Hogwarts: Please Graduate Soon

Though Fawkes was displeased, he managed to squeeze out a small vial of tears. With that, he angrily turned his back to old Dumbledore and flew out the window to play with the Phoenix King.

It was predictable that Fawkes wouldn't be appearing too friendly with his master in the near future.

After receiving the tears, Quirrell happily left, assuring that he would rest for one more day before starting classes as normal.

Before long, Snape returned.

"What have you discovered?"

"Quite a lot, but very little." Dumbledore transformed into a riddle person: "Quirrell asked for a vial of phoenix tears, or rather, it was Tom who wanted them."

Snape's demeanor changed, and his body twisted uncomfortably. "So you gave it to him?"

"I did." A wise light flickered in Dumbledore's eyes, "If I hadn't, he would certainly have employed more extreme methods to achieve his goal."

"Instead of letting Quirrell do something we don't know about, it's better for me to assist him."

"At least the situation is still under our control."

"Can't we just capture him outright?" Snape clasped his hands together in frustration. "One dose of Veritaserum, and I guarantee he'd tell us everything."

"The results and the process are both important, Severus." Dumbledore swept away the untouched tea Quirrell had left behind.

"If we can't put an end to Tom, just chasing away the shadows will only cause him to hide again.

"I've grown old, and there must be new people to step forward."

"In Dumbledore's eyes, Tom and Quirrell are like a whetstone, used to hone Harry, and perhaps even Wayne.

What he must do is control the hardness of this whetstone, so as not to dull the blade.

Dumbledore wasn't intent on assembling a trio; he simply wanted Harry to have more friends and helpers.

At least when the time comes to truly face Voldemort, he would have reliable allies by his side.

Wayne seemed to be the ideal candidate in his eyes.

If Wayne ended up in Gryffindor, things would be so much easier.

Unfortunately, the qualities of Hufflepuff seemed stronger within that little fellow.

Snape clearly understood Dumbledore's expectations for Harry; he didn't want Harry to get caught up in the turmoil but felt powerless to do anything about it.

What Dumbledore decided was just as inevitable as what Voldemort decided.

Because no one could resist.

Seeing Snape's troubled expression, Dumbledore comforted him with a light chuckle.

"Severus, don't overthink it."

"You'll have to handle tomorrow's Defense Against the Dark Arts class."

"Let's wait and see what kind of surprises Chilo can bring."