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Chapter 302: Demonstration
Chapter 302: Demonstration
Felix opened his eyes, feeling as if he had been transported to another world. He looked at the old man in the bed and took out a Spying Glass from his pocket, placing it in his hand.
The Spying Glass began to spin, emitting a clear and pleasant melody.
"This is— a Spying Glass?" Nearly Headless Nick whispered, "For what purpose?"
The two had discussed this before. Felix had found seven methods for creating a Spying Glass from ancient texts and had adapted them using Runic Script. Nick had also offered many suggestions.
"It's just a prank. It can sense body heat and will start playing music when the hand holding it relaxes."
The old man laughed. "If you hadn't told me, I might have wondered for a long time." He listened quietly for a moment, then reached out and grasped the Spying Glass, silencing it.
"Albus... please call Albus."
Felix waved his wand, and a silver light disappeared. Soon, Dumbledore appeared at the door, quickly approaching the bed. He leaned over to examine Nearly Headless Nick, and upon seeing that he was unharmed, Dumbledore visibly relaxed.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, you wouldn't think I'd do something harmful, would you?" Felix said with a peculiar expression. He had been right there, watching closely, and there had been no communication between them. It was purely Dumbledore's concern for Nearly Headless Nick's safety.
"You're overthinking things, Felix." Dumbledore straightened up and smiled.
Nearly Headless Nick clutched the Spying Glass tightly, his voice trembling. "Albus— please bear witness. Everything I have belongs to— to Felix Hepworth."
Dumbledore spoke solemnly. "I will honor your wishes, Nearly Headless Nick."
"Felix—" The old man's gaze turned to Felix, struggling to open his eyes and see through the haze.
"I'm here, Nearly Headless Nick." Felix said.
A golden key floated towards him. He opened his palm to catch it, feeling the warmth of the old man's hand lingering on it.
"I hope— you won't blame me. Early setbacks— are not necessarily— bad. I believe— believe you— cough, cough!" Nearly Headless Nick coughed violently, his eyes bulging. He gasped for breath and continued, "I believe you will become— the legend of a new era—"
Dumbledore looked at Felix with surprise. What had happened in the past half-hour that his old friend would suddenly recognize Felix? Legend... Dumbledore could clearly sense the deep hope in this evaluation.
Felix did not avoid Dumbledore's inquiring gaze. He looked at Nearly Headless Nick, who had finished speaking and was now breathing lightly, murmuring his wife's name: "Perenelle..."
After a moment, the Spying Glass in his hand began to play music, a melodious tune echoing through the room.
The key in Felix's hand glowed, and in that moment, he became the master of the Safe Room. A series of hidden addresses flowed through his mind.
...
Half an hour later, Felix and Dumbledore stood before a tombstone. At Nearly Headless Nick's request, he and his wife Perenelle were buried together in a place filled with the sounds of birds and the scent of flowers. Not far away was the first home they had shared after graduating from Beauxbatons.
The two stood in silence for a while. Dumbledore cast a Protective Charm to conceal the area. Felix extended his finger, and the air before him rippled like water.
They strolled along a small path—
"Would you like to talk, Felix?" Dumbledore asked gently.
"I'm not that fragile", Felix grumbled. "You should spend more time looking for Voldemort's Horcruxes."
Dumbledore smiled. "Ah, I've been caught up in some mundane tasks lately. Tom's life was indeed eventful, and he encountered many people. However—" He winked playfully, "I have found a useful lead."
"About the third Horcrux?"
"I believe so. It might also contain clues about the fourth Horcrux. I've scheduled a meeting with a poor House-elf, but her condition is dire, and I need to act quickly..."
Felix nodded, thinking for a moment before he couldn't help but ask, "How strong is Voldemort? Is it really impossible for you to deal with him just because of the Horcrux's inability to be destroyed?"
"That is part of the reason, but beyond the Horcrux, he himself is a master of dark magic. Not to mention, during those years he was gone, he conducted various experiments on himself", Dumbledore said calmly. "In his own words: he has pushed magic to unprecedented heights."
"Sounds rather arrogant."
"Indeed, but I must admit, there is some truth to what he says", Dumbledore replied. "To be more precise, he has pushed certain aspects of magic to unprecedented heights. As for others—"
"Rather shallow?"
"Exactly, to be blunt... tragically ignorant."
Felix thought for a moment and tentatively said, "Rowena Ravenclaw once said that she and the other three founders could be considered magical creatures."
"Is that so?" Dumbledore said, his tone not showing any surprise.
"Felix, I can't offer you much useful insight. When I was young, I once believed myself to be all-powerful... 'Magical creatures'? That's a humble way of putting it, and I was too arrogant back then."
"So you—"
Felix held his breath, "Did you really enter a wondrous state?"
Dumbledore smiled slightly, "I can demonstrate a little, of course, just a demonstration."
"What should I do?"
"Cast a spell at me, but not too powerful. I need to remind you that you're standing in front of a hundred-year-old man."
Felix was a bit excited. This was his first chance to experience the magical prowess of the most powerful wizard, Dumbledore. He took a few steps back, stood straight, and after some thought, cautiously cast a third-level Stunning Spell.
He looked at Dumbledore with anticipation. How would Dumbledore demonstrate the higher realm of magic?
"Clang!"
The red light streaked toward Dumbledore like a meteor. Dumbledore deftly extended his right hand, flicked his finger, and deflected the spell as if swatting away a fly.
He then nodded politely, "Thank you for your consideration for this old man. By your standards, that was a third-level spell? If it had been stronger, I might have been embarrassed."
Felix looked at Dumbledore in amazement. He could withstand a few Stunning Spells himself, but he keenly sensed the difference: his method was the Ministry of Magic Auror's approach, a resistance to specific spells, whereas what Dumbledore did was more magical.
He had a feeling that standing before him was something like a magical creature in Dumbledore's skin, like a manticores, whose skin almost repels all known spells.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, you—"
"Not as wondrous as you think. I'm old and only have a few remaining tricks that could be considered magical. I have no doubt—just as Nearly Headless Nick believes—that you will go further than I have."
Felix knew that this statement signaled the end of their conversation. He could only remember the scene and ponder it later when he had the time.
"Are you returning to the school, Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"I still have some matters to attend to."
The two parted ways on a small hill covered with pale yellow wildflowers. Felix, bathed in the sunset's glow, walked from the edge of the Forbidden Forest toward the castle. As he approached the castle gates, he heard rapid footsteps but saw nothing when he looked around.
"Oh, Professor, I finally found you!" Hermione suddenly appeared in the air, panting heavily. She held a silvery invisibility cloak in her hand.
Felix tucked his wand back into his sleeve, "What's happened?"
"Sirius! You need to save Sirius, and Harry, Professor Lupin, and Snape", Hermione said, her face showing fear. "A large number of Dementors... they've darkened the sky!"
(End of Chapter)
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