Chapter 134: Gryffindor's Heritage
The most difficult thing about this process was that the item infused with wisdom had to be a magical item—and a powerful one at that.
Phineas's guess was correct. The set of clothes left behind by Gryffindor was indeed a magical item.
The robe had the function of increasing the user's magical power, improving resistance, and offering protection from harm. Of course, this was only to a certain extent—it couldn't block all spells.
The cloak had two permanent abilities: flight and invisibility, though the user had to inject magic into it to activate them.
The boots increased speed and were enchanted with a permanent Apparition spell.
As Phineas had speculated, the gloves provided combat support, enhancing magical control. They even functioned as a simple wand.
In short, by using the gloves, the wearer could cast basic spells without a wand—things like unlocking charms and levitation spells. More advanced magic, such as Transfiguration, healing, or dueling spells, still required a wand. However, perhaps because Gryffindor had been a master of Transfiguration, the gloves offered the greatest bonus in that field.
After a few steps, each of them successfully imbued their item with intelligence. Fred's cloak floated automatically and wrapped itself around him.
George put on his boots, and when he tested them by stepping into the water, the boots lifted him effortlessly.
Lee Jordan's robe settled silently onto his body. The occasional shifting of the collar confirmed its success.
As for Phineas's gloves, they perched on his shoulders like real hands, busily adjusting his collar.
Phineas raised his hand gently, and the gloves slipped on by themselves.
"Okay, now let's see what this throne is for. I don't believe Gryffindor would leave behind something so redundant. And we still haven't found his true inheritance yet."
Lee Jordan pulled out the map he had pocketed earlier and said,
"What I wanted to tell you just now is that after we arrived on this island, a phrase appeared on the map, replacing the original pointer."
Phineas blinked.
"What does it say?"
"Brave and fearless."
Phineas chuckled.
"Sounds exactly like Gryffindor."
With that, he sat on the throne. The message was clear—if he couldn't figure it out, he would be unworthy of being Ravenclaw's heir.
"Heroes are fearless," Phineas whispered.
The throne burst into a dazzling light, enveloping him completely. In an instant, countless memories flooded his mind.
A moment later, the light faded, and Phineas stepped down from the throne, smiling.
"Sit and say the words—it will directly infuse Gryffindor's knowledge into your mind. It's all Transfiguration-based. Very useful."
George hesitantly tried it next and experienced the same results, followed by Fred and Lee Jordan.
While they absorbed the inheritance, Phineas was busy organizing the newly gained knowledge in his mind.
Gryffindor's legacy was quite different from Ravenclaw's. Ravenclaw's teachings were dense with magical theory and ancient runes—complex and advanced, fitting for someone who could even access her Chamber of Secrets.
Gryffindor's teachings, on the other hand, were rooted in foundational Transfiguration. This alone elevated Phineas's understanding of the subject significantly.
But it didn't stop there. Included were advanced skills like Animagus transformation, unique magical techniques, and ways to enhance spell effectiveness using Transfiguration.
For example, where Phineas had once turned stones into pillars to trap an octopus, he could now do so with greater power and precision.
Now, combining flame spells and Transfiguration, he could summon fire in the shape of creatures like snakes, phoenixes, or lions—imbued with magical traits and significantly more destructive.
Soon, Lee Jordan stepped down from the throne and said,
"I'm ready."
Phineas nodded.
"If there's nothing else around, we should head back."
Then he paused and added,
"By the way, Lee—leave the map behind. You all remember what kinds of dangers we encountered getting here. It's best if no one else finds this place. Now that we know the location, we can Apparate here directly—no map needed."
Lee Jordan nodded. He and George and Fred had already considered this. But more than that, they didn't want others to know about this place. George's boots had confirmed that Apparition here was possible, sparking the idea of turning this island into a secret base.
If another Dark Lord ever rose to power, they could hide here without needing a Fidelius Charm. The space was sealed—no way in except by Portkey or Apparition. And no one could Apparate in without first having been here.
After that, they carefully searched the cave to ensure nothing had been overlooked.
Phineas raised his wand toward the water encircling the island. Without uttering a word, the gloves amplified his magic, transforming the water into a serpent hovering in the air.
The giant squid had long since disappeared, and with the water dispersed, the surrounding dangers were now visible—Grindylows hiding in the lake weeds.
Phineas sent the water serpent aside and cast a fire spell at the weeds.
"Incendio!"
Enhanced by Transfiguration, the flames took the shape of a fiery serpent, slithering through the canal and incinerating the Grindylows.
Finally, Phineas sealed off the tunnels that connected this hidden space to the rest of the Black Lake.
Now, the only way in was through Apparition or a magical key.
The four looked at each other, tossed the map into the chest, and activated the Portkeys at their feet.