Lanlock lay unconscious, his robes askew and posterior exposed—a testament to the interrogation he'd just endured. Despite resorting to what Tom would call 'unnecessary' measures, the two old wizards had ultimately relied on Legilimency.
"So, this 'ancient magic' possesses such potency?" Grindelwald mused, stroking his chin as he eyed the limp goblin. "And this 'emotional magic' – even a wretch like him could cultivate such a level…" His gaze was unreadable.
Dumbledore knew Grindelwald, perhaps better than anyone. He read the gears turning in his companion's mind. "Forget it, Gellert. That particular artifact is in Tom's possession now."
Dumbledore rolled his eyes, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "If you fancy trying to take it, be my guest. But after Ariana's morning constitutional, there will be an empty grave on the lawn for you to occupy."
"..."
Grindelwald's lips twitched in feigned helplessness. "I never suggested I harbored any designs on the wretched thing."
"Didn't you?" Dumbledore's half-moon spectacles glinted, his gaze knowing.
"Alright, alright, I admit to being... mildly intrigued." Grindelwald wore an expression of theatrical weariness. "But I'm not a complete simpleton, am I? I am supposedly on your side now, aren't I? A reformed character. Remember?"
Dumbledore merely chuckled. He knew Grindelwald better than the man knew himself. Any semblance of 'good behavior' stemmed purely from circumstance, not a genuine change of heart. Dumbledore suspected that if Tom hadn't been so adamant about eradicating the Inferi plague, Grindelwald would have happily embraced a darker path.
Tom is certainly the lesser of two evils. He's quite the handful, yet possesses no appetite for senseless chaos and effectively keeps others with malicious intent in check. No wonder he's Albus Dumbledore's favorite student…
"Ah, the sting of distrust! My heart aches!" Grindelwald clutched dramatically at his chest. "But enough of this. Albus, what's this about the so-called 'Guardians'?" Even if the objects guarded by these individuals were beyond his grasp, Grindelwald's fascination with ancient magic remained undiminished. The Guardians, allegedly, held the key.
"Interested in Ancient Magic, are we?" Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, conjuring a comfortable armchair. "Indeed, it is a most mysterious and formidable art."
"Are they connected to Hogwarts as well?" The fragmented memories gleaned from Lanlock hinted that perceiving 'traces' of ancient magic was crucial to its mastery. Perhaps further investigation would unveil alternative methods or even enable one to develop this perception later in life.
Grindelwald, for all his faults, possessed a scholar's dedication. He was confident that, even lacking this initial 'sight,' he could unearth a path to mastery. All that was needed was… proximity. And among those who wielded ancient magic, the Guardians seemed the most accessible, the most amenable to... persuasion.
"Don't even think about it. The portraits they left within the Hogwarts crypts were destroyed not long ago." Dumbledore gently stroked Fawkes, who perched serenely on his knee. "As for any others... I cannot say if they exist."
Grindelwald eyed Dumbledore, a flicker of resignation in his gaze. "You know that even with my expertise in the arcane, I am no match for young Tom, don't you? Surely a wizard may be allowed a harmless curiosity about the unknown?"
"Gellert, I harbor no suspicions, my dear." Dumbledore sighed, continuing to fuss over his phoenix. "I am merely stating what I know to be true… and you can hardly accuse me of prevarication."
"..."
Grindelwald remained silent, his frustration compounded by Dumbledore's frankness.
"Alright, alright…" Dumbledore, unable to bear his companion's half-hearted sulking, relented. "Tom possesses this knowledge, does he not? Seek tutelage from him. And if that approach proves unfruitful, are there not two founders still present within the school? Ancient beings themselves – surely they command ancient magic? You could always try to learn from them."
"There is that point…"
"So, I implore you; will you abandon this foolhardy quest, or will you pursue guidance from your associate?"
"Yes, of course I shall." Grindelwald capitulated, knowing that he could no longer rely on deception. Any attempt to manipulate Tom's thoughts would be swiftly and decisively punished. Ancient magic might indeed exist, but attempting to obtain it through devious means would likely result in a very unpleasant end.
"Then you are quite well-advised in your undertaking, though seeking guidance would be the wiser course."
"Al, you really ought to come with me." Grindelwald feigned trepidation. "Tom… that boy is far too intense for my liking. I'd feel so much safer with your presence."
Unfortunately for Grindelwald, Dumbledore was immune to such theatrics. "What utter nonsense! As a professor of this institution, how can I ask my own student for advice?!"
Were it any other student, Dumbledore would simply chuckle, bestow the mock title of 'Professor,' and humbly solicit guidance. But Tom was a unique case! Albus Dumbledore had to safeguard his remaining mantle of professorial authority!
"Sigh~ Look at you, so ancient and venerable, yet so unwilling to grow. What say you to a tea party, instead?"
Grindelwald knew Dumbledore's stubbornness intimately. "Tom believes you have no authority on the matter. Does it amuse you to fabricate delusions in your aged mind? When will you relent in your futile endeavoring in what is a losing argument?"
"…"
That last sentiment was wholly uncalled for.
Dumbledore lapsed into silence before sighing with weary resignation. "Very well, I will seek an audience with Godric Gryffindor. As a student from his own house, there is a reasonable certainty that he shall consider my query as valid."
"What of me, Albus?" Grindelwald's lips twitched. He shared no connection with either of the noble founders.
"Simply employ Tom as an opening gambit, then charm your way into their good graces." As he spoke, Dumbledore seemed to recall some private jest, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Or perhaps I shall appoint myself as your personal professor and enlighten you myself, once the time arrives."
"..."
Albus...is he truly so vindictive?
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