Chapter #4

3rd Person P.O.V,

Albus Dumbledore apparated to an empty field that was suspiciously silent... He stood there for 5 minutes without a single change in expression until he was walking through a portal in the shape of a circle. He calmly entered it with the ease and grace of someone who had done this countless times before.

He had entered a hallway that seemed to continue on seemingly endlessly but instead of walking and opening any of the doors that were visible all around him, he calmly knocked on the wall on his left thrice in a specific pattern. A portal appeared under him and he fell into it.

He landed on the ground with ease and looked up to see a seemingly fragile old man who had aged very well but his age was visible from his appearance alone. On the old man's right sat an old woman who had been a beauty in her youth but now only her graceful manner of sitting indicated such.

Albus smiled his quiet smile, the one that could be said to only ever be seen by those close to him and those he was fond of, and walked towards them before hugging them both. The old man seemed surprised at this but the old woman happily returned it while urging the old man to do the same.

Eventually he separated from them and began speaking.

"Good Afternoon Uncle Nick and Aunt Perry! How have you been? I randomly decided to visit so I hope it didn't scare you too much." The mischievousness in his voice was clear.

The old woman immediately materialized a cane in her hand and batted it directly towards his head with a speed that defied her age.

He ducked the blow preventing it from connecting and the old woman seemed to be getting ready for another attempt before the old man stepped finally spoke up.

"Do you really have to bait her Albus? Just call me Nick and her Perry. How many times have we already said this, and Perenelle… stop getting baited by him. You shouldn't have bullied him while he was learning sorcery. " [Nick]

Albus laughed lightly before apologizing to her and easing himself from his battle ready stance.

"I apologize for my conduct Nick but I simply had to do this one last time before I wouldn't be able to ever do it again." [Albus]

At hearing his words, both of them released their magic from their bodies and it advanced towards his body. They examined his appearance before paling rapidly when they sensed his magic permanently down by half.

"What happened to your magic Albus?! Who did this to you?!" Perenelle spoke urgently but the undertone of her voice which was as cold as ice already prophesised what would happen to the person whose name she would get.

He smiled warmly and gratefully at the naked concern for him in her voice and from the expression on Nick's face. He remained silent for a few moments before speaking up, "I have already dealt with the problem. I have come to watch you both drink some of the elixir."

At this, they seemed to relax slightly but the concern on their faces only deepened. At this he laughed lightly before ushering them to get the elixir.

They simply signed at his behaviour and decided to go along. He walked between them while they both covered him from head to toe in raw protective magic. One could look at them and mistake them for a child and his parents, albeit grown and old respectively.

Their concerns only intensified as they sensed his magic not regenerating even a bit. Perenelle grasped his hand with hers to reassure him wordlessly that they would do their best to find a cure; Nick echoed her soundless statement, which was more of a vow, by also holding his hand, similar to how a father would hold their child's hand to comfort them.

His expression could only be said to be endlessly amused and somewhat emotional which vexed them to no end. They began leading him to where the elixir was being generated while holding his hands. Finally, they arrived in a room where a stone could be seen in the middle of a circle. He opened the door for both of them while expectantly looking at them both in anticipation of what he would see.

"I do not understand Albus. You have seen us drink the elixir from the Philosophers Stone many times. It will not be any different. We will simply regain our youth for a few moments before losing it again." [Nick]

Albus smiled at them enigmatically before gesturing them wordlessly to drink it already. The two of them began pouring their magic into the stone which glowed darkly, while the markings around it lit up with a dark blue colour.

In a few moments, a vial appeared right next to the stone, it was filled with Golden Liquid that was dense with Magic. It was Solidified Liquid Magic… a state that only a Lord is able to make his magic manifest into. Not a simple lord of a family but a Lord of Magical Alignment.

They divided the vial into 2 equal portions and without any hesitation, downed it in a single gulp. Instantly their bodies seemed to glow and their marks of age seemed to disappear. If anyone could see them now, they would instantly recognise them as Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel! The Grandmaster of Alchemy and his wife, the founder of the French magical university.

They now looked in their forties. Nicolas had black hair and brown eyes with a regal face that screamed wise, whereas Perenelle had blonde hair and black eyes with an appearance that screamed danger due to her cold eyes.

They looked at Albus with a questioning look in their eyes, curious as to why he wanted them to drink it. He simply gestured back at them. Perry was getting confused until she heard Nick gasp in surprise. She immediately turned towards him to recognise her husband in his youth… she gasped in shock as well.

They both touched each other and seemed to be in a state of extreme surprise. A few moments later, she was kissing him and Nick was holding her tightly to himself. Albus wisely chose to look away from the Public Display of Affection (PDA) of his somewhat parental figures but anyone who knew him could sense how invested he was in their PDA.

Things seemed to be getting heated behind him until the two now mature people realised where they were and stopped. Albus kept stubbornly staring at the wall through which they could see the stone while entering.

*cough* *cough* "We are decent now." [Nicolas/Nick]

Albus finally turned back to stare at them before smiling in evident joy. He blinked his eyes which were tearful before he was hugged by Perenelle. He looked at Nicolas who was in front of him and his head was immediately pressed to his shoulders. Albus hugged them both tightly for a few moments before slowly separating from them and giving them a small smile. At that, they beamed at him as well.

They spend some time talking about Hogwarts and the orphanage that he was sponsoring.

"How are Aberforth and Ariana? They haven't come to visit us for a week!" Nicolas scowled at Albus who stared dumbly at him before remaining silent.

Perenelle took over, "That is true! We teach you kids everything and then you don't visit us weeks. Woe is us, our unfilial children who forget us in our advanced age…"

Albus stared blankly at them before seemingly blushing lightly. He immediately forced himself to try to answer, "You- what- unfilial?! We visit you every week! What! No, I mean how can we be unfili-"

He seemed to get more and more flustered until eventually they break into laughter. He glares at them before his expression breaks into a resigned if amused smile.

"So how is it like? Being young again I mean?" Albus asks curious.

"Ahhh… it feels great… I no longer have back pain. I cannot feel the weight of my eyelids… so relaxing…" Nicolas answers him distracted.

Perenelle's expression twitches dangerously before she asks in the kindest tone, "Did you just call me old?"

Both the men in the room stiffen before apologising heavily for the perceived insult.

"You do not mess with the chef Albus! What were you thinking?!" [Nicolas]

"I wasn't thinking! I had no idea that is what Perry would focus on!" [Albus]

"If I have to sleep on the couch tonight because of this, I will bend you over my knee young man!" [Nicolas]

"How is that my fault?!" [Albus]

After much bootlicking, Perenelle looks satisfied and 'mostly' forgives them for their grave insult.

Eventually their bonding time ends and they focus on serious matters…

"So Albus, explain." Nicolas speaks calmly with an air of murder around him while Perenelle smiles blandly radiating her desire to murder destroy kill bring justice to the person who did this to Albus and his Magic.

Albus signs heavily before smiling warmly at them, "As you both know, I have incomplete knowledge of various futures." They nod at that and gesture him to continue.

"I have been searching for a long time a way to find out the true history hidden behind the deaths of every powerhouse we had. I knew you weren't telling the truth and you are probably aware that I knew that. How is it possible that around the same time in history all the founders, merlin and every person who had power and fame due to it disappeared? The answer is that it isn't or someone deliberately hid the news of their demise. I was… curious and I was also simultaneously investigating another person that is relevant to the many futures I know of."

"I used magic to find him and directly tore through his mental shields. There… deep in the most hidden recesses of his mind, I found a mind altering spell. It was a strong one; I had to hold him captive for a while before I managed to slip past the spell to observe his unaltered memories. There I learned why they all disappeared at the same time. The spell to hide our very existence from all beings… powered by their magic and… souls."

As Albus speaks, their faces become paler by the second.

"Is- is the spell broken…?" Nicolas Asks, the fear evident in his posture and tone but underlying is a solemnness that betrays his body language.

Perenelle's face is also pale but she echoes his manner soundlessly.

"No… I was simply aware of the spell. That would not have been an issue but I examined it directly an-" [Albus]

"-And the spell sensed the active magical signature of someone who could power it and it immediately latched on to you. You probably realised how the spell worked which resulted in your current state…" interrupted Nicolas.

Albus gave him a nod. Nicolas was about to continue speaking, but then Perenelle spoke up.

"There is something off about your story. I understand that you are taking the brunt of the magical depletion but there is absolutely no way for you to make it that it absorbs such minute amounts from us that we are no longer reliant on the stone to power it…" [Perenelle]

Albus grinned ruefully, his expression similar to that of a child caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar but he remained silent.

"… Perenelle is not wrong… there are only 2 ways to control the spell that they joined together to cast and power. The first is to be its Creator and the Lord of Magic, which you are not and the second is to be a Lord…" [Nicolas]

His words were having a visible effect on Perenelle who was staring straight at Albus with her black eyes glowing yellow now. Her hands started trembling as she pointed at him with her one hand while asking Nicolas to look at him using the other.

Nicolas noticed the state of his wife and was worried but when he noticed the colour of her eyes while staring at Albus, he staggered and his magic was visibly out of his control for a moment. His eyes began glowing yellow as well in a moment before he looked at Albus and fell to his knees. He opened his mouth to speak but no sound came.

Albus looked worried now but when he was to move, they frantically gestured him to sit down. He could only obey them.

"A Light Lord… after so long…" were the first words out of Nicolas's mouth when he regained his composure. His eyes were not dry as he spoke blankly, "The last 3 Lords were Lord Merlin, the Lord of *__--__*, Lord Godric, the Light Lord and Lord Salazar, the Dark Lord."

He took a few deep breaths before continuing, "Everyone after them has been a pretender. Not a single one was acknowledged by magic! Not a single one realised that Dark Magic wasn't about doing harm or evil on others but it was simply a type of magic, one of its main categories."

Perenelle continues his explanation, "And now you are the Light Lord. The first one since Lord Godric died. We had expected to wait for an eternity to find the next one to take over… and help us advance and protect our race…" Tears were running down their cheeks now, tears of relief.

Albus is distraught after hearing this and seeing them crying. He immediately gets up and walks over to them and hugs them tightly. They hold on desperately to him and his magic seeps into them both. Purifying their magic steadily and clearing their path onwards from Albus's own experience. Albus looks shocked at this. When Nicolas sees that, he smiles widely at him before separating and explaining.

"Did you not wonder why Wizards had gotten so weak? This was the reason. Why do we follow Lords? Everyone can gain strength by their own merits; they don't need to follow a Lord. A Lord was followed throughout the ancient times due to two main reasons; the 1st was that if a follower was loyal, their magic would naturally increase in the Lord's presence. The 2nd was the direct purification of a Wizard's magic. The Lord would purify their follower's body of their impurities and their bodies would naturally gain some of the Lord's magic, allowing them to ascend to a higher Level easily. Naturally, there was no spell either so most of the strong wizards would not be sucked dry by it to power itself." [Nicolas]

"The moment your Lordship becomes public, anyone with a core with a light alignment will benefit. They will follow you to hell and beyond because your magic is the purest to us in the known worlds." [Perenelle]

"But I have no interest in being poached endlessly without any regard for my privacy." Albus said, distress visible on his features.

"Then that is your will. This is the reason why many with dark magic alignment are following Grindelwald. They are hoping he becomes acknowledged as the Dark Lord by Magic so they can directly benefit." [Nicolas]

"If I create my own realm… will the wizards follow me if I ask them to move into it?" [Albus]

"I do not know where you heard about that but… yes. All wizards with a light magic core alignment will follow you and easily move into your realm… That-! That has been your plan all along hasn't it?! This entire search for the hidden history and your endless thirst for knowledge… you wanted to leave the earth with the wizarding world all along didn't you?!" Nicolas says his excitement visible from solving a long time puzzle. Albus remains silent until he speaks up again.

"Answer me Albus." [Nicolas]

"Yes. The futures I have seen are bleak for Wizarding Kind if we stay here. We can easily be destroyed on Earth… but what about those with a dark magic core alignment; can they not live in my realm?" Albus asks worriedly.

At this Nicolas signs before holding his hands to his face and saying. "… No, they cannot. The reason we have survived for so long as a race is because of our individuality. While light and darkness are the main alignments, there lie an infinite number of smaller alignments for each person's core. I have Alchemy as my minor alignment, hence my high level in it. You have earth as your minor alignment. You have probably become a Realm Lord of an Earth Dimension haven't you? It is unfortunate that without a Dark Lord, over half of our world cannot go with you…" [Nicolas]

Albus smiled bitterly for a few moments before composing himself and changing the topic.

"When will you visit us at the Orphanage? We have been asking you to come for the past few years."

Both Nicolas and Perenelle understood and allowed this.

"What do you think dear? When should we go visit our cute children?" [Perenelle]

"I don't know my love but how about we go on a date? It has been such a long time since we have gone on one. Around 2 months. [Nicolas]

Albus gagged at this sudden turn of events and immediately turned around to leave. They called to him and ordered him to tell Ariana and Aberforth to come visit them soon. He gave them a nod slowly before directly creating a portal similar to the one that he fell through to Godric's Hollow.

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Eleanor P.O.V,

I had finally gotten the hang of wandless conjurations and transfigurations. I was no master at them yet but I could do them with a certain skill. I signed heavily before burrowing into my transfigured chair. I had made it similar to one I had in my previous life. The seat was comfortable and I could easily lean into the back. It supported my neck posture as well… I had to make a small version for my new size.

I was still wearing the black coat, I thought about the orphanage and my eyes turned red, they seemed to be faintly glowing as well, hmm… as I thought, they contrasted quite nicely with my new coat. I wonder what the repercussions will be of me being Slytherin's descendant. The way that squibs are descendants of Magicals in this world, I can either get the Gaunt name or I may actually be Slytherins' descendant.

I suppose I will learn tomorrow. I moved my chair in front of the window and looked straight at the park where Aberforth was chatting with 2 families. So they were the ones that he had to take for the ritual? Why did he bring them here though?

He paused in his conversation before turning around and directly examining his surroundings. He and Al had impressive instincts. I opened my window and waved to him, which he caught in a moment. He smiled back at me (Fond-Kind) before waving back. I decided to go downstairs to see what I could do to entertain myself. I could probably go and pester Al and learn some more.

My mind made up, I got up from my super comfortable chair and transfigured it back to what it was earlier. I closed my windows and headed out of the room. I saw a few of the girls that I had spoken to in the morning standing in the hallways talking but I wasn't in the mood for that right now. I greeted them before heading downstairs.

Aunt Ariana, the Kitchen Witch, was floating around aimlessly in the hallway. On seeing me, she sped up to me. I decided to employ the greatest strategy that mankind had invented… escaping. Or at least attempting to do so. I had barely taken one step towards the door when I felt someone pick me up like I weighted nothing.

I was getting resigned to being manhandled by this super powered woman. She picked me up and began strangling me! I wanted to struggle so badly but I preferred not falling on the ground. I ignored the part of my brain that said, "This is kind of nice…" That way laid madness and I had already come to realise I would be mad quite often for the next few years, maybe more…

She eventually let me down when we reached the kitchen and started speaking, her eyes beaming at me.

"Eleanor! Would you like to help me prepare some lunch for our guests?"

I was surprised, I wasn't expecting that but I said yes as I had nothing better to do. She began telling me where she had kept all the utensils and appliances. I knew how to cook relatively well. I stayed alone and I had to learn. I was no Master Chef but I was certainly an expert. I was very good at preparing sweets and cakes, they were my specialties.

She asked me to prepare everyone's tea and whether I knew how to cook or not.

"Eleanor, sweetie, do you know how to cook?"

"Yes, Aunt Ariana, I learned how to back at the orphanage." I answered in affirmative; it was a harmless lie that shouldn't be discovered.

My fingers twitched on seeing a gas oven appearing in front of me. I asked her whether I could bake some cake. She seemed to struggle for a few moments so I decided to slightly manipulate her.

"Please Aunt Ariana, it has been soo long since I last baked some cake… I really want to eat some…" cue pleading voice that made her coo at me.

She gave me permission to do so before signing and shaking her head in disbelief at what she had just done. I began preparing my signature chocolate cake; it was super sweet and would be thoroughly enjoyed by me.

I rubbed my hands in anticipation and was about to start until she pinched my cheeks and asked me to go put an apron over my clothes so they don't get dirty.

I wasn't some amateur that had no idea what they were doing in the kitchen?! My face must have reflected my thoughts because she smiled at me in amusement and I stomped over to get an apron from the cabinet that she pointed me towards.

I returned back and had to deal with her cooing over me for a few moments. I have never been so humiliated before in my known memory. Finally I began making my Chocolate Cake; it took me a while as I had not cooked for a long period of +10 years but I managed and soon we took the baked cake out of the oven and added the finishing.

Aunt Ariana just placed a few 'cooling' charms on it before heading out to tell Aberforth to invite the families for lunch. I just choose to practice outputting my magic in a steady manner. My control had decreased but I was swiftly on my way to the next level. It would take a while though.

Eventually when the guests had lunch with Aberforth and Aunt Ariana, they were about to leave for the test until I had the sudden impulse to go with them. I approached Aberforth with the intention to ask him whether I could accompany them to Gringotts for the test.

Aberforth naturally sensed me coming and greeted me, "Hello lass. You are settling in well?"

I answered in affirmative before asking him whether I could come with him to the test and awakening ritual. He thought for a few moments before shaking his head in negative.

He seemed genuinely regretful as he answered, "No can't do lass. Gringotts doesn't allow outsiders to enter without a purpose. You shouldn't worry about it! Al will definitely take you there tomorrow! It isn't anything special, just a normal ritual."

Sure… he can say that but to me, one who hasn't witnessed much magic, it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I pouted at him but he simply patted my head before heading out towards the families that were back at the park. I was once again left without anything to do, my cake still cooling and I had nothing better to do.

I decided to go back to the kitchen and make myself a few cups of tea. I had only begun to add the milk to my cup when I sensed a pulse of magic travel from the entrance of the mansion all the way throughout the house. It wasn't hostile or even friendly, just neutral magic that served as a signal…?

I was becoming curious so I headed towards the entrance, I saw Al standing there. He seemed unnaturally chipper, so much so that I thought he was about to start skipping in a moment.

He looked at me and smiled, his magic gently flowing in waves from him, radiating a presence that would capture anyone's attention. I could sense (Warmth-Joy) from him but not towards anyone in particular. So I could feel another person's mood as well even if it isn't towards me…

I naturally had to open my mouth, "Hello Profes-."

He abruptly interrupted me, "It's only Al when I am not teaching Eleanor."

I gave him a nod but inside I was embarrassed as who gave someone a nickname to call them by when barely knowing them for a few days?! I could only accept.

"Okay. Hello A- Al." I blushed slightly which amused him by his magic but at least he was smart enough to not show it. "Welcome home! Where did you go?" I was curious enough to ask despite my obvious embarrassment. He seemed to stiffen a bit at that, I only picked up on it thanks to my high observation skills.

I turned to walk back to the kitchen before tossing another offer, "Come have some tea. I am making some for myself."

I heard him making his way behind me, his magic seemed (Fond-Warm-Nostalgic) as he answered, "Hello Eleanor. It is good to be back…" his words had no change in tone whatsoever despite his obvious change in emotion, he continued, "I will trouble you then." probably referring to the tea.

"It is no trouble at all." I was quick to reassure him. "You have already done so much for me and a cup of tea is nothing."

He looked at me in consternation until he suddenly sat in front of me, on the ground. I was confused by his reaction.

He looks me straight in the eye exasperated by something I said perhaps… his magic gives off (Fondness-Confusion-Warmth) to me with regards to his emotions while giving off (Annoyance-Anger-Resolve) for me…

I am confused now, why is he acting like this? Everyone should pay their debts to the ones they owe them to. That is common sense isn't it?

"Eleanor… you do not owe us for providing for you. Even if we had not done this, the government would have definitely paid for the entirety of your education." He says this as if it is supposed to mean something.

I know that but they wouldn't have provided me or the children (orphans) with a home now would they? I wouldn't have all the comforts of good food and a home. I may even have gotten involved in the mundane side of WWII…

Ah… he considers me a child and not an adult yet thus I do not owe him anything. Whatever I say now will not matter to him; I should just nod and end this conversation for now. I can revisit this when I am physically older.

I open my mouth to speak the empty words I don't really believe in but he beats me by speaking of something else entirely.

He smiles before saying, "If you really want to repay us, then grow up safe and strong. Try to surpass me… I haven't had an equal till now… if you really want to pay me back, become my equal Eleanor." He states this with (Resolve-Expectation).

He is serious about this… I ask him to be sure, "Me becoming your equal will be enough? Are you sure? Such a trivial request?" I tease him as well equalling the solemnness on his face.

I sense his (Surprise) before he breaks into laughter. He smiles at me, (Fond-Fond-Amusement) rolling off his magic as he says, "Yes, it is only natural for a disciple to surpass the teacher. Do that and all debts will be instantly forgiven and repaid."

He proceeds to wait there, (Expectation) visible on both his features and emotions through magic for my declaration.

I can do that… no I can definitely do that. "Okay… wait for me then. In a few years, I will definitely surpass you." I am getting excited as well.

"I can wait for decades as long as you do not give up." He smiles with anticipation.

"Don't worry! I won't!" I affirm firmly.

He gives me a nod before smiling warmly at me and sitting at the table. I can't help the smile on my face as I head to the stove. He really managed to fire up the blood in my veins…

I pour him a cup of tea and I pass him some light bread to eat alongside him. He begins questioning me about whether I was successful at the assignments he gave me. I give him a nod before conjuring a few objects that are perfect from a first glance. He proceeds to examine them before giving me a thumbs up which makes my eye twitch. I am not some child that you give a thumbs up to signal good job…

He erases my conjurations while conjuring a few objects which he asks me to transfigure into different shapes and colours. I am, naturally, successful at the given tasks.

He begins to tell me about how he went to visit some old family friends that are like parental figures to them (he and his siblings). He refers to them as Nick and Perry which are both male names… I think… maybe friends of his father?

I just listen to him speak about different experiences that he has personally lived through.

"I have a Phoenix who just disappears in these few months; I would have loved to introduce you to him. You will most likely meet him before heading for your first year." He smiles fondly while speaking of him… he met Fawkes earlier in this world it seems.

As I silently listened to him speak about his adventures, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. It would be nice if I could have more days like this.

Chapter End.

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