As a seasoned alchemist himself, Dumbledore had a strong suspicion. The level of precision in Alex's data couldn't have come from theory alone, it would have required a large number of experiments, possibly even human trials. The thought was troubling.
He glanced at Alex, a hint of inner conflict in his eyes. But in the end, Dumbledore knew that even if he wanted to challenge Alex now, it wouldn't change much. Alex wasn't just a student anymore, he was already deeply connected and influential, even more so than Dumbledore in certain circles, including the Ministry of Magic.
Still, Dumbledore reassured himself. Whatever Alex had done to get here, he doubted the young man would take reckless risks now. With his current status and the relationships he had built, he was unlikely to endanger himself or others without good reason.
Trying to shift the conversation to a more constructive direction, Dumbledore broke the silence. "Alex, have you thought about continuing your work with Hogwarts after you graduate?"
Alex looked up, eyes lighting up with curiosity. "Cooperate with Hogwarts? What kind of cooperation do you mean?" For a moment, he wondered if Dumbledore was planning to place a large order for magical teaching tools.
But Dumbledore just smiled warmly. "I mean, would you be interested in joining the staff here?"
At first, Alex felt a little let down, it wasn't about ordering his products after all. But then, the weight of Dumbledore's words sank in. An appointment? Was he really offering him a position at Hogwarts?
"Yes, I'll come to Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Of course, once you've taken care of the Silver Wand situation, I'll make sure you have enough time and authority to handle your affairs without delays. You know how things are at the school right now," Dumbledore said calmly.
He knew he couldn't influence this young man through traditional means anymore, so he thought maybe bringing him to Hogwarts would allow him to keep a closer eye on him.
Alex gave Dumbledore a strange look as soon as he heard the offer. "Defense Against the Dark Arts professor? Seriously?" He couldn't help but feel suspicious.
Was this old man trying to set him up? Everyone in the wizarding world knew that the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts was cursed.
Very few held the job for more than a year without some sort of trouble, and most of them didn't end well. Because of that, the quality of education in that subject had been terrible for years.
If Dumbledore was asking him to take that position now, it felt more like he was being sent into a trap. Alex wasn't naïve, he wasn't about to fall for that.
"Thank you for the offer, Headmaster, but I'm afraid that role just isn't right for me," Alex replied politely. "Right now, the Wilson's Arcane Alchemica is at a critical stage, and I simply don't have the time to take on additional responsibilities."
Dumbledore nodded, clearly not surprised by the rejection. He had expected it and wasn't going to push the matter. He had just wanted to give it a try.
"Anyway," Alex continued, smoothly shifting the conversation, "there's something else I wanted to ask you about."
"Oh?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, smiling gently. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
"It's about Harry. Lily's son. I'm sure you remember him," Alex said, watching Dumbledore closely.
"Harry?" Dumbledore's expression shifted slightly. "Why bring him up now?"
Alex could tell Dumbledore was thinking about the prophecy again. "I'm not sure what arrangements you've made for him, but I'd like to adopt him," he said firmly. "He's Lily's child, and I owe her a great deal. I think I'm capable enough now to protect him and give him the care he deserves."
The sincerity in Alex's voice was clear, he hadn't forgotten Lily's kindness and wanted to repay it by looking after her son.
Dumbledore sighed softly. "I understand where you're coming from," he said, his tone more serious.
"I know you and Lily were close, and your intentions are good. But right now, I believe Harry needs to be somewhere safer, away from the spotlight."
After listening to Alex's words, Dumbledore understood what he was implying. Still, Harry, the boy who survived a catastrophe, was far too important, and Dumbledore wasn't entirely comfortable with Alex being too involved in his life.
Even though Alex's genuine concern for Sirius showed he still had a lot of affection and loyalty, especially toward those he cared about, trusting him with Harry was a risk Dumbledore wasn't willing to take.
"I see…" Alex said with a hint of disappointment, shaking his head. "Alright then. I hope Harry receives the care he deserves under your guidance. If there's nothing else, I won't take up more of your time. Goodbye."
"Don't worry," Dumbledore reassured him with a calm tone. "Harry's safety is a top priority for me as well. Where he's staying now is perfectly secure.
As for the matter of the Silver Wand, don't push too hard. Bagnold and I are already working on other ways to clear Sirius' name. Also, you should've received a formal invitation from Sir Merlin Bloc, don't forget to reply."
"I'll send a response once the Silver Wand issue is resolved," Alex replied, giving Dumbledore a firm, determined look. It was clear he had no intention of giving up on what he had planned next.
After leaving the headmaster's office, Alex walked down the corridor deep in thought. Despite the conversation, he hadn't managed to get any useful information out of Dumbledore.
The old headmaster remained as enigmatic and cautious as ever, maintaining a delicate balance between trusting Alex and keeping a watchful eye on him.
While that was slightly frustrating, Alex understood why. Still, with the power and influence he now held, he didn't need to tread as carefully as he once had.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, he noticed a familiar figure up ahead. "Well, if it isn't Professor Snape, head of the slytherin house himself," Alex called out with a grin. "Here to see Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Snape turned, his trademark greasy hair and ever-serious expression unchanged. "Hmph. What a coincidence. It's always you I seem to run into around here," he replied dryly.
It was only then that Alex realized they were standing in the same corridor where they had first met at Hogwarts. Their initial meeting hadn't exactly been friendly, in fact, it had ended in a rather messy duel. Alex could still picture the chaotic scene in that very hallway.
Thinking about it now, despite all the tension and clashes, it was fair to say he and Snape had become familiar with each other, even if their relationship was complicated.
"Heh, always dwelling on the past will only make you age faster, Professor Snape," Alex teased with a grin, clearly amused by some fond memory.
Snape let out a sharp snort. "Memory loss is a sign of aging too, you know. I had no idea your brain had already started to rot."
"You've already graduated," he continued coldly, "so there's no need to keep calling me 'Professor.' In fact, I'd prefer if you just vanished from my sight entirely, and stayed gone."