"Professor."
After a brief hesitation, Aiden finally spoke.
There was no point in hiding. He had already been seen.
Silently, he activated Occlumency, pushing his true memories deeper into his mind and layering fabricated surface thoughts above them.
It was the first time he had deliberately used Occlumency against another person.
And not just anyone.
Albus Dumbledore was one of the greatest Legilimens alive.
Even with preparation, Aiden's heart pounded.
"Ramirez, are you here in the kitchen looking for something to eat as well? Eating food that is too greasy late at night is not good for the stomach. Perhaps you should try some dessert.
Sweets have a way of helping troubled people set aside their worries, even if only for a moment." Dumbledore spoke gently while placing a small cake on the table.
Though he noticed a hint of wariness in the boy's eyes, he did not press the matter.
Aiden stepped forward after a brief pause.
"Professor, is that also why you love sweets?"
He accepted the slice of cake.
The sweetness melted across his tongue, easing the tension in his body. His guarded expression softened slightly.
"No, no, no, Ramirez. I have many reasons for loving sweets." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"However, Hufflepuff students who wander at night are quite rare."
He gave Aiden a playful wink.
"Even if that student is merely visiting the kitchens."
Aiden opened his mouth to explain himself, but Dumbledore continued.
"When you return later, you likely will not encounter Mr. Filch. He seldom checks the dungeons at this hour. He is far more concerned with Mr. Fred Weasley and Mr. George Weasley."
"They are seasoned night wanderers and enthusiastic troublemakers."
He chuckled fondly at the memory.
Then, quite suddenly, he asked, "Ramirez, would you care to accompany this old man for a short walk? To the Astronomy Tower to observe the night sky."
Aiden froze.
For a moment, his Occlumency wavered under the shock.
"Professor, I do not quite understand."
He gestured slightly, unsure how to respond.
"Are you concerned that walking at night violates school rules?"
"Yes, Professor."
That had indeed been his thought.
Was it appropriate for the Headmaster to encourage such behavior?
"But you have already broken the rules, have you not?" Dumbledore blinked innocently.
The meaning was clear.
You are already here.
"Very well, Professor. I would be honored to accompany you."
"Do not be so wary, Ramirez. I am merely an old man who wishes for company while admiring the stars. You simply happen to be here."
Dumbledore popped another piece of cake into his mouth, looking utterly content.
Aiden noticed something curious.
The house-elves were nowhere to be seen.
The kitchen was unusually quiet.
Still, he did not dwell on it.
He grabbed another pastry and slipped it into his pocket for later.
"Let us go, Ramirez. I trust you no longer object to a short walk."
"As you wish, Professor."
The two stepped out of the barrel entrance and began climbing the staircases.
Aiden's mind raced.
Why him? Aside from the Sorting Feast and a few distant encounters, Dumbledore had never paid him particular attention.
Had he suspected something? Every possibility made Aiden cautious.
As if sensing his tension, Dumbledore spoke again.
"Ramirez, may I call you by a more familiar name? Aiden."
"Of course, Professor. It would be my honor."
Aiden inclined his head respectfully and followed behind him.
Until he understood Dumbledore's intentions, speaking less was safer.
"Aiden, have you ever walked through Hogwarts in the middle of the night before?"
"No, Professor. This was my first time, and I was only going to the kitchen."
"Then this must be a new experience. How does it feel to walk through a castle that is usually lively, now wrapped in silence?"
Dumbledore's voice carried a calm warmth.
Aiden looked ahead at the quiet corridors.
"It feels… subtle. The castle at night is like a silent melody. It carries a gentleness that does not exist during the day."
"What a lovely description, Aiden. Whenever I wander these halls at night, I, too, find new reflections."
Aiden did not know where this conversation was leading.
But there was no turning back now.
They continued climbing toward the Astronomy Tower, footsteps echoing softly in the sleeping castle.
...
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