After the effects of Felix Felicis had completely worn off, Harry felt an empty hollowness in his heart. The sudden loss of power felt truly awful.
Even following Albert's guidance and doing his utmost to control the Fiendfyre before him, Harry was still unable to stop it from spiraling out of control.
As he watched the steadily swelling Magic Flame before him, Harry roared inwardly. Yet he had never once considered turning and fleeing. He continued trying to control the Magic Flame, using it to push his potential to its limits.
Harry trusted Albert. He trusted him to ensure his safety.
He also knew full well that he did not have much time, especially after Felix Felicis wore off. The insight into controlling Fiendfyre that he had gained through the potion would soon fade completely as well.
He had to seize this chance and gain the greatest possible benefit from it, rather than waste the Felix Felicis he had just taken.
Though the Fiendfyre showed no obvious signs of being controlled, everyone present could clearly sense that it had stalled for a brief moment just then—something Harry had never managed before.
When the Fiendfyre spread rapidly and seemed about to engulf Harry, the Magic Flame began to shrink like a deflating balloon. In the blink of an eye, an invisible force compressed it into a wisp of black candle flame, looking safe and harmless.
"Very good. It seems you did gain something after all. Remember that feeling just now—you're another step closer to mastering the Fiendfyre Curse." Albert patted Harry's shoulder encouragingly, offering him a few comforting words.
Harry did not look comforted in the slightest. Panting heavily, he stared fixedly at the candle-sized Fiendfyre before him, a profound sense of frustration rising within him.
Harry longed to become stronger,