"I guess he must be under too much pressure." Hannah sighed, "I've been sleeping poorly lately, and I always dream that I scored zero on my exams. That kind of experience is really terrifying."
However, this matter didn't grab much attention, as the exams are over and they're eagerly looking forward to the upcoming two-month holiday. Not even Voldemort could take away their joy, let alone Harry.
But Kael was different. Upon hearing about this, he immediately went to the Headmaster's Office on the eighth floor again.
The portrait on the Gargoyle's head had already vanished. When it saw Kael, its shoulders shook slightly, seeming to mock him.
Kael squinted his eyes, contemplating whether to stick another toilet seat on its head when the Gargoyle suddenly stood up and jumped to the side, revealing the passageway behind it.
Kael hesitated for a moment but didn't think about anything else and quickly walked over.
It seemed that someone was already in the Headmaster's Office. As he ascended the spiraling staircase, he could hear faint voices speaking.
By the time Kael reached the oak door, the voices were clearer.
"Headmaster, I really saw it, Voldemort caught Sirius, and he plans to go to the Department of Mysteries to steal something, I..."
"Calm down, Harry..." Dumbledore shook his head, interrupting him, "As far as I know, Sirius is currently resolving an issue with Alastor elsewhere and has not been caught by Voldemort. He's safe."
"But..." Harry wanted to say something.
Just then, Kael happened to open the door.
"Oh, I was just wondering when you would come." Dumbledore looked up and said, "Honestly, I'm not very fond of Sir Cadogan; he's a bit too crude. You might change the painting next time."
"I will." Kael nodded.
"Alright." Dumbledore looked at Harry again, "Harry, I think you should go for a walk with your friends to the grounds, enjoy the upcoming holiday. As I mentioned earlier, Sirius is very safe.
"Moreover, don't forget why I asked you to learn Occlumency. Perhaps this is exactly what Voldemort wants you to see."
"Alright then, goodbye, Headmaster." Harry sighed in resigned despair and turned to leave.
Once the oak door was shut, Kael frowned and said, "Professor, hasn't Harry already learned Occlumency? How can he still dream about those things?"
"I suspect he hasn't followed my advice to learn more deeply." Dumbledore said, "And the initial learning of Occlumency isn't particularly effective."
"So what he saw is fake?"
"It could also be real." Dumbledore tapped his finger. "In fact, I currently have no way to contact Sirius or Alastor temporarily, and can only wait for their response."
"Why not use the Phoenix?" Kael turned his gaze to Fawkes on the perch.
"First, you need to understand something, Kael." Dumbledore shook his head, "Phoenixes aren't messengers. They can only deliver to locations already known for sure, and more often, owls are generally more suited for this task.
"So, is there anything you came to discuss this time?"
Kael originally wanted to ask about Harry's dream, but since Dumbledore said that, he didn't bring it up and instead asked, "Professor, I want to know what that signature of yours is about!
"I'm merely a sixth-year student; why did you agree to let me work at the Ministry of Magic!"
"Oh, that." Dumbledore suddenly laughed, "You don't need to thank me; it's what I ought to do."
Kael squinted his eyes, wondering if his tone sounded like he was thanking Dumbledore.
"And next year you'll be in the seventh year. Working at the Ministry of Magic is a reasonable choice."
Dumbledore continued, "Fudge's offer was quite enticing. Over the past two centuries, I've never heard of anyone becoming a Senior Ministerial Assistant whilst still in school and receiving full salary. You're the first.
As the headmaster, I have no reason to refuse, and moreover, I consulted Chris's opinion on this matter, and he agreed."
Kael's mouth twitched a bit, surprised that his father was involved in this as well. Before that appointment notice went up, he was the only one kept in the dark.
...