Inheritance

"Capen, are you angry that I didn't show up to help you right away when that Young Lestrange was insulting you?"

Sean asked.

Capen paused for a moment, then quickly shook his head, and then nodded.

"Sir, I'm not angry at all that you didn't come to help me, but his rudeness did make me a little angry."

Sean chuckled, "And then you got even angrier because of Milani?"

Capen scratched his head somewhat sheepishly. "Yes, sir..."

"That's normal. When faced with someone who is rude, any normal person will feel angry. And when the other party crosses the line further, the anger will be even greater. But do you know why I didn't come out immediately?" Sean asked.

Now, under his influence, Capen has become accustomed to thinking more before answering questions and preparing more before doing things. After frowning and thinking for a while, he tried to say, "Sir, although it may be a bit presumptuous of me to say this, I always feel that you have been training me, that is, that is..."

The little boy frantically grabbed his hair, trying to find a more suitable adjective.

Sean continued, "Don't put yourself in such a low position, Capen. Yes, I can tell you very frankly, in my opinion, you have great talent, excellent character, and are willing to think and work hard. Faced with such an excellent sapling, I really can't help but want to nurture you well, and I have reason to believe that you can meet my expectations in the future and become the better version of yourself that you want to be."

Sean's genuine affirmation and appreciation made Capen blush. The boy felt dizzy—his most admired Mr. Wallop had just said that he was great and that he would be nurtured...

The boy, who had always felt inferior but also desperately craved recognition, was so excited that he couldn't speak for a moment.

Seeing this, Sean smiled and lazily patted the other man on the back of the head, "Mind your image, buddy. Your biggest flaw right now is that you get easily excited. And remember this—I appreciate your respect for me. Similarly, everyone else who can teach you something and help you become a better person deserves your respect. But while maintaining respect, don't be so reserved. Everyone should live for themselves, not to meet the expectations of others."

Capen paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously. "I... I understand, sir!"

"Good that you understand. Your little brain has always been one of the most useful in my eyes—well, back to the topic we were just talking about. The reason I didn't take action was partly to make you feel more deeply that speaking in the Wizarding World requires confidence, and that confidence comes from your strength. When you lack strength, I'm sorry, you have no right to speak."

Hearing Sean's words, Capen pursed his lips. Indeed, he felt a deep sense of powerlessness. The boy with the good background was the same age as him, but when the other boy insulted him at the beginning, he was only angry and couldn't muster the will to fight back. And Mr. Lestrange was even more stressful. But when Mr. Wallop showed up, that man could only run away in panic.

He admired Mr. Wallop, and at the same time, he was very envious of him.

Seeing Capen's expression, Sean knew the little guy had taken his words to heart. He nodded in satisfaction and continued, "On the other hand, this is the Ollivander Family's shop. Miss Ollivander and I are good friends. Stepping in rashly under these circumstances would be disrespecting the Ollivander Family, and friendships need to be nurtured with care. Besides, as you've seen, Miss Ollivander herself is capable of solving problems."

Capen nodded thoughtfully; he hadn't considered this aspect before.

"Of course, it all ended up happening to me in the end, purely by coincidence—" Sean shrugged. "But whether I intervened or not, I'm prepared to teach you a lesson."

"A course? Is it magic or a way of interacting with wizards?" Capen asked curiously.

Sean smiled mysteriously, "No, it's people's hearts."

"Human hearts..."

"This is a very important lesson I've learned, and I think you can start learning it too..."

What Sean learned from Grindelwald made him realize more than once how terrifying it was to See Through Hearts. He only used his brain, but the effect was comparable to the strongest spell.

Both he and Grindelwald firmly believed that a great wizard's mind must be as excellent as his spells.

Moreover, Grindelwald would also agree with the way Sean teaches others; this eccentric yet charismatic old man has always valued the word "inheritance".

Of course, he has high expectations for his students...

Sean led Capen slowly down the streets of Diagon Alley, explaining to Capen in a relaxed tone what Grindelwald had taught him, as well as his personal insights, little by little in the most basic way.

The eleven-year-old boy was somewhat bewildered, but he tried his best to understand what Sean was saying, even if he couldn't understand it for the time being, he would remember it firmly in his mind.

Milani was in front, was wondering what the two of them were whispering about for so long. The impatient girl, with Sean's permission, also joined in to listen.

Just as Capen and Milani were beginning to explore a new and magical world, Sean once again opened the door to another world for them.

The two intelligent individuals gradually began to realize that what Mr. Wallop taught them was comparable to magical wonder.

"Ha—" Sean took a sip of Florin's Ice Cream Parlor's summer-themed magical sparkling water and let out a satisfied sigh. "That's enough for today. This should give you enough to think about for a while."

Capen and Milani nodded and muttered to themselves, both trying to recall what they hadn't understood and memorizing those words.

Milani muttered to herself while glancing at Capen. She then turned to the shopkeeper Florin, and politely asked for a pen and paper before returning to her seat.

"Capen, paper and pen, let's go back and check each other's work after we're done."

Sean gave Milani an approving look; the little girl's mind worked very quickly.

After a while, the two of them had filled a whole sheet with notes, and then they breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, don't be so reserved and nervous. We'll be in the same school from now on, so feel free to come to me if you have any questions," Sean said with a smile, spreading his hands.

"Thank you, sir." Capen breathed a sigh of relief.

Milani also thanked Sean, then asked curiously, "Sir, you said that Young Lestrange was Capen's first test?"

Sean nodded. "Yes, isn't it delightful to win over someone who once looked down on you in a different way? Besides, tests always have to start from the basics, right? Of course, I'm not encouraging you to brainwash an eleven-year-old boy. You can decide whether to befriend him based on his subsequent behavior."

Capen bit his pen thoughtfully. Just as Mr. Wallop had said before, one should consider the circumstances of others when making friends. If there is no enmity between them and they have no moral flaws, then one should be sincere in making friends with them. If the other party is not a good person, such as Young Lestrange, an arrogant second-generation official, then one should of course prioritize one's own interests.

If the other party is able to turn back in time, then you can show some sincerity. If not, you won't feel guilty about approaching them with the intention of taking advantage of them.

Combined with the few small examples Mr. Wallop gave, Capen suddenly felt that he had gained a new understanding of his outlook on life.

Milani, who had grown up in the love of her parents, was not as smart as Capen, but she didn't think as much or as deeply. She just thought that Mr. Wallop in front of her was not only handsome, but also capable and intelligent, which was truly admirable. Capen would definitely have a good future if he studied with such a person.

After exchanging a few more words, the girl's curiosity was piqued, and she asked, "Sir, have you ever encountered a similar situation before?"

Sean nodded casually. "Of course, not long after I got on the train, someone started causing me trouble."

How did you handle it at the time?

"Me—" Sean tilted his head back and recalled for a moment, then revealed a set of white teeth, "I almost forgot to tell you guys, when reasoning doesn't work, deduction doesn't work, and you can't break through psychological barriers, we have another way."

He waved his wand. "Physical persuasion can sometimes be very effective."

Florin, the owner of the ice cream shop who overheard their conversation, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. This boy looked like a big kid, but his way of dealing with people was frighteningly shrewd.

He suddenly felt a pang of pity for Young Lestrange, but he had no intention of reminding Mr. Lestrange —that guy had caused him so much trouble, it was ridiculous! Could an ice cream shop possibly be hiding controlled magical items?! His little brat had also eaten quite a few of his free ice creams; someone should have taught him a lesson long ago!

Sean smiled slightly, paid the bill, and led the two out of the ice cream shop.

"Capen, look back."

Upon hearing Sean's words, Capen turned his head and saw the amiable shopkeeper muttering something to himself, his face showing disgust and the glee of impending revenge.

"He overheard part of our conversation," Sean said with a smile.

Capen's eyes widened. "Th-that..."

Sean pointed to his head. "Yeah, he heard me, but if I don't want to, he can't hear anything."

"Gentlemen?"

Sean laughed, "You still have a lot to learn. Hmm, next time you can go to the ice cream shop by yourself and sit for a while. Mr. Florin would probably be happy to give you a free ice cream."

Capen nodded, seemingly understanding.

"Alright, let's go see what else we haven't bought. Oh, and do you two have any favorite animals? Consider them back-to-school gifts..."

"Woo-woo-woo-woo-"

A deep red steam locomotive was parked beside the crowded platform. A sign on the train read: Hogwarts Express, 11:00. Capen looked back and saw that the place where the wall had been was now a wrought iron archway with the words: Platform (Platform Nine and Three-Quarters) written on it.

Just as Mr. Wallop had said... the boy could hardly contain his excitement and exhilaration.

Thick smoke from the steam locomotive swirled above the chattering crowd, while cats of various colors darted about at their feet. Amid the buzzing of conversation and the clatter of dragging heavy luggage, owls hooted shrilly, their calls echoing each other.

Capen soothed the owl "Leon" on his suitcase, a gift from Mr. Wallop, a very spirited brown owl.

He excitedly looked around, then looked behind him. Sure enough, Milani had also come over, followed by the mayor and his wife, who looked completely shocked.

After the girl said goodbye to her parents, Capen led the way, dragging heavy suitcases toward a train carriage.

"Hey, little guy, need any help?" a lively voice rang out.

He turned his head and saw a pair of twin brothers with fiery red hair. Both of them were very tall and always had a smile on their faces.

"Oh, oh, thank you, could you lend me a hand?"

When the two brothers helped him and Milani carry their luggage onto the train, they chatted casually for a few moments and then ran off. Capen saw that in the direction they ran, there was a large family of men and women with bright red hair; they seemed to be a family.

"The Weasley brothers are really nice guys, aren't they?" Milani said, pushing her suitcase behind him.

Capen nodded, glanced in the direction the two brothers had gone, and thought to himself, "This must be the kind of friend Mr. Wallop was talking about, someone I can make with sincerity."

The two traveled through the carriage. The Hogwarts Express (although Capen was puzzled as to why a steam train was called an express train, he figured there must be some kind of speed-up magic?) looked huge from the outside, and it was even bigger inside. The carriage was much longer than he had imagined, and many students of different grades were walking through the corridors.

After searching for a while, they found an empty carriage and quickly went inside.

"Phew—this trip was really tough." Capen let out a long sigh.

Milani was exhausted, her hair sticking to her forehead, but she was excited. "But we're going to Hogwarts! Capen!"

Capen couldn't help but smile, "Yes, we're going to Hogwarts..."

Not long after, the train started moving, and Capen's heart trembled, which also made the corners of his mouth twitch.

Milani was also excited. She was about to speak when she suddenly heard excited shouts from outside.

The two curious students peeked out and discovered that someone was surrounded by a large group of students. The person was wearing a fifth-grade uniform with Prefect's badge pinned to their chest.

It was Sean.

"Mr. Wallop is indeed very popular at school, and the second and third-year students seem to idolize him. Many girls even blushed..."

"As expected of Mr. Wallop," Capen said admiringly.

Then, Sean, who was in the crowd, saw the two little heads peeking out. He smiled and strode over.