Chapter 1143: The Most Precious Legacy
Chapter 1143: The Most Precious Legacy
"Here, what are you reading?"
Albert placed a cup of milk tea in front of Isabelle and sat down on the sofa next to her, his eyes drifting to the photo frame on the table.
"The books Mom sent with Dobby don't seem very useful," Isabelle said, setting her book aside and taking a sip from her cup. "She wants us to visit when we have the time."
"Mhm, we'll go back to Britain after we're done here," Albert said, gently placing his hand on Isabelle's stomach. "It's about time."
"A few days ago, but it's not been officially decided yet. You know I have no experience in this area," Isabelle said calmly. She had expected this day to come and had long prepared herself mentally for it, even though it was a bit early for her.
"Don't worry, I'll be with you," Albert reassured her, holding Isabelle's hand.
"I know," she replied.
Isabelle had never been afraid, especially not after receiving Albert's assurance the last time.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Albert quickly scanned the map to identify the visitor before getting up to open the door.
"Good morning, Professor," he greeted with a smile.
"How are Nicolas and Perenelle?" Dumbledore asked directly.
"Their bodies have been deteriorating since the Elixir of Life ran out," Albert replied, stepping back to let Dumbledore in. "I made a prophecy not long ago, probably for today."
"Your prophecies are indeed convenient," Dumbledore said as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "However, it's best not to abuse them. Knowing the future isn't always a good thing."
"They should be waking up soon. Please, have a seat," Albert said, pouring a cup of milk tea for Dumbledore. "If you're not too busy today, stay and accompany them on their final journey. I'm sure Nicolas and Perenelle would be delighted to see you."
"I'm free all day today," Dumbledore said, adding several sugar cubes to his tea and stirring slowly. "Nicolas and Perenelle are very fortunate."
The couple would not be alone in their final moments; someone would be there with them.
"You're injured?" Albert's gaze fell on Dumbledore's charred and withered left hand.
"Yes," Dumbledore acknowledged.
Setting down his spoon, Dumbledore took a sip of his tea and said softly, "But it was worth it."
"Was it worth it?"
"I have no regrets."
"As I expected, it's difficult to change the outcome of a prophecy. The best approach is to not go at all," Albert sighed.
"It seems you've figured it out," Dumbledore said.
"I knew I couldn't convince you, and I didn't intend to," Albert shook his head. "I could only give you a reminder, but it obviously didn't help."
Isabelle looked at the two men quizzically as they spoke in riddles. Their tone was so casual that one might think they were discussing what to have for breakfast.
"I'm curious," Albert said, voicing his confusion. "How could someone as rational as you make such a fatal mistake?"
"No one can avoid making mistakes forever," Dumbledore said, unconcerned about his injury.
"A mistake?" Albert paused, then set down his teacup and examined Dumbledore's charred hand. "I always wondered what made you pick up that ring."
"Everyone has their desires," Dumbledore said nonchalantly.
"It seems your wish came true," Albert sighed. "But the price was rather high."
"I have no regrets," Dumbledore said calmly, looking at Albert. "I've lived a long life, and death does not frighten me. Moreover, I still have enough time to accomplish what I want to do."
"As long as you're happy," Albert shook his head. "I, for one, am not ready to die yet."
Dumbledore turned to Isabelle and nodded. "You're still young and have a wonderful life ahead of you."
"If you want Harry to succeed you, you should mentor him properly," Albert said suddenly.
"I am. Harry is exceptional," Dumbledore said, finishing his tea and pouring himself another cup.
"You can't rely on Harry's luck forever," Albert pointed out.
"Luck? Harry doesn't just rely on luck to get through challenges," Dumbledore said, raising an eyebrow, clearly displeased with Albert's choice of words.
"Your plan has a major flaw," Albert said calmly. "Sometimes knowledge and courage aren't enough. Harry needs the power to face the unknown."
"You're right, but I can't expect Harry to defeat Voldemort on his own," Dumbledore said softly. "Harry isn't you. There's no chance of success that way, and we both know it. I have to use another method, one that even Voldemort himself overlooks."
"What if Harry dies?" Albert asked, thinking that if Harry wasn't the protagonist, his personality and behavior would have gotten him killed long ago.
"I believe in Harry," Dumbledore stated.
"Actually, I also believe that Harry can defeat the mysterious man," Albert said suddenly. "However, it's still necessary to have the power to protect himself. At the very least, he can safeguard those he cares about in critical moments instead of watching others sacrifice themselves for him."
Dumbledore fell silent, for he understood the implication of Albert's words: many people would die in the near future.
Despite his awareness, Dumbledore knew that sacrifices were inevitable in the wizarding war.
"Is that the reason?" Dumbledore agreed with Albert's words, but he wouldn't gamble, for Harry was not Albert.
At times, Dumbledore had wished that Albert was the chosen one; it would have made his life much easier.
Unfortunately, he wasn't.
"No, that's only part of it," Albert's voice carried a strong note of disgust. "As much as I hate to admit it, the world is cruel and realistic. If I don't become stronger, I might lose everything."
"Only the strong are entitled to kindness. Only the strong can speak of mercy. Only the strong can claim fairness, and only the strong have the right to choose..." Albert said, almost mockingly. "In fact, you should understand this better than anyone. That's why you helped draft the laws for the Ministry of Magic. You know that by doing so, the laws would be relatively fair and not favor certain individuals."
"So that's why you dislike the Ministry?"
"I despise wasting time arguing with those nauseating individuals. That kind of life is meaningless," Albert said, not bothering to hide his disdain. "And if I were you, I'd pay more attention to your situation. Your time is running out."
"You're right," Dumbledore turned to Isabelle. "Could you check on Nicolas and Perenelle for me?"
Isabelle glanced at Dumbledore and then at Albert, certain that they were discussing how to deal with Voldemort but chose not to let her know.
“Off you go, dear.” Albert said softly.
After Isabelle had walked away, Dumbledore spoke up, "I've made some progress on the R.A.B. you mentioned last time."
"Oh, you've figured it out?" Albert was not surprised. As long as Dumbledore investigated seriously, it wouldn't be difficult to deduce who R.A.B. was.
After all, there were only a handful of Death Eaters, and Dumbledore surely had them all accounted for. It was just a matter of checking them off the list.
As for why it had to be a Death Eater? Well, that was information that ordinary people were not privy to.
The most likely candidate would be a Death Eater responsible for guarding one of the Horcruxes, much like Lucius Malfoy, who had been tasked with safeguarding the diary.
"Regulus Arcturus Black," Dumbledore stated, revealing a name.
"Faster than I expected," Albert arched an eyebrow, repeating the name, "Regulus Arcturus Black? Sirius' younger brother?"
"You know him?" Dumbledore inquired.
"Phineas once asked me to make a prophecy for him, and he has passed away," Albert replied curiously. "Have you found that item?"
"No, Kreacher died," Dumbledore frowned slightly as he spoke, "Sirius killed him not long ago. He took advantage of the house-elf's betrayal to feed false information to the Death Eaters."
Dumbledore's mood was somber as he discussed this matter.
"I thought Sirius would handle this matter properly. I never expected him to kill the house-elf," Albert said insincerely. In truth, he had anticipated that once Kreacher's betrayal of Sirius and allegiance to the Malfoys was confirmed, and his attempt to harm Harry exposed, his fate was sealed. No one would leave such a ticking time bomb around.
"However, Sirius is luckier than you," Dumbledore added.
"You mean...?" Dumbledore had barely started speaking when he was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Your condition doesn't seem to be any better, old friend." Nicolas and Perenelle, leaning on their canes, walked into the room together. Their eyes fell on Dumbledore's charred hand, and they immediately understood his situation.
"Indeed!" Dumbledore glanced at his hand and then shifted his gaze to the elderly couple, offering a smile. "But I have just enough time."
Due to the depletion of the Elixir of Life, the LeMes' physical condition had deteriorated significantly, and death was fast approaching.
Albert stood up and helped Nicolas sit down on the sofa, while Isabelle assisted Perenelle to sit beside him. The conversation that followed was light and pleasant, with the group reminiscing about some interesting past events. Nicolas and Perenelle even shared the story of how they had first met Dumbledore.
They listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with a comment or two.
At some point, Nicolas and Perenelle fell silent and simply sat quietly together, as if they had dozed off.
"They are fortunate," Dumbledore said softly, gazing at the sleeping couple, as if he didn't want to disturb their slumber.
"Yes, they are. From now on, I entrust them to you, Professor," Albert said, taking Isabelle's hand in his and turning to Dumbledore.
The LeMes had entrusted Dumbledore with their funeral arrangements, so Albert didn't intend to interfere. For him, accompanying the couple on their final journey was far more important than organizing an elaborate funeral after their death.
"Mhm, leave it to me," Dumbledore replied gently. "By the way, they left something for you."
"I hope you don't mind if I take this," Albert said, gesturing to the photo frame on the table.
"He wanted to leave this place to you," Dumbledore explained.
The LeMes' funeral was also kept discreet and was held at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Only a handful of people attended the funeral, which was in accordance with the LeMes' wishes. They didn't want any fuss, and so, Headmistress Maxim had chosen a secluded spot for their resting place.
After Dumbledore delivered the eulogy, Albert lit the funeral pyre.
Brilliant white flames erupted from the LeMes' bodies and the table surrounding them, quickly engulfing everything in sight. Soon after, the white flames vanished, leaving behind a massive white marble tomb that encased the couple's remains and the table on which they had lain.
It was over.
And so, a new beginning awaited.
"They were just tired and lay down to rest," Dumbledore said gently, patting Albert on the shoulder.
"I know," Albert turned to the sobbing house-elf and said, "You can choose to stay at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic to guard the LeMes' tomb, or you can leave with me."
Albert offered the house-elf, who had cared for the LeMes, a choice. Although, according to Nicolas and Perenelle's wishes, the house-elf, along with the house protected by the Fidelius Charm, was to be left to Albert, he didn't want to force the creature to do anything.
The house-elf looked at Albert with tearful eyes and ultimately decided to stay at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic to guard the LeMes' tomb.
"Take care of it, then," Albert said to Headmistress Maxim.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure it's taken care of," she assured him.
Albert and Dumbledore faced each other and cast spells simultaneously, creating an invisible, transparent magical barrier that enveloped the area, causing the LeMes' tomb to vanish from sight.
This way, no students would disturb their eternal rest.
"Well, we should be going now," Albert and Isabelle bid farewell to Dumbledore and Headmistress Maxim with a slight bow and left Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
"They are fortunate," Headmistress Maxim murmured as she watched the departing couple.
She knew that Albert and Isabelle had stayed by the elderly couple's side until the very end, ensuring their peaceful passing.
"Indeed," Dumbledore nodded, "To be honest, I'm a little envious myself."
"What?" Headmistress Maxim asked, puzzled.
"Nothing, let's move on to handling Nicolas' inheritance now. They've donated most of their possessions to Beauxbatons," Dumbledore changed the subject.
"I thought the LeMes would leave their belongings to their favorite student," Headmistress Maxim remarked.
In truth, she was quite surprised when she saw the list of items the LeMes had chosen to donate to the school.
"They've already left the most precious thing to Anderson," Dumbledore said softly.
"The Philosopher's Stone?" Headmistress Maxim guessed.
"No, the Philosopher's Stone was destroyed long ago," Dumbledore shook his head. "It's knowledge. For Mr. Anderson, knowledge is the most valuable treasure."
(End of Chapter)
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