Chapter 46 - 46: 46: Good morning, Headmaster

"... ... Hagrid, that's pretty much the situation."

After hearing Lucien's explanation, Hagrid chuckled. "No need to apologize to me, my friend. Oh, by the way, how are the vegetables I planted? Does your Little Qilin like them?"

Lucien had gradually gotten used to Hagrid's rather unusual way of thinking.

His first reaction was to ask if the vegetables were tasty. This half-Giant's straightforwardness and kindness made Lucien feel a bit ashamed.

"Uh, it thinks they're very good. It really likes the taste of those vegetables."

"Haha, that's good. How come I don't see your pet?"

Lucien casually answered Hagrid's question: "That kid is still playing in the Forbidden Forest."

Hagrid nodded, then reminded him, "Then you'd better tell it to be careful; there are still some dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest."

Lucien expressed understanding, thanked him, but he wasn't too worried about the Qilin.

Thinking about the terrifying power of the Purifying Flame and its unrestrained Apparition, he should probably be more concerned about whether Lumen might one day burn through the Forbidden Forest.

Hmm, thankfully, Qilin only need dew and the essence of plants to survive. They're vegetarians—otherwise, the animals in the Forbidden Forest would have become its buffet.

Lucien and Hagrid chatted while petting Fang's head.

For some reason, Fang, who had kept his distance the last few times, came over on his own today, pressing against Lucien's hand for pets.

Was it because he had been coming to Hagrid's more often and Fang had grown familiar with him?

Or… had something about him changed over the past two days?

Whoosh—

A crimson ball of fire appeared beside Hagrid's cabin, and from it flew a large, dazzling red bird.

"Fawkes!"

Hagrid immediately called out the Phoenix's name.

Lucien's thoughts were cut off by Fawkes's sudden arrival, and he couldn't help but stare at the legendary bird.

According to the entry in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Phoenixes are extremely rare.

It is said that the Dumbledore family has a deep connection with Phoenixes, and when a family member needs aid, a Phoenix will appear.

So this was Headmaster Dumbledore's Phoenix. Its entrance really was spectacular.

Hagrid, thinking Dumbledore had sent Fawkes to him again, extended his arm, ready to catch it.

However, Fawkes didn't even glance at him, flying straight toward Lucien and finally hovering in front of the young man.

Was it here for him?

Lucien subconsciously extended his arm, and Fawkes landed gracefully upon it.

It was surprisingly light. For something that looked so large, was it really just all fluff and feathers?

Once settled, Fawkes stretched its head forward and affectionately rubbed against Lucien's hair.

"Hagrid, is this…?"

Hagrid scratched at his messy hair.

"Headmaster Dumbledore probably needs to see you, that's why he sent Fawkes."

"But I've never seen a Phoenix act so friendly with someone before."

"Oh, right, Fawkes's way of transporting people…"

Before Hagrid could finish, brilliant flames burst forth from Fawkes, engulfing both the Phoenix and Lucien.

In the next instant, Lucien was standing inside the Headmaster's Office.

"Good morning, Lucien."

An old man with white hair and beard, wearing half-moon spectacles, greeted him warmly.

"Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore."

As Lucien greeted him, Fawkes still lingered on his arm, even beginning to preen his hair with its beak.

Seeing this, Dumbledore couldn't help but be surprised; it was the first time he had ever seen Fawkes so affectionate with anyone else.

"Haha, it seems Fawkes really likes you... Old friend, go rest for a bit. I have some things to discuss with this young wizard."

But Fawkes completely ignored Dumbledore, continuing to fuss over Lucien's hair.

This left Dumbledore slightly awkward, and it wasn't until Lucien gently patted the Phoenix that it reluctantly flew away.

Lucien, too, was puzzled. Why was the Phoenix so attached to him?

And Fang as well. It didn't feel like they were slowly becoming familiar—it was more like a sudden surge of closeness.

Both of them acting this way… it had to mean something about him had changed.

Recently…

Lumen's awakening? Or perhaps because he, as the Qilin's master, had undergone some change that animals and magical creatures could sense?

When the Little Qilin was dormant in the system space, or still in its infancy, maybe that change in quality hadn't been obvious.

Hmm, next time he went to the Forbidden Forest, he would test it with other magical creatures to confirm.

Lucien was still lost in thought when his eyes were suddenly drawn to something.

In the center of the room stood a square glass cabinet, with shaded candle lamps placed at its four corners.

Inside, lying in the middle, was a patched, cracked, grayish-white hat.

"The Sorting Hat? Why have you turned white?"

"Oh, yes, yes, someone finally recognized me! Lucien, putting you in Ravenclaw was indeed the right choice—unlike that short-sighted boy last time…"

"You truly are clever, the most talented young wizard I've seen in years…"

The Sorting Hat rambled on endlessly, and Lucien turned his gaze toward Dumbledore, a hint of confusion in his eyes, as if to ask: Is this normal?

Dumbledore merely spread his hands.

"After the last Sorting Ceremony, it became much more… talkative. It goes on like this for a while every day."

Dumbledore's expression turned a little strange as he remembered his conversation with the Sorting Hat that night. He had only wanted to ask about Lucien's character and talent, yet somehow ended up paying for a glass display cabinet and a monthly hat cleaning.

Lucien nodded. It seemed that after a thousand years of work, the enchanted hat had finally gone mad.

After Lucien sat down, Dumbledore conjured honey water, lemon drops, licorice wands…

Looking at the assortment of sweets laid out on the table, Lucien couldn't help but grumble inwardly. Truly, the old bee Dumbledore.

"Lucien, this should be our first conversation, but I've already heard quite a bit about you from several professors."

"They all speak highly of you, saying you are talented, diligent, and humble."

"That's due to the kindness of the teachers. I'm very grateful for their guidance and help."

Surely Headmaster Dumbledore hadn't summoned him just to give out praise? Hogwarts didn't exactly hand out "Excellent Student" awards.

Lucien felt his performance since the start of the year had been nothing unusual. Aside from learning a little faster and showing some magical talent, there was nothing that should have warranted a special meeting with the Headmaster.

Still, the timing was convenient. He had been planning to bring up his tutoring sessions with Quirrell in Defense Against the Dark Arts. It would be safer to let Dumbledore know in advance.

Lucien was still thinking about how to phrase it when Dumbledore suddenly asked:

"Lucien, I was chatting with Professor Flitwick earlier, and he mentioned you wanted to try using the Undetectable Extension Charm to contain living creatures?"

"Yes, though Professor Flitwick also told me it would be very difficult to achieve."

Dumbledore nodded, and a letter floated into his hand.

"Actually, regarding that question, I consulted an old friend. His name is Newt—Newt Scamander. Have you heard of him?"