Facing Lin Mei's revelation, the entire room fell silent.
The professors had always regarded Voldemort with fear, disgust, and deep vigilance, but few had ever considered his achievements in alchemy. It was a subject they rarely discussed in their daily teaching and research. Lin Mei's words seemed to peel back a layer of dust, exposing a neglected truth that left everyone in deep thought.
"Are you saying," Professor McGonagall asked, her voice carrying a hint of tension, "that aside from the Philosopher's Stone, Voldemort might have sought resurrection through other means—black magic or alchemy?"
Lin Mei nodded, scanning the faces of the gathered professors.
"Voldemort's knowledge of ancient magic far surpasses our imagination," she stated. "His expertise in the dark arts is well known, but few acknowledge his remarkable discoveries in alchemy. The Philosopher's Stone was just one of many plans. The Resurrection Stone, or at least its legend, could very well be his next target."
A heavy silence settled over the room before Lin Mei continued, her voice unwavering.
"However, rather than relying on the myth of the Resurrection Stone, Voldemort would likely seek a more tangible method—one rooted in dark magic. The most important step in his return is the creation of a new body."
Professor McGonagall paled. "Then that means—his next target is likely Harry!"
"Not exactly. Harry is still protected by the enchantments placed upon him," Lin Mei clarified. "As long as that protection remains intact, Voldemort cannot easily obtain his blood."
Lin Mei knew the truth of this world—or at least, the sequence of events that would unfold. He understood what was coming, and if Voldemort dared to make a move, Lin Mei would ensure he regretted it.
Dumbledore, who had been listening intently, finally spoke. "Enough. We will speak no further of this." He turned to Madam Pomfrey. "For your own safety, Professor Flitwick will help you forget what you've heard here."
Madam Pomfrey, visibly shaken, nodded. "I understand, Headmaster."
The weight of the revelation sat heavily on the room. Even in death, Voldemort's shadow loomed over them all, searching for a way back.
Dumbledore addressed the remaining professors. "I trust that none of you will speak of this matter. We must avoid unnecessary panic."
"Understood, Headmaster," the four Heads of House replied in unison.
With that, the meeting concluded, and the professors departed for their quarters. But Lin Mei was not yet dismissed. Dumbledore gestured for him to stay, leading him back to his office.
Once they were seated, Dumbledore studied Lin Mei for a moment before asking, "Lin Mei, the semester is ending. What are your plans?"
Lin Mei met his gaze evenly. "Headmaster, you already know that I don't belong to this world. Eventually, I will return to my own. If there's something you need to ask, just say it. I will tell you what I can."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with understanding. He had suspected Lin Mei's origins for some time. The reason he had allowed Lin Mei to remain at Hogwarts and study magic was simple—he needed insight into defeating Voldemort.
"Tell me," Dumbledore said, cutting to the heart of the matter. "Did Voldemort create multiple Horcruxes?"
Lin Mei nodded. "Yes. He made five that I know of. Counting Harry... there are six."
Dumbledore stiffened. He placed a firm hand on Lin Mei's shoulder, his voice urgent. "Harry is a Horcrux?"
Lin Mei nodded again, and Dumbledore fell silent, sinking into thought. Slowly, he withdrew his hand and sat back in his chair, deep in contemplation.
"Voldemort tried to kill Harry as a child," Lin Mei explained. "But Lily Potter's protective charm rebounded the curse, destroying Voldemort's body. In that moment, a fragment of his soul latched onto Harry."
Dumbledore exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Then... to completely destroy Voldemort, we would have to... kill Harry?"
A grim reality settled between them, but Dumbledore was not ready to accept such a conclusion. There had to be another way.
"Voldemort has not yet fully returned," Dumbledore murmured. "There is still time to find another path."
He straightened, shifting his focus. "You mentioned that Voldemort requires specific materials for his resurrection. Tell me, what does he need?"
Lin Mei understood what Dumbledore was attempting—cutting off Voldemort's access to his resurrection ingredients.
"The bones of his father, the flesh of his servants, and the blood of his enemies. Without these, he cannot return through black magic."
Dumbledore's mind immediately latched onto the first item—his father's bones. Perhaps there was a way to prevent their retrieval.
Lin Mei stood up. "If you want to rid Harry of the Horcrux within him, remember this—'The wand will not harm its master.'"
He turned to leave, but Dumbledore's voice stopped him. "Wait."
There was something in Lin Mei's words that had sparked an idea in Dumbledore's mind. Something about the nature of wands...
Dumbledore finally asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and suspicion, "How is it that you know so much? Even if you don't belong to this world, your knowledge is far too detailed."
Lin Mei responded with a knowing smile. "Does it really matter? I've given you the most critical secrets about Voldemort. Now, it's up to you to find a solution."
Without waiting for a response, Lin Mei swiftly turned and strode out the door.
Dumbledore watched him go, his thoughts swirling. Cunning little fox. If Lin Mei weren't able to leave this world at any time, never to return, Dumbledore would have already found a way to keep him involved in their affairs.
Meanwhile, Lin Mei made his way back to the Gryffindor dormitory, unconcerned with whatever actions Dumbledore might take next. His mind was already set—once this semester ended, he would return to his original world.
Yet, an unsettling question lingered in his thoughts. When I return, how much time will have passed? What point in this world's timeline will I land in next?
Lin Mei had no control over the precise workings of his unique mutant ability—one that allowed him to traverse dimensions at will. It was an ability so rare and unpredictable that even the professors at Xavier's Academy would have struggled to teach him how to master it.
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