Chapter 670: The Jailor
Chapter 670: The Jailor
Felix returned to the Ancient Runes office with a blank expression, his steps heavy. He sat on the sofa, and Valen yawned, handing him a bottle of homemade juice.
But someone started blowing bubbles through the straw, making the juice fizz, which infuriated Valen enough to give him a couple of gentle thumps.
Felix chuckled, scratching the soft fur on Valen’s head, and they settled down to watch a cartoon about a cat and a rat. As he watched, his mood lightened.
He found himself comparing the bulldog Spike to Dumbledore, which was definitely a psychological trick. If that was the case, who would Grindelwald be? Surely not the unfortunate Tom Cat.
Valen looked at Felix curiously, wondering why the Dark Lord was laughing so happily.
Was the Dark Lord imagining himself as the blue cat in the cartoon? That wasn’t a bad idea. Valen often saw things from the rat’s perspective, as Jerry always managed to outsmart his larger opponents. Unfortunately, this episode was about the blue cat teasing a big dog.
Back in the bedroom, Felix lay on the bed, the scenes from the Headmaster’s Office replaying in his mind.
Dumbledore had solemnly explained the binding spells placed on Grindelwald. Before Voldemort’s rise, Grindelwald was considered the most dangerous Dark Wizard in history. Even now, in the eyes of many (especially outside the British magical government), Grindelwald remains a greater threat than Voldemort.
Faced with such an adversary, one could never be too cautious.
After their legendary duel, the American Congress of Magic proposed that Grindelwald be executed immediately to eliminate any future threats, as no existing prison could contain him. This proposal received the support of a majority of representatives from various countries, but Dumbledore opposed it.
His reasoning was that the duel had taken place because they had agreed beforehand that the loser would become a prisoner, renouncing their ideals either voluntarily or by force.
Moreover, there were more practical considerations.
The war was not over, and the remnants of Grindelwald’s followers were still widespread. If they learned that their leader had been executed, they would undoubtedly stir up chaos.
The magical world had finally glimpsed the hope of peace and should adopt a conciliatory approach rather than exacerbate conflicts. Therefore, Grindelwald must not only be kept alive but the International Confederation of Wizards should also spread the news of his continued existence to prevent his followers from choosing a new leader.
At the time, Dumbledore’s reputation was at its peak, and the situation was indeed volatile. This method was eventually adopted.
But a new problem arose.
The Ministry of Magic officials from various countries realized that simply confiscating his wand or using magical barriers would not be enough to contain Grindelwald. They needed to design a new and powerful method of imprisonment to prevent him from breaking free.
A Wizard from Africa provided a solution.
The Wagadu School of Magic in Africa had preserved ancient gesture casting techniques, so losing a wand did not render Dark Wizards powerless. They had unique methods, such as spells that bound the joints of the fingers.
However, Grindelwald’s power far exceeded that of ordinary Dark Wizards, and his treatment was accordingly exceptional. The African Wizard mentioned a particularly powerful binding spell, one that was feared and whispered about among local Wizards, a terrifying legend.
Felix recalled Dumbledore’s assessment:
"Rather than a binding spell, it’s more like an unknown and malevolent curse. Once it takes hold, it clings to the Wizard’s flesh and blood, continuously draining their magic, rendering them unable to cast spells and effectively turning them into a Squib."
“I modified it—removing the unnecessary, punitive pain and adding a key, a window. If Grindelwald tries to break the spell, I will know immediately.”
“Because I used my own magic, I can also roughly sense his location and condition. The farther away he is, the fuzzier this feeling becomes…”
“So the imprisonment at Nurmengard is just a facade. You are the real jailor,” Felix suddenly realized, pointing it out sharply.
Dumbledore did not answer but lowered his eyes, examining his hands. After a moment, he continued in a murmuring voice:
“To study the secrets of the Resurrection Stone, my soul and magic underwent unforeseen changes. I am no longer suitable—using your words—to be the jailor. I must find someone new to take over.”
"You're too obsessed with the Resurrection Stone, Albus. Even for Harry—"
"And Ariana", Dumbledore interrupted. "In fact, the entire plan was initially for her. The idea began to take shape in my mind after I obtained the Resurrection Stone. Every day since, I've been suppressing this desire because Voldemort was still around. I had to convince myself not to put on that ring. I endured for years until Voldemort was finally defeated, and only then did I feel free to act."
Felix stared at him, amazed at how deeply Dumbledore had hidden his thoughts. Dumbledore gave him a playful smile.
"So you thought of me?" Felix raised his voice slightly.
Dumbledore's eyelids fluttered, and he spoke in a grave tone. "I know you hate being bound, Felix. I can assure you that once the curse is transferred, you won't have any trouble, only benefits. From then on, Gellert will never be a problem for you."
A brief silence followed. Felix wavered between excitement and resistance, finding it hard to make a decision.
If Dumbledore was telling the truth—and Felix believed Dumbledore wouldn't lie to him, not out of trust alone but because it made sense—becoming the new warden would mean Grindelwald's fate would be entirely in his hands. While it offered no immediate benefits, it would eliminate a significant threat: at least Felix wouldn't wake up one day surrounded by an army of ten thousand saints.
The reason this threat lingered was that it was very real. During one heated argument, the old man had resorted to this threat, just like the woman who went by the name Noir.
Felix was confident he wouldn't be defeated or captured—his combat style was highly effective against large numbers, but everything had its limits. He could escape a Wizard army, but he couldn't withstand the continuous magical assault of thousands.
Moreover, he had come to see Hogwarts as part of himself.
He could run, but Hogwarts couldn't. Even Dumbledore couldn't.
In the darkness, Felix's blue eyes stared at the ceiling. Valen mumbled in his crib, mumbling incoherently. Fawkes? Catching fish? It sounded interesting...
Thoughts swirled in his mind again.
"Why not accept Grindelwald's terms? From his comments at breakfast this morning, it seems he has a sense of remorse, at least he's signaling a willingness to compromise. I don't believe you didn't notice."
"I hope it's true. I hope he can feel how terrible and shameful his actions were. Perhaps he wants to make amends for his past mistakes... but our history is too deep, Felix. I can't judge the sincerity, and I can't afford to be wrong. The entire Wizarding world can't afford it..."
These words almost condemned Grindelwald's future return to the realm of possibility.
"...Alright, I think I understand your thoughts. Why choose me to transfer the curse?"
"Most Wizards can't handle that power. Just like their Animagus forms can't incorporate magical objects into themselves—I suspect you don't have that problem, do you?"
"Damn, you guessed it." Felix smirked.
"You can take some time to think about it", Dumbledore said sincerely. "I'm asking, not commanding. If the International Confederation of Wizards finds out about this, Gellert won't survive."
...
As May arrived, the sunny days became more frequent. Standing by the window, Felix gazed into the distance and noticed a few students lounging by the Black Lake, the water shimmering as the giant squid basked in the warm shallow waters.
Felix wrote a letter to Rita Skeeter.
In her reply, the woman poured out her grievances, but he saw through her manipulative words. Skeeter reveled in her role, as she put it, "standing at the turning point of history, where a single stroke of the pen can sway the tide of events."
It was tempting. But Felix still preferred the novelty of magic, spending his time immersed in fascinating new magical studies. Like traveling to the moon, or—
When Hermione entered the office, she was surprised to find Professor Hep weaving a fabric, a book open on the small table in front of him. She picked it up and saw the title: "Comprehensive Knitting Patterns for Sweaters."
Hermione's jaw dropped.
"I wanted to try something new", Felix smiled. "I asked around, and Professor Mcgonagall told me that our Headmaster has a high appreciation for Muggle knitting patterns. I mentioned it casually, and he recommended this book to me. It's very comprehensive."
He waved his hand toward the cabinet, and two plump teacups adorned with smiling faces floated over. With another gesture, the cups filled with steaming tea.
"Let's give thanks for this unique Christmas gift. Valen took a liking to it right away. But he's out for a stroll, saying he wants to catch some fish for Fawkes..."
As he did these things, several crochet hooks continued to work methodically.
Hermione thanked him and moved to sit on the other side. It was then that she noticed something odd: the yarn being used for the crochet was not what she had expected. The threads extending from the hooks didn't lead to a ball of yarn but to the Book of Runes.
"Is this... Ancient Runes?" She stared at the yarn for a moment before realizing that each thread was actually made up of tiny magical runes. She was amazed.
"Indeed, what do you think of it?" Felix asked, eagerly.
Hermione swallowed and began to think seriously. Before she could fully process it, a word slipped out. In her mind, the idea was too logical, perfectly explaining the professor's unusual behavior.
"Invisibility cloak?"
And it wasn't just any cloak enchanted with a Disillusionment Charm or woven from the hair of a Demiguise. What came to mind was the artifact categorized among the Deathly Hallows. Since learning of the Resurrection Stone's existence, her stance on the Deathly Hallows had softened.
Of course, her thoughts aligned with Felix's: they were all created by powerful wizards.
Felix's face lit up with a smile of approval.
"Oh, Professor! You've cracked the method for making an invisibility cloak? When did this happen? Harry never mentioned you borrowing his cloak", Hermione said, a mix of excitement and confusion in her voice.
"I never borrowed it. From my understanding of the Deathly Hallows, whoever their true creator was, they guarded their knowledge closely, with no intention of leaving it for future generations to study. Powerful protective spells were placed on them... So, I had to find another way."
Hermione held her teacup and fired off one question after another:
"Is its purpose to make things invisible?"
"Clearly not."
"Oh..." Hermione murmured, leaning in closer, her nose almost touching the partially woven fabric of Runes. "The runes are so small, I can't see them clearly..."
"Use your intuition, Hermione Granger."
Hermione closed her eyes slightly, but after a moment, she opened them again, feeling disheartened.
"I can't do it. I'm not good at this."
"Don't rush to a conclusion. You might not be good at it because you're too rational, closing yourself off to other possibilities..."
"Isn't being rational a good thing?" Hermione asked, dejected.
"Being rational isn't bad, and it doesn't conflict with learning magic. However, relying solely on rationality can lead to problems. I've faced similar issues myself..."
Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Professor, how did you solve it?"
Felix cleared his throat.
"Perhaps it's because I wasn't as stubborn as you when I was young. I mean, I read a lot of books; or maybe I had an innate fascination with magic, hoping it would be a part of my world... or perhaps my experiences in the years before I attended school required me to hold tightly onto magic. All of this naturally led to a balance between rationality and intuition in me—though I hope it's a subtle one. I'm quite satisfied with it."
Hermione's face initially showed disappointment, as if the professor hadn't really answered her. Then, she remembered something and couldn't help but cover her mouth.
She asked cautiously:
"Well, Professor... what does a magic surge feel like? I heard Neville mention it, but it seems different for each of you—one because of love, and the other..."
"Oh, Hermione Granger—"
Felix suddenly smiled, as if about to reveal a great secret, his excitement palpable.
"I've had some not-so-pleasant experiences, but not all of them were like that."
Hermione blinked, struggling to understand.
"Not all of them?"
"Indeed, even I find it hard to distinguish those mixed emotions. They were too complex for me at the time. But, Hermione Granger, given the dangerous time travels you've experienced, you should have some insight."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
