Chapter 1270: Defeating Voldemort, Part II
Chapter 1270: Defeating Voldemort, Part II
"Once upon a time, there were three brothers traveling along a lonely, winding road. As dusk fell, they reached a river too deep to wade through and too dangerous to swim across. However, the three brothers were learned in the ways of magic, and with a swish of their wands, they conjured a bridge over the treacherous waters..."
Having grown up in the Muggle world, Harry was unfamiliar with wizarding fairy tales, but he had heard several versions of the story of the Three Brothers recently, and they all shared similar elements.
Nonetheless, Harry and Ron listened patiently as Hermione narrated the story. The trio remained convinced that Dumbledore had hidden crucial information within this tale for them to uncover.
"...and so, the youngest brother lived to old age, and when he was ready, he welcomed Death like an old friend, and they departed this life as equals, happy to go with him."
"Thanks," said Hermione, accepting a cup of butterbeer from Harry to soothe her throat. "This version of the story is quite similar to the others in content."
As she spoke, she picked up a quill and began extracting key elements from the tale: the three brothers, the bridge, Death...
"Why are the bridge and Death considered key points?" Ron asked, confused as he looked at what Hermione had written. "Shouldn't the most important parts be the three objects Death gave the brothers? The Elder Wand, the stone that can resurrect the dead, and the Invisibility Cloak."
"Those are indeed crucial," Hermione replied, "but you're only seeing the surface. There's something more significant." She felt that Ron was missing the point.
"I recall Albert mentioning that this story is true," Ron said, growing more excited and rising from his armchair. "If Harry can get his hands on that unbeatable wand, he'll surely be able to defeat the Dark Lord easily."
"Yes, that's most likely the case," Ron continued. "Otherwise, even if we destroy all the Horcruxes, defeating the Dark Lord will still be incredibly difficult. But if Harry can acquire that ancient wand, everything will be fine." Ron felt he had unravelled the true intention behind Dumbledore giving Hermione that book—to guide Harry towards finding that ancient wand.
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances. While they felt Ron's argument made some sense, they had no idea where to begin looking for the ancient wand.
"I think you should calm down a bit," Harry said, looking at the excited Ron and shooting a pleading glance at Hermione.
Hermione immediately understood and pulled out a wooden box from her handbag. She opened it, preparing to give Ron a calming draught to help him settle down.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Ron asked, noticing the potion bottle. They had immobilized him and were now pouring a small cup of the draught into his mouth.
"Do you need more?" Hermione asked as she released the spell.
"I'm calm now," Ron said irritably.
"Then let's have some more, shall we?" Harry said with a smile.
"No, thanks," Ron replied.
"This is a Memory-enhancing Potion," Hermione said, handing a cup to Harry.
Harry took the cup and drank the potion, which tasted rather ordinary. But it was necessary, as the candies Albert had given them were all gone, and these potions were the only alternative.
After the trio had all taken the potions and their thoughts had cleared, they returned to the matter at hand.
"Even if the legend of the ancient wand in the story of the Three Brothers is true, we have no idea where to start looking for it," Harry said, picking up 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'. Continuing from Ron's earlier train of thought, he added, "And let's not forget that our information comes from Albert. He surely knows about the existence of such a wand, and do you think he wouldn't be interested in it? Perhaps he's been secretly searching for the ancient wand all this time."
"With Anderson's abilities, he might have already found the ancient wand.
Ron muttered, "I suspect the wand he uses is the legendary Elder Wand."
"If Albert heard you, he'd be well within his rights to beat you to a pulp and send you to St. Mungo's," Hermione scolded, feeling that Ron was being extremely unfair, essentially dismissing all of Albert's efforts and achievements.
"You both grew up in Muggle families, so you might not know this, but it's common knowledge in wizarding families that magic among Muggle-born wizards tends to be weaker. That's one of the reasons why many pure-blood wizards refuse to marry Muggle-borns," Ron explained, noticing the disapproving look Hermione was giving him.
"Is Albert an exception, then?"
"Yes, his magical power is unbelievably strong, abnormally so. That's why a lot of wizards suspect that he might be a descendant of some pure-blood lineage," Ron added.
"No," Harry shook his head.
"What do you mean, no?"
Hermione and Ron looked at Harry, waiting for an explanation.
"His wand isn't the Elder Wand. During the Goblet of Fire tournament, Mr. Ollivander examined our wands, and Albert's wand was one of his creations. It's made from redwood, supposedly bringing good luck to its owner," Harry clarified.
"See, I agree with Harry. Albert is smart and already incredibly powerful. I doubt he'd want a wand that's destined to bring trouble. I know I wouldn't," Hermione said, siding with Harry.
"Don't be ridiculous, Hermione. Anyone would want an invincible wand. If Harry had it, he'd surely be able to defeat the Dark Lord. All he needs to do is keep quiet about it, not go around bragging like the eldest brother in the story," Ron countered, looking at Hermione like she was being foolish.
"Okay, but..."
"What?"
"Over the centuries, there have indeed been numerous stories in the wizarding world about the Elder Wand."
"Really?"
"Yes, Professor Binns mentioned it in class. You would know this if you'd paid attention in History of Magic," Hermione said, flipping through her notes to share some information she had gathered beforehand. "The Deathstick, the Wand of Destiny—it has gone by different names and has often been associated with dark wizards. I used to think these were all myths, but if such a wand truly exists, it would explain a lot."
"While it's a stretch, I still find it a bit far-fetched," Harry said, offering a reminder. "I think the more powerful a wizard is perceived to be, the more powerful people assume their wand to be."
"What do you mean?" Ron asked, confused.
"If Albert went around bragging about owning the Elder Wand, would people believe him? Or if Dumbledore claimed to possess it, wouldn't people assume he was telling the truth, just like you suspect Albert of having it?" Harry asked rhetorically.
"Professor Binns did mention that some wizards like to boast about their wands being superior to others," Hermione agreed with Harry's line of reasoning.
"Oh... well..." Ron was at a loss for words. "We should still try to find it. With that wand, we can defeat the Dark Lord."
An invincible wand that guaranteed victory.
Harry fell silent for a moment, contemplating the possibility of Albert having taken the Elder Wand. Would he lend it to Harry to defeat Voldemort?
Or perhaps Albert intended to use it himself to defeat the Dark Lord.
While that wouldn't be a bad outcome, Harry still...
"Harry, Harry..."
Hermione's voice snapped Harry back to the present.
"Sometimes I feel like such an idiot," Harry sighed. "Do you think Albert will come to Bill's wedding?"
"He should. Fred said he'll be back by then. You can talk to him during the wedding," Ron reassured him.
"You're right," Harry agreed, pulling out his notebook and jotting down his thoughts. He was growing increasingly eager to have a conversation with Albert.
It was just so frustrating that Albert hardly ever revealed anything.
(End of Chapter)
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