Chapter 1337: The Wandmaker's Legacy
Chapter 1337: The Wandmaker's Legacy
"Madman!" Gregorovich muttered instinctively as he spread out the latest issue of the newspaper and caught sight of the headline.
Another person had died.
Lately, every few days, Gregorovich would come across news of yet another person falling victim to the same killer.
All fingers pointed to one man.
The infamous Voldemort.
The magical governments across the globe collectively turned a blind eye, too afraid to provoke this notorious dark wizard.
After all, even Dumbledore had been taken out.
In the wake of these successive massacres, Gregorovich couldn't help but feel immensely relieved that he had agreed to Dumbledore's request and chosen to believe the seemingly absurd advice of that young seer.
"Life's not too bad now." Gregorovich picked up the newly crafted wand on the table and carefully wiped it clean with a soft cloth before placing it gently into its box.
While he felt less free than before, he could still engage in his favorite pastime.
Gregorovich was well aware of why the mysterious figure had sought him out, and he knew that falling into that person's hands meant certain death.
Losing some freedom was nothing, especially when he had a house-elf to take care of his daily needs.
"Mr. Gregorovich, Mr. Anderson will be visiting you at ten o'clock," the house-elf reported.
"What a rare occasion, for him to have the time to pay an old man like me a visit," Gregorovich said as he placed the wand box into the adjacent cabinet, which held the wands he had crafted during his stay in the hideout.
Just as he closed the cabinet door, emerald-green flames erupted in the fireplace, and a figure stepped out from within.
The young wizard dusted off his cloak, brushed off the ashes with a flick of his fingers, and then waved his hand, summoning a gentle breeze that swept the ashes back into the fireplace.
"Good afternoon," he said, raising his head and smiling at the elderly man who was sizing him up.
"A rare guest indeed. I assume you're here for something important," Gregorovich said, gesturing for Albert to take a seat and getting straight to the point, certain that Albert's visit wasn't merely a social call.
"Yes, I've just received some rather unpleasant news," Albert said, taking a seat across from Gregorovich and glancing at the newspaper on the table before thanking the house-elf who brought in tea.
"You've probably noticed that the mysterious figure is frantically searching for you, and many have suffered and lost their lives because of it," Albert said, picking up the newspaper and quickly scanning the headline.
"Have you gotten your hands on that wand?" Gregorovich asked, more interested in another matter.
"Yes, I have it," Albert said noncommittally. "Dumbledore entrusted it to me before he died."
"Can I…?" Gregorovich still hadn't given up on unraveling the secrets of that wand.
"I didn't bring it with me," Albert said, spreading his hands.
"You don't intend to use it?" Gregorovich was surprised. Having once possessed that wand himself, he was well aware of its formidable power, which was why he had racked his brains trying to unravel, study, and replicate the unique properties of the ancient wand.
"I prefer my own wand," Albert said, brandishing his wand made of redwood. "It has always brought me luck."
"It's just a rumor that redwood brings good fortune to its wielder, and I think you know that better than anyone," Gregorovich muttered.
"Regardless, I prefer my own wand," Albert said, gently wiping his wand with a handkerchief.
"Alright, if you like it, that's all that matters," Gregorovich said, not wanting to press the issue further. He changed the subject. "Now, who was that damn thief who stole the wand back then?"
"Gellert Grindelwald," Albert said, taking a sip of his tea. "You suspected as much, didn't you?"
"I suppose so. The possessor of the ancient wand is usually a vicious dark wizard, and aside from the infamous Dark Lord, I can't think of anyone else," Gregorovich said self-deprecatingly.
When Dumbledore had visited him, Gregorovich had immediately recognized the wand and figured out the identity of the thief from all those years ago.
Dumbledore?
Obviously not.
So, how had Dumbledore come to possess the ancient wand?
Perhaps he had obtained it from that damn thief or someone else, as the ancient wand had changed hands at an astonishing rate since it had been stolen from him a century ago.
Who knew how many times it had changed hands in between?
And Dumbledore's victory over the most infamous dark wizard, Grindelwald, fit the timeline.
"You must have another reason for seeking me out," Gregorovich said.
"Yes, I have a certain interest in wandlore," Albert said softly.
"You really are… greedy," Gregorovich said, appraising Albert anew. "Do you intend to become a wandmaker as well? When you've already achieved so much that's extraordinary."
"I'm still young, and I need to keep myself occupied. Besides, Dumbledore was also a font of knowledge," Albert explained calmly.
"If I were you, I'd delve deeply into a particular field. But it's your choice, and perhaps geniuses are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people," Gregorovich said, as if struck by a thought. "I can teach you, but I want to see that ancient wand again."
"You still haven't given up, have you?" Albert said, raising an eyebrow.
"Why should I? I've crafted wands all my life, and I've never come across a wand as powerful as the ancient wand. You must have felt its might as well," Gregorovich said, interrupting Albert. "I once studied the history of the ancient wand, and its origins may be linked to the story of the Three Brothers in 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard.' This wand has been a part of a long and bloody history, and its source points to the Peverell brothers. I believe that Antioch Peverell, the maker of this wand, was an incredibly skilled wandmaker."
"Since Antioch Peverell could create such a wand, I should naturally be able to as well." Gregorovich was confident in his wand-making abilities.
"I can lend you the Elder Wand temporarily, but I'll need a contract to guarantee this transaction. And you should be well aware that even if I lend it to you, you won't be able to use it properly," Albert reminded him.
"You're more cautious than I expected," Gregorovich muttered. "Although your request is a bit harsh on an old man like me, it's not a bad thing. After all, your opponent is the Dark Lord, and I hope you can take him down."
As he spoke, Gregorovich picked up a wand and gave it a slight flick, causing a wooden box to fly out from the workshop and land in front of the two of them.
Gregorovich pushed the box towards Albert.
"My life's research, I assume this is what you're after."
"Taking down the mysterious figure is the job of the savior," Albert corrected.
"Damn the savior, when can I see that wand?"
"Next time, I'll lend you the Elder Wand temporarily."
Albert opened the box and began perusing through Gregorovich's notes.
"How proficient are you in wandlore?" Gregorovich asked. "I have ready materials in my workshop. Wouldn't you like to give me a demonstration?"
"You won't regret it."
Albert didn't intend to give Gregorovich a demonstration. Instead, he pulled out a bag and took out several wands, placing them one by one on the table.
"These are wands I've crafted," he said, gesturing to Gregorovich.
"Viperwood."
Gregorovich gave it a slight wave, then pried open the top of the wand to inspect it before looking up at Albert questioningly. "And the core?"
"Nerve from a Basilisk's heart."
"Nerve?"
Gregorovich wondered if he had heard correctly.
"Basilisk," Albert clarified.
"Blimey, where did you even find that? Did you kill a Basilisk yourself?" Gregorovich had no doubt that the young man before him had the ability to hunt down a Basilisk.
"Slytherin once had a Basilisk... If you need it, I can spare you some of the Basilisk's heart nerves," Albert offered generously.
"You can bring it next time. By the way, do Basilisks have horns?"
"If you're referring to the slightly protruding part of the skull, then no, I wouldn't call it a horn." Albert shook his head. "I've already used it up."
"That would have been one of the best cores."
Gregorovich grumbled about Albert's wastefulness. "It's said that Slytherin's wand was made with a Basilisk's horn and viperwood, and its power was also astonishing."
"That's a shame," Albert said, though he didn't sound too regretful.
"This wand is well-suited for casting dark magic." Gregorovich waved the wand a couple of times, made his assessment, and then turned his attention to the other wands.
"Unicorn hair and willow." He inspected the core and exclaimed in surprise, "My word, rowan wood! I find that you have a penchant for creating rather extreme wands."
"It would be ideal for healers," Albert said.
"That's true, but aside from healers, no one else would use such an extreme wand." Gregorovich picked up the wand made of peachwood. "And this one, I'd wager the core is Knarl hair."
"Yes, this wand is perfect for casting Transfiguration spells," Albert nodded.
"You admit that you have quite a knack for wandlore, but I dare say you're not suited to open a wand shop. There aren't many people who would need such extreme wands, especially newcomers to the wizarding world. It would be a disastrous choice for them." Gregorovich grumbled as he picked up the last wand.
"What about this one?"
It was an unassuming wand, but as Gregorovich inspected the core, his eyes widened in astonishment as he realized it was made of metal.
"As you can see, it's a very rare metal, one of the legacies left to me by Mr. Flamel. It's said to be a byproduct of creating the Philosopher's Stone, extremely precious, and possibly the last of its kind in the world. This is also the most powerful wand I've ever crafted."
"I've never heard of metal being used as a core before." Gregorovich felt like he was experiencing something extraordinary, but he was also very intrigued. "I've only heard of fairies crafting a type of wondrous silverware."
"Fairy silverware repels dust and only absorbs substances that can enhance its properties." Albert reminded him. He himself used a goblet made by fairies, filled with unicorn blood, which had mild detoxifying properties.
"I once considered using fairy-forged silverware and that metal to create a wand of my own, but unfortunately, the art of fairy silverware forging has been lost." Albert had indeed entertained such a thought, and he brought this wand to Gregorovich in hopes of leveraging his knowledge to make use of the metal.
"Blimey, when did wandmakers become metalworkers?" Gregorovich waved the wand, feeling its power, and indeed, as Albert had said, it was a powerful wand. "I'd like to study this further. Would you mind leaving it with me?"
"Oh, not at all." Albert nodded. "You can keep it for research, just don't lose it."
"Remember to bring the Elder Wand next time, and if possible, get me some fairy iron as well." Gregorovich started ushering him out.
Wandmaker.
Hmm, the title couldn't be changed.
(End of Chapter)
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