#71 - Chapter 71 We Go to Nurmengard
"Not enough funds?"
That's exactly what I was waiting for you to say.
If you had enough funds, I wouldn't even know how to bring up the following matter.
"Don't worry, Headmaster," Sebastian said confidently, "I'm willing to invest in the school."
"Ten thousand Galleons."
"What do you think?"
Hearing Sebastian's guarantee, Dumbledore beamed.
Ten thousand Galleons would be enough to implement the work-study program for at least a year.
Otherwise, he would have to worry about not being able to pay the professors' salaries.
Before he could say anything, he saw a very mercenary smile appear on Sebastian's face, which made his heart suddenly sink.
That smile was a little familiar...
It was exactly the same as when this guy asked him to learn spells last school year.
"Headmaster," Sebastian said with a greasy smile, "Considering that I'm making such a large investment in the school."
"Could you do me a small favor?"
That's bad!
He's coming for me.
But the ultimate skill has already been taught.
I should have held back a little...
Dumbledore remained calm and asked calmly, "Tell me about it."
"Headmaster, I just want to meet Gellert Grindelwald through you."
Hearing this familiar name, Dumbledore's eyes glazed over for a moment. His eyes became distant and hollow, as if touching those long-sealed memories.
Gellert?
What does this young man want to do with Gellert?
Could it be related to the 'Statute of Secrecy'?
Thinking of what he and Gellert had worked on together when they were young, Dumbledore's heart sank slightly.
The smile on his face disappeared, and he leaned forward slightly, exuding a sense of oppression.
Sharp eyes stared straight at Sebastian through the half-moon glasses on his nose.
"I need to know the reason, Sebastian."
In just an instant, Sebastian felt like he was being stared at by a beast.
This feeling was like coming to a lion that was dozing with its eyes closed.
His movements had just aroused the lion's vigilance, and it stood up, staring at the prey in front of it, making preparations to hunt.
"The reason is very simple," Sebastian said calmly, staring straight into Dumbledore's eyes, "I want to learn his spell—Fiendfyre."
"I've heard about the great fire in Paris decades ago, and I'm very interested in this powerful spell."
"I want to see Grindelwald and learn this spell from him."
Hearing Sebastian's answer, Dumbledore's eyes instantly became heavy and complex.
"Sebastian," Dumbledore said in a low voice, "Fiendfyre is an extremely dangerous magic, and the power it touches cannot be easily controlled."
He looked directly at Sebastian, his eyes full of earnestness and worry.
"Why do you want to learn this kind of dark magic?"
"Sebastian, you are already excellent enough, even I can say that I was not as good as you at your age."
"Excessively pursuing powerful spells and excessively indulging in power will only slowly lose your mind."
"No, Headmaster, you misunderstood! I am not addicted to power."
Sebastian quickly spoke, stopping Dumbledore's long speech.
"I think there is nothing wrong with power itself, it is always the person who uses it who is wrong."
"In the later stages of the Second Wizarding War, Aurors also began to use the Killing Curse to attack Death Eaters, didn't they?"
"We can't always say that those Aurors are bad people, can we?"
A meaningful smile appeared on Sebastian's face.
"I have always believed in a concept, that is, not having a wand in hand and having a wand but not using it are two completely different concepts."
"So, for this powerful spell, I would rather learn it and not use it than add it to my collection."
"Moreover, compared to the Fiendfyre spell itself, I am more interested in the knowledge behind that spell."
Sebastian's expression was sincere, and he did not avoid Dumbledore's sharp gaze at all.
"I feel that as long as I understand that knowledge, my strength will definitely be able to reach a new level."
Fiendfyre is a group attack magic that can distinguish between enemies and friends, and Sebastian is determined to get this spell!
He didn't lie either. His interest in the knowledge behind that spell was indeed far greater than the spell itself.
The reason for coming to Dumbledore today was firstly to show his respect for him, and secondly, if he could have Dumbledore's company, Grindelwald might be more willing to talk.
After all, he and Grindelwald were not relatives or friends, and the other party could completely reject all his requests.
Seeing Dumbledore's silent appearance, Sebastian continued.
"Headmaster, Voldemort may make a comeback at any time, and we must seize every opportunity to improve our strength."
"If we don't completely eliminate him, the magical world will completely live in his shadow."
"How can we talk about the future if this continues!"
After listening to Sebastian's sonorous words, Dumbledore fell into deep thought.
After Dumbledore's careful observation, he found that in the process of talking to him, Sebastian's eyes were always extremely clear, without the slightest madness of being addicted to power.
His will was very firm, and he didn't seem like someone he could persuade.
In that case, instead of letting this little guy secretly meet Gellert without his knowledge.
It would be better to go with him in person and keep all the situation in hand.
Thinking of that familiar figure in his mind, Dumbledore sighed slightly in his heart.
Gellert...
It's been a long time since I saw you.
Seeing Dumbledore's brows relax slightly, revealing a hint of interest, Sebastian increased the bargaining chip.
"How about this, to show my sincerity."
Sebastian said heroically: "Thirty thousand Galleons! This is my investment in the school."
"This is not about the money..."
Dumbledore said helplessly.
This little guy, why is he always like this?
He's not the kind of person who is blinded by money.
But...
Thirty thousand Galleons is indeed tempting.
With this money, he wouldn't have to worry about the funding for the work-study program for a long time.
He hesitated and said with a frown.
"Even if we go to Nurmengard, I can't guarantee that Gellert will teach you."
"And the Austrian Ministry of Magic is also very troublesome..."
Trouble?
Isn't this equivalent to the 'this matter is not easy to handle' in the mouths of Muggles.
I'm too familiar with this excuse.
You can just say that Grindelwald is your beloved friend, your brother.
He held out five fingers to Dumbledore.
"Fifty thousand Galleons!"
Sebastian was full of confidence.
This is fifty thousand Galleons, I don't believe old Dumbledore won't be moved.
With this money, he wouldn't have to worry about the funding for the work-study program for at least five years.
Even for the sake of the students, you have to agree to the previous proposal.
Sure enough, Dumbledore only hesitated slightly before nodding heavily.
"Okay, I will help you persuade Gellert. As for the Austrian Ministry of Magic, you don't have to worry about it."
Seeing that the goal was finally achieved, the corners of Sebastian's mouth turned up, revealing a satisfied smile.
However, he didn't know if it was an illusion, but he always felt that Dumbledore showed a hint of resentment between his brows after hearing about the 50,000 Galleons.
Sebastian was a little confused.
Could it be that Grindelwald's appearance fee is higher, making Dumbledore a little jealous?
Before Sebastian could think about it, he saw Dumbledore stand up and let Fawkes fly to his shoulder.
Dumbledore raised his arm and smiled at Sebastian.
"Let's go, we're going to..."
"Nurmengard!"
......
...
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