"Headmaster Dumbledore," Hydra said sincerely, "I'm innocent."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. Knowing Hydra as he did, he had expected far more resistance.
Then he remembered her use of the invisibility creature to peer into the future. Instantly, everything clicked.
This child's abilities are truly enviable.
Since she wanted a genuine conversation, Dumbledore put aside his playful streak—though, in truth, he had been studying Hydra for five years and felt he knew her well enough.
Still, old habits die hard. He couldn't resist teasing the young whenever he could.
"I know, child. You were being hunted by the Grey family and had no choice but to kill Norsen Grey."
He took a sip of tea. "Of course, later, when you robbed that carriage, you did end up killing four people."
"Given all the mess Bod Grey caused, it could be argued that you were merely reclaiming what was rightfully yours and accidentally killed them in the struggle… but…"
His deep eyes fixed on her, making Hydra uncomfortably tense.
"Do not take a life lightly again," he said firmly. "It does no good for your soul."
"Moreover," the old headmaster continued seriously, "every life is precious. We have no right to take it at will."
Hydra was silent for a long moment, suddenly feeling a lump in her throat.
Though the past five years had been glamorous—becoming a famous Muggle singer—she had, in truth, only been hiding from capture. No matter how glorious her Muggle life, it could not erase the fact that she was a wanted criminal in the magical world.
Dumbledore's understanding shattered her defenses, giving her a rare feeling: the most powerful white wizard was on her side.
And she had never experienced this kind of patient, caring guidance from an elder in this life.
"Child," Dumbledore noticed her eyes glistening, and softly asked, "Can you tell me why you're so reluctant to go to Hogwarts?"
Hydra hesitated, shaking her head slightly.
The headmaster smiled. "Let me guess—it has to do with your parents?"
When Hydra stayed silent, he continued. "Many children of Death Eaters attend Hogwarts. There's no discrimination against them…"
"No," Hydra shook her head. "It's not that."
"Ah, I see," Dumbledore said, refilling his tea. "You're worried about your true father… Voldemort, Tom Riddle?"
This time, Hydra was genuinely startled.
"You… how did you—?"
"How did I know?" Dumbledore said mysteriously. "When you appeared at the Malfoy dragon farm, you revealed the Serpent's Tongue ability. Teaching at Hogwarts for so long, some news inevitably finds its way to me."
"Plus, you can freely enter the Gaunt estate without triggering any magical traps—I've seen it. Everywhere were protective spells keyed to bloodline. Yet you moved freely."
"So, isn't the truth obvious?"
"You are… Voldemort's daughter."
Hydra lowered her head in silence.
Dumbledore continued: "I also know that when you were born, your magical energy erupted violently. Voldemort intended to use you against me. I heard from your elf, Momo, that from that time on, you deliberately forced your magic out of your channels and dispersed it throughout your body, correct?"
He regarded her with deep admiration, making Hydra blush. "Most wizards never even know about magical channels in their lifetime, yet you knew from birth…"
"Of course, that's not the point…"
"I suspect you did this to prevent Voldemort from using you—essentially presenting yourself as a dud."
Hydra nodded, silently confirming. While her ultimate goal differed slightly, the basic logic of "appearing powerless" was the same.
Dumbledore spread his hands. "See? You're such a good, kind child. Hogwarts would never refuse you."
Wait… good and kind?
No, no, no! I'm just trying to lie low and enjoy life! Not being heroic!
Seeing her silent, Dumbledore didn't push further.
In his eyes, a child capable of reasoning and discerning right from wrong from birth was extraordinarily precocious—only the legendary Merlin could match that.
And yet, under her innate sense of justice, she had chosen to oppose her own father.
She was, quite simply, a naturally good person.
She was likely worried that if she entered Hogwarts, when Voldemort returned—as Dumbledore never doubted, trusting that prophecy—she would be caught in a real dilemma.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore fully understood her conflict.
If it were him, torn between father and justice, he couldn't guarantee he'd manage better.
Yet… one prophecy stalled Hydra, while another prophecy forced Dumbledore to push her into actions she did not wish to take.
The one who issued that second prophecy? Dumbledore trusted him even more than Professor Trelawney.
Not to mention the Ministry's intense scrutiny.
So Hydra had to go to Hogwarts.
Seeing Dumbledore's deep misunderstanding, Hydra didn't know how to explain…
"I…" she finally spoke. "Can I attend via correspondence instead of going to Hogwarts?"
"No, child," Dumbledore explained gently, noticing her reluctance. "Your situation is unique—you won't start until sixteen."
"Historically, this has only happened three times. You are the fourth. The previous three had deep ties to ancient magic, extremely powerful…"
"So you—Audrey Astre—are of great interest to the Ministry. Ancient magic has not appeared for nearly a century."
Dumbledore sipped his tea, adding sugar. "In their eyes, your importance even exceeds Harry Potter. They will not allow you to remain at large."
"Ancient magic?"
Hydra was shocked. She knew the term—she had been a dedicated fan of the Hogwarts Legacy game since its release. The game revolved around ancient magic. She had thought it was merely fictional, but here it was, real.
Receiving her acceptance letter at sixteen and connecting it to the ancient magic storyline left her stunned. She didn't want this kind of attention.
"Do I start from first year? I'm already sixteen…"
"No," Dumbledore replied. "You'll follow precedent and start directly in fifth year. Your first Hogwarts year will involve the O.W.L.s."
Hydra had been raised in the Lestrange household, not as a typical Muggle-born, so Dumbledore didn't need to over-explain.
"I won't! I won't go!"
Hydra flared up. Compressing five years of knowledge into one year sounded impossible—even Hermione couldn't manage that!
Dumbledore sighed. This girl's resistance to Hogwarts bordered on pathological.
Was she afraid of confronting her father directly?
He could empathize. Even he would struggle if forced to choose between father and justice.
But the prophecy left Hydra hesitant, while another prophecy compelled Dumbledore to push her into actions she disliked.
In the silence, Hydra whispered, "Is it really necessary?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Even I must respect the Ministry—it represents the order of the wizarding world."
Hydra understood. She quickly calmed herself. Refusing Hogwarts would draw endless Ministry interference, and any slip revealing her identity would be disastrous. She would lose her brother, her career, and her beloved Moneymoney…
Flee to America? Ridiculous. The Ministry had eyes everywhere, and ancient magic seekers existed in every country.
Better to stay in England, under Dumbledore's protection, than risk being prey elsewhere.
"So, Headmaster Dumbledore," she said, returning to the practical. "For the money I'll lose attending Hogwarts, I hope you can lift my wanted status as compensation. How do you feel about that?"
Dumbledore agreed immediately. This small favor was easy enough, as long as she didn't demand millions in gold.
"Of course. Consider it done," he said.
Hydra nodded, thinking: starting in fifth year meant only three years to graduate. The final battle? She'd go to America afterward! England was rubbish—who wanted to stay?
She smiled, despite the upcoming workload. Having endured China's gaokao, she could handle this. A hard year, then a lifetime of comfort—that wasn't bad.
Seeing Hydra finally agree, Dumbledore relaxed.
"Just remember," he added, "the Ministry sees you as a young Muggle wizard, unfamiliar with the wizarding world. The O.W.L. subjects will help you integrate quickly."
"They require you to take all twelve exams. Only if you pass them all may you enter sixth year."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I trust that won't be a problem for you?"
Hydra rolled her eyes. All pass? Pfft. Who's underestimating whom here?