For the first time since Hogwarts had been built, an ancient vampire stood inside of the castle. Almost like a kid in a candy shop, Dieter was glowing with every step he was taking while being led by Lupin and Thomas towards the headmaster's office.
No matter how old one is, a new and interesting place would always make them excited, and that was the case for Dieter.
As they climbed the spiral staircase to the headmaster's office, Dieter could hear voices coming from behind the door. A second later, Lupin knocked on the door and entered, followed by Thomas and Dieter. The moment he walked inside, Dieter's eyes widened as he took in the sight.
He also saw three people sitting in front of a desk, where a fourth person was standing. They all looked up as the trio entered. Like most powerful beings, Dieter recognized the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, a legendary wizard who had defeated the dark lord Grindelwald, without too much of a problem.
"Ah, Remus, Thomas, and... Dieter, I presume?" he said. "Please, come in and have a seat. We were just discussing the situation."
Dieter nodded and followed Lupin and Thomas to the chairs, seemly unbothered by the looks the professors were giving him.
McGonagall was the first to speak, not hiding even one bit here uneasiness around the vampire.
"Mr. Febel, I must say, you are a very unusual guest," she said. "We don't often have vampires in Hogwarts, let alone ancient ones.
Dieter gave the older witch a charming smile before admitting that truthfully this sudden visit of his was more of Thomas's fault than his own desire to see the boy, not that he was complaining, after all it was pretty exciting to be inside of Hogwarts.
"You see, Professor, Thomas here is my… friend," he said, glancing at the young wizard who didn't want to meet the vampire's eyes. "And while I would have loved to visit him, the truth is, I'm quite a busy person dealing with all the problems from back home, however who would have thought that young Tommy over here would managed the impossible and indirectly summon me through a bogart?"
He spoke with a smooth and polite tone, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes, after all it didn't took a genius to notice that his presence was not welcomed by the staff, especially the dark robbed man who was glaring at him with undisguised hatred.
Snape was the next to speak, his voice dripping with venom.
"Mind your intrusion? Of course we mind, you filthy bloodsucker!"
Dieter raised an eyebrow at the outburst, but did not lose his composure. He looked at Snape with a calm and amused expression, as if he was dealing with a child throwing a tantrum.
"Is that so, Professor?" he said. "And what makes you say that? Have I harmed anyone here? Have I broken any rules? Have I shown any hostility or aggression? No, I have not. I have been nothing but courteous and respectful to everyone I have met. You, on the other hand, have been rude and insulting to me, without any provocation. Who is the real monster here, I wonder?"
He paused for a moment, then added with a smirk.
"Besides, I think you are being a bit hypocritical, don't you? After all, you are a former Death Eater, are you not? A follower of the dark lord who killed and tortured countless innocent people. How do you justify your past actions, Professor? How do you sleep at night, knowing what you have done?"
Snape's face turned red with rage, and he looked like he was about to explode. He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say anything, Dumbledore intervened.
"That's enough, Severus," he said firmly. "I can see that both you and Mr. Febel over here are taking Thomas's wellbeing as the most important factor. There is no need for such hostility and Mr. Febel is our guest, and we will treat him with respect and dignity, as we do with anyone who visits our school. Besides I might have to ask him a favor regarding what I've discussed with Mephisto."
Dieter's eyes went wide open when he heard Mephisto's name, while Thomas looked confused not exactly following what the headmaster was meaning by that, but it was clear things were not going to be good for the young wizard.
"Mephisto?" Dieter repeated, his voice losing its smoothness. "You mean Mephisto Pheles, the chairman of Grauzauberer? What do you have to do with him, old man?"
Dumbledore smiled enigmatically, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.
"That, Mr. Febel, is a matter of utmost secrecy and importance. Suffice to say, it involves a threat that could endanger the balance of the supernatural world, and possibly the human world as well. And you, as an ancient vampire and a friend of Thomas, might be able to help us in this matter."
Dieter rolled his eyes, as he realized that Dumbledore was not asking for a favor, but rather making a subtle demand. Well, he was pretty bored as of late and a trip to America would not be a bad thing, especially when he could finally get his hands on the boy and his rather impressive talent for fighting.
"I'm not a fan of being ordered around, but I have nothing better to do. Yeah, sure I'll take Tommy over here to that old bastard, but under one condition, Mephisto will not force the boy to anything dangerous, otherwise I can assure you at least one angry Satan would come blasting at you."
Rather than responding, Dumbledore just gave him a forced smile before turning towards Thomas.
"My dear boy, I know that this might be coming out of nowhere, but with that prophecy, I fear for you life and the lives of everyone in this school. One of my oldest friends still alive, had accepted to help me protect you, in exchange for learning from him for a year. Unfortunately, this matter can't be refused, but don't worry, your parents will be informed about these sudden changes."
In all honesty, Thomas didn't know to feel in that moment. Yes, Dumbledore was right to fear for the safety of the students, but it felt like he was being sold away to some God forsaken corner of the world where he would hopefully be safe or at least far away from anyone.
Then it came the problem regarding Dieter Febel… if he were to have a choice, Thomas would nine out of ten times pick anyone else other than the vampire to take him to America, mostly because the man was somewhat creepy with how much he smiled and acted like he was center of attention.
Alas in the end there was nothing he could do but accept that he would be shipped away. With this resolution in mind, Thomas turned towards his headmaster.
"May I ask a question, professor Dumbledore?"
"Of course, my dear boy."
"Since I am to be sent away for everyone's safety, what will be the official story told the ministry of magic? After all, forgive me for saying this professor, but I doubt even you could make the ministry agree with this decision, at least not without telling them the whole truth which as we all know will end with the other side finding out about my soon to happen fate."
Dumbledore stroked his beard before nodding, clearly impressed by the thirteen-year-old boy's deduction. "You are very astute, my boy. Indeed, the ministry would not be pleased if they knew the real reason behind your departure. That is why I have arranged a cover story with the help of my old friend." He paused for a moment and then continued, "We have decided to say that we have started an exchange of experience between students from our respective schools, as part of a new initiative to promote intercultural learning and cooperation. You will be one of the first students to participate in this program. The official story is that you will become a member of Grauzauberer, and you will have the opportunity to learn from Mephisto and all of the grey wizards that might take a liking to you, who are experts in various fields of magic and occultism."
He leaned forward and looked at Thomas with a serious expression. "Of course, this is only a facade. The true purpose of your stay in America is to keep you safe from the dark forces that would soon learn about this prophecy, and to train you for the inevitable confrontation that awaits you. Mephisto has agreed to take you under his wing and have someone he trusts to train you."
Thomas didn't say anything for a few seconds. Seeing that Dumbledore reached out and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know this is a lot to take in, and I wish I could spare you from this burden. But this is the best solution we could have come with, and in the end its for the greater good if we could keep you as far away from The United Kingdom as possible for the duration of this year."
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