Chapter 49: "Are You Ready, Dumbledore? Because I'm About to Tell You What I Think."

Chapter 49: "Are You Ready, Dumbledore? Because I'm About to Tell You What I Think."

The atmosphere in the Slytherin common room was heavy.

Leon took another sip of the sickeningly sweet tea, grimaced, and set the cup down. He watched Dumbledore silently. Frankly, this conversation was overdue. He had expected the Headmaster to seek him out much sooner.

"A brilliant deduction, Mr. Shelby," Dumbledore sighed. "To be honest, I am beginning to regret sending that owl with your acceptance letter."

This did not surprise Leon in the slightest. Hogwarts' greatest Headmaster always played the part of the all-knowing strategist. An unpredictable element like Leon Shelby needed to be neutralized, or at least understood, as quickly as possible.

"Nicolas Flamel," Leon continued, ignoring Dumbledore's remark, "one of the most legendary wizards in history. Instrumental in the fight against Grindelwald."

"Such a legend... even if his bones are as brittle as biscuits now, ordinary folk wouldn't dare cross him."

"So, who could possibly frighten Flamel enough to make him fear for the Stone? Who would dare try to steal it?"

Leon's voice turned serious. He didn't wait for an answer.

"Grindelwald is still locked away. Which leaves only one logical answer... Voldemort?"

"Voldemort is returning. Isn't he, Headmaster Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore looked at Leon intently, remaining silent for a long time. The only sound in the room was the crackling fire.

Finally, Dumbledore spoke, breaking the heavy silence, though he didn't directly answer Leon's question.

"Mr. Shelby, you first caught my attention before the start of term."

"You made a special trip to Privet Drive. You improved Harry's living conditions... and thoroughly intimidated his aunt and uncle."

"That was our first meeting. We spoke. You left a deep impression."

"At the time, I thought you were more of a politician. Seeking out Harry as an early investment, hoping for a return when he eventually came into his own."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "You underestimate me, Headmaster."

"Yes," Dumbledore admitted with a wry smile. "I soon realized that. I never imagined that after just a few days of knowing you, Mad-Eye Moody would be parading around in that peculiar suit. Or that a few days later, you would somehow track down Remus Lupin and convince him to stay, by means I still cannot fathom."

"I've always been good with people," Leon said with a faint smile. "I make friends easily."

Dumbledore shook his head, his expression complex. "You possess a certain... charisma. An ability to command loyalty. In that regard, you remind me very much of an old acquaintance. He had a similar gift. He never lacked for followers."

Lover, you mean, Leon thought, knowing Dumbledore was referring to Grindelwald.

"And then, as expected, when term began, I saw Harry wearing the same peculiar suit."

"I've made inquiries. Your organization in the Muggle world... it's called the 'Peaky Blinders,' correct?"

"Mr. Shelby, if I am not mistaken, you intend to establish a similar organization within the wizarding world. To gain the same kind of power and status you hold among Muggles?"

Dumbledore's guess was spot on. Leon nodded, making no attempt to hide it. He had no patience for playing riddle games with the old man. He took a deep breath, preparing to unleash his critique.

"With all due respect, Headmaster," Leon began, his voice taking on a sharp edge, "your fear of power, locking yourself away in Hogwarts and playing meek with the Ministry... it's pointless cowardice."

"You may understand magic, but you understand nothing of politics. Your naivety is laughable."

"And because of this inherent weakness in your character, Hogwarts itself has suffered. The students have become utterly useless. Walking liabilities..."

"Three senior students, defeated by me using nothing but a Muggle pistol! They couldn't even defend themselves!"

"The Slytherin prefect could barely cast a Shield Charm worthy of the name! It couldn't even stop a simple Disarming Charm!"

Leon's voice rose, becoming sharper, more accusatory.

"When Voldemort returns, do you truly believe these precious students you've nurtured will be able to stand against his Death Eaters? How many of them will survive? If I am still alive then, I swear I will look you in the eye and ask you if you feel any shame!"

Dumbledore's lips moved, but no sound came out. Leon spoke only the truth. Hogwarts hadn't had a competent Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in years.

"Furthermore, have you ever seriously considered the division between the Houses? Slytherin is ostracized by the other three. Do you find that acceptable?"

"I don't even understand your thinking!"

"Many Slytherin students come from families with Death Eater ties. Can you guarantee that when Voldemort returns, their parents won't rejoin him?"

"You have their children here, under your care! Instead of educating them, guiding them away from that path, you allow them to be isolated and antagonized."

"What is your goal? To ensure Hogwarts produces more Death Eaters?"

"One of the passwords to the Slytherin common room is still 'Pure-blood'! Such blatant blood-supremacist ideology, right under your nose! Have you done nothing to correct it?"

"Don't talk to me about the Board of Governors! What is your wand for? Scratching your back?"

"You won't challenge the Ministry, you won't challenge the Governors... What use are you?"

"Singing nonsense songs at the Start-of-Term Feast? A dog barking could achieve the same effect."

"You refuse to use your power and influence to take control of the Ministry, fine. But can you not even manage a single school properly?"

"Mr. Dumbledore, if you applied even one per cent of your magical genius to practical matters, things would not be in this state!"

Leon appeared agitated, but inwardly he was perfectly calm. This was a calculated approach. The old man was too powerful and too stubborn for subtlety. This was the only way to potentially make him reconsider. Leon was prepared; if this didn't work, he would simply return to Knockturn Alley and focus on his arms business. Or, failing that, go back to Birmingham and wait for Harry to deal with Voldemort before returning to the wizarding world.

He looked at Dumbledore, whose face remained relatively impassive, and delivered his final, damning question.

"Dumbledore... do you actually know the first thing about education?"

"You are failing these children!"