Bab 51: Albus Dumbledore
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As the Second World War came to an end, many weapon manufacturing warehouses in the United Kingdom found themselves unable to sell a significant number of weapons. Consequently, several factories faced bankruptcy, leading to the unemployment of their workers during a period of economic downturn. At Kings Cross station, a throng of people crowded the platforms, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a train.
Typically, those waiting for trains would station themselves as close as possible to the platform, ready to board promptly upon the train's arrival. However, two exceptions in this case stood out: a pair who positioned themselves not near any platform but between the ninth and tenth platforms. They stood closer to the first platform, their expressions revealing deep curiosity as they studied something on the wall.
Ordinarily, such peculiar behavior should have attracted the attention of others. Strangely, though, no one seemed to care. It was as if an inexplicable force compelled them to ignore the oddity of these two individuals.
At that moment, the young man engrossed in studying the wall turned to the person behind him and said, "Azazel, you possess space-manipulating abilities. How do you feel about visiting platform nine and three-quarters?"
These two individuals were none other than Ivan and Red Devil. They had previously arranged to acquire magical knowledge and had invested considerable sums to make contact with high-ranking British officials, who had granted them this unique opportunity for trade. According to the agreement, they were to meet their contacts at platform nine and three-quarters.
"I can sense spatial energy fluctuations on this wall. It appears to be a spatial node connecting to another place. We don't need to wait for someone to guide us. With my abilities, I can directly track and access this fluctuation," Red Devil replied to Ivan's query.
"No, Azazel, you must understand that our purpose here is to learn about magic. If I say something untoward, I'll ask them. In this case, we must show due respect and avoid displeasing the wizards. You understand, right?"
"Alright, I get it."
As the appointed time neared, the Red Devil couldn't help but feel a bit impatient upon seeing the people who came to meet them. He interpreted their delayed arrival as a sign of disrespect. In contrast, Ivan maintained a composed demeanor and didn't seem perturbed.
Before their arrival, Ivan had heard from Kerry that the British were eager to obtain research materials related to nuclear weapons. To strike a deal, they had even exerted pressure on the magical community, with the Queen of England herself inquiring about the matter. This naturally led to the wizards of the magical world feeling disgruntled. Unable to vent their frustrations on the British higher-ups, they would likely take out their frustrations on Ivan in various ways.
With one minute left before the agreed-upon time, a strange ripple suddenly appeared on the wall. Ivan immediately sensed it using his mental powers and committed this magical phenomenon to memory.
A figure emerged slowly from the wall, a person with long white curly hair and a beard, donning a pointed hat and holding an old wand—a typical wizard's attire. This individual approached Ivan with a smile.
Ivan recognized this person instantly. It was the headmaster of the renowned Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the most celebrated modern wizard in history, Dumbledore.
"You must be Dr. Ivan. While we've never met, I've certainly heard of your name. You're a world-renowned weapons manufacturing expert, and I'm here to escort you to the magical school. We're running a bit behind schedule due to school matters. I hope you understand," Dumbledore said, projecting a courteous demeanor.
Dumbledore extended his hand to Ivan in a modern handshake, bypassing the usual magical etiquette. It was evident that in his eyes, Ivan was not recognized as an expert in weapons manufacturing but rather perceived as someone who crafted instruments of death.
Ivan smiled, feigning ignorance of any oddity, and shook Dumbledore's hand. "Professor Dumbledore, you're not late at all. I arrived early. Having you, the renowned Dumbledore, personally welcome me is a great honor."
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed at Ivan's words. "Dr. Ivan, it seems you're quite knowledgeable about our magical world, even recognizing me as an old man."
"I've dabbled in it a bit. During my research, I came across some information about the magical world. I have a basic understanding of the greatest white wizard of modern times. I hope there's no misunderstanding."
"Of course not. Please, follow me."
Dumbledore turned toward the wall and tapped it with his wand, using a spell to transform it from a wizard-only passage into an ordinary wall. He then proceeded to walk through it. Ivan and the Red Devil followed suit, encountering no obstacles. They descended into darkness, only to emerge into a different dimension, a completely distinct magical world.
What first caught Ivan's attention was an old-fashioned steam train, continuously billowing black smoke from its chimney and emitting occasional whining sounds.
Guided by Dumbledore, the three of them boarded the train and entered a specially prepared carriage. There, they found an assortment of peculiar magical world foods. Upon realizing the contents of one small jar, the Red Devil's face contorted with anger, prompting him to make an impulsive move.
However, Ivan preemptively noticed the Red Devil's actions, restraining him. Without changing his expression, Ivan reached for a squirming cockroach from the jar, placed it in his mouth, and chewed it twice before swallowing.
"This cockroach candy is surprisingly delicious, Azazel. Would you like to try it?" Ivan said, grabbing a few cockroaches and offering them to the Red Devil.
Red Devil promptly declined, humorously remarking that despite Ivan's assertion that it was candy, the cockroaches looked entirely real and were still active, rendering them inedible.
"Dr. Ivan, is this genuinely candy? Why does it move like a living creature?"
"It's a simple magical animation technique. The world of magic is full of wonders. You'll have to adapt."
Despite Ivan's efforts to persuade him, Red Devil remained unfazed by the so-called cockroach candy. It was unexpectedly tasty.
Observing Ivan's nonchalance, Dumbledore became convinced that Ivan possessed substantial knowledge of the magical world, rendering his prior plans futile.
Initially, Dumbledore had introduced seemingly repugnant items like cockroach candy to gauge whether Ivan was aware of the situation. He had hoped that Ivan would perceive it as an insult and react angrily, allowing Dumbledore to teach him a lesson and potentially driving him away. However, it became apparent that this plan had failed.
Wizards have long been objects of fear worldwide. Throughout history, organizations dedicated to hunting wizards had formed, mainly comprised of ordinary individuals who were trained and equipped with weapons. While wizards possessed significantly greater power than ordinary people, their methods were far more mysterious. Single-handedly defeating a wizard was no easy feat, but the issue lay in the fact that wizards were vastly outnumbered by ordinary people. If one person couldn't contend with them, ten, a hundred, or a thousand could eventually wear down and defeat wizards. Hence, while wizards proclaimed their noble bloodline, they essentially remained at the mercy of ordinary people.
In response, wizards chose to cooperate with ordinary people to survive and thrive. Although wizards were regarded as mere legends among lower-level ordinary people who were oblivious to their existence, those at the upper echelons considered them an open secret rather than a closely guarded one.
As human technology advanced, especially with the introduction of firearms, the survival of wizards became increasingly challenging. A simple firearm could potentially kill a wizard, even in the hands of a child. Consequently, wizards had to conceal their abilities as much as possible while also seeking support from the British high-ranking officials. In return, wizards provided services that benefited the nation.
Just two days prior, Ivan had inquired about learning magic, prompting Dumbledore to partially unlock the Magic Academy's library. Initially, Dumbledore had refused, but intervention by the Queen of England herself had forced him to comply, albeit reluctantly. Frustrated by the turn of events, Dumbledore aimed to test Ivan by presenting him with seemingly unappetizing items like cockroach candy. However, the plan had backfired.
Now that it was clear Ivan possessed considerable knowledge of the magical world, Dumbledore abandoned these deceptive tactics and addressed him directly: "Dr. Ivan, since I've agreed to your request to learn magic, I won't hold back. The Magic Academy's library will be at your disposal. Nevertheless, there are some matters I'd like to emphasize. Magic is a very dangerous force, particularly dark magic. The library contains numerous forbidden spells. I hope you won't lose yourself to power. Furthermore, I'd like your assurance that you won't interact extensively with Hogwarts students in the meantime."
Ivan pondered briefly before responding, "There's no issue with that. My purpose here is to learn magic, and I have no interest in those youngsters. However, I'd like to know whom I should approach if I have questions about magic."
"You can come to me, and I'll personally guide you. I'll do my best to address any queries you have. I'd rather avoid any unpleasant interactions between you and my students."
"Of course, I'll abide by your instructions while I'm at the school. However, I can't be confined to the school permanently. When I'm in the wizarding world, I need to explore and purchase some unique items. You should understand that I can't be restricted in this regard."
After some contemplation, Dumbledore finally said, "I won't interfere with that, but keep in mind that the wizarding world is fraught with dangers. I hope you won't come to regret your decision."
"No matter what happens, I won't regret it. I look forward to a productive association."
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