Back in Dumbledore's office, the warmth of the fire crackled softly, casting a golden glow across the room.
Nero sat across from the Headmaster, a steaming cup of tea cradled in his hands.
The intensity of the Room of Requirent seed a distant mory now, but the weight of their discoveries lingered heavily between them.
Nero took a sip, letting the silence stretch before finally breaking it.
"Though my mories give a huge edge in so respects," Nero began, setting the cup down carefully, "they're far from everything. If anything, they might even be my greatest weakness."
Dumbledore's gaze was steady, his expression thoughtful as he studied Nero's words.
"A sharp observation," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "The mind, especially one filled with secrets, is both a treasure and a target. I imagine your progress has been hindered by the lack of soone to practice with, soone capable of sending probes and helping you build strong defenses. Occluncy is not a skill that flourishes in isolation."
Nero nodded, his tone somber. "Absolutely. I've been working on ditation and laying the groundwork, but without guidance, I can only get so far. My mories could still be exploited, or worse, extracted. This is part of why I limited going out from Ravenclaw Manor after I recovered my mories. I couldn't risk exposure."
Dumbledore considered this for a mont, his fingers steepling as he leaned back in his chair. "A wise precaution," he said.
Then, with a slight nod, he straightened, a decision forming in his mind. "I'll lift the barrier magic now," he added, his voice calm but deliberate. "I believe I may have already guessed your next request, Nero. And besides," he added with a small, knowing smile, "you were right, it's best if we keep the matter of Horcruxes strictly between the two of us."
With a graceful wave of his hand, he traced an intricate pattern in the air, dissolving the shimring barrier that had encased them. The soft hum of magic faded, and Nero leaned back in his chair, his expression shifting to sothing almost mischievous.
"By the way, Grandpa, did you probe ntally during our initial discussion?" he asked, his tone light but layered with curiosity.
Dumbledore coughed lightly, caught slightly off guard. For a mont, he thought of how Nero's wit bore an uncanny resemblance to Rowena Ravenclaw herself.. "I admit I sent so subtle probes," he confessed, his voice steady but tinged with a faint trace of amusent. "Only to ensure that what you shared was true. I must say, your ntal fortitude is impressive for soone your age."
Nero smiled faintly, as if he had expected the answer. "But you could have seen all my mories if you wanted to, right?"
Dumbledore didn't deny it, his eyes twinkling. "You are correct."
The boy's smile widened slightly, as though the matter were rely a fact of life. "Good to know," he said simply, before shifting his gaze toward the shelf where the Sorting Hat sat. "This brings us to the second matter of the day."
With a gentle motion, Nero gestured toward the hat. "Do you have any other use for this freeloader besides the Sorting Ceremony?"
The hat stirred imdiately, its indignation palpable. "Freeloader?!" it bellowed, its voice reverberating through the office. "I'll have you know I've been providing invaluable service to Hogwarts for centuries!"
Nero raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "I thought you were sleeping 364 days a year?"
The hat sputtered, montarily caught off guard. "I... require rest to perform my duties effectively!" it declared with exaggerated dignity.
Nero chuckled, then turned back to Dumbledore, his expression shifting to seriousness. "Grandpa, as you understand now, my mind is my biggest weakness, and it should be my top priority. I know you're very busy yourself. But who better than a magical object that's free 364 days a year, can read minds, and can't share secrets except for a few personality traits, to beco my Occluncy teacher?"
Dumbledore stroked his beard, clearly entertained by the logic. "An interesting suggestion," he mused, nodding slowly."It does make sense."
The hat, however, erupted in protest. "You can't be serious, Albus! Don't send to this lunatic! I've heard what he tried to do to the crystal. So young, and already as much a devil as Rowena!"
Dumbledore's shoulders shook with quiet laughter. "Nero, would you consider putting aside the notion of dissecting the Sorting Hat if it were to beco your Occluncy teacher?"
Nero smirked, his tone teasing. "I would need a teacher in complete shape, so I wouldn't worry too much. But if I don't see progress in my Occluncy skills, I may have to focus on other areas..." He let the implied threat hang in the air, playful but effective.
The hat groaned dramatically. "Fine, fine! I'll be the best Occluncy teacher you've ever had. Just promise you won't take apart."
Nero smiled warmly. "Deal."
The hat muttered in exasperation, its voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "That smile... I've seen it too many tis on Rowena's face. It always ant trouble." It turned toward Fawkes, who had been watching quietly from his perch. "Fawkes, if I ever call for help, you must co to my rescue!"
The phoenix chirped rrily and fluttered down, perching comfortably on Nero's shoulder. He nuzzled his fiery head affectionately against Nero's cheek, earning a soft laugh from the boy.
The hat sighed, utterly defeated. "Even a phoenix has been corrupted by this knowledge devil. What is this world coming to?"
Nero laughed, his voice light and carefree for the first ti that night. "It seems even legends need to adapt to new tis."
Dumbledore watched the exchange, his gaze warm. "Well, Nero, it seems you've found your unexpected helper. I trust the two of you will make remarkable progress together."
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100 Chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 127: Nero's Research
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