One Less Hush Payment

Sean stayed inside the Vanishing Cabinet for a while, then knocked on the door. "I'm coming out now."

He pushed open the cabinet door. Outside was an underground classroom lit by torches.

"Phew... I'm back." Sean half-lay on a cushion and let out a long breath.

He had to admit, running into something like this in the middle of the night was really thrilling...

Although Sean was very curious about what the two old men had discussed, he understood that it was not something he could involve himself in, whether they had been reminiscing about the past or discussing the future.

Sean lay on the cushion in a daze for a while before checking the things he had obtained.

Aside from the three golden glows, Sean had also drawn five purple items:

Nymphadora Tonks's Mask (Purple): Grants the ability of a Metamorphmagus for one hour after use.

Unicorn's Favor (Purple): Summons a young unicorn to linger at your side, continuously healing you and your teammates' injuries for half an hour.

Half-Blood Prince's Pride (Purple): After use, your next attempt at Brewing Potions will definitely succeed. (Potion quality is directly proportional to the user's skill level and inversely proportional to the difficulty of Brewing Potions.)

Hand of Glory (Purple): Magical Items. In darkness, insert a candle, and only the person holding it will be able to see its light. (The effect of the Mundungus Card is enhanced while under the influence of the Hand of Glory.)

Mirror of Desire (Purple): After use, summons a replica of the Mirror of Erised that lasts for half an hour.

Just as Sean had expected, the effects of purple items had never been as straightforward as those of golden items. Especially the last one—he had no idea what use there was in summoning a replica of the Mirror of Erised.

Still, having them was better than not having them, even though all five items aside from the Hand of Glory were one-time consumables.

After looking through the purple items, Sean pulled up the details of the spells.

Occlumency needed no explanation, but Grindelwald's improved Fiendfyre Curse had aroused Sean's intense curiosity.

After examining it closely, Sean revealed a surprised expression.

This Fiendfyre Curse practically combined defense and offense into one. After casting it, he could summon a ring of blue flames around himself. Once the spell ended, the Fiendfyre would transform into a fire dragon and attack the enemy.

Unfortunately, the Fiendfyre Curse's level was still too low. Sean estimated that he could summon, at most, a small ring of fire.

But that was enough. Sean was already extremely satisfied with the Fiendfyre Curse's powerful effect. Grindelwald truly deserved to be called the most brilliantly gifted Dark Wizard in history.

Of course, perhaps he was no longer a Dark Wizard now.

Finally, Sean took out the glass bottle Grindelwald had given him. The silvery wisps inside were still drifting up and down.

A name had appeared in his inventory.

Grindelwald's Spell Demonstration.

But it was only a name. It sounded like something extraordinary, but unfortunately, Sean still had no idea how to use it.

After sorting through tonight's gains, Sean stretched lazily in satisfaction. He glanced at the utterly still Vanishing Cabinet, his mind quietly turning.

Based on what he knew, Grindelwald had said that he and Dumbledore had not met for six years. And judging by Dumbledore's attitude, he seemed to be deliberately avoiding Grindelwald?

Then how had the Academic Exchange plan between the two schools been decided... Perhaps they simply did not meet in person, occasionally using things like the Sorting Hat to make phone calls.

After pondering for a while, Sean could not help clicking his tongue. The love, grudges, and entanglements between the two strongest old men of the age were truly intriguing.

After waiting in the Room of Requirement for a while, just as Sean was preparing to practice spells to pass the time, the door of the Vanishing Cabinet opened.

Professor Dumbledore stepped out, his expression perfectly normal.

"Professor." Sean gave a slight bow, then secretly glanced at Dumbledore.

He did not seem any different. What had the two of them talked about, for it to be over so quickly...? Sean had thought he would have to wait an hour or two.

Dumbledore looked at Sean with his deep lake-blue eyes, then said with a smile, "Sean, should I say that you are lucky, or unlucky?"

Sean smiled. "Professor Dumbledore, I think an extraordinary journey would be a more fitting description."

Dumbledore winked at him. "It seems you have already grasped the essence of how old men speak."

"You flatter me, Professor."

With his hands behind his back, Dumbledore walked over to the cushions and sat down without a shred of dignity. "Hmm, this place really brings back memories. Oh, Sean, come here." He patted the cushion beside him.

Sean walked over and plopped down beside him in imitation, though he still habitually maintained good posture in front of others.

"Sean, can you tell me what sort of family you come from?" Dumbledore noticed his posture and asked casually, as though chatting with a younger relative.

Sean considered his words before describing the Wallop family's educational philosophy, also mentioning his father's dream of restoring the glory of the aristocracy.

All of this could be found out anywhere at any time, so there was no need for him to deceive the other man.

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "You have a very happy family, Sean."

"Yes, Professor," Sean replied earnestly.

Dumbledore leaned back, bracing himself on the floor with both hands. His lips pressed together slightly, and his tone was gentle. "How wonderful. How wonderful."

"Professor..." Sean hesitated.

"I know what you wish to ask. Yes, Grindelwald and I are old acquaintances. But as for the rest..." He winked at Sean. "It is not yet time to tell you."

"I understand, Professor." Sean nodded obediently.

Dumbledore smiled, then continued, "Then would you accept a request from an old man?"

"I won't tell anyone about what happened tonight."

"Looks like Minerva's assessment was right—you're a clever child." Professor Dumbledore said with a smile, pushing up his glasses.

Sean smiled. "If possible, please thank Professor McGonagall for me the next time you see her."

Professor Dumbledore smiled kindly. "Of course, child."

With that, he rose to his feet. "All right, you should head back and get some sleep, Sean."

The two left the Room of Requirement. Just as Sean was about to speak, Professor Dumbledore patted him on the shoulder. "That thing contains some of Grindelwald's personal insights, but it's still difficult for you to digest at your current stage. Come find me after you've grown a little more."

"I understand, Professor Dumbledore." Sean nodded knowingly.

"All right, time to say goodbye. Remember to sleep well." Professor Dumbledore winked at him.

"You too, Professor."

When Professor Dumbledore reached the corner, he seemed to remember something.

"Sean, I nearly forgot—students aren't allowed to wander around in the middle of the night. You'll have detention on Saturday."

"...Professor..." Sean's smile froze on his face.

Professor Dumbledore wore the grin of a child pulling a prank. "Those are the rules, Sean. Sweet dreams."

By the time Sean lay back down in bed, he was still feeling rather indignant.

No hush money was one thing, but detention too...

Sean decided that if he could ever beat those two old men in the future, he would write a book. He had even thought of the title already.

Volume One: Hogwarts, A Scandalous Affair.

Volume Two: Newmontgard, The Burning Years.