Chapter 9: Learning
Chapter 9: Learning
Nurmengard
Nurmengard looked like a black sentinel on the edge of a vast, shimmering lake. Its dark stone walls, scarred by century of history, stood tall against the backdrop of dense, ancient woods. Despite its imposing appearance, the castle buzzed with activity, contrary to what Dumbledore had expected. People moved in and out, some materializing out of thin air, reminiscent of an office bustling with employees rather than a desolate prison.
Dumbledore hesitated at the base of the tower, pondering the changes. 'When did he become active again?' The thought gnawed at him as he approached the massive gates. To his surprise, the guards greeted him warmly, their presence another unexpected development.
The guards, clad in dark uniforms that bore a familiar insignia, escorted him through the castle. Dumbledore took in the faces of Grindelwald's followers, noting the hardened expressions and the efficient manner in which they moved. He recognized a few from decades past, their once-youthful visages now marked by age and experience.
Reaching the top floor, one of the escorts knocked on the large door. A familiar voice, smooth and commanding, responded, "Come in." It was a voice Dumbledore hadn't heard in decades, yet it resonated in his memory like an old symphony.
The door opened, and Dumbledore stepped inside alone. Gellert Grindelwald stood by the window, his white hair a stark contrast to the dark interior. He had aged, but the aura of power and charisma remained undiminished. Turning to face Dumbledore, he smiled like an old friend.
"Want some tea while we talk?" Grindelwald's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Dumbledore, snapping back to reality, nodded. "Sure, the talk is going to be long."
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Shelby Mansion
Magic had captivated Leo since the moment he discovered its mysteries. Over the week, he immersed himself in books, each new fact and theory deepening his understanding. Experimenting with his telekinesis, he discovered a great deal.
First, he learned that the amount of magic a child could control differed vastly from an adult's. Observing his father and listening to his explanations, Leo realized that this capacity could be trained and increased over time.
Second, he discovered that each person had a unique harmony with magic. Some wielded it boldly and destructively, while others used it with rapid precision. Some could even communicate through magic with less intelligent beings, and a rare few could bend it entirely to their will.
Third, depending on one's harmony with magic, an individual could affect an area as large as a football field. However, this was a rare talent; most wizards could influence only a ten-meter radius.
Fourth, Leo found that his magic took time to build up but was highly condensed. His father suggested that he would excel in hit-and-run tactics. With practice, Leo aimed to reduce the build-up time.
Under his father's guidance, Leo honed his control. He made utensils float around him and started using magic in his daily life. His father advised that this was the best way to learn—using magic to dress, pass dishes, and more.
Currently, Leo was practicing in the yard. Eva, the house-elf, threw a ball at him, which he tried to stop with magic.
Bang!
Another hit to his face sent him sprawling. Undeterred, Leo got up and told Eva to throw the ball again. Eva, worried about his swollen face, hesitated but complied.
Lisa and Robert watched from a distance. Lisa's asked her husband who was watching the ball hammered their son again and again in a worried tone, "Will he be alright?"
Robert nodded. "He'll be fine… after he takes a potion."
"Should I brew some more?" Lisa offered.
"No, we have enough," Robert replied with a smile. Lisa rested her head on Robert's shoulder as they watched their son train.
After several failed attempts, Leo finally stopped the ball.
"Huff… huff…" He took deep breaths, exhausted.
"I will go and prepare" Lisa left the yard and went inside the mansion.
"That's enough for today," Robert called out, walking over with a potion in hand. Leo gulped it down, grimacing at the bitter taste. Within minutes, his body began to heal.
"Come inside. I'll show you what you're going to learn next," Robert said. Leo followed him into the mansion.
They entered a room where his mother waited. The space was filled with cauldrons and potion ingredients. There was strong odour of herbs and potion, that covered the room.
"Welcome to Potions 101!" Lisa announced enthusiastically, adopting a professor's tone.
Leo raised an eyebrow, signalling her to continue.
"Potion-making is an art," Robert explained. "It requires patience, extensive practice, a strong will to endure failure and experiments, and a deep knowledge of plants. Your mother is quite skilled and will teach you the basics."
Lisa took over, her tone serious. "Potions can enhance physical abilities, heal wounds, create resistances, and much more. Their effects can only be undone by stronger magic or a more advanced potion master. They can be dangerous, too."
She showed him a series of vials, explaining each one. "This is a fire resistance potion. The next one is a healing potion like the one you just used. This one is a Babbling Beverage…" one by one she explained all the potions.
Leo asked, "Which potion do I start with?"
"None," Lisa said with a smirk. "First, you'll learn about magical plants and potion theory." She pulled out a dozen books, placing them before him.
Leo felt speechless.
"I don't want you to be like those baboons, who only follow manuals," Lisa continued. "Potion-making is an art. You'll learn the basics first, and then experiment. You need to know what to add, when to add it, and why, to become a true potion master."
'I had a freaking Ph.D. in Chemistry in my previous life,' Leo thought. 'I know more about experiments than you.' But he couldn't deny that her approach was correct. Rather than blindly following a book, it was better to experiment and learn.
And so, Leo's potion training began.
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