Chapter 276: Dumbledore

Allen slowly woke from sleep, dazed for a while before realizing he was still in the Ministry’s guest room; he had grown thoroughly accustomed to its bed, and his sleep quality had been excellent lately.

As usual, he checked his body; today’s random talent transformation had produced an alligator tail, but the color suggested it belonged to a Pokémon Croconaw—normal alligator tails aren’t blue.

He tidied himself slightly before the mirror, for yesterday he had received notice that Minister Fudge would receive him today; though he disliked Fudge, he still needed to show at least minimal respect.

But as he headed to the dining hall, he received word that the Minister’s audience had been canceled, and he was now permitted to return to Hogwarts—no further propaganda cooperation required.

Allen packed his things in stunned silence; he instinctively understood something major had happened, but no matter how big the magical world’s crisis, it wasn’t his place as a student to intervene—and he was tired of the Ministry anyway. He promptly used the Ministry’s fireplace to return to Hogsmeade, then headed straight for Hogwarts.

There, Harry and the others pulled him aside and gave him a full account of everything that had happened since his departure.

Only then did Allen understand the reason—and why he had been suddenly allowed back to Hogwarts.

“Allen, I’m sorry—we used all the scrolls you left us...” Harry said, apologetic.

“It’s fine, really,” Allen quickly replied. “I gave them to you to use. Besides, I’m glad your scrolls saved an innocent life and uncovered a long-buried secret.” He shrugged indifferently.

“But that cost you over seven hundred Jin Jialong just in materials!” Harry pressed.

“It’s okay—I can still afford seven hundred Jin Jialong...” Allen muttered, pained at the mention of money; he hadn’t minded until now.

“Let me finish,” Harry interrupted. “To thank you, we’re offering you five thousand Jin Jialong as compensation.”

Allen thought he’d misheard. “Five thousand Jin Jialong? How could you possibly have that much?”

“Actually, the money came from my godfather,” Harry continued. “To thank you, he decided to multiply your seven hundred Jin Jialong by seven. Without you, he could never have been cleared.”

Allen fell silent. The temptation of five thousand Jin Jialong was immense—it could solve so many of his problems. Faced with such an offer, he simply couldn’t refuse.

Sirius Black really is rich! Allen thought to himself.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall appeared. She had learned Allen had returned to Hogwarts and had been looking for him; she said Dumbledore wished to speak with him.

Allen immediately felt a premonition of dread, but he had no choice but to follow Professor McGonagall.

They soon reached the Headmaster’s office, where McGonagall took her leave.

Silence fell instantly in the office. Professor Dumbledore stood before the Pensieve, gazing at the silver mist floating within, wordless.

“Professor, you wanted to see me?” Allen had to force himself to speak.

Dumbledore’s gaze swept over Allen, lingering briefly on his tail, then smiled. “You always bring me surprises—and your progress has been accelerating.”

“Professor, you flatter me,” Allen said. He knew his secret was exposed, but he hadn’t yet decided how to respond—especially not to Dumbledore.

“You could be more open with me,” Dumbledore said softly. “After so many years as Headmaster, I still know what happens around Hogwarts.”

Allen remained silent, unsure where to begin.

“Just now, Professor Snape delivered me a memory—it’s in the Pensieve now.”

“I’ve viewed it many times. Each time, I’m astonished anew,” Dumbledore began to lay his cards on the table.

“What do you want to know?” Allen asked after a pause.

“I want to know more—but what I most desire is to join your research.”

Allen stared at Professor Dumbledore in shock.

“What, do you doubt me? Though I’m over a hundred years old, I still believe my research ability rivals anyone’s.” Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

“No—I’m surprised you’d even consider this,” Allen said quickly.

“It would be strange if I didn’t!” Dumbledore replied swiftly.

“Before you became an Animagus, your talent was within my understanding. But since then, your ability has become utterly incomprehensible.”

“The organs and body parts you randomly manifest carry strange, unfamiliar energies—forces never seen in the magical world before. Professor Snape’s potions and your modified Transfiguration both stem from your talent.”

“This power is immense and unprecedented. Within two or three months of its emergence, you and Severus had already found ways to harness it—all grounded in our existing magical system.”

“It made me realize the potential of this force. I believe it will take root in our magical system and grow into a towering tree. It feels as though we’ve entered a new golden age of magic—how could I possibly miss such an exhilarating moment?”

“A sapling’s growth always needs care and cultivation—and I am the most suitable person to provide it.” Dumbledore’s blue eyes, framed by his half-moon spectacles, fixed on Allen, filled with sincerity...

Allen felt convinced. He did need more people to study Pokémon’s power—and Dumbledore was indeed the best choice. His trust in Dumbledore had grown steadily over recent years, and he lacked the power to stop him anyway.

He no longer hesitated. Slowly, he drew his wand and pressed its tip to his temple. He closed his eyes, searched his mind, then gently pulled the wand away—silver thread clung to its tip as it emerged...

He stepped forward and deposited the strand into the Pensieve. The memory contained his research on Transfiguration and parameters of his transformed creatures.

“This is part of my research. Once you’ve fully mastered it, we can discuss the next steps...”

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