Aftermath and Revelations of Truth and Consequences
The scene in Professor Dumbledore's office was chaotic. Ginny was crying, confessing everything between sobs. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had arrived, Mrs. Weasley alternating between hugging Ginny and looking horrified.
"I didn't mean to!" Ginny wept. "The diary—it made me write things, do things—I couldn't control it!"
Then Lucius Malfoy burst in with a stunned-looking house-elf Harry recognized—Dobby.
"So!" Malfoy sneered. "Dumbledore's back. The governors decided you could return after all. Though I don't see what good it did—the girl's still dead, isn't she? Oh... wait." He noticed Ginny alive and well. His face fell.
"Miss Weasley is perfectly well," Dumbledore said coldly. "Thanks to Harry's bravery. Now, Mr. Malfoy, I believe we have something to discuss about this diary."
Harry suddenly understood. He pulled the ruined diary from his robes.
"You gave this to Ginny, didn't you?" Harry accused. "In Flourish and Blotts. I saw you slip something into her cauldron."
Lucius's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You can't prove—"
"The diary contains dark magic," Professor Gupta said, entering the office with Professors McGonagall and Snape. He'd apparently been fetched during the crisis. "Very dark magic. A piece of someone's soul."
"A Horcrux," Dumbledore said gravely. "Yes, Anant, I believe you're correct."
"You gave a dark artifact to an eleven-year-old girl," Professor Gupta continued, his voice cold with anger. "You nearly got her killed. You put the entire school at risk."
"I did no such thing," Lucius said haughtily. "And even if I did, you can't prove it. It's the boy's word against mine."
"My word, too," said Professor McGonagall firmly. "I was in Flourish and Blotts that day. I noticed you near the Weasleys."
"And Dobby will testify," Harry added, looking at the house-elf. "Won't you, Dobby?"
Dobby nodded frantically, his ears flapping.
Lucius's face was murderous. "That elf is bound to me. He cannot—"
"Can't he?" Harry had a sudden inspiration. He grabbed the diary, pulled off his muddy sock, and stuffed the sock into the diary's remains. "Here," he said, handing it to Lucius.
Lucius took it reflexively—then immediately threw it away. But Dobby caught it.
"Master has presented Dobby with clothes!" the elf squeaked. "Dobby is free!"
"You insolent little—" Lucius raised his wand toward Harry.
Several things happened at once. Dumbledore stood, his wand drawn, his eyes blazing with power. Professor McGonagall pointed her wand at Lucius. Professor Snape actually moved in front of Harry protectively.
But it was Professor Gupta who moved fastest. He was suddenly there, his hand gripping Lucius's wrist with casual, terrifying strength.
"I don't think so," Professor Gupta said quietly. "You've done enough harm, Malfoy. If you value your position, your freedom, and your health, I suggest you leave. Now."
For a moment, Lucius looked like he might try something stupid. Then he looked into Professor Gupta's eyes—dark and hard as obsidian—and paled.
"This isn't over," he spat, wrenching his arm free.
"Oh, I think it is," Dumbledore said. "The Board of Governors will hear about your actions. And if any more dark artifacts find their way into this school, we'll know exactly who to investigate."
Lucius swept out, robes billowing. Dobby, clutching his sock like a trophy, bowed low to Harry.
"Harry Potter freed Dobby! Harry Potter is the greatest wizard!"
"I'm really not," Harry protested, but Dobby had already vanished with a crack.
Healing and Hope
The next day brought another demonstration of Professor Gupta's revolutionary magic—this time to heal the remaining Petrified victims who hadn't yet been restored.
The entire school gathered in the Great Hall once again. On conjured beds lay the still-rigid forms of several students who had been attacked before Hermione. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation.
Professor Dumbledore stood before the assembled students and staff. "As you know, Professor Gupta successfully healed Miss Granger using a technique he developed. Today, he will attempt to heal the remaining victims."
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her expression a mixture of hope and concern. "Anant, are you certain you're recovered enough? Yesterday's healing clearly taxed you."
"I'm fine, Minerva," Professor Gupta assured her, though Harry noticed he still looked slightly weary. "And I've refined the technique since Hermione's healing. It should be more efficient now."
"What exactly is this technique?" asked Professor Flitwick, who stood on a stack of books to see better. "The magical theory behind it is fascinating—I've never seen anything quite like it."
Professor Gupta smiled. "I call it Kaido—the Healing Way. It's actually a branch of the Kido system I've been developing, which itself is an extension of my Hado research."
"Kido?" Hermione, who was standing with Harry and Ron in the crowd, perked up immediately. "That's different from Hado?"
"Hado is the destructive and binding aspect—combat magic, essentially," Professor Gupta explained, clearly pleased by Hermione's interest despite the serious situation. "Kido is the broader system that encompasses Hado, Bakudo and Kaido. Hado for combat, Bakudo for sealing and Kaido for healing. All three work on the same principle of understanding and manipulating fundamental magical energies, but Kaido specifically channels life force for restoration rather than destruction."
"Brilliant," Hermione breathed. "So it's not just a new spell—it's an entirely new branch of magic!"
"Precisely, Miss Granger. And like all aspects of Kido, it combines Eastern and Western magical principles. The vital energy channeling comes from ancient Indian healing traditions, while the structured approach comes from European magical theory."
Professor Snape, standing near Professor Gupta, spoke up. "The spell requires significant magical power and control. Anant nearly depleted himself healing Miss Granger because he channeled too much of his own life force. He's since adjusted the balance."
"Thank you for that vote of confidence, Severus," Professor Gupta said dryly. "Now, if everyone could please step back, I'll begin."
He approached the first victim—a third-year Ravenclaw boy named Terry Boot. Professor Gupta knelt beside the bed, his expression becoming focused and serene, almost meditative.
"Kaido Path Twenty-Three: Spring's Awakening," he said, his hands hovering over Terry's rigid form.
This time, Harry could see the difference. The golden-green energy that flowed from Professor Gupta's hands was more controlled, more refined than it had been with Hermione. Instead of an explosive burst that created a whole garden, the energy flowed in deliberate streams, like water finding its course.
Small flowers still bloomed around the bed—delicate white blossoms that glowed softly—but they grew slowly, naturally, as the healing energy seeped into Terry's petrified body. The boy's grey skin regained color gradually, and within minutes, he was breathing normally, his eyes fluttering open.
"Where... what happened?" Terry asked groggily.
"You're safe now," Professor Gupta said gently. "Just rest."
Professor Gupta moved to the next victim, and the next. Each healing was smoother than the last, the technique becoming more refined with practice. By the fourth healing, he barely showed signs of fatigue.
"Remarkable," Madam Pomfrey whispered to Professor Sprout. "He's adapting the spell in real-time, making it more efficient with each casting."
"That's Anant for you," Professor Sprout replied proudly—Professor Gupta had been in her house, after all. "Always innovating, always improving."
When the last victim—a Hufflepuff fifth-year named Susan Bones—was healed and sitting up, blinking in confusion, the Great Hall erupted in applause. Students from every house cheered, many crying with relief and joy.
Professor Gupta stood, swaying only slightly. Snape was there immediately, steadying him with a hand on his elbow.
"I'm fine," Professor Gupta insisted, though he didn't shake off Snape's support. "Just need to sit down for a moment."
Dumbledore conjured a comfortable chair, and Professor Gupta sank into it gratefully. Students crowded around, asking questions, thanking him, expressing their awe.
"Professor, that was amazing!" a Gryffindor fourth-year exclaimed.
"Will you teach us Kaido magic?" asked a Ravenclaw.
"Can it heal any injury?" someone else called out.
Professor Gupta held up a hand, smiling despite his obvious exhaustion. "One question at a time, please. First, I'm glad everyone's safe and healthy again. Second, Kaido is advanced magic—very advanced. You need a strong foundation in basic healing charms, energy manipulation, and theoretical understanding before attempting it. But yes, I plan to develop a curriculum for it, just as I have for Hado."
"That's going to revolutionize magical medicine," a seventh-year with a prefect badge said in awe. "Professor, you've essentially created a whole new field of study."
"Not created—synthesized," Professor Gupta corrected. "I combined existing knowledge from various traditions. The real credit goes to healers and magical researchers throughout history who laid the groundwork."
"Always so modest," Professor McGonagall said, approaching with Madam Pomfrey. "Anant, Poppy would like to discuss training in the Kaido technique. And I suspect St. Mungo's will be sending owls demanding the same."
"I'll write a detailed treatise," Professor Gupta promised. "Complete with safety precautions, limitations, and step-by-step instructions. Healing magic this powerful needs to be taught properly."
"Speaking of safety," Madam Pomfrey interjected, "you're going to the hospital wing right now, Anant. You've just performed five major healings in one day. I don't care how refined your technique is—you need rest."
"Yes, ma'am," Professor Gupta said meekly, earning chuckles from the nearby students.
As Madam Pomfrey led him away, with Snape following protectively, Harry heard Professor Gupta say, "You know, Poppy, if you combine the Kaido energy flow with your diagnostic spells, you could potentially detect dark curses before they manifest symptoms..."
Even exhausted and being marched to bed rest, Professor Gupta was thinking about how to improve magical healing. Harry couldn't help but smile.
"He's incredible," Hermione said, watching Professor Gupta disappear through the doors. "Harry, do you realize what we just witnessed? The birth of an entirely new branch of magic! This will be in textbooks for centuries!"
"And he acted like it was no big deal," Ron added. "Just 'Oh, I synthesized some existing knowledge, no big deal.' Meanwhile, he's basically rewriting magical theory."
"That's why everyone respects him so much," Harry said thoughtfully. "He's possibly the most powerful wizard alive except for Dumbledore, and he's still humble and kind to everyone."
Reflections and Recognition
That evening, after Professor Gupta had been released from Madam Pomfrey's care (with strict instructions to rest), Harry found him once again on the Astronomy Tower. It seemed to be the professor's favorite spot for reflection.
"Professor? Can I talk to you?"
"Of course, Harry. How are you feeling?"
"Okay. I mean, my arm's healed thanks to Fawkes, and Ginny's going to be fine, so... okay." Harry paused. "Professor, Tom Riddle said something strange. He said he was going to kill you. After he killed me and Professor Dumbledore, he was going to kill you."
Professor Gupta raised an eyebrow. "I'm honored to make his list."
"I'm serious! He said you were a threat to his plans. And I realized... you would have stopped him, wouldn't you? If you'd been there in the Chamber?"
Professor Gupta was quiet for a moment, gazing out at the darkening grounds. "I'd like to think so. But Harry, the more important question is: you stopped him. A twelve-year-old boy armed with nothing but courage and a sword defeated a memory of the most powerful dark wizard in a century. That's extraordinary."
"Fawkes helped. And the sword—"
"Came to you because you showed true courage and loyalty—the traits of Gryffindor. Harry, tools can help, but in the end, it's the wizard that matters. You proved that today."
"Professor Dumbledore said something similar. He said I didn't just destroy the diary—I destroyed a piece of Voldemort's soul. Something called a Horcrux."
"Yes." Professor Gupta's expression darkened. "Harry, what I'm about to tell you must stay between us for now. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"If Voldemort created one Horcrux, he may have created others. Pieces of his soul hidden in objects, keeping him tethered to life. That's why he didn't die when his curse rebounded on him. And that's why, eventually, he'll try to return."
Harry felt cold dread settle in his stomach. "So... it's not over?"
"Not yet. But you have time, Harry. Time to grow, to learn, to become stronger. And when Voldemort does return—and I believe he will—you won't be alone. You'll have friends, teachers, allies. You'll have people who believe in you."
"Like you?"
"Like me. And Dumbledore, and McGonagall, and yes, even Snape—though he'd probably hex me for saying so." Professor Gupta placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You're going to face darkness again, Harry. But you've already proven you can win. Remember that."
"Professor, can I ask you something else? About the Kaido healing?"
"Of course."
"When you healed Hermione and the others... it hurt you, didn't it? You used your own life force. That's dangerous."
Professor Gupta smiled slightly. "You're perceptive. Yes, Kaido requires channeling your own vital energy to jumpstart someone else's natural healing. If done incorrectly, you can severely harm yourself. That's why it must be taught carefully."
"But you did it anyway. Even knowing the risk."
"They were students, Harry. Innocent people hurt by dark magic. Of course I took the risk. That's what teachers do—we protect our students, even at cost to ourselves."
"Like my mum protected me."
"Exactly like that. Your mother's love created a protection so powerful that Voldemort still can't understand it. That's real magic, Harry—not spells or charms, but the choices we make, the sacrifices we're willing to make for others."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching stars emerge in the darkening sky.
"Professor Gupta?" Harry said finally. "Thank you. For everything this year. For healing Hermione, for being here, for... for believing in me."
"Always, Harry. You're a remarkable young wizard, and I'm proud to teach at a school that has students like you."
The End-of-Year Feast
The End-of-Year Feast was subdued but happy. Students were relieved to be alive, to have their classmates restored, to have survived the Chamber's reopening.
The Great Hall was decorated in green and silver—Slytherin colors—as they had won the House Cup with a commanding lead. But before the feast began, Dumbledore stood to make announcements.
"Before we begin our banquet," he said, his voice carrying across the hall, "I have several awards to present. This year has tested us all—students and teachers alike. But it has also shown us the very best of what Hogwarts stands for: courage, loyalty, intelligence, and determination."
He paused, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.
"First, to Miss Ginevra Weasley, who showed tremendous courage in resisting Tom Riddle's influence for as long as she did, and who had the bravery to confess everything even knowing she might face punishment—fifty points to Gryffindor."
Ginny blushed scarlet as her house applauded warmly. Mrs. Weasley, sitting at a special table for parents who had been invited, was crying happy tears.
"To Mr. Ronald Weasley, who followed his best friend into mortal danger without hesitation, who played guardian to an amnesiac Lockhart while his friend faced a basilisk, and who has consistently shown that true friendship means standing by those you care about—fifty points to Gryffindor."
Ron looked stunned, then delighted. His brothers Fred and George were whistling and cheering loudly.
"To Miss Hermione Granger, who even while Petrified managed to leave a clue that helped solve the mystery of the Chamber, and who throughout this year has exemplified everything Hogwarts values in a student—intelligence, bravery, and loyalty to her friends—fifty points to Gryffindor."
Hermione looked like she might cry. Harry squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back, beaming.
"And to Harry Potter," Dumbledore continued, his voice becoming even more serious, "for moral fiber of the highest caliber, for courage that would make Godric Gryffindor himself proud, for descending into the Chamber of Secrets alone to save a fellow student, and for destroying a piece of the darkest magic known to wizardkind—two hundred points to Gryffindor."
The Gryffindor table erupted. Students were on their feet, cheering wildly, many crying with joy. Even the other houses applauded—Hufflepuff enthusiastically, Ravenclaw politely, and even some Slytherins offering grudging claps.
The Slytherin House Cup banner began shifting colors, turning from green and silver to scarlet and gold. Gryffindor had won again.
"Additionally," Dumbledore continued when the noise subsided, "special recognition must be given to Professor Anant Gupta, who not only helped solve the mystery of the Chamber but developed a revolutionary healing technique—Kaido magic—that saved multiple lives and will undoubtedly revolutionize magical medicine for generations to come."
The applause was thunderous. Every house was cheering now, students standing to honor their professor.
Professor Gupta stood, looking uncomfortable with the attention but smiling nonetheless. "Thank you, Headmaster. But I must emphasize that I was simply doing my job—teaching, protecting, and helping students. That's what all of us at the staff table are here for."
"Nevertheless," Dumbledore said warmly, "your contributions this year have been invaluable. Not only did you develop Kaido healing, but you've also continued to teach your Advanced Magical Theory class with exceptional skill. I've heard from several seventh-years that your course has fundamentally changed how they understand and approach magic."
"Professor Gupta makes magic make sense," called out a seventh-year Ravenclaw. "Before his class, we just memorized spells. Now we understand why they work!"
"He helped me develop my own variation of a shielding charm," added a Hufflepuff sixth-year. "Said understanding the principles means you can adapt magic to your strengths!"
Professor Gupta held up his hands, clearly embarrassed by the praise. "Please, the credit belongs to all of you. You're the ones doing the learning and the work. I just provide guidance."
"Too modest as always," McGonagall said from her seat helplessly, but she was smiling. "Very well, Anant. But the point stands—to Professor Gupta, one hundred points to Hufflepuff, for proving once again why that house produces some of Hogwarts' finest witches and wizards."
The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers. They knew they couldn't win the House Cup this year, but having their most famous alumnus recognized was almost as good.
As the feast began and food appeared on the golden plates, Harry found himself reflecting on the year. It had been terrifying, dangerous, and traumatic in many ways. But it had also shown him something important: he wasn't alone.
He had Ron and Hermione, friends who would literally walk into deadly danger with him. He had Dumbledore and Professor Gupta, teachers who believed in him and would protect him. He even had Snape, who despite his harsh exterior had moved to shield Harry from Lucius Malfoy's wand.
"Harry?" Hermione said, pulling him from his thoughts. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Harry said, smiling at his best friends. "Yeah, I really am."
Departure and Promises
The next morning, as students prepared to board the Hogwarts Express, the atmosphere was lighter than it had been in months. Parents hugged their children with extra fervor, grateful to have them home safe.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood together on the platform, trunks loaded, owls secured, ready for the journey back to London.
"I'll write to both of you every week," Hermione promised. "We'll need to stay sharp over the summer. Third year is when we can start taking electives, and I want to be prepared."
"You're going to take every elective, aren't you?" Ron said.
"Most of them," Hermione admitted. "Including Professor Gupta's Advanced Magical Theory! We'll finally get to learn Hado properly!"
"And Kaido healing," Harry added. "I want to learn that. To be able to help people like Professor Gupta does."
"That's going to be really advanced," Ron warned. "Fred and George said some seventh-years struggled with basic Hado techniques."
"Then we'll practice harder," Harry said with determination.
They were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger."
They turned to find Professor Gupta approaching, with Professor Snape trailing slightly behind, his expression as inscrutable as ever.
"Professor!" Hermione said brightly. "We were just talking about taking your class next year!"
"I look forward to having you," Professor Gupta said warmly. "Though I should warn you—Advanced Magical Theory is challenging. It requires not just memorization, but genuine understanding of magical principles. You'll be asked to think critically, to question assumptions, to develop your own approaches to magic."
"That sounds perfect," Hermione said immediately.
Professor Gupta smiled, then his expression became more serious as he focused on Harry. "Harry, before you go, I wanted to give you something."
He pulled a small, leather-bound book from his robes and handed it to Harry. The cover read: Fundamentals of Magical Theory: An Introduction by Anant Gupta.
"This is the preparatory text I wrote for students interested in my class," Professor Gupta explained. "It covers basic principles of magical energy manipulation, theoretical frameworks for understanding spellwork, and introductory meditation techniques. If you work through it over the summer, you'll be well-prepared for third year."
"Thank you, Professor!" Harry clutched the book like treasure.
"There's a chapter on magical signatures—the unique way each wizard's magic manifests," Professor Gupta continued. "Understanding your own magical signature is the first step toward developing personalized magic. I think you'll find it illuminating."
"I got one too!" Hermione pulled an identical book from her bag. "I've already started reading it. The section on Eastern versus Western magical philosophies is fascinating!"
Professor Gupta chuckled. "I'm not surprised, Miss Granger. Your intellectual curiosity is admirable."
Ron coughed pointedly. Professor Gupta raised an eyebrow.
"Would you like a copy as well, Mr. Weasley?"
"Well, I mean, if everyone else has one..." Ron said, trying to sound casual but failing.
Professor Gupta produced a third book. "I came prepared. I suspected all three of you would be interested."
Ron took the book with a grin. "Thanks, Professor."
Professor Snape, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Don't think this means you'll have an easy time in my Potions class next year. I expect perfect execution regardless of your extracurricular reading."
But there was no real heat in his words, and Harry thought he saw the ghost of a smile at the corner of Snape's mouth.
"We'll work hard, Professor," Hermione promised.
"See that you do," Snape said, then swept away, robes billowing dramatically( typical snape but we love it).
Professor Gupta shook his head fondly. "Severus never changes."
"Professor?" Harry asked hesitantly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"You and Professor Snape... you're really close, aren't you? I mean, you're best friends."
"We are," Professor Gupta confirmed. "Have been since our first year at Hogwarts. Severus and I understood each other in ways others didn't. We still do."
"He protected me this year," Harry said quietly. "From Quirrell last year, from Lucius Malfoy this year. Even though he... even though my dad was mean to him."( Yes Harry knows all this from Anant somewhat as he want honest relationship with Harry)
"Your father and Severus had a complicated history," Professor Gupta said carefully. "But Severus protects you because it's the right thing to do. Because your mother was his friend, yes, but also because you're a student who deserves protection. He's a good man, Harry, even if he doesn't always show it."
The train whistle blew—five minutes until departure.
"You should board," Professor Gupta said. "Have a good summer, all three of you. Practice the exercises in the book, stay safe, and I'll see you in September."
"Yes, Professor," they chorused.
As they climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment, Harry looked out the window to see Professor Gupta still standing on the platform, watching students board with a slight smile.
"He really cares, doesn't he?" Ron observed. "About all of us."
"That's why everyone respects him," Hermione said. "He has all this power and knowledge, but he uses it to help people. To teach, to protect, to heal. That's what real greatness looks like."
As the train began moving, pulling away from Hogsmeade Station, Harry opened Professor Gupta's book and began reading the introduction:
Magic is not a collection of unrelated tricks, but a fundamental force of nature as consistent and comprehensible as gravity or light. The wizard who understands this can go beyond mere spell-casting to genuine magical mastery. This book will teach you not what to think about magic, but how to think about it...
Harry settled back in his seat, already absorbed in the text. Next year, he would take Professor Gupta's class. He would learn Hado combat techniques and maybe even the basics of Kaido healing. He would understand magic at a deeper level.
And when Voldemort eventually returned—because Harry now knew he would—Harry would be ready. Not just because he'd learned powerful spells, but because he'd learned to think, to understand, to approach magic with both wisdom and courage.
"Harry?" Hermione said. "You're smiling."
"I'm just thinking," Harry replied, "about next year. About everything we're going to learn. About how much we're going to grow."
"Bloody hell, you sound like a teacher," Ron said, but he was grinning too.
As the Hogwarts Express carried them toward London, toward summer, toward their Muggle lives that would never quite feel like home again, Harry felt something he hadn't felt at the end of his first year: confidence.
Not just confidence that he could survive, but confidence that he could truly grow into someone who mattered. Someone who, like Professor Gupta, could use power wisely and well.
The Boy Who Lived was becoming the Boy Who Learned.
And that, Harry thought as he turned another page in his new book, was exactly what he needed to be.
Epilogue: Summer Conversations Hogwarts Staff Room, Three Days After Term's End
Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Gupta sat in the quiet staff room, tea cooling in their cups, discussing the eventful year.
"Two years," McGonagall said wearily, "and Harry Potter has faced Voldemort twice. Once directly, once through a memory. How much more can one child endure?"
"More than we'd like," Dumbledore said gravely. "But he's not alone, and that makes all the difference. Minerva, did you notice how quickly he called for help this year? How he trusted his friends, trusted his teachers?"
"He's learning that he doesn't have to do everything alone," Snape observed, swirling his tea. "Last year, he charged off to save the Stone with his friends but without informing any teachers. This year, he told Lockhart—useless as that was—and Miss Granger sent for help. He's maturing."
"He's also reading Anant's theory book already," McGonagall added with a slight smile. "I saw him on the train platform, completely absorbed."
Professor Gupta looked up from his own book—a thick tome on advanced healing charms. "Harry has tremendous potential. They all do—Potter, Granger, Weasley. That entire generation, really. But they need proper guidance to reach it."
"Your Kaido healing has certainly provided that," Dumbledore said. "The International Confederation of Wizards has already sent three owls requesting demonstrations. St. Mungo's wants to establish a formal training program. The Society of Magical Healers is considering creating a new certification specifically for Kaido practitioners."
"I'm writing a comprehensive treatise," Professor Gupta confirmed. "But I'm being very careful about safety protocols. Kaido can be dangerous if misused—channeling life force isn't something to experiment with lightly."
"Another revolution," McGonagall said, shaking her head. "First Hado combat magic, now Kaido healing. Anant, at this rate, you'll rewrite every branch of magical study before you're forty."
"I'm just synthesizing existing knowledge—"
"Yes, yes, we've heard your modest speech," Snape interrupted dryly. "You're simply combining millennia of magical research in revolutionary ways. Nothing special."
Professor Gupta threw a balled-up piece of parchment at him. Snape deflected it wandlessly with a smirk.
Dumbledore chuckled at their byplay. "It's good to have you back, Anant. Both for the students and for Severus. You balance each other well."
"Someone has to keep him from drowning in bitterness," Professor Gupta said.
"And someone has to keep you from working yourself to death helping others," Snape retorted.
"Exactly my point," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling. "Balance."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, then McGonagall spoke again, her voice troubled.
"Albus, about what Harry found in the Chamber... the Horcrux. If Voldemort created one, there might be others?"
"I believe there are," Dumbledore confirmed gravely. "Perhaps several. Which means that when Voldemort eventually returns—and I believe he will—he'll be even harder to defeat than before."
"Harry destroyed one," Professor Gupta pointed out. "With a basilisk fang. That suggests Horcruxes can be destroyed, but it requires powerful dark magic to counter them."
"Basilisk venom, fiendfyre, perhaps the Killing Curse," Dumbledore mused. "All extremely dangerous. We'll need to research this carefully."
"We have time," Snape said. "The Dark Lord is weak, barely clinging to existence. It will take years for him to regain enough strength to attempt a return."
"Years we'll use to prepare," Professor Gupta added. "To train Harry and his generation, to research Horcruxes, to build alliances. When Voldemort does return, we'll be ready."
"Speaking of training," McGonagall said, "Anant, have you considered offering private lessons to Harry? Beyond your regular classes?"
Professor Gupta was quiet for a moment. "I've thought about it. But Harry needs to develop at his own pace, with his peers. Singling him out for special training would isolate him, make him feel even more separate from other students. He's already 'The Boy Who Lived.' He doesn't need to be 'The Chosen Student' as well."
"Wise," Dumbledore said approvingly. "Let him grow naturally, with his friends. The time for specialized training will come, but not yet."
"Though," Professor Gupta added with a slight smile, "if he happens to ask questions during office hours, or if he shows up for extra help with his theory homework, well... a teacher is obligated to assist eager students."
Snape snorted. "Subtle."
"I learned from watching you protect Potter while pretending to hate him."
"I don't pretend—" Snape began, then stopped at Professor Gupta's knowing look. "Fine. Perhaps I'm less hostile than I appear."
"Perhaps?" McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Severus, you literally shielded Harry from Lucius Malfoy's wand."
"Instinct. I didn't think about it."
"Exactly," Professor Gupta said gently. "Your instincts are to protect students, even ones who remind you of painful memories. That's who you are, Severus, underneath all the drama and billowing robes."
"My robes do not billow."
"They absolutely billow," McGonagall, Professor Gupta, and even Dumbledore said in unison.
Despite himself, Snape's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.
"Next year," Dumbledore said, bringing them back to business, "we'll need to be vigilant. Two years of incidents suggest a pattern. Something—or someone—continues to target Harry and our students."
"I'll increase security on my end," Snape offered. "My contacts in... certain circles may hear things."
"And I'll continue researching protective magics," Professor Gupta added. "Hogwarts' wards are strong, but they could be reinforced. Especially against dark artifacts like that diary."
"Good," Dumbledore said. "But for now, enjoy the summer. Rest, research, recover. September will come soon enough, and with it, a new year of challenges."
As they stood to leave, Professor Gupta paused.
"Albus? Thank you. For bringing me back here. For giving me the chance to teach, to help. Coming back to Hogwarts was the right choice."
"I knew it would be," Dumbledore said warmly. "Welcome home, Anant. Welcome home."
THE END OF YEAR TWO