Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

David stood in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he asked, "Are you still planning to leave?"

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "They need me. I owe them that much."

David's eyes hardened. "And what about Voldemort? Are you really going to let him roam freely around the school? Continue with your plan as if nothing's happened?"

"I will ask Professor Snape to watch him closely," Dumbledore replied, his tone resolute. "I promise, nothing like this will happen again. And if it does, I'll personally intervene. I'll abandon my plan if necessary."

"Really?" David raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. "Would you truly abandon your plan?"

Dumbledore's expression softened. "You are just as important to me, David. I want you to believe that. And only by seeing my plan through can Voldemort truly be defeated."

David glanced at Newt, who stood quietly beside Dumbledore, his face a mask of concern. After a moment of contemplation, David sighed. "Alright. I'll trust you again. But your plan better end with Voldemort truly gone—no more of him popping up again like some ghost haunting us."

"You have my word," Dumbledore said solemnly. His voice softened as he added, almost as an afterthought, "I'll stake my life on it."

David looked at him sharply, but Dumbledore's face remained impassive. David continued, "But what if Voldemort gives up on the Philosopher's Stone? He's practically been exposed. Even he'd be smart enough to realize he can't keep hiding forever."

Dumbledore shook his head. "No, he won't leave. He's sacrificed too much already. And once I leave the castle, he'll feel confident enough to make his move. His arrogance will be his downfall."

David considered this, then finally nodded. "Alright. Professor, is there anything else? If not, I'd like to go now. My friends are waiting for me."

Dumbledore smiled gently. "Go on, David. I hope the trust between us remains as strong as before."

David gave a small nod. He turned to leave but stopped, extending his arm. "Fawkes, can you come over here?"

The phoenix, who had been perched quietly on Dumbledore's desk, let out a soft trill. With a graceful flutter of his wings, Fawkes soared over to David's outstretched arm, landing lightly and nuzzling against him.

Dumbledore's eyes shone with relief.

David stroked the phoenix's feathers, his voice soft. "I hope there never comes a day when Fawkes refuses to answer my call."

Dumbledore's face grew solemn. "Don't worry, David. Fawkes will always be your friend."

David glanced at Newt, his face softening. "Grandpa, please visit Grandma and tell her I miss her. And... could you bring that little unicorn back to the magical space?"

Newt's eyes sparkled as he nodded. "Of course. And I'll take care of those injured animals, too."

David gave his grandfather a hug before heading to the door. He paused, turning back to Dumbledore. "Professor, I'd like to ask Professor Flitwick to teach me dueling skills."

Dumbledore looked surprised, then sighed, nodding. "I'll speak to him. He won't refuse. But David... don't lose sight of what's truly important while you pursue power."

David smiled wryly. "I won't. I've got plenty of people around to remind me."

He bowed and walked out of the office, heading towards the Gryffindor common room.

The portrait hole swung open, and before David could even take a step inside, three figures leapt from the sofas.

"David!" Harry, Ron, and Neville shouted in unison, eyes wide with excitement.

Hermione sat frozen for a second before she vaulted over the back of the sofa and threw her arms around David, squeezing him tightly.

"I'm fine, Hermione," David murmured, gently wiping the tears from her face.

"You... you left me behind again," she sniffled.

David chuckled softly. "If you hadn't brought Professor McGonagall, I might not have made it out so easily."

Ron and the others gathered around, grinning broadly. Hermione realized she was still clinging to David and quickly released him, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Yet, she stayed close to his side.

"David, what happened that night? Who killed the unicorn?" Harry asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

"A man in black," David said, his face darkening. "Unfortunately, I couldn't find out who he was."

"Well, after this, we'd better be more careful about sneaking out at night," Ron muttered.

"You're still thinking about sneaking out?" Neville looked horrified. "After what just happened? And don't forget the house points!"

Ron cringed. "Alright, alright. From now on, I'll keep the school rules pinned above my bed as a daily reminder."

The others burst into laughter, the tension easing. David sank into the sofa, smiling. "I'm thinking of asking Professor Flitwick to teach me dueling. Want to join me?"

"Dueling?" Ron's eyes widened with excitement. "That sounds brilliant! Count me in!"

"I'm coming too!" Hermione said firmly.

Harry and Neville quickly agreed, not wanting to be left out. Neville hesitated but eventually nodded, not wanting to be the odd one out.

"Great," David said, leaning back. "I'll speak to Professor Flitwick tomorrow. But for now... what should we do next?"

"Go to the library and study!" Hermione announced, her voice firm.

"Oh, come on!" Ron groaned, throwing his head back. "David just got out of the hospital! Shouldn't he be resting?"

"He missed classes all morning!" Hermione retorted, hands on her hips.

Ron turned to David, pleadingly. "How about a game of Wizard's Chess? I'll share my notes with you later."

Hermione snorted. "Notes? Since when do you take notes?" Before Ron could defend himself, she grabbed David's arm. "Come on, David. To the library!"

David laughed, allowing Hermione to drag him towards the door. "You guys coming?" he called back to the others.

Harry, Ron, and Neville all shook their heads vigorously, horror-struck at the idea.

"Suit yourselves," David grinned. "But save a game of chess for me later!"

As they walked down the corridor, David turned to Hermione. "Did you do that on purpose?"

Hermione smirked. "Of course. I knew they'd never come if I suggested studying."

David chuckled. "You're devious, you know that?"

She beamed with pride. But then her smile faded, and she looked up at him with concern. "You know who the man in black is, don't you?"

David hesitated, then nodded.

"Are you not telling me because I'm too weak?"

David scratched his chin, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well... that's one reason."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You think I'm weak?" She huffed and punched him lightly on the arm.

David laughed, the sound echoing down the corridor, as the shadows of the past night began to fade away.