Since his magical strength had already been exposed today, there was no longer any need to keep hiding his abilities. Some things were best made clear now.
Dumbledore chose his words carefully and spoke slowly. "Wade, your capabilities… to be honest, they far exceed my expectations…"
Before he could finish, Headmaster Dippet interrupted him. "A capable student is a good thing, Albus. Many times, there's no need to dig too deeply into the reasons."
Dumbledore paused, then nodded.
He immediately understood what Headmaster Dippet meant.
In truth, Wade was simply far stronger than expected, whether in raw magic or in spellcasting technique…
As for why he was so powerful… was there really any need to dig that deeply?
Even if one investigated thoroughly, would the true reason necessarily become clear?
If Wade truly did not wish to speak, he could always make up a lie. Who would be able to tell whether it was true or not?
They could hardly grab him and use Legilimency on him.
Besides, with Wade's current abilities, even Legilimency might not work.
Thinking back to how Wade had been unwilling to reveal his past, Dumbledore set aside any further thoughts of pressing the matter.
Perhaps Wade's immense magical power was closely tied to his talent in ancient magic, while his spellcasting skill… might be connected to experiences he did not wish to mention. If he did not want to speak of them, why force the issue?
Headmaster Dippet's meaning was simple enough. What was the point of asking so many questions? As long as the child was good, that was enough.
And whether Wade was a good child… wasn't that already clear?
Even Tom at the beginning, such a troublesome child, had been changed by him into what he was now, to the point of handing over Slytherin's legacy without hesitation.
He had even said that he no longer wished to use Dark Magic…
That alone was nothing short of incredible.
Someone as skilled at guiding others toward goodness as Wade, how could he possibly not be a good child?
With that thought, Dumbledore shook his head at Wade and smiled. "I have no questions for you, Wade."
"Uh…" Wade looked at the two old men in confusion.
He had already prepared a whole set of explanations, but he had not expected Dumbledore to ask nothing at all.
"There is just one question, Wade," Headmaster Dippet said with a smile.
"Uh, what question?"
"Have you ever considered graduating early? After all, at your current level, Hogwarts' teaching can no longer meet your needs," Headmaster Dippet asked.
"Headmaster, I won't graduate early. Everything will remain the same, just as before," Wade said, shaking his head.
"But… why? This step-by-step curriculum can no longer satisfy you," Headmaster Dippet asked curiously.
Wade explained, "My magic is indeed powerful, and I know many spells. But that doesn't mean I can control that power perfectly. In that respect, I still have a great deal to learn."
"Besides, no matter how strong I am right now, I'm only good at fighting. But I don't want to be good only at fighting."
"I still want to study other subjects properly. Fields like Potions, Herbology, and Transfiguration can't be mastered just by having strong magic."
Both Dumbledore and Headmaster Dippet wore expressions of relief.
Headmaster Dippet laughed and said, "See, Albus? You're just too sensitive. We only discovered Wade's strength today. Does that mean he wasn't strong before we noticed it? If anything, he's clearer-headed than most."
"Yes… if it were another young wizard, discovering they possessed such tremendous power might already have led them astray. But Wade is thinking about how to control his strength and about studying other disciplines," Newt added approvingly.
To be honest, Newt had traveled the world in recent years and met countless wizards.
Among them, there were far too many who grew arrogant and conceited because of their power. People as humble and clear-minded as Wade were rare.
"Alright, alright, how did it suddenly become that I'm too sensitive?" Dumbledore said helplessly. "I was only curious. What kind of person Wade is, I know better than either of you."
Outside the door, Tom stared blankly at everything unfolding inside.
No matter how suspicious Wade might be, someone would always step in to explain things for him. Tom was used to it by now.
This situation existed because Wade had started building his 'good person' image very early on.
Tom closed his eyes helplessly. If he had realized that back then, he wouldn't have been under Dumbledore's suspicion for so long.
After sighing to himself, Tom walked inside as well.
Now that the Basilisk was dead, the place could be considered safe. He also wanted to take a look at the "legacy" his ancestor had left behind.
Tom placed his hand on the Basilisk's scales. The cold, unyielding hardness sent a shock through him.
Such incredibly tough scales, and yet Wade's magic had left them riddled with wounds.
Thinking back on his childish belief that he could one day surpass Wade…
Tom suddenly felt a wave of pessimism. Perhaps all his past jumping about and scheming had looked, in Wade's eyes, like nothing more than a clown putting on a show for amusement.
Talking about how he could take Wade's place as the leader if he could beat him…
He never said he was this strong.
How was I supposed to fight you? Wade, you really are infuriating…
"Professor, may I take some materials from the Basilisk?" Wade asked cautiously, rubbing his hands together.
"Well, that's something you'll need to discuss properly with Tom and Professor Slughorn," Headmaster Dippet said with a smile.
"Huh? Me?" Tom stared at the Headmaster in confusion at being suddenly named.
"Because this also counts as part of Slytherin's legacy. Strictly speaking, it should be considered your property," Headmaster Dippet said.
"No! I have no objections! None at all! I'll willingly donate it to the school!" Tom waved his hands frantically.
Basilisk materials? Giving them to him now would be useless anyway.
Besides, Tom was no longer short of money, and he had no intention of exchanging Basilisk materials for Galleons.
More importantly, Tom did not dare offend Wade in the slightest. Not even to the point of risking the tiniest misunderstanding.
Wade's attack earlier had been far too brutal… and that was without him using Dark Magic.
If Wade had used Fiendfyre instead of Gubraithian Fire, the Basilisk would have been reduced to ash on the spot.
Hmm? Tom suddenly understood why Wade had chosen Gubraithian Fire rather than the all-consuming Fiendfyre.
Clearly, he had already set his sights on the Basilisk's materials before the battle even began.
All the more reason for Tom to behave himself.
"Tom, I've suddenly realized how remarkably well-behaved you are today," Wade said, giving Tom's shoulder a firm pat.
"Heh, I wouldn't dare do otherwise. Through fire and water, Boss!" Tom said with a strained smile.
"No need to go through fire and water. When I ask for your help, just don't refuse me," Wade said.
"I won't, I won't… of course, of course… from now on, just call me Tommy boy," Tom said. His legs felt a little weak. For some reason, Wade's smile today felt far more frightening than usual…
At that moment, Dumbledore summoned his phoenix Patronus.
The Patronus flew out, and not long after, the sound of professors' footsteps came from the doorway.
"Sss…"
When the professors saw the Basilisk before them, every one of them sucked in a sharp breath.
Professor Garrick nearly fainted from fright at the sight of the Basilisk's corpse.
Professor McGonagall immediately rushed over to check on Tom and Wade, worried that they might be injured.
She had truly been startled earlier when she saw Wade covered in Basilisk blood.
"So this is a Basilisk!" Professor Slughorn's eyes gleamed. "It must have taken quite an effort to bring it down, wouldn't you say?"
"..."
"Ehm.. Not really," Headmaster Dippet said. "We didn't even have time to act. Wade dealt with it on his own."
"Ah?"
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