# Chapter 86: Explosion

# Dumbledore

"I must admit, the information you've gathered is exceptionally thorough. If my students had shown this level of dedication to my homework assignments back in the day, I would have gladly awarded them ten house points," Dumbledore said. His blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses as he looked at Orli—or perhaps through her, as though seeing something beyond.

# Dumbledore

"But this diligence has clearly taken its toll on you. I couldn't help but notice those dark circles under your eyes. For a young lady, that's hardly a flattering accessory," he added, casually waving his wand. Orli felt a cool, minty sensation wash over her face, instantly refreshing her.

She glanced at her reflection in the glass of a nearby picture frame and saw that the dark circles had vanished.

## Orli

"Thank you, Professor. But about the basilisk…"

She tried to say something, but Dumbledore quickly allayed her concerns.

# Dumbledore

"I know, I know. After all, no one would be thrilled about having a giant snake in the school that can kill with a single glance, would they?" He pushed a plate of toffee fingers toward Orli, taking one for himself.

# Dumbledore

"You can rest assured—I can only say this much, but perhaps you've already guessed a little. The situation is still under control. Thanks to Severus's potion, just a single drop in a dead rat… the basilisk's eyes are no longer a threat."

Orli felt confused. Last night, Snape had acted as though he knew nothing about the basilisk, yet his potion had already been used on it…

# Dumbledore

"You see, you're always thinking, always thinking. You need to let your mind rest occasionally," Dumbledore advised her gently, directly addressing her doubts.

# Dumbledore

"Severus wasn't aware of the situation earlier. I simply asked him for a potion that could blind a magical creature. In fact, since last term, I've noticed that you seem to trust Severus quite a lot. I wouldn't want my negligence to jeopardize that trust."

Orli flinched slightly, lowering her head and pretending to take a sudden interest in the toffee fingers. Dumbledore's Legilimency was truly formidable; even without casting the spell outright, his unintentional use of it was overwhelming.

But she still couldn't help asking:

## Orli

"Then, when did you find out about the Chamber…"

She felt as though she was on the verge of uncovering the answer.

# Dumbledore

"Regrettably, Orli, that's something I must keep confidential," Dumbledore said, his expression growing serious. But Orli had already gleaned what she wanted to know. The diary—it was indeed in Dumbledore's possession.

# Dumbledore

"Many times, I encourage young people to think for themselves and find their own answers. But for you, Orli, I hope you'll learn to relax. Remember how you fainted from anxiety during your first year? You need to learn to ease your burdens."

Orli didn't dare look up. She nodded silently, pretending to pick at the edge of her nails.

But Dumbledore had another question for her:

# Dumbledore

"Now, one last small question for today, my dear. Forgive an old man's curiosity, but may I ask why you trust Severus so much? After all, he doesn't exactly come across as the most amiable person."

Orli froze. A flood of images flashed through her mind, but she couldn't say any of it. After a long hesitation, she finally found a suitable word:

## Orli

"I admire Professor Snape."

# Dumbledore

"Oh? That's quite a significant word. A very high compliment," Dumbledore remarked, evidently surprised but seemingly pleased.

## Orli

"Yes, he's knowledgeable, passionate about Potions, disciplined and principled, proud but not arrogant, sharp-tongued but not rude," Orli said, carefully selecting traits from the many she admired in Snape.

## Orli

"…He's very strict with me, even harsh at times. But because of that, I always learn something from him, whether it's about Potions or other matters. I trust him because, as a person, even if he dislikes certain students, he would never stoop to truly harming them."

# Dumbledore

"Unexpected," Dumbledore said, raising his hands to give a gentle clap.

# Dumbledore

"It seems that an excellent teacher will always find a student who truly appreciates them. Don't you agree, Severus?"

Orli stared in shock as Snape emerged from behind a tall bookshelf in the Headmaster's office. A rush of heat surged to her face, making it flush so red it felt as though it might burst. She didn't need a mirror to know that her face was now as red as one of Fred's firework-eating salamanders—she might even spit out a few sparks if she opened her mouth.

# Snape

"Those are nothing more than some ordinary flattery," Snape said, not looking at Orli. He kept his gaze fixed on a stained-glass window behind Dumbledore, as if admiring its colorful patterns.

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# Author's Note:

Hahaha, our heroine (please don't bring it up, she's dying of secondhand embarrassment).

In the author's humble understanding, Snape's inner self longs for respect and recognition—not merely love or "redemption." His pride and self-esteem do not require others' salvation or pity, and any so-called love devoid of respect would only disgust him. His parents never gave him respect or recognition, and Lily once briefly provided him with these, but ultimately, they parted ways. This is why he once obsessively pursued power and became engrossed in the Dark Arts, seeking self-worth within the Death Eaters and under Voldemort's command.

The appearance of the heroine allows him to realize that he, too, can be trusted and admired by someone. Over time, this trust and admiration gradually evolve into a sense of being needed and even cherished.

When he no longer mentally sentences himself to a life of despair, the meaning of his remaining days will no longer be solely about protecting Harry. This was the original inspiration for starting this story.