Chapter 107: Conversation (Part 3)
Nicholas thought for a moment and said,
"Ah, the magic I recalled is a type of war magic. Please wait a moment."
He stood from the sofa and began rummaging through the bookshelf behind him. After a while, he returned with an especially thick book, flipping through it as if he were alone in the room.
Seeing Phineas's puzzled expression, Dumbledore, used to Nicholas's habits, offered an explanation.
"Don't worry. Nicholas is always like this. He often reads while talking—perhaps age has muddled his memory a bit."
"You're no youngster yourself. Don't tell me your memory's still sharp,"
Nicholas snorted, scolding Dumbledore as he handed the open book to Phineas.
"This magic is recorded here."
Phineas took the book and read. It detailed a spell called Flame Protection—a form of war magic. Originally created for defense and even espionage detection, it had faded into obscurity over the years.
Having lived nearly seven centuries, Nicholas had extensive records on such magic. It remained unclear how Grindelwald had come across it.
Perhaps sensing Phineas's questions, Nicholas smiled and said,
"Grindelwald was a pure-blood wizard too, born in Northern Europe, with a deep and ancient lineage. He knew more than just war magic. Do you know the spell he used to summon the Saints?"
Phineas nodded.
"Yes, it's said the spell covered all of Paris. At the time, the city's streets were draped in black satin."
Nicholas nodded.
"That was war magic too. Though Grindelwald used it merely to summon his Saints, it has powerful offensive roots. It's introduced in the early pages of the book you're holding."
Phineas flipped through the thick tome and soon found the spell's description and incantation.
Intrigued, he closed the book and glanced at the cover—only to discover it was a blank binding wrapped in some unfamiliar leather, without a title.
"This book is?" Phineas asked.
"It's just a notebook from my early years," Nicholas replied. "It contains spells I encountered and mastered in my youth, along with notes on alchemy. Consider it a gift."
Phineas was stunned—and so was Dumbledore. He recognized the notebook and had requested it from Nicholas years ago. The fact that it had remained with Nicholas, and was now being handed freely to Phineas, startled him.
"Nicholas, this..." Dumbledore began.
Nicholas waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. I've removed anything dealing with soul and forbidden secrets. And I'm old. If I've agreed to your plan, you should know what that means. I need a successor, don't I?"
Dumbledore glanced at Phineas and spoke to Nicholas through a concealed magical channel.
"But Nicholas, surely you see that Phineas's personality and recent choices make it hard for him to protect himself in the future."
Nicholas cut him off.
"Are we really to judge a child by who he might become? Isn't that the very reason the boy became what he is? Haven't you learned anything?"
Dumbledore's face twisted with conflict. He knew Nicholas was right. He had done the same to many promising students—pressuring, molding, controlling. But Phineas… he was different.
Dumbledore had always liked control, especially at Hogwarts. Even with students who had potential to become the next Dark Lord, he believed he could guide them.
But not Phineas.
From the moment the boy handed over the locket, Dumbledore had sensed something—willpower, direction, a refusal to be manipulated.
That was what disturbed him most.
Phineas reminded him of both an old friend and a young Tom Riddle. It was a troubling mixture.
Nicholas, however, believed otherwise. He had always held that, regardless of one's temperament, with proper guidance and support, a wizard wouldn't lose their way. Control wasn't the answer—education and trust were.
But now, there was no turning back. Nicholas had already given Phineas the notebook, a clear sign he saw the boy as his heir. Dumbledore couldn't change that.
In the end, Dumbledore could only sigh.
"Forget it. I'm heading back to the school. Phineas, I'll pick you up tomorrow."
He had no reason to linger. Better to return to Hogwarts and face the Ministry and the pure-blood families than stay here, helpless.
Out of sight, out of mind.
As Dumbledore vanished in a burst of flame, Phineas and Nicholas looked at one another.
Nicholas stood and said,
"I'm going to let Perenelle know you'll be staying the night."
Phineas nodded and raised the book in his hands to show he intended to read.
Nicholas was pleased with his attitude. Ultimately, beyond the power of blood, a wizard's true strength came from knowledge.
The more one learned, the better prepared they'd be—especially in alchemy. The more knowledge, the more potent the tools.
Never underestimate an alchemist. You never know what bizarre creations they carry.
"If you want to experiment, head downstairs. There's an alchemy lab there. Next to it is a magic chamber—perfect for testing spells or crafting things. I'll go find Perenelle. She should be awake by now."