From Azkaban

Dumbledore chuckled, but this time his words made Locke raise his eyebrows and the smile on his face became even bigger.

"You can't say that. Everyone knows that Headmaster Dumbledore has always been at the forefront of magic. When I was outside, I read a lot of the various papers and discoveries you published in recent years. Each of them is far beyond that of ordinary wizards, so your words are too modest."

Locke's answer surprised Dumbledore a little. He didn't expect that Locke had actually read the paper he had sent out.

"Is Professor Cazier also concerned with Transfiguration?" This was the first sincere question Dumbledore asked after Locke came in.

From Professor McGonagall's report, Dumbledore already knew that Locke was a master who could cast spells without a wand.

But he originally thought that Locke specialized in alchemy and potions. After all, Locke was introduced by Severus as a master of potions and alchemy.

But now listening to Locke's words, it is obvious that he has also studied Transfiguration. You know, those papers he sent out are all top-notch. Although there is not much useful information, if you want to read them, the required level of Transfiguration is not low at all.

"Of course, Transfiguration is our specialty subject at Hogwarts. As a student of Hogwarts, how could I not know it?"

It was all talk and no action. There was no need for Dumbledore to say anything, and Locke did not make any moves. Everything within a meter around him began to transform into various things.

Alive, dead, looking dead but able to move, constantly applying deformation to the same object.

"Merlin! It's unbelievable how old he is!"

"This kind of transformation is simply..."

"Genius, a true genius!"

As Locke demonstrated, Dumbledore hadn't said a word yet, but the portraits of past headmasters who had been pretending to be dead on the wall could no longer pretend, and they all started shouting with exaggerated expressions.

Volume 1: Chapter 114: Curtain Call

"Quiet, principals, please be quiet!"

The shouting of successive headmasters filled the entire headmaster's office. For a moment, Dumbledore and Locke could no longer hear any other sounds. Dumbledore, whose head was aching from the noise, could only speak out to stop them.

"Albus, you have no right to stop us from speaking." A male headmaster spoke. Locke turned his head and recognized who this guy was at a glance.

Phineas Nigellus Black, a member of the Black family and the great-great-grandfather of Sirius Black, is known as the most unpopular headmaster in the history of Hogwarts and was also the headmaster during the Hogwarts Legacy period.

"That's right, I have no power, but Principal Black, I am now the incumbent principal of Hogwarts. I have sovereignty over the principal's office, and right now, I need a quiet environment."

After saying this, Dumbledore raised his hand, and the next moment, all the headmasters' portraits became silent.

Dumbledore would definitely not do this under normal circumstances, but now it is different. As Locke shows his strength, the situation of this conversation has completely changed.

"It's really... an amazing Transfiguration. I never thought that in addition to alchemy and potions, Professor Cazier's achievements in Transfiguration are also so impressive."

Dumbledore looked at Locke. Although his expression was still easy-going and relaxed, Locke could see that Dumbledore's smile was no longer as relaxed and casual as before.

But it's normal, this is exactly what Locke wants. Many times, proper display of muscles is very necessary.

He, Locke Cazier, is not some powerless hot-blooded comic protagonist who can only rely on his mouth.

He didn't want to become an enemy of Dumbledore, only because it was too cost-effective, not because he couldn't win.

So there was no need for him to engage in any nonsense arguing with Dumbledore. He could just state his intentions directly.

Let Dumbledore know that Locke Casimir is not a young man who can be manipulated by him.

Dumbledore obviously understood this problem, so he changed his attitude towards Locke. He no longer regarded him as a young junior as before, but as a wizard equal to himself.

Since it is an equal relationship, the way of communication needs to change.

A lot of thoughts went through his head. Looking at Locke who modestly said that he was still far from being good enough, Dumbledore did not beat around the bush to test him this time. Facing a wizard of the same level, those tests were completely unnecessary.

"Professor Kazir, I have agreed to the conditions you proposed to Minerva. I just don't know if Professor Kazir is willing to let an old man like me take advantage of your fame?"

The situation was somewhat out of the control of the old White Lord, which made him almost subconsciously take remedial measures.

"Oh! Then I am very welcome to you. With you, the greatest wizard of this era and the greatest headmaster in the history of Hogwarts, joining us, the development of the magic network will surely be smoother."

Of course Locke knew what Dumbledore was planning, but Dumbledore didn't know. His behavior was exactly what Locke wanted to see, so naturally he couldn't refuse.

It’s good for him to join. Locke is worried that he won’t join.

But that is impossible. Locke has an innate advantage in intelligence, and Old Deng will inevitably sneak in on his own without intending to.

"Thank you, Professor Kazir. I will talk to the other professors about this matter later."

Looking at Locke with a smile on his face, Dumbledore also returned the same smile, and it seemed that they were having a very pleasant conversation.

After that, while magical science continued to be an independent new subject, it was still an elective course. However, after the restriction on first and second grades was lifted, Locke continued to talk with Dumbledore for a while.

In any case, Dumbledore is one of the top wizards of this era. Although his brain is rotten, the knowledge in it is solid, so Locke has long wanted to discuss magical knowledge with him.

The two chatted a lot about transfiguration and other aspects of magic in an equal manner. After the conversation, both of them benefited a lot.

Dumbledore's personal insights and understandings brought by his profound accumulation of knowledge opened up many new ideas for Locke, and Locke's wild and unconstrained views and perspectives also opened Dumbledore's eyes.

After this profound academic exchange, Dumbledore's view of Locke became much more positive.

"Locke Cazier..."

In the headmaster's office, Locke had already left. Dumbledore sat in the headmaster's chair again and thought, without touching the taboo written on the portraits of previous headmasters.

"Maybe I'm really old. Or maybe I should ask someone for help... No, let's wait and see. At least I can solve the problem at hand first..."

Dumbledore's thoughts drifted to Nurmengard, but he was quickly pulled back. Thinking of the news he got from Locke, Dumbledore stood up and left the headmaster's office.

After a while, Dumbledore pushed open the door of the Room of Requirement and walked into a room filled with countless things.

The world-weary heart writes the postscript of the eagle's successor

Just when Dumbledore entered the Room of Requirement to look for Ravenclaw's Diadem according to the information given by Locke, he also contacted Sirius, Lucius and Rodolphus through the magic network in Locke's office.

"Sirius, this is all I can tell you. If you want to know more, go back to your elf and ask him according to the information I gave you. He will give you the answer."

Deep in the magic network, in the exclusive space of the Round Table Council, Locke looked at Sirius, whose face was full of disbelief, his head lowered, his eyes constantly moving, and his eyes changing, but he still didn't tell him everything.

The locket was in Kreacher's hands, and it would be better for Sirius to find out all this himself.

"Remember, send the registered locket to me. As for the rest, tell me when you have made your decision. Remember."

After saying that, Locke took the initiative to disconnect Sirius from the magic network and turned to look at Lucius and Rodolphus.

"You know about the Horcruxes. Send the diary to Hogwarts. Remember, do not come into contact with it."

"Yes, sir. I will hurry back to the manor."

Lucius was in a panic at this moment. He never imagined that the diary was one of Voldemort's Horcruxes.

"Well, you too, Rodolphus. Find some time to come back and take out the golden cup. If those goblins don't cooperate, you know what to do."

"I understand sir, please don't worry."

After saying that, Locke withdrew from the magic network. Seeing Locke's withdrawal, Lucius and Rodolphus nodded to each other and disappeared at the same time.

"It's time to prepare for your final bow, Lao Fu."

In the office, Locke, who had exited the magic network, had a calm expression. He had been ignoring Voldemort before only because he still had value, and now, he was about to realize his final value.

Hogwarts will be one of Locke's focuses in the future, and he doesn't want to see Voldemort, the rural terrorist, jump out to intimidate students.

Volume 1: Chapter 115: Old Guy

In Knockturn Alley, on the top floor of the central building, Lucius, who had exited the magic network, quickly arranged things and hurried back to Malfoy Manor.

Like him, there was Sirius, who hurried back to the Black family mansion from the werewolf village, and Rodolphus, who rushed back from France as soon as possible.

While the three were collecting Voldemort's Horcruxes according to Locke's arrangement, at Hogwarts, Dumbledore pushed open the door of the Room of Requirement and walked out with a box.

"Oh!"

The door of the Room of Requirement closed and quickly disappeared. Dumbledore, who was standing in front of the door, raised the box in his hand with a slightly serious expression.

"Ravenclaw's Diadem"

In this box is the treasure passed down by Rowena Ravenclaw, the first founder of Hogwarts, the Ravenclaw Crown, which is said to increase the wisdom of the wearer.

Just now, Dumbledore successfully found the lost treasure in the Room of Requirement according to the information given by Locke.

It’s just a pity that since he really found this treasure in the Room of Requirement, it proves that Locke was right.

"Did you really split your soul into seven parts, Tom..."

To be honest, even Dumbledore was shocked by Voldemort's madness at this moment. He took the initiative to split his soul into seven parts. This behavior was unprecedented.

"Tom..."

To be honest, when Locke told Dumbledore the news about Voldemort's Horcrux, he didn't fully believe it. After all, it sounded too crazy and twisted.

But now, feeling the strong breath of dark magic and curse coming from the Ravenclaw Diadem in the box, Dumbledore fell silent.

"Alas...I was wrong after all."

Dumbledore thought of a lot of things at once, including the promise he made to Grindelwald, the death of his sister, and the break with him in order to stop Grindelwald.

Moving forward in time, Dumbledore thought of the first time he met Tom Riddle at the Wood Orphanage.

At that time, he set a wrong example from the very beginning. He did not guide the other party like a qualified teacher, but instead tried to make the other party believe in submission by showing strength.

Looking back at that time now, Dumbledore couldn't help but wonder, if he had not done that at the time, if he had changed his approach, would the result have been different?

"........."

Dumbledore stood there in silence for a few seconds, and quickly put the question aside.

After all, he was not a mediocre person. He knew very well that the past could not be changed, and the self-questioning for a few seconds was only a chain of memories triggered by the shock brought by the news of the Horcrux.

This includes not only Tom Riddle, but also Grindelwald, his sister. That is...his real regret and remorse...

"Locke Cazier..."

Breaking away from the emotional memories of the past, Dumbledore thought of Locke again. He knew that it was time for him to make a choice again.

But compared to the past, he couldn't help but become hesitant now. Past failures were like a stumbling block, making him worry uncontrollably, wondering whether he could really make the right choice this time.

After all, Locke Casimir was also a wizard who was no less powerful than him, which meant that the situation was no longer something he could control as he wished.

Once a choice is made, the subsequent results are no longer something he can control or influence.

"Really? Can't you just let an old man like me retire peacefully?"

Faced with this difficult choice, Dumbledore finally decided to solve the most important issue first. His old and tall figure walked through the corridor, and his voice with a hint of helplessness echoed in the corridor.

After a while, Dumbledore returned to the headmaster's office. Looking at the portraits of past headmasters on the wall who were winking at him, he remembered that he seemed to have not yet lifted the ban on them.

"I'm so sorry, principals. This guy's memory is getting worse as he gets older."

Raising his hand to lift the ban, Dumbledore apologized with an embarrassed smile.

"What a genius! The future of wizards needs young people like this to explore."

"Yeah, I think so too. Magic technology, perhaps this is a brand new path for wizards."

"................"

However, contrary to Dumbledore's expectations, the unblocked headmasters did not speak to him, but sighed to themselves.

"Do all the principals think so?"

Hearing the high evaluation and expectations that successive headmasters had for Locke, Dumbledore had an idea and thought that perhaps he could listen to their opinions.

"Of course, Dumbledore, to put it bluntly, as you said yourself, you are already very old. Even if wizards live long, you don't have much time left. And the future of wizards does not lie in the hands of old guys."

"Yes, Dumbledore. As an old elder, you shouldn't be wary of outstanding young people. You should accept them, help them, and do what an elder should do."

"You said it yourself, the future belongs to the young. How can an old man like you who is about to die stand in front of the young? Haven't you already seen the situation that wizards and the magic world will face in the future?"

Perhaps it was because they were previously silenced by Dumbledore, but now the headmasters of all generations speak very directly and sharply.

"Yes, Dumbledore. There have never been any talented juniors before, so there was nothing wrong with your approach. But things are different now. Professor Cazier may be the man of destiny who will lead wizards into a new era. You should help him for the future of wizards."

The headmasters of all generations kept giving advice to Dumbledore one after another.

"Honestly Dumbledore, if I were the headmaster and saw such an outstanding young wizard come out of my school, I would definitely be very happy, but I wouldn't be like you."

Finally, as Principal Black finished speaking, the successive principals gradually shut their mouths.

They said so much not to vent, of course, they just wanted to convey their thoughts to Dumbledore.

They are all capable of being headmasters. None of them are stupid. They can all see Dumbledore's hesitation, so they said so much.

However, there was a limit to the expression of such opinions, so successive headmasters tacitly agreed not to say too much, and would stop talking after they finished speaking, giving Dumbledore a quiet environment to think.

"despair"

Dumbledore, who was lost in thought because of the speech given by Acting Headmaster Lee, walked to the headmaster's desk, put down the box containing the Ravenclaw diadem in his hand, then turned around and sat down on the chair behind the desk.

Dumbledore sat like this for nearly twenty minutes. Suddenly, he reached out, opened a drawer, and looked down.