation?" Dumbledore's fingers stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Ah yes... the very book I borrowed from the library."

"Yes," Vizet said, his face brightening as he recalled something. "Your message was still inside. Was that note... real?"

Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Absolutely real," he replied. "Madam Pince has a rather... unique dedication to her library's care."

The two exchanged amused smiles, and for the first time since Dumbledore had arrived, Vizet felt at ease.

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Dumbledore glanced at Vizet, his tone light and conversational.

"Half the school year has nearly passed. Which subject do you find most interesting?"

"They're all quite interesting..." Vizet replied awkwardly.

"It's a good quality to treat knowledge equally," Dumbledore said kindly. "Hogwarts is the foundation upon which young witches and wizards of the British Isles build their understanding of magic."

"Every subject here holds its own significance. Our hope is that students will discover joy in their studies — that they'll find the magic that speaks to them most..."

"We hope they'll follow their souls, build their own understanding of magic, and uncover the path that suits them best during their seven years at Hogwarts."

"Soul... Magical understanding..." Vizet murmured, his brow furrowing as he sensed the weight behind those words.

"Sharp as ever," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Although one can live quite comfortably with only practical magic... truly understanding magic — and knowing where your strengths lie — is the mark of a true wizard. Most who achieve this clarity are well into their forties."

Dumbledore paused briefly, then continued, "Now, I'd like to share something that goes far beyond the standard curriculum..."

He stopped, noticing Vizet eagerly pulling out his notebook.

"There's no need to write this down," Dumbledore chuckled. "These are just my thoughts on the soul — we're merely chatting."

With slight reluctance, Vizet placed the notebook back on the table.

"Vizet," Dumbledore said thoughtfully, "what do you believe makes one wizard different from another? And give me a magical answer, if you can."

Vizet considered the question. Memories of his time in Luna's home and his studies at Hogwarts swirled in his mind. After some reflection, he answered with a single word:

"Soul."

"Precisely!" Dumbledore beamed. "The souls of wizards are distinct... Though, I suppose I did nudge you in that direction enough times that I won't award Ravenclaw any extra points."

He smiled playfully before continuing.

"A wizard's unique soul shapes the magic they excel in. Take Professor Flitwick, for instance. Did you know he's a former dueling champion?"

"A dueling champion?" Vizet's eyes widened. Though unfamiliar with the title, he instinctively knew it carried weight.

"Indeed," Dumbledore said, his expression turning nostalgic. "Most duelists rely on dark magic to gain the upper hand... but Professor Flitwick triumphed using his unparalleled mastery of charms."

"The sooner you understand your own magical nature," Dumbledore continued, "the sooner you'll grasp what your soul truly seeks — just like Professor Flitwick. The same applies to Professor Sprout, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape... Each has cultivated their own unique relationship with magic, which is why they excel so profoundly."

"Some wizards are naturally gifted at disarming spells, memory charms, or even wandless magic."

"The soul is... fascinating. As varied as the flavors of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans — no two alike, yet each with its own unique experience."

"This," Dumbledore concluded, "is something no professor can teach directly. We can only guide you — inspire you — to understand your soul and build your own relationship with magic."

Vizet hesitated, then asked tentatively, "Headmaster Dumbledore... do you think my soul leans toward Transfiguration magic?"

Dumbledore nodded gently.

"Yes. Beyond your talent, the Obscurus you carry is also part of that conclusion."

"The Obscurus?" Vizet instinctively placed his hand over his chest. "But... wouldn't that mean I have a stronger affinity for dark magic?"

"Would it?" Dumbledore asked with a faint smile. "Who says the soul can only favor one path? The soul is a complex — and often changeable — force."

"A wizard skilled in dark curses may also master the exceedingly difficult Patronus Charm... Anything is possible, Vizet. Wizards are capable of miracles — you must never forget that."

Dumbledore paused, then reached for his wand.

"The Obscurus itself is a form of dark magic... but it's far more than just that."

With a gentle wave of his wand, a wisp of black mist emerged from the tip — curling, shifting — sometimes spreading like a dark cloud, sometimes condensing into a dense, shadowy sphere...