NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: 14. Dumbledore
"Ivan, thank you."
Before we dive into Crookshanks, it's important to highlight how Ivan's offer to lend Hermione his senior spells textbook saved her a significant amount of Galleons. Hermione had been worried about the high cost of her school supplies, and Ivan's generosity lifted some of that weight off her shoulders.
"We're friends, right?" Ivan said with a warm smile.
He gently ruffled Hermione's fluffy hair, which made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Despite her shyness, Hermione didn't push his hand away. Deep down, she appreciated his friendly gesture.
Ivan's presence seemed to ease the various anxious feelings that had been swirling in Hermione's mind since she entered the magical world. They were both from the same place and shared a special connection as their only friends. This comforting idea took root in Hermione's heart, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Before they left Diagon Alley, they made a pact to learn magic together. With just two weeks remaining before Hogwarts began, Hermione was determined to get a head start. She wanted to learn some spells in advance to avoid being picked on by the children from more experienced wizarding families once school started.
During this time, Ivan took the opportunity to ask Professor McGonagall about the Trace. The Trace is a magical spell that helps locate underage wizards and can detect any magical activity in the vicinity. If an underage wizard performs magic in front of a Muggle—or if a Muggle witnesses magic being performed nearby—the Ministry of Magic's Improper Use of Magic Office is alerted right away. This notification is tied to a type of contract magic that keeps a watchful eye on young wizards.
"Your wands haven't been set with the Trace yet," Professor McGonagall explained. "The Trace isn't actually set on wands; rather, it's a kind of contract magic that applies to all underage wizards."
At the end of their first year at Hogwarts, students receive a notice for summer vacation, reminding them that they are not allowed to cast spells outside of school. They are required to sign this notice, which acts like a magical contract. In the wizarding world, names hold significant power, and this notice serves as a binding agreement, placing limits on every young wizard attending a magical school.
"Additionally, if a young wizard breaks this rule and casts a spell outside of school, the Ministry of Magic will receive a notification," she continued. This notice, which is based on the magic contract, records the exact location and time of the violation. However, the Trace cannot determine what type of magic was used or who cast it.
"I understand," Ivan nodded, absorbing the information. He decided that in the next two weeks, he would review spells in the textbook with Hermione and share their learning experiences.
After their discussion, the three of them had lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, a cozy pub frequented by wizards. Afterward, Professor McGonagall used Apparition to send Ivan and Hermione home, before returning to Hogwarts through the Floo Network.
In the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, an old man stood behind a glass window, gazing thoughtfully at the night sky. He had long, silver-white hair that cascaded down to his waist, and his striking blue eyes seemed to hold a magical depth, as if he could see right into the souls of those he looked at. His nose was long and crooked, a testament to its having been broken at least twice. This man was Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and regarded as the most powerful wizard in the wizarding world.
"Albus," Professor McGonagall announced as she stepped into the office. "I have something important to discuss with you."
Without keeping him in suspense, she shared everything about Ivan, including the surprising events that had taken place at Ollivander's Wand Shop. To help Dumbledore understand more clearly, they even used the Pensieve—a magical device that allows wizards to view memories—to observe Ivan's experiences.
"Ambrosius… the blood of the Eternal Family," Dumbledore mused, listening patiently. He was already familiar with the legends surrounding Merlin's descendants. "It seems our school will be welcoming another exceptionally talented young wizard this year."
"Albus?!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief at Dumbledore's calm demeanor.
"Alright, I understand," Dumbledore reassured her, sensing her concern. He opened a glass jar on his desk and pulled out a struggling cockroach, asking casually, "Would you care for some?"
"…" Professor McGonagall took a deep breath and forced a smile. "No, thank you."
Although the cockroach candies were not real but enchanted treats made from syrup, she found the idea of having them wriggling in her mouth or the sound they made when bitten utterly unappealing.
"Crunch, crunch." Dumbledore chewed on the candy, appearing unfazed. "It seems you care deeply about that child, Minerva."
"Yes, I'm worried…" she admitted, not finishing her thought, but Dumbledore could read between the lines. Still, he shook his head gently and said, "They are different, Minerva."
Having been hurt in the past, McGonagall was understandably cautious. She had a favorable impression of Ivan, but because she liked him so much, she wanted him to take the right path. Her concern stemmed from the pressure she felt, fearing that she might not be capable enough to guide him properly.
She explained her worries to Dumbledore, hoping he would offer Ivan additional guidance to help him avoid the same pitfalls that had plagued Tom Riddle.
"Don't underestimate yourself," Dumbledore said, looking into her eyes with a warm smile. "You are the deputy headmaster of Hogwarts and my best Transfiguration professor."
Dumbledore understood her feelings well; he had felt similarly when he discovered Tom Riddle—experiencing a mix of happiness and worry.
"And we must acknowledge this," he added, "Tom was indeed an exceptional wizard, wasn't he?" Putting aside the external factors, Voldemort had remarkable magical talents.
Dumbledore took a moment to comfort McGonagall a bit more before she left his office.
"Ivan Ambrosius."
Once Professor McGonagall had departed, Dumbledore sat back slowly in his chair, gazing out at the night sky. The figure of Gellert Grindelwald emerged in his thoughts. The Ambrosius bloodline would flourish again among Merlin's descendants. The last person who had claimed part of this ancient bloodline was none other than Grindelwald.
Of course, Grindelwald had not possessed the ability to predict the future or perform human transformations at Ivan's young age. The other two people connected to this lineage were not blood relatives. The descendants of Merlin were scattered across Europe, and this awakening felt more like a magical miracle randomly bestowed upon wizards.
"He is better than you," Dumbledore mused, impressed by Ivan's talent. Yet, he did not dwell on whether this child would bring about positive or negative changes in the wizarding world. The only thing he and Professor McGonagall could do was share their wisdom and experiences with Ivan as caring mentors.
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