Harry Potter: The Legend of Nero Ravenclaw

Back in Dumbledore's office, the warmth of the fire crackled softly, casting a golden glow across the room.

Nero sat across from the Headmaster, a steaming cup of tea cradled in his hands.

The intensity of the Room of Requirement seemed a distant memory now, but the weight of their discoveries lingered heavily between them.

Nero took a sip, letting the silence stretch before finally breaking it.

"Though my memories give me a huge edge in some respects," Nero began, setting the cup down carefully, "they're far from everything. If anything, they might even be my greatest weakness."

Dumbledore's gaze was steady, his expression thoughtful as he studied Nero's words.

"A sharp observation," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "The mind, especially one filled with secrets, is both a treasure and a target. I imagine your progress has been hindered by the lack of someone to practice with, someone capable of sending probes and helping you build strong defenses. Occlumency is not a skill that flourishes in isolation."

Nero nodded, his tone somber. "Absolutely. I've been working on meditation and laying the groundwork, but without guidance, I can only get so far. My memories could still be exploited, or worse, extracted. This is part of why I limited going out from Ravenclaw Manor after I recovered my memories. I couldn't risk exposure."

Dumbledore considered this for a moment, his fingers steepling as he leaned back in his chair. "A wise precaution," he said.

Then, with a slight nod, he straightened, a decision forming in his mind. "I'll lift the barrier magic now," he added, his voice calm but deliberate. "I believe I may have already guessed your next request, Nero. And besides," he added with a small, knowing smile, "you were right, it's best if we keep the matter of Horcruxes strictly between the two of us."

With a graceful wave of his hand, he traced an intricate pattern in the air, dissolving the shimmering barrier that had encased them. The soft hum of magic faded, and Nero leaned back in his chair, his expression shifting to something almost mischievous.

"By the way, Grandpa, did you probe me mentally during our initial discussion?" he asked, his tone light but layered with curiosity.

Dumbledore coughed lightly, caught slightly off guard. For a moment, he thought of how Nero's wit bore an uncanny resemblance to Rowena Ravenclaw herself.. "I admit I sent some subtle probes," he confessed, his voice steady but tinged with a faint trace of amusement. "Only to ensure that what you shared was true. I must say, your mental fortitude is impressive for someone your age."

Nero smiled faintly, as if he had expected the answer. "But you could have seen all my memories if you wanted to, right?"

Dumbledore didn't deny it, his eyes twinkling. "You are correct."

The boy's smile widened slightly, as though the matter were merely a fact of life. "Good to know," he said simply, before shifting his gaze toward the shelf where the Sorting Hat sat. "This brings us to the second matter of the day."

With a gentle motion, Nero gestured toward the hat. "Do you have any other use for this freeloader besides the Sorting Ceremony?"

The hat stirred immediately, its indignation palpable. "Freeloader?!" it bellowed, its voice reverberating through the office. "I'll have you know I've been providing invaluable service to Hogwarts for centuries!"

Nero raised an eyebrow, his tone dry. "I thought you were sleeping 364 days a year?"

The hat sputtered, momentarily caught off guard. "I... require rest to perform my duties effectively!" it declared with exaggerated dignity.

Nero chuckled, then turned back to Dumbledore, his expression shifting to seriousness. "Grandpa, as you understand now, my mind is my biggest weakness, and it should be my top priority. I know you're very busy yourself. But who better than a magical object that's free 364 days a year, can read minds, and can't share secrets except for a few personality traits, to become my Occlumency teacher?"

Dumbledore stroked his beard, clearly entertained by the logic. "An interesting suggestion," he mused, nodding slowly."It does make sense."

The hat, however, erupted in protest. "You can't be serious, Albus! Don't send me to this lunatic! I've heard what he tried to do to the crystal. So young, and already as much a devil as Rowena!"

Dumbledore's shoulders shook with quiet laughter. "Nero, would you consider putting aside the notion of dissecting the Sorting Hat if it were to become your Occlumency teacher?"

Nero smirked, his tone teasing. "I would need a teacher in complete shape, so I wouldn't worry too much. But if I don't see progress in my Occlumency skills, I may have to focus on other areas..." He let the implied threat hang in the air, playful but effective.

The hat groaned dramatically. "Fine, fine! I'll be the best Occlumency teacher you've ever had. Just promise you won't take me apart."

Nero smiled warmly. "Deal."

The hat muttered in exasperation, its voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "That smile... I've seen it too many times on Rowena's face. It always meant trouble." It turned toward Fawkes, who had been watching quietly from his perch. "Fawkes, if I ever call for help, you must come to my rescue!"

The phoenix chirped merrily and fluttered down, perching comfortably on Nero's shoulder. He nuzzled his fiery head affectionately against Nero's cheek, earning a soft laugh from the boy.

The hat sighed, utterly defeated. "Even a phoenix has been corrupted by this knowledge devil. What is this world coming to?"

Nero laughed, his voice light and carefree for the first time that night. "It seems even legends need to adapt to new times."

Dumbledore watched the exchange, his gaze warm. "Well, Nero, it seems you've found your unexpected helper. I trust the two of you will make remarkable progress together."

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100 chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 127: Nero's Research