A certain broken Hogwarts

The principal's office was brightly lit, and the strange and unusual instruments on the long table glittered and emitted various tiny sounds. The portraits of the old principals in their respective frames had their eyes closed, their expressions serene, if one ignored the darting pupils beneath their eyelids.

"...I don't understand why you would say such things at the opening ceremony, Albus." Professor McGonagall's suppressed anger rang out in the spacious room, drowning out the comical snickers.

She stood before the desk, her gaze fixed intently on Dumbledore across from her, her face taut: "You're encouraging those children to fight such vicious thugs! You know perfectly well the impact your words will have..."

The old headmaster, with his long silver hair and beard, sat calmly behind his desk, his eyes slightly closed, toying with the oddly shaped old magic wand in his hand, and wearing an ugly black gemstone ring on his right index finger.

Hearing McGonagall's words, he suddenly opened his eyes, his sharp, bright blue eyes beneath the half-moon lenses of his glasses. He said slowly, "I think I've made myself clear, Minerva. I'm not encouraging them to take risks, but rather warning them that they should pick up their wands to protect themselves."

"But they're just kids, they don't have to..." McGonagall's nostrils turned white.

“Many are no longer, Minerva,” Dumbledore interrupted her, his slender fingers gently tracing the ring on his index finger. “After such a dangerous experience, do you still think they don’t need to learn how to protect themselves?”

McGonagall pursed her lips and took a deep breath.

"You know, even Hogwarts isn't absolutely safe. I thought the series of accidents that have happened at Hogwarts over the past two years would serve as a wake-up call for you." Dumbledore stared intently at her. "I think you can see how inadequate the students have been in the face of similar events."

"I understand even less why you're ignoring the dangers in the castle, Albus! You're always busy arguing with those bureaucrats at the Ministry of Magic and the International Wizarding Federation..." McGonagall raised her eyebrows, her eyes filled with unfamiliarity and suspicion as she looked at him. "You've never done anything like this before..."

"I'm getting old, Minerva." Dumbledore suddenly gave a bitter laugh, leaning back in his chair, his expression weary. "I don't know how many more years these old bones of mine can keep going. Once I truly realized this, and seeing the worrying state of things in the school and the wizarding world, I simply can't rest easy..."

Looking at his aged and tired face, McGonagall's lips moved slightly, and her stern expression softened a little.

"So before I leave, I want to do something for this world as much as I can." Dumbledore's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a hint of hope and anticipation. "Do you understand, Minerva?"

"So what were you doing all those years ago?" McGonagall asked sternly, but her tone softened. "If that's your reasoning..."

Just then, there was a knock on the oak door. She glanced at Dumbledore, then turned and walked out. Before leaving, she said one last thing: "Don't worry too much. If there's anything you need me to do... you know I'll always be there for you."

After saying that, she hurriedly opened the door, nodded to Snape outside, and quickly walked down the spiral staircase.

Inside the headmaster's office, Dumbledore silently watched her retreating figure disappear behind the door, then slowly sat up straight, a meaningful expression appearing on his face.

"Ah, welcome, Severus." He turned his gaze to Snape, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's been quite a while since you've come to see me here."

Snape strode in, his face grim, a slight twitch in his cheek. He stopped in the center of the headmaster's office, gazing at the now-energetic headmaster from afar, his eyes empty and indifferent: "What do you intend to do with Bellatrix's situation?"

The principal blinked and smiled nonchalantly, "I think that has little to do with me."

"You know, she's got her eye on Harry Potter! Even Hogwarts Castle can't stop a wizard from resorting to any means to assassinate him." Snape's expression grew even more gloomy, his deep voice filled with obvious irritation.

"I know. But what does it have to do with me?" the headmaster said with a smile. "That's Harry's own business. No one but him is responsible for his safety, and neither are you, Severus."

"Are you really determined to leave him to his fate?" Snape's cold, dark eyes stared intently at him as he said, enunciating each word clearly, "You're grooming him."

"I don't deny that," Dumbledore said casually, "but other than that, I won't give him any special treatment. If he can't even get past this hurdle, then he's not qualified to continue receiving my training."

"Even if he is the hope of defeating the Dark Lord?" Snape stared at him aggressively.

“That’s interesting, Severus,” Dumbledore said slowly, a look of interest on his face. “If you truly believe the prophecy will come true, then why worry about Harry’s safety at this time? According to the prophecy, he will certainly live to see the moment of truth, right?”

Snape's face darkened completely. He flicked his sleeves and prepared to turn and leave.

At that moment, Dumbledore's voice drifted over: "In fact, I have more faith in you than in Harry Potter, Severus. Your talents are of greater use to me."

"How about this? If you're really determined to protect Harry Potter, let's make a deal, shall we?" His words were leisurely and full of confidence. "You work for me, and I'll help you protect Harry's safety."

Snape stared at him for a long time with a dark expression, then said sarcastically in a smooth tone, "I never thought I'd become so popular."

"You underestimate yourself, Severus," Dumbledore sighed.

"What exactly do you want to do?" Snape said slowly, his eyes fixed on the other man's deep blue eyes behind his half-moon glasses.

"To change the status quo of the wizarding world, to change the course of the world," the headmaster said with a smile, his fingers interlaced across his chest. "Don't you think it's time for the Wizarding Secrecy Act to come to an end? Don't you want to create a better era with me?"

Snape's eyes flickered slightly, and he said indifferently, "That's none of my business."

"I will ensure that wizards stand upright in the sunlight, receiving the honor and status they deserve..." The headmaster paused, "...in a peaceful way."

"Come and help me, Severus. I need you," he said softly, his eyes gentle and sincere.

Snape stood there silently, like an empty, soulless doll. After a long while, he slowly said, "If you can keep your promise."

"Of course, I will protect Harry Potter's life." The headmaster's smile deepened. "However, I will not be his constant companion, nor will I care if he gets hurt. I will only intervene when his life is truly in danger."

"Only through the trials and tribulations can a hero truly be forged, right?" he said.

Snape's lips twitched, he nodded haphazardly, and then quickly walked away.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair with a smile, his fingers continuing to stroke the black gemstone ring. He glanced to his right, his smile deepening.

A moment later, there was another knock on the headmaster's office door. Owen and Harry walked in and sat down expertly in the chairs opposite the headmaster.

"Good evening, Mr. Dumbledore," Owen said politely. His eyes flickered slightly as he noticed the limp Sorting Hat on the shelf behind him, and a silver pendant hanging next to it.

The shimmering silver pendant resembled a triangular eye, seemingly spying on them.

Owen knew the meaning of the symbol. The outer triangle represented the Invisibility Cloak, the inner circle the Resurrection Stone, and the vertical line the Elder Wand. It was the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, and also the symbol of Grindelwald's allies.

The principal glanced at Owen with a smile, then nodded to the two of them and chatted with them for a while like a kind and approachable old neighbor.

When the clock struck 7:15, Dumbledore finally got to the point: "Your performance against Voldemort last semester did not disappoint me..."

Harry shifted his body slightly, a hint of excitement in his voice, but then his expression turned resentful. He remembered Dumbledore and Owen conspiring to take all the credit while he was unconscious.

Dumbledore glanced at him and continued, "You passed my test, perfectly resolving Voldemort's threat and demonstrating your abilities to me."

Owen maintained a polite smile, his eyes occasionally glancing at the gleaming pendant hanging there. Harry, on the other hand, blushed, feeling quite embarrassed, after all, it was Owen's idea that solved the problem of Voldemort's crown.

"I think it's time for our course to move forward a little further," Dumbledore said slowly.

Irving gave a barely perceptible purse of his lips. He didn't want to go any further; he had a feeling it would only get worse.

Harry was very happy and looked at the old man in front of him with anticipation.

Dumbledore observed them for a moment with his wise and sharp eyes, then changed the subject and asked, "What do you think of the wizarding world today?"

Irving narrowed his eyes. This familiar question, which they had already discussed last semester, made him realize that it wasn't directed at him, so he silently lowered his eyes.

Harry paused for a moment, thinking the wizarding world was pretty good. He frowned, pondering for a while, and decided to wait for Owen to answer first.

Seeing that no one had answered for a long time, the headmaster looked at Harry and said, "Harry, you go first."

"Uh...it's fine, isn't it..." Seeing the headmaster's dissatisfied expression, Harry quickly racked his brains and stammered, "I think it's a bit wrong that some wizards are still insisting on pure-blood theory..."

"So what do you think?" Dumbledore waved his hand, and a teapot and three teacups appeared out of thin air on the table. The teapot bounced and filled the teacups with steaming hot tea.

Three teacups floated lightly to each person, steaming hot, and the aroma of black tea instantly filled the room, making everyone feel relaxed and comfortable.

Harry turned the teacup in front of him, a little nervously saying, "I think we're all the same, aren't we? Whether we're pure-blood wizards or Muggle-born wizards, we should all be equal, and there shouldn't be any prejudice..."

"Yes, all wizards are a force we should unite with... Wizards are far too few in number to be worth mentioning compared to Muggles," Dumbledore remarked. "Each one is a precious force."

"So what do you think caused the popularity of pure-blood theory?" he continued.

Harry immediately recalled what Owen had once told him, as well as the various modern history books he had read before. Having pondered this issue before, his speech became much more fluent: "Because many pure-blood families cannot let go of their past glory, coupled with the existence of the Wizarding Secrets Act, many wizards have become increasingly xenophobic, and dissatisfaction with the Secrets Act has exacerbated many people's resentment towards Muggles..."

"That's why some wizards still adhere to the pure-blood theory, but only a small minority remain," he said, looking expectantly at Dumbledore, unsure whether he was satisfied with his answer.

"So, what's your opinion on the International Wizarding Secrecy Act?" The principal asked, his fingers interlaced as he gazed at him intently.

Harry hesitated, then said, quite bewildered, "I don't know, sir. I think it might indeed be a bit inappropriate, but I don't know what the right thing to do is..."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully and looked at Owen, saying, "Owen, what are your thoughts on the Statute of Secrecy? I'd like to hear your honest opinion."

Owen blinked slightly and said solemnly, "As the Muggle hunt for wizards intensified, many wizard children, wizards, and even Muggles were captured and burned, which prompted the enactment of the International Wizarding Secrecy Act."

"It was originally created to protect wizards from Muggle persecution, but today it has also limited our thinking, causing many to become complacent and dwell on past glories, unwilling to open their eyes to the outside world."

"The Muggle world has developed rapidly in recent years; they have even acquired the power to destroy the world. But the vast wizarding world is stagnant. The Ministry of Magic only cares about maintaining the status quo, wizards are complacent and unambitious, and many wizards live in poverty. The exploration and development of magic is becoming increasingly stagnant..."

"Moreover, many modern problems stem from this." Owen pursed his lips. "Wizards have been confined to the wizarding world for too long. This lifeless wizarding world is like a prison, and even though it's not small, it certainly restricts the freedom of wizards."

"Hidden within the confines of the wizarding world, carefully avoiding discovery by Muggles... possessing immense personal power, yet forced to live in hiding." Owen narrowed his eyes. "Too many people are increasingly dissatisfied with the Wizarding Secrecy Act, wanting to stand openly on the world stage..."

"So, many years ago, Grindelwald..." He glanced at the smiling old man opposite him, "He proclaimed the slogan of wizarding supremacy, wanting to lead wizards to break the shackles of the Secrecy Act and let powerful and wise wizards rule the whole world, including Muggles. He gained the support of a large number of wizards, and his power swept the world."

"But clearly, he failed in the end," Owen said expressionlessly. "Dumbledore defeated him."

The principal listened with a smile on his face, his expression unchanged.

"This discontent was not alleviated, but instead suppressed by violence," Owen continued. "As a result, dissatisfaction with the Secret Law turned into resentment towards Muggles, and the pure-blood theory began to flourish and develop like never before."

"Then, Voldemort appeared, easily gaining the support of many wizards, and once again bringing fear and slaughter to the wizarding world."

"Even though he was defeated..." Owen glanced at Harry out of the corner of his eye, "the discontent with the Secret Law has never died out, and the conflict between wizards and Muggles has become increasingly acute."

"Perhaps the wizards can continue to hide within the wizarding world, and Muggles won't be able to discover us for a long time... But that doesn't solve any problems at all."

"Perhaps, there will be another Dark Lord, and the next one after that, who will lead those who are dissatisfied with the status quo to rebel against it." Owen raised the corners of his mouth and smiled enigmatically. "When someone succeeds, he will no longer be the Dark Lord, but a reformer who leads the wizarding world toward the dawn."

"This is the spirit of resistance rooted in the blood of intelligent races; the more oppressed they are, the more violently they erupt." Owen tilted his head to look at the headmaster opposite him, sighed softly, and picked up the teacup in front of him to take a sip.

Harry listened, stunned. Owen's words had a profound impact on him. He had never imagined that the Statute of Secrecy would cause so many problems.

"You've said it very well, Owen," Dumbledore said, raising his eyebrows slightly in approval.

"Then how do we solve this? By breaking the secrecy law?" Harry asked, bewildered. "But can wizards and Muggles really live in peace?" The thought of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon's attitude towards wizards filled him with despair.

"Do you wish for wizards and Muggles to live in peace, Harry?" Dumbledore asked gently.

"Yes!" Harry nodded, speaking very seriously, his emerald green eyes clear and sincere, like a pool of turquoise water untouched by any pollution.

"To live in this world in harmony and equality?" Dumbledore's expression grew increasingly benevolent.

Harry nodded without hesitation.

"Ah, that's exactly what I've been striving for, Harry." Dumbledore narrowed his eyes and smiled quickly, his right thumb slowly stroking the ring on his index finger. His voice was firm and resolute as he said, "I will awaken the slumbering souls of wizards, break this stagnant state, and restore the glory of magic to the wizarding world!"

"I will break the shackles binding us, leading wizards towards freedom and light, so that wizards may receive the status and glory they deserve!"

"I will create a new and glorious era in a peaceful and benevolent manner, an era in which wizards and Muggles live in harmony!"

"This is a battle for freedom, justice, and peace!" His eyes shone brightly, as if piercing into the depths of one's soul. "In this battle without gunfire, will you help me?"

Harry listened with fervor, his eyes shining brightly. Breathless, he looked at the other man and asked in a low, eager yet hesitant voice, "Can I help, sir?"

"Of course, I am old. I need a worthy successor to carry on my will and lead the wizarding world steadfastly in that direction." Dumbledore looked directly into his eyes, then glanced at Owen. "And you have proven to me that you are qualified."

"Then, are you willing to inherit my will?" he asked again, his expression solemn and dignified.

"I do!" Harry felt his whole body burning up. He felt he was about to participate in a great cause.

"It's my pleasure, sir," Owen said, pursing his lips with interest. He was genuinely curious about what the other man was up to, and whether Grindelwald could really have changed his personality.

He glanced at Harry, who was so excited he could barely sit still, and thought to himself that this guy really knew how to brainwash and incite people.

The headmaster smiled slightly, clapped his hands gently, and said slowly, "Well then, starting today, I will teach you some more advanced knowledge. Don't disappoint me, Harry."

Harry calmed down immediately and responded with a sound of immense pressure.

"But before that, you must first deal with the crisis you face." Dumbledore poured cold water on the situation again, then pulled out a shimmering silver cloak that looked like flowing water from under the table.

He reached out and gently stroked it, then, with a strange expression, pushed it in front of Harry and said softly, "Take this invisibility cloak back with you and make good use of it."

Harry quickly took it, overjoyed that the Invisibility Cloak left by his father was finally back in his hands.

Owen raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. The headmaster returned the Deathly Hallows so easily? Had he discovered their secrets, or had he discovered nothing at all?

He thought for a moment, his eyes darting around slyly, and suddenly entered the wall-facing space, copying the three Deathly Hallows that were right in front of him into the space, before quickly returning to reality.

"Three connection points were consumed. It seems the Deathly Hallows do indeed possess some special characteristics," he thought.

"Owen, I have a task for you." Just then, the headmaster's voice drifted over, "Protect Harry's safety as much as possible, okay?"

Irving suddenly looked up and met the other man's sharp blue eyes.

"No need for that, sir!" Harry quickly said. He didn't want to trouble Owen with his affairs, especially something so dangerous.

"I thought you were friends. Shouldn't friends help each other?" the principal said slowly, his expression seemingly casual, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Irving stared at him calmly for a moment, then suddenly broke into a bright and beautiful smile, and said in a light and melodious voice, "You're right, Headmaster."

The headmaster, without batting an eye, said to Harry, "You may leave now, Harry. I have something to discuss with Owen."

Harry glanced at the two of them curiously, then put the Invisibility Cloak in his pocket and walked out of the Headmaster's office. (End of Chapter)