Dark Wings Over Hogwarts

Sunday morning arrived with an unusual sense of excitement in the Great Hall. Students from third to seventh year were eagerly discussing the combat classes that had quickly become the highlight of their week. The once-skeptical students had come to appreciate Professor Zane Falconer's teaching style, which was both intense and insightful.

"Honestly, I never expected to enjoy a class this much," Fred Weasley remarked, digging into his breakfast. "The way Professor Falconer explains things makes it all seem so simple."

"Yeah," added Angelina Johnson, nodding. "He actually teaches us how to fight, not just fancy spellwork. It's different from the dueling club last year—this feels real."

Roger Davies from Ravenclaw chuckled. "It's probably the most practical class we've had. Even the seventh years are talking about how useful it is."

As the chatter continued, students began finishing their breakfast, preparing for their visit to Hogsmeade. Professor McGonagall stood at the entrance, overseeing the departure. A large group of students followed her out of the castle, the excitement of a day in the village evident in their expressions.

From the castle's upper balcony, Zane Falconer stood watching the students as they left. He leaned against the stone railing, eyes distant as he reflected on his own days as a student. It had been years since he had walked those same paths, carefree and unaware of the complexities of the world beyond Hogwarts.

His moment of nostalgia was interrupted by a sharp knock on the air beside him—an enchanted letter from Dumbledore materialized, hovering before him. He caught it, breaking the seal with a flick of his fingers. The message inside was brief but direct:

Professor Falconer, your presence is requested in my office at your earliest convenience. – Albus Dumbledore.

Without hesitation, Zane turned, his coat billowing slightly as he made his way through the castle. Minutes later, he stood before the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office.

"Lemon Sherbet," he muttered.

The gargoyle moved aside, revealing the spiraling staircase leading up to the Headmaster's office. As Zane ascended, he prepared himself for whatever discussion was about to unfold.

Dumbledore sat behind his grand wooden desk, his blue eyes twinkling as he regarded Zane. "Ah, Professor Falconer. Thank you for coming."

Zane took a seat opposite him, resting his hands on the armrests. "I assume this is about Professor Quirrell."

Dumbledore nodded, his expression growing more serious. "Indeed. I suspect you may have already figured out what is happening."

Zane exhaled, leaning forward slightly. "It didn't take much. He reeks of Dark Magic, and his behavior is... unnatural. After some investigation, it became clear that he isn't acting alone. Voldemort is possessing him, living in the back of his head."

The Headmaster's smile faded, replaced by a more contemplative look. "Your intuition serves you well, as always."

Zane's gaze hardened. "Then why are you allowing this? This isn't just another test for Harry Potter, is it?"

Dumbledore sighed, folding his hands together. "There are greater forces at play, Professor Falconer. To defeat Voldemort, he must first reveal himself. We must understand his weaknesses, his limitations."

Zane scoffed. "And in the process, you put an entire school at risk. You're gambling with children's lives, Dumbledore. Harry Potter is just a kid. He doesn't deserve to be a pawn in whatever game you're playing."

Dumbledore's gaze remained steady. "It is not a game, I assure you. But Harry's role in this is not something I can change."

Zane's fingers drummed against the armrest. "I've done my own investigation into Harry Potter's past. The way he was raised—left in the care of an abusive household, kept in ignorance of his own heritage until his Hogwarts letter arrived—it's disgraceful. You had the power to change that, and yet you let it happen. Why?"

Dumbledore remained silent for a moment before answering, "I did what I believed was necessary for the greater good."

Zane's eyes narrowed. "That excuse has been used too many times to justify too much suffering."

A heavy silence settled between them. Dumbledore finally leaned back in his chair, his expression weary. "Professor Falconer, I understand your concerns. But there are things beyond even your comprehension. Harry's journey is one that must unfold as it is meant to. If we act prematurely, we may fail to defeat Voldemort once and for all."

Zane studied him, searching for any hesitation, any sign of doubt. Finally, he sighed and stood. "I won't interfere with whatever grand plan you have, Dumbledore. But if I see students put in unnecessary danger, I will act. And if anything happens to Harry Potter because of your inaction, you will answer for it."

Dumbledore's gaze met his, unwavering. "Understood."

The tension between them lingered as Zane turned to leave. The office door closed behind him with a soft click, but the conversation weighed heavily on his mind. The pieces were moving, but he wasn't sure he liked the direction the game was heading.

As he stepped into the corridor, he took a deep breath. There were too many unknowns, too many risks. And while he might not be able to change Dumbledore's plans, he could ensure that if the worst came to pass, he would be ready.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.