Orochimaru travels to Hogwarts

Chapter 13 "You surprise me, Mr. Slack Anguis".

Harry walked silently toward number four Privet Drive.

Usually, he would turn around suddenly after walking a few dozen steps, look expectantly at Orochimaru standing in the same spot, and then wave goodbye to Orochimaru excitedly.

But Harry is acting out of character today.

He didn't look back, but measured his steps little by little until he was far enough away that he could no longer hear Orochimaru's voice, then he ran as fast as he could into the distance.

In the blink of an eye, Harry had disappeared from Orochimaru's sight.

This feeling is familiar.

Orochimaru watched Harry disappear from his sight in silence, just as he had watched Jiraiya fall into the mud and lose consciousness at the Valley of the End.

Parting always comes too quickly, leaving no time for a proper farewell.

I've really become more sentimental. Is it because of the influence of my new body's bloodline limit?

Orochimaru chuckled self-deprecatingly and slowly walked toward the direction Harry had pointed.

Although I didn't want to admit it, Harry's intuition had momentarily surpassed mine.

The professor who came to pick him up was so well hidden that even he himself failed to spot him immediately.

But Harry still managed to spot the professor.

Perhaps this is what makes Harry so precious as the Jinchūriki of this world?

Orochimaru cleared his mind, calmly stopped, and looked up at the scarred tree.

The scar was caused by me using a knife two days ago. Although only two days have passed, it has already stopped oozing clear fluid.

Orochimaru observed the scar with a leisurely expression, as if he were watching a windmill being blown by the wind.

Silence was what Orochimaru did at that moment.

Silence often possesses unimaginable power.

Vulnerable people are always afraid of things that are left unresolved. This is because they lack both the strength to cope with change and the composure to accept the judgment of fate.

That's why they become hysterical, like beggars, just wanting a result, just wanting an answer, even if it's a bad one.

fortunately……

Orochimaru was not that kind of person. He patiently watched the scars on the tree, letting the sun, moon, and stars revolve above his head, and letting time flow quietly around him.

I don't know how much time passed, but a cold wind rushed in and cut off a completely withered leaf.

The withered yellow leaf, like a feather, drifted slowly down from the sky, passing over Orochimaru's pale yellow vertical pupils.

Dumbledore's voice also rang out at that moment.

"You surprise me, Mr. Slack Anguis," he said.

Orochimaru's pale yellow vertical pupils, resembling those of a snake, were momentarily startled upon hearing the voice.

It wasn't that his mind was in turmoil, but rather that the feeling the person speaking gave him far exceeded his expectations.

He originally thought that this person was at most a level slightly better than Sarutobi-sensei.

But now it seems that the newcomer's strength has far surpassed that of Sarutobi-sensei.

Only when one is certain that they are truly at the pinnacle of global power can one possess this imperceptible arrogance and composure.

This is similar to the oppressive aura of Hashirama Senju, the god of ninjas. The more they try to be approachable, the more they can inadvertently exude an irresistible pressure.

Orochimaru, who once resurrected the First Hokage through Edo Tensei, was absolutely certain of this at this moment.

And this professor was that kind of person.

"It is my honor, Professor," Orochimaru replied calmly.

"My name is Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore. I am currently the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and also the professor who has come to take you to the wizarding world."

Dumbledore waved his hand to dispel the illusion curse, revealing his true form before Orochimaru.

He was very tall; Dumbledore even had to bend down to get a clear look at Orochimaru, who was only in sixth grade at the time.

But with just one glance, Dumbledore was glad he had made that decision today.

This Mr. Slack Anguill had a pale face similar to Tom Riddle's, and his eyes revealed an undisguised, fanatical pursuit of power.

If there's any difference between the two...

"You are very calm, calmer than I expected." Dumbledore stared at Orochimaru's serpentine vertical pupils. "I thought you would firmly tell me that you would never go to the magical world alone."

"It seems you've been to my house, Professor," Orochimaru quickly added to Dumbledore's words.

Dumbledore did not deny it; instead, he nodded slightly.

"You have corrected old Mr. Anguill's mistake. But I do not agree with this method." Dumbledore tried to appear as approachable as possible. "In any case, it is a terrible choice for a son to cut off his father's little toe."

"It's always better to make a choice than to do nothing and place all your hopes on a miracle."

Orochimaru calmly raised his head and looked directly into Dumbledore's eyes.

Dumbledore's blue eyes, hidden behind small round glasses, calmly stared back at Orochimaru's pale yellow vertical pupils.

"People are afraid to make choices because they cannot bear the consequences of their choices; this is a manifestation of a lack of power. Professor, sometimes the hardest thing for people to do is to accept the consequences of their choices."

Upon hearing this, Dumbledore's blue eyes unexpectedly avoided Orochimaru's pale yellow snake-like pupils.

Although his eyes were hidden behind small, round glasses, this action still did not escape Orochimaru's notice.

Orochimaru didn't know why, but he was certain that his answer had inadvertently stung Professor Dumbledore's heart.

Dumbledore's face remained calm, and his breathing did not quicken at all, but he once again sighed sincerely, a heartfelt sigh.

"You truly surprise me, Mr. Slack Anguill," Dumbledore said softly, a hint of guilt in his voice. "I'm starting to regret my decision."

"You want me to leave Harry right now?" Orochimaru calmly added for Dumbledore.

"Yes, because young wizards are not yet adults, and their understanding of the world is easily influenced."

Dumbledore looked at Orochimaru, but it was as if he were looking at Tom Riddle from fifty-two years ago.

He had initially thought Orochimaru was an immature Tom Riddle with slightly evil tendencies. Mr. Anguius needed to guide him properly and carefully eliminate his influence on Harry Potter.

But now it seems...

I may not be able to guide this determined new student who has already developed his own judgment.

Although it is unknown where his extraordinary maturity comes from, Dumbledore can swear that Tom Riddle in the past was as innocent and naive as Mr. Slack Anguill in the present.

This was unexpected and aroused Dumbledore's curiosity.

Dumbledore shrugged casually and winked at Orochimaru, as if their serious conversation had never happened.

This is Dumbledore extending his goodwill.

"Professor, I still prefer the way you were when you had a serious discussion with me before." Orochimaru, however, was unmoved.

"Mr. Anguilloché, please forgive an old man. If I didn't often adopt this relaxed demeanor, people would think I'm rusty," Dumbledore said unperturbed. "So, to satisfy my curiosity, may I ask you what you fear?"

I thought they were going to ask me about my ideals...

Orochimaru felt a pang of regret, but continued to answer calmly:

"It's death, Professor." Orochimaru gave his reason before Dumbledore could ask any further questions: "I want an inexhaustible life so that I can discover all the mysteries of the world."

Although the bloodline limit of his new body still occasionally affects Orochimaru's thinking, he is still himself, and that remains unchanged.

Dumbledore's blue eyes paused slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the answer. Yet, his brows unconsciously relaxed, as if he had let out a long sigh of relief.

"This is the third time you've surprised me, Mr. Slack Anguilloché." Dumbledore shook his head slightly. "No, to be precise, it's the fourth time."

Dumbledore seemed quite talkative, and before Orochimaru could ask, he began to explain himself.

"The first time was when you were talking about the Will of Fire. Love and legacy for future generations—it's a wonderful idea. But you frankly told Mr. Potter that you didn't believe it."

"The second time was your silence. When faced with the unknown, people often reveal their underlying cowardice, but you showed far more strength than any wizard I know."

"The third is your view on violence and fate. There are too many wizards in this world who want to change the outcome through their own power, but very few wizards like you who dare to accept the outcome calmly."

As Dumbledore spoke, he gently waved his hand, stopping Orochimaru from speaking.

"I know that giving up after a hard-fought battle is different from giving up from the start. I'm not senile yet, Mr. Anguiz."

Dumbledore winked mischievously at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru nodded calmly.

As for the fourth question, he already knew the answer.

"The pursuit of immortality and the thirst for knowledge," Dumbledore said, looking at Orochimaru, "is something I haven't heard anyone talk about in front of me for a long time."

"Then I am truly honored, Professor."

"No, it's my honor. To hear such an ambitious yet energetic answer at such an advanced age is always a delight."

Dumbledore paused for a moment before speaking solemnly to Orochimaru.

"Based on the above four points, Mr. Anguiz, you have made me change my original plans and views. I would like to make a deal with you as a reward for the brilliance you have shown today."

"What exchange?"

"You will stay away from Mr. Potter for now, allowing him to enter the magical world alone. This is crucial for a young wizard like him," Dumbledore said calmly. "In exchange, I will take you to see an old friend who has achieved immortality. After meeting him, you will understand that immortality is not always a good thing."

Are there already immortal people in this world?

Orochimaru's vertical snake eyes suddenly contracted, and for a moment he could hardly believe his ears.

"Of course, my friend achieved immortality thanks to an item called the 'Philosopher's Stone.' But I think it will still be of great help to you."

As Dumbledore spoke, he winked at Orochimaru again.

"I await your answer, Mr. Slack Anguis."