Time was drawing closer. Watching the hurried pace of the trio and Hermione burying herself in the library to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep, Lucius guessed: they must still be investigating the connection between Nicolas Flamel and the Sorcerer’s Stone. How persistent.
Honestly, the coursework at Hogwarts wasn’t too heavy. Compared to the tight study schedule in her previous life, there was now an abundance of free time and leisure activities. Lively greetings and conversations could be heard everywhere in the corridors or common rooms.
Especially as a student of Slytherin House, under the low-pressure intimidation of the Snake King, the little snakes always had a sense of self-discipline. Professor Snape never assigned homework after class—unless the little lions of Gryffindor violated his taboos or got on his nerves, in which case he would directly detain them or send them to his dungeon for labor service.
But this time was an exception. Professor Snape singled her out, giving Lucius a meaningful sideways glance before saying, “Miss Riddle, I heard Professor Quirrell invited you to his office?”
Wow~ As expected of the cunning and exceptionally perceptive Professor Snape!
Lucius secretly praised him in her mind! (^ω^)
“Yes, Professor. Professor Quirrell even offered me Fizzing Whizzbees.”
Although she had refused and nearly scared Professor Quirrell to death.
Lucius raised her little face, looking at Professor Snape with admiration, her big eyes blinking as if sending electric waves. If Professor Snape offered her snacks, she would definitely accept them gladly, feeling delighted (≧≦)/
(Snape: I think you’re dreaming→_→)
Professor Snape’s expression darkened, his sharp tongue unchanged: “Miss Riddle, please put away that idiotic smile of yours. If your brain isn’t already stuffed with Gillyweed, you should understand that your poor professor has no candy to give you!”
Oh, the merciless criticism from her idol! (￣o￣) . z Z
Lucius pouted. She knew it—aside from the goddess Lily Evans, no one could receive even a drop of Professor Snape’s gentle affection. She had overestimated her own charm (￣▽￣)
(Author’s jab: What charm does a snot-nosed brat have→_→)
“Sorry, Professor.” Lucius lowered her head slightly, wisely revealing what Professor Snape wanted to know: “Professor Quirrell was very enthusiastic and asked me some very strange questions… and a secret.”
When she mentioned the word “secret,” Lucius deliberately lowered her voice, appearing somewhat uneasy.
Upon hearing this, Professor Snape frowned, the creases between his brows becoming more pronounced. He unconsciously flicked his billowing black robe sleeve and drawled, “Miss Riddle, you wouldn’t mind coming to my dungeon for a chat, would you?”
“Sorry, Professor, but may I see Headmaster Dumbledore instead?”
Lucius spoke in a soft, apologetic tone. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Snape—compared to Dumbledore, she naturally preferred her own cool, aloof, and awesome Snake King Head of House.
But Lucius was clear-headed: compared to Snape, whose thinking was overly extreme and who had once been a Death Eater, with only a bit of teacher-student affection for her, Headmaster Dumbledore was clearly more merciful and tolerant. Especially toward young wizards, he was widely recognized as a great man.
Fortunately, Professor Snape fell silent for a moment and didn’t ask any more questions. He even thoughtfully left the new password for the Headmaster’s office: “Fizzing Whizzbees.”
Oh, as expected of the old man who loves sweets (＞﹏＜)
The moving staircases that automatically ascended, the chattering portraits discussing animatedly—in no time at all, Lucius shouted toward the ceiling, “Fizzing Whizzbees!” Immediately, the gargoyle’s mouth opened wide and swept her up in a few swift motions.
A slightly worn door slowly opened, revealing a purple-robed Santa Claus-like figure sitting upright, smiling warmly as he gazed at her. His bright blue eyes, half-moon spectacles, and kindly face easily inspired goodwill and trust.
“Come in, child. Lucius, if I may call you that.” Dumbledore waved to her in a friendly manner, and a chair swiftly moved over, its seat covered with a soft, round cushion.
How thoughtful! Lucius nodded and sat down.
“Would you like a cup of Pumpkin Juice? Apple juice or orange juice? And there are also the new little cakes from Honeydukes Sweetshop—they’re absolutely delicious. Would you like to try one?” Dumbledore enthusiastically recommended, clearly a fan of these child-friendly drinks and sweets.
Lucius smiled and nodded, taking a cup of golden orange juice and taking a sip. She loved this sweet and tangy flavor, feeling her mood lighten considerably. “Thank you, Professor Dumbledore.”
Dumbledore always preferred being called “Professor” rather than “Headmaster”—perhaps one of his quirks.
“Severus mentioned you had something to discuss with me, about Quirrell?”
“Yes, something very important!” Lucius appropriately showed a hint of nervousness and added, “Of course, I greatly like and respect my Head of House, Professor Snape. He is also a trustworthy person… but this matter is simply too unbelievable!”
“Oh, take your time, don’t be nervous, dear Lucius. It’s safe here.” Dumbledore spoke gently, like a spring breeze or a soft rain, with a soothing, almost magical quality.
Wow~ So exciting, it’s finally time to sell out my cheap dad! (￣▽￣)
Lucius took a deep breath, as if frightened by the secret in her heart, her voice tinged with fear: “Pro… Professor Quirrell said… I am the Dark Lord’s daughter, the one who disappeared over a decade ago, You-Know-Who. It’s just too hard to… too unbelievable!”
The acting continues to escalate! Lucius kept up the performance: “And I also know a huge secret, which is… You-Know-Who is right here at Hogwarts, hiding on the back of Professor Quirrell’s head! No wonder he always wears that turban—it’s truly terrifying! And they want to steal something called the Sorcerer’s Stone!”
Lucius smiled inwardly: Oscar owes me a little golden statue (^ω^)
Lucius rambled on, breathless and flustered, practically exposing all of Quirrell’s secrets in one go.
“Lucius… are you certain… this is indeed unbelievable.”
Dumbledore’s expression finally turned serious, his eyes sharp and piercing, as if carrying the oppressive weight of an impending storm. This was likely the true face of the great White Wizard.
“Lucius, don’t you long for your father? Even if he is You-Know-Who.”
“No! Who would look forward to a ruthless mass murderer!”
Lucius shook his head frantically: Old Voldy isn’t worth it! →_→
Lucius firmly stated her attitude and position. Dumbledore smiled, seemingly with a sigh of relief: “You’re a good child, I’m very pleased.”
Of course, Lucius thought to herself: You’ve always worried I might be a little dark lord, haven’t you? (￣▽￣)
Seeing Dumbledore’s relaxed attitude, Lucius felt her performance had been quite successful. Seizing the moment, she even told Dumbledore where one of Old Voldy’s Horcruxes—the Hufflepuff Cup entrusted to Bellatrix—was specifically hidden.
As for how to steal and destroy it, that wasn’t something a first-year student like Lucius needed to worry about.
“Professor Dumbledore, retrieving the gold cup requires Bellatrix herself.” Lucius met Dumbledore’s wise blue eyes and helpfully added.
Although she enjoyed watching the drama unfold, as a spectator with relatively sound values, she didn’t want too many casualties in the Order of the Phoenix. After all, the Goblins at Gringotts weren’t pushovers either.
“Thank you, Lucius. Is there anything else? You’ve helped us tremendously.”
Dumbledore stared at her intently, as if trying to pry out more secrets. Oh, this pushy old man! →_→
“Sorry, Professor, that’s all I know for now. That person doesn’t trust me particularly much… If I get a chance to learn more, I’ll tell you. I think there must be more than one Horcrux.”
Lucius said with difficulty. Although she really wanted to reveal all seven Horcrux locations, doing so would definitely blow her cover. Dumbledore was too shrewd—she had to take it step by step. Haste makes waste!
“Hmm, indeed. That person… he has returned.”
Dumbledore sighed, lost in memories of the past, seeming somewhat sorrowful.
Lucius guessed this great old wizard must be grieving.
After all, too many had died and too much blood had been shed in the war Old Voldy stirred up. His former student Tom Riddle had become the terrifying Voldemort everyone feared, his outstanding students Lily and James had lost their young lives, along with all those innocent and tragic souls…
“So, dear Professor Dumbledore, could you grant me one small request?” Lucius’s clear voice rang out at just the right moment, interrupting Dumbledore’s contemplation and reminiscence.
He saw those eyes so similar to Tom Riddle’s yet exceptionally bright, sparkling as they caught the faint warm sunlight filtering through the window, perfectly casting a soft golden veil over the girl’s fair cheeks.
What a vibrant young life—new blood for the wizarding world.
“Of course, it would be my honor!” His reply was firm and resounding.