The sound of the mirror hitting the floor woke the person sleeping on the bed. He stirred, turned over, and opened his eyes.
The small mirror lay on the floor, face up, reflecting the faint light of the prison cell. It looked like a small, cold puddle.
The old man lying on the bed was as thin as a skeleton, appearing weak and frail. Only his eyes still held a cold, sharp power.
It was as if he were still the leader who had spearheaded the Wizarding World revolution and caused countless atrocities—Gellert Grindelwald.
He saw the mirror but didn't bother to get up. He just squinted at it for a moment before letting out a hoarse voice:
"A Two-Way Mirror? Who sent it to you?"
From outside the bare stone wall, a respectful voice replied:
"Sir, this is not a Two-Way Mirror. It's an item that has recently become popular in the Wizarding World, capable of transmitting images and sounds, similar to Muggle televisions."
Although the Wizarding World had always remained hidden, it wasn't entirely disconnected from the world of ordinary people.
On the contrary, many Muggles lived in the rural areas where most Wizards secluded themselves, and the Ministry of Magic was generally hidden within cities. Therefore, Wizards naturally had some understanding of the televisions popular in the Muggle world.
Before the old man inside was imprisoned, many families already had black-and-white televisions, though color televisions hadn't yet been invented.
After hearing the first sentence, the faint glimmer in Grindelwald's eyes vanished, replaced by boredom and impatience.
"I believe I told you not to disturb me again."
"Yes."
The person outside respectfully said, "We are not trying to persuade you to leave here, it's just... perhaps you would like to see what the world looks like now?"
Grindelwald closed his eyes again and coldly said, "Get out!"
There was no sound from outside, but Magic told Grindelwald that the person had already left.
He lay there for a long time, his mind seemingly filled with many thoughts, yet feeling as if he had thought of nothing at all. It was as if, in a daze, the darkness had receded, and sunlight streamed in through a narrow crack.
He felt a faint warmth on his veiny, gnarled arm.
A House-elf appeared with a pop, bowed to the person on the bed, placed a tray on the low stone table, and then disappeared without a word.
On the tray were a bottle of water and a piece of bread.
Grindelwald propped himself up on the bed. His body was so weak that even this movement felt strenuous.
Despite being famished, Grindelwald did not reach for the food brought by the House-elf. Instead, he casually extended a hand.
The mirror flew into his grasp.
He had intended to throw the mirror out through the crack, but seeing his own aged face reflected in it, Grindelwald couldn't help but waver.
The long and solitary life in prison could gradually wear away his vitality, but it couldn't make his heart die with it.
I'll just take a look.
Grindelwald told himself.
Just one look, then I'll throw it away.
He flipped the mirror over, examining it.
The Streaming Mirror, like old-fashioned televisions, was simple to operate. It only had a power button and a volume knob on the side, with no option to change channels.
So, the old man pressed a button at random, and a moving image appeared on the mirror, accompanied by the excited voice of a young man—
"Look! The third team is about to reach the core area! The enraged Ball Python is ready and waiting! Will they be eliminated within five minutes, just like the previous teams..."
The image shifted.
A chubby Ball Python and several nervous-looking students appeared on the mirror, all holding their Wands.
At the edge of the frame were Wizards patrolling the sky on brooms. A Bowtruckle was perched on the hedgerow wall separating the students from the Ball Python.
That was Hogwarts.
But it wasn't the Hogwarts Grindelwald knew.
...
"Yes, yes, your tie pairs perfectly with this sapphire, making you look noble and elegant. Your hair doesn't need to be too neat; a slightly disheveled look is better..."
A mirror taller than a person emitted a noisy voice, and the young man's gray eyes in the mirror looked somewhat helpless.
He casually ran his fingers through his hair twice, ignoring the mirror's loud shouts for him to put on his hat. He walked to the window, transformed into a bird, and soared into the sky.
Not long after, Wade landed on the roof of a tall building in the city. He transformed back, used an Unlocking Charm to open the locked iron door, and descended the stairs.
After exiting the building, he found himself on a quiet city street. A bus with a few passengers happened to pass by.
After the bus left, Wade saw the figure across the street—Professor Murray, also dressed like an old gentleman.
He quickly walked over and said softly, "Professor."
Professor Murray took out his pocket watch to check the time, then nodded and said, "Just in time, let's go."
The two walked side by side down the street. Wade expected them to enter a roadside telephone booth or an abandoned toy store, but Professor Murray led him straight into a small museum on the street.
"Ding-dong—"
When the glass door opened, Wade heard a bell chime, and a young woman who had been sitting behind the counter stood up.
"I'm sorry, we're closed for today, no visitors allowed..."
"We're here for the magic show upstairs," Professor Murray interrupted her.
"Oh, right, of course."
The girl's expression shifted slightly, then she led them to the elevator nearby.
After Wade stepped inside, he saw the girl curiously studying him, and he smiled kindly.
The girl lowered her head and pressed a button in the elevator for them.
Wade: ...
If I'm not mistaken, she pressed the emergency call button, didn't she?
The elevator doors closed, then it vibrated and began to descend.
"Professor, why couldn't we just use the fireplace or Apparition to get there directly?"
Only then did Wade voice his question.
"Because there will be many valuable magical artifacts at the exhibition. Apparition is forbidden, and fireplaces can't be used. This is to prevent robberies."
Professor Murray said sternly, then smiled.
"Of course, more importantly... Alchemist is almost always interested in Muggle inventions, and this organizer is especially so."
This time, Professor Murray had brought Wade to an exhibition of Alchemist's works, where very ancient magical artifacts were rumored to appear.
Of course, such private exhibitions are not open to the public. If it weren't for Professor Murray's connections, an ordinary student like Wade wouldn't have heard a thing about it.
He had been looking forward to it for a long time.
The title was accidentally typed in pinyin...
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