Devonshire.
At the first light of dawn.
The outline of the manor gradually became clear through the mist. Golden sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of ancient oak trees, casting dappled shadows that gently spread across every corner of the estate.
It shone upon Albus Dumbledore, wrapping the centenarian in warm sunlight as though coating him in a thin layer of golden radiance.
The sunlight passed through his impossibly pale hair, seeming to shine into his heart as well—Nick LeMay could sense a vitality and... fervor in this century's most powerful wizard that he had never seen before.
Flames called hope burned within Albus Dumbledore's heart.
Nick LeMay and Albus Dumbledore had been old friends for many years. Never before had he seen such flames burning in Albus Dumbledore's heart.
As a Master Alchemist, Nick LeMay immediately realized that no one could extinguish them.
"It seems that while we weren't looking, you accomplished another extraordinary feat." Nick LeMay dismissed the thought of offering comfort and looked once more at the damaged Ancient Time-Turner in his hand.
"May I have the honor of knowing exactly what forbidden thing you verified?" Clearly, this master who had created the Philosopher's Stone and reached the pinnacle of alchemy had already formed his own judgment.
Albus Dumbledore nodded and looked toward the blooming flowers in Nick LeMay's manor. Even in winter, the vivid flowers still swayed gently in the breeze, brimming with Life Force.
"With the help of a legend, we successfully deceived Death once." The old headmaster did not reveal the details, since they also involved certain secret plans between himself and Grindelwald.
Yet even this vague description was enough for Nick LeMay to understand what had happened. It perfectly matched his own suspicions.
Of course.
There were also things Nick LeMay had