Chapter 506: Post-Battle Summary
Chapter 506: Post-Battle Summary
It was over, and Felix let out a sigh of relief.
He bent down and crushed the wand fragments on the ground into powder, still savoring the recent battle. Overall, he had performed well, nearly matching Voldemort, and only appeared somewhat disheveled at the end when dodging that exaggerated Killing Curse. However, his primary goal was achieved—Felix had gauged Voldemort’s approximate strength, providing a basis for the next fight.
Felix grinned, suddenly realizing that the situation seemed to have reversed from what it was a decade ago.
Voldemort had repeatedly challenged Dumbledore because he believed himself to be in a period of rising power, leading him to take on what seemed like a self-defeating task. Now, the tables had turned, and Felix was the one continuously improving. He had no qualms about facing Voldemort again.
But Voldemort would likely think differently. He would prefer to settle things decisively the next time they met, aiming to curse Felix to death.
'He'll probably lay low for a few months...' Felix thought. While Voldemort had not come away empty-handed from this battle, the news was bad: he could now confirm that Felix was on the same level as him.
There was a common understanding in the wizarding world.
The physical differences among wizards were not as significant as one might imagine. Even elite wizards like Snape, Professor Mcgonagall, or Mad-Eye Moody would struggle to withstand two or three Stunning Spells, let alone a Killing Curse. Therefore, when Voldemort realized he might face an attack from a wizard of equal strength, his movements would become even more secretive, not appearing unless he was absolutely certain of success.
"What will Voldemort do next? Seek a suitable wand—create chaos and sow discord—wait passively for an opportunity—" These were the three strategies Felix considered. Based on his judgment, Voldemort would try them in order.
First, Voldemort would need to find a suitable wand.
Coincidentally, Felix had the same need.
The wizarding world was full of legends about powerful wands, but delving into these often proved difficult. Many wizards dismissed these tales as fairy stories, and even if they found a wand, it might not suit them.
Felix had some knowledge of wandlore, but it was mostly about the properties of different wand materials. Determining which legend was more credible was beyond his expertise. However, he could consult someone who knew more.
Dumbledore and the owner of Ollivanders wand shop were two suitable candidates in Felix’s mind.
If Ollivanders could craft a custom wand for him, that would be even better. Felix had plenty of hair and wouldn’t mind parting with some to create a personalized wand. He chuckled to himself, thinking, “Voldemort, on the other hand, has it tough, since he doesn’t even have eyebrows.”
“Voldemort’s power is indeed extraordinary, especially his attacks,” Felix mused aloud, then laughed. “But it’s no surprise that Dumbledore can counter him; powerful Transfiguration is a perfect counter to Voldemort’s fighting style.”
Felix, Dumbledore, and Voldemort were the three wizards standing at the pinnacle of the wizarding world.
However, a closer look revealed that their paths in magic were quite different. Felix was the most versatile, incorporating the research directions of Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw alongside the Runic Script system, and his regular spells were also strong. Dumbledore, the oldest, had few weaknesses due to his long experience, but his Transfiguration skills were undoubtedly his strongest. Voldemort, on the other hand, had pursued a single path, absorbing Salazar Slytherin’s legacy and advancing deeply into dark magic. He may have even integrated his understanding of death into dark magic, though it had been distorted, his spells were likely the most destructive among the three.
If Felix had to choose, he would rather face Dumbledore. At least the versatility of Runic Script was no less than that of Transfiguration, and he could buy time or counterattack with Ancient Magic.
Runic Script, Transfiguration, and dark magic seemed to form a circle, making Felix marvel at the whims of fate.
But since he and Dumbledore were standing together, it was Voldemort’s turn to have a headache.
...
When Harry woke up in the bedroom of the Black Family Manor, he heard Ron’s loud snoring.
Harry got out of bed, put on his glasses, and the room came into focus. He cautiously glanced at Ron, who was sleeping soundly, before he had the chance to think about things.
First, he had received the Order of Merlin. He felt his pocket, which was empty as expected. He found the gold medal wrapped in a purple ribbon next to his pillow. After the ceremony, he was informed about the fishing operation plan. He had been anxious for a while but eventually received confirmation. However, things became strange after that.
He had seen Voldemort.
From the discussions he overheard afterward, it seemed Voldemort had hidden his magic in the body of a vampire. Harry’s breath caught in his throat. It was such a familiar notion. He touched the scar on his forehead, remembering what Headmaster Dumbledore had told him.
A sudden chill ran through him, and he worried he might die silently like the vampire he had seen earlier.
His mind began to buzz, as if someone was speaking to him.
But Dumbledore had assured Madam Bones that there would be no negative effects, either on him or on anyone else. “Anyone else...” Harry pondered the phrase, finding it slightly jarring. He glanced at Ron, who was snoring loudly, which made Harry feel a bit better. At least Ron wasn’t worried about suddenly pulling out a wand and casting a spell at him.
But could Dumbledore’s assurances be trusted? Harry had his doubts.
His situation was quite rare, wasn’t it? If there were others with a lightning-shaped scar on their forehead, it would surely be documented in some book, and Hermione would go to great lengths to find it and excitedly tell him about another unfortunate soul with the same fate.
Even without her efforts, people would automatically connect that person’s name with his, discussing and marveling at the wonders of magic.
But the fact was, he was the only one who had survived the Killing Curse unscathed. Even Professor Hep denied the notion of resurrection. He was the only one, Harry thought, despite it not being his doing at all.
Because his case was so rare, it brought him back to the original question: Was Dumbledore right?
(End of Chapter)
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