A Certain Magical Hogwarts

From Snape's observations, William appeared to be playing the part of a typical prodigy during the first half of his first year at Hogwarts.

Snape considered himself a prodigy too—a one-in-a-million kind—though far more reserved and humble about it.

People like them are more gifted, more patient, and far clearer about their ambitions compared to their peers.

By and large, William's behavior fell within Snape's expectations. Nothing too outrageous or overly conspicuous.

But one day, the narrative seemed to shift abruptly, as though the "I suffer more than you" trope had taken over and run rampant.

Almost overnight, William's performance in every subject had escalated to an unnervingly high level.

If it weren't for several in-depth conversations that confirmed Stark was still, indeed, Stark—same speech patterns, same approach to things—Snape might have assumed William's soul had been swapped or that a powerful wizard had possessed him.

Snape could only chalk it up to William being extraordinarily talented.

But as he studied the evidence from William's duels with Tywin and his heroic stand against a Dark wizard in Gringotts, involving a dragon of all things, Snape started to feel uneasy.

The rate at which William's power was growing was alarming. 

Was the boy secretly dabbling in the Dark Arts?

Snape had no desire to see another Dark Lord rise from the ashes, particularly not so soon after the last one.

After all, wasn't Dumbledore just a teacher when he defeated the original Dark Lord? And later, as an old man, faced the second?

If that were the case, Snape mused grimly, he might just be living out Dumbledore's script.

Wait a moment—did this mean he was destined to surpass McGonagall and become the next Headmaster?

As Snape's thoughts spiraled into increasingly absurd territory, Dumbledore's wand moved, causing the keys to rise into the air again.

Unable to spot the key they needed, Dumbledore pulled another silver key from his pocket.

"He won't become a third Dark Lord," Dumbledore said, his tone as calm as if he were discussing breakfast plans.

"And how can you be so certain?" Snape asked skeptically.

"I know Voldemort's growth trajectory like the back of my hand," Dumbledore replied, motioning for Snape to keep walking.

"They're completely different. William has a complete family, a charming younger sister, and a wide circle of friends.

"Voldemort never had friends or family—only followers. He didn't understand love, but William does. That's why he won't follow the same path."

"Just because of… love?" Snape's tone was laced with doubt.

"Isn't that enough?" Dumbledore smiled. "Love isn't something we invented—it's real, it's powerful, and it has its own purpose."

"Oh, sure," Snape sneered, "Love serves its purpose—for socializing, maintaining relationships, raising children. But what does it have to do with someone succumbing to the temptation of power?"

"Severus, your perspective is so limited," Dumbledore shook his head gently. "We also love those who've passed away. Does that fit into your 'socializing' definition?"

Snape hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No… it doesn't."

"The meaning of love is far reaching," Dumbledore said warmly. "It's a force so profound that we can channel it through magic.

"Love compels us to protect—even those who aren't connected to us personally. It's the one thing that transcends time and space.

"We must trust in it, even if you don't fully understand it yet."

Snape considered this for a moment before asking, "And what about his unusually rapid growth in power?"

"I know the reason, but I can't tell you just yet."

Snape frowned. "You trust him… but not me?"

"This isn't a matter of trust," Dumbledore replied, patting Snape's broad shoulder. "We both know the Dark Lord isn't truly gone and will return.

"When he does, you'll play a critical role. I can't afford to place all secrets in one basket—especially not one that's going to hang on Voldemort's arm for a long time in the future."

"I've followed all your instructions!" Snape snapped.

"You've done exceptionally well, but don't underestimate the danger you'll face in the future, Severus," Dumbledore said gravely. "If the Dark Lord returns, he'll be stronger than ever before."

Snape said nothing.

The two men continued walking until they reached the graffiti-covered walls.

Dumbledore gazed at the students' scrawled messages, a warm smile lighting his face.

"Severus, the students do seem fond of you. Look—both William and Hermione mentioned you. Even the Weasley twins included a Slytherin crest."

Snape rolled his eyes. "Fond of me? Really?"

Dumbledore waved his wand, causing the writing on the wall to lift and float into his robe pocket. It seemed he wanted to preserve it elsewhere.

With his back to Snape, Dumbledore sighed and spoke in a low voice.

"Severus, you might want to consider softening your demeanor. Don't you care at all what the students think of you?"

There was a long silence before Snape finally replied stiffly, "After so many years… perhaps I'm just used to it."

Used to it, yes, but that wasn't the same as not caring. At least, that's what Dumbledore thought.

He sighed again. "Severus, if only I had your resilience.

"You know, sometimes I think our Sorting Hat is far too hasty in its decisions…"

Snape looked slightly defeated. If he'd been sorted into Gryffindor, perhaps everything would have been different.

"Could you try to help Harry a bit more?" Dumbledore asked gently.

Snape bristled, pacing angrily behind the Headmaster.

"How am I supposed to help him? He's just like his father. Mediocre, arrogant, always tardy, always breaking the rules, desperate for attention, insolent and reckless.

"help him? I'd rather help that little brat Stark. At least he might keep me alive a few extra years."

"You see what you expect to see, Severus," Dumbledore said, inspecting the Devil's Snare but making no move to replace it.

"Don't be so prejudiced. Other teachers say the boy is humble, easy-going, and quite talented.

"I find him to be a rather likable child myself."

Dumbledore stood up, peering through the trapdoor to see Fluffy.

Fluffy was also peering through the trapdoor at him.

Dumbledore's eyes flashed with mild reproach, and Fluffy whimpered, trying to convey that William wasn't the one who put him down.

Snape snorted. "I'm going to bed. I won't sit here and listen to your nonsense.

"That boy isn't even half as clever as Granger, at least she has some sense and intelligence…"

"Hermione would be thrilled to hear that coming from you," Dumbledore said without turning around. "One last thing—keep an eye on Quirrell, won't you?"

Snape's shoes clapped loudly against the floor as he stormed off, leaving it unclear whether he'd taken Dumbledore's request to heart.

Dumbledore sighed.

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