Three months into his second year at Hogwarts, Nero found himself summoned to the Headmaster's office. The sudden request stirred his curiosity more than concern.
He had been making significant strides in his studies, refining his magic, battling his friends, working on this Occlumency and continuing his research into the legacy of the four founders.
Did Dumbledore discover something new related to the Horcruxes?
Or was this about something entirely different?
His journey through the castle was uneventful, save for the occasional hushed whispers from students who still found the whole "four heirs" situation fascinating.
The murmurs didn't bother him, they were an inevitable byproduct of his growing notoriety.
Instead, he focused on the reason for his summons, his mind playing through possibilities as he approached the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's tower.
"Fizzing Whizbee," he said without hesitation.
The gargoyle shifted aside, revealing the spiral staircase that led to the office above.
As he ascended, the familiar, rhythmic turning of the stairs provided a momentary lull, a transition from the lively chaos of the school to the quiet authority of the Headmaster's domain.
The door at the top creaked open as he reached it, as if expecting him.
The Headmaster's office was just as he remembered it, a chamber filled with peculiar silver contraptions humming softly, ancient books stacked neatly on shelves, and portraits of past headmasters observing with varying degrees of interest.
The warm glow of the fireplace cast flickering shadows along the walls, creating an air of quiet mystery.
Fawkes, perched regally on his golden stand, trilled a soft, melodic note as Nero stepped inside.
"Hello to you too, Fawkes," Nero greeted, pausing to admire the phoenix's brilliant crimson and gold plumage.
Dumbledore, seated behind his grand desk, regarded him with twinkling eyes. "Ah, Nero, my boy. Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Nero complied, settling into the chair opposite the Headmaster.
As soon as he did, he felt the subtle shift of magic in the air.
A shimmer, barely perceptible, enclosed them in a protective ward, sealing their conversation from prying ears.
A precaution. One that made it clear this discussion would not be a trivial one.
"An extra layer of privacy?" Nero noted. "You must be expecting quite the conversation."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Considering your remarkable ventures, I have no doubt this will be a most enlightening exchange."
Nero leaned back, clasping his hands together. "I assume you'd like to hear about what happened this summer."
The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed slightly, though his expression remained gentle. "Yes. If you are willing to share."
Nero exhaled slowly before launching into recounting part of his experience: how he had entered the vault, encountered Rowena Ravenclaw's echo, and received her personal guidance.
Dumbledore listened in rapt attention, nodding at key moments but never interrupting.
Nero provided a high-level account of what had transpired but refrained from divulging his secrets, such as the Unbreakable Vow.
When he finally finished, a contemplative silence filled the room. Dumbledore stroked his short beard, his gaze distant.
"I must say, Nero, I have had many students pass through these halls, but few have ever unraveled the depths of such mysteries as swiftly as you."
He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "And Rowena Ravenclaw herself… how fascinating. She always did have an eye for potential."
Nero tilted his head. "I take it this is not entirely surprising to you?"
Dumbledore gave a knowing smile. "Let us say that, given your lineage and determination, I suspected something along these lines might occur. However, the depth of your progress is remarkable."
He sighed, rubbing his beard. "I wonder if you are truly aware of how unique your journey is, Nero."
"Oh, believe me, I am," Nero said dryly. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he straightened. "Speaking of my unique journey… Grandpa, can you help me arrange for someone to teach me Apparition?"
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, though amusement flickered across his face. "Ah, and here I was wondering what favor you might ask of me."
Nero smirked. "You wouldn't ignore the request of a Hogwarts Founder, would you?"
Dumbledore let out a hearty laugh, the sound rich and genuine. "A cunning play, indeed. I should have expected nothing less."
The laughter faded into a contemplative silence before he nodded. "Very well, in two weeks, I will have someone ready to instruct you. Apparition is an advanced skill. Even with your talents and unique constitution, it may not come so easily."
Nero met his gaze steadily. "I know. That's why I want to start now."
Dumbledore studied him for a long moment before finally inclining his head. "Very well. You shall have your teacher. And who knows, you have a knack to give me surprises."
Nero grinned. "Much appreciated, Grandpa."
Dumbledore simply chuckled, shaking his head. "You truly do enjoy keeping me on my toes, don't you?"
"Of course. Wouldn't want you getting bored."
Dumbledore's expression shifted, his demeanor turning more serious.
He leaned forward, folding his hands. "Thank you for sharing your summer story with me, Nero. Now, I believe it is only fair for me to share with you what I have discovered those past few months."
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