The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and wildflowers as sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of oak trees surrounding Dumbledore’s secluded ho.
The old house, standing in quiet solitude against the backdrop of towering cliffs, seed almost untouched by ti. A sanctuary far removed from the burdens of the world.
Nero sat on the stone porch, one leg stretched out, the other bent at the knee.
A cup of tea rested beside him, forgotten.
His fingers traced absent patterns against the rough stone as he stared out at the valley below, watching the mist slowly unravel under the morning sun.
Behind him, the soft creak of the wooden door signaled Dumbledore’s approach.
The older wizard stepped outside with his usual quiet grace, his blue robes catching the morning light, the faint traces of exhaustion lingering in his posture.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence was not strained but contemplative. The weight of what had transpired in Nurngard still lingered between them, like the last embers of a fire, burning, waiting to be acknowledged.
Then, finally, Nero exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly.
"You asked to accompany you for your first step into your new resolve, but this isn’t a step, it’s a massive leap."
Dumbledore chuckled, a soft sound edged with sothing unreadable. He reached for the teapot on the small wooden table and poured himself a cup, the gentle clink of porcelain filling the silence.
"Then perhaps I have been far too cautious these past decades. Or perhaps it only feels that way because I have not moved in so long. To those who stand still, even a single step feels like a chasm."
Nero turned to him, his silver-blue eyes sharp with thought. He watched Dumbledore closely, noting the way his grandfather’s hands moved. Steady, asured. No hesitation. The man who had spent years standing still had finally begun to walk.
Still, caution was in his nature.
"You really think this is a good idea?" Nero asked, watching him over the rim of his cup, eyes unreadable.
Dumbledore did not answer imdiately. He took a slow sip of tea, savoring the warmth before lowering the cup back onto the saucer with deliberate care. Then, he turned his gaze to Nero, the sharpness of his blue eyes betraying the weight of his thoughts.
"It is a necessary step."
Nero studied him for a mont before nodding, his fingers idly tapping against the stone beside him.
"If you succeed, it’s going to be a revolution in the wizarding world."
Dumbledore let out a soft hum of agreent. He turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the morning sun stretched golden fingers across the valley. The light reflected in his eyes, making them appear both ancient and renewed at once.
Then, with a wry smile, he said, "I didn’t think I would say ’for the greater good’ once again in this life, but this ti, I believe it from the bottom of my heart."
Nero let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Careful, Grandpa. That phrase carries a lot of baggage."
Dumbledore chuckled, a sound of genuine amusent. "Indeed. But words, like people, are shaped by their intent. And this ti, I intend for it to an exactly what it should have ant all along."
A breeze stirred the trees, rustling leaves like a whispered warning, filling the silence between them.
Nero turned fully to face Dumbledore now, his expression thoughtful. Then, almost idly, but with an undertone of steel, he asked, "And what will you do if Grindelwald goes out of control?"
A flicker of sothing passed through Dumbledore’s eyes. Brief, but unmistakable. A shadow of mory, of battles fought, of choices made long ago.
Then, just as quickly, it was gone.
Dumbledore set his cup down gently, his fingers lacing together. When he spoke, his voice was calm. "Then I will stop him. For good."
Nero didn’t doubt him.
There was no arrogance in Dumbledore’s tone, no uncertainty either, only a quiet, immovable resolve. The sa resolve that had once shattered an empire.
Satisfied, Nero exhaled and ran a hand through his dark hair. He could respect that.
Dumbledore set his hands against the arms of his chair and leaned forward slightly.
"Are you ready for our second stop of the day?"
Nero arched a brow. "Second stop?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. And I believe it will be a good opportunity for you, especially after your experiences in the Shatterveil."
That piqued Nero’s curiosity. The Shatterveil had pushed him to the very edge of his limits. ntally, physically, and magically. If Dumbledore was saying this would be an opportunity in relation to that, then it had to be significant.
Nero leaned forward, his silver-blue eyes gleaming with interest. "Alright. Where are we going?"
Dumbledore rely smiled.
"You’ll see soon enough."
Nero’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You do enjoy your dramatics."
Dumbledore chuckled, the amusent in his eyes unmistakable. "One must keep a sense of mystery, dear boy. It adds a certain charm to life."
Nero rolled his eyes but smirked nonetheless.
"But before that, I must ensure that the other actor of this play will be available. I am afraid that you cannot join for this one. I would have so issue explaining your involvent."
"Alright, I will wait for you Grandpa. Don’t do anything too drastic". Replied Nero
Dumbledore stood, brushing nonexistent dust from his robes, with a soft smile.
"I will be back in 15 minutes."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 Chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 225: Settling Debts
Reviews
All reviews (0)