Gellert asked, "What are the different types of mind arts?"
Val replied, "There are two: Occlumency and Legilimency."
Gellert responded, "There's another one besides Occlumency and Legilimency, the Split Mind Technique."
Val inquired, "The Split Mind Technique?" and thought, "But in the entire series, there are only two mind arts!"
Gellert explained, "The Split Mind Technique is one of my original techniques. It's used to cancel any spell and allows you to cast three to four spells simultaneously. With this mind technique, you can handle multiple opponents at the same time."
Val remarked, "As expected from the Grandpa!"
Gellert assured him, "I will teach you the Split Mind Technique after getting you a proper wand. For now, let's focus on Occlumency."
One and a half years later...
Gellert taught Valerius Occlumency and Legilimency. Within a year and a half, Valerius had reached an intermediate level of Legilimency and had built a protective Occlumency layer in his mind consisting of 17 main layers and 12 sublayers (17:12).
Valerius had devised this intricate shield after identifying the flaws in the standard Occlumency protection. Even the most famous mind masters, including Dumbledore, Snape, and Gellert, couldn't penetrate his mind anymore.
Carla arrived with her drawings, saying, "Grandpa, look at these new patterns I made using the stars. I analyzed all the constellations at night. Brother, aren't I amazing?"
Valerius patted her affectionately. "You're a genius, Carla," he thought, "If Mom were here, she would have taught her more about Astronomy. I will find our parents' murderers and make them pay, even if it was Dumbledore; I will never forgive him."
Carla felt elated because her brother always encouraged her; he meant everything to her.
Gellert chimed in, "Yes, you deserve a reward, Carla." He gave her some chocolate, explaining that it helped with quick magic regeneration, especially when prepared in a magical kitchen.
The castle fell into a long silence, with only Asher's cleaning echoing in the background.
Gellert eventually said, "Alright, Valerius, bring your father's wand from our family heritage room. Let's start practicing with our wands."
Carla questioned, "But Grandpa, you told Val not to use wands."
Gellert responded, "Yes, but now it's time for your brother to officially learn magic with a wand."
Carla cheered, "Yay! Brother is going to learn magic!" Gellert smiled brightly.
Valerius, consumed by vengeance, headed to the forbidden room to retrieve his late father's wand. He was well-acquainted with its specifications: Aspen and Blackthorn wood mixed, Thunderbird tail feather core, 14 inches in length, and a rigid flexibility with an elegant black finish.
Valerius returned with the wand, and Gellert examined it. After inspecting it, Gellert commented, "Val, it's an awesome wand, and it seems to have a genuine connection with you. Although it's rigid, make the most of this opportunity and complete your first-year books from Durmstrang. I'll use my connections to get you a custom wand."
Gellert handed Valerius books on Charms, Dark Arts, and Transfiguration and then proceeded to his office.
Valerius opened the Dark Arts book and read the instructions carefully. He then attempted his first spell, "Incendio."
Valerius stood on the training grounds, ready to cast the spell non-verbally. He pointed his wand at a dummy and thought, "INCENDIO!" However, it didn't work initially. He persisted, casting the spell repeatedly until blue flames finally burst forth from his wand uncontrollably. The flames were erratic and destructive, and Valerius even broke a glass window trying to contain them.
Gellert rushed to the training grounds and used Priori Incantatem to stop the flames.
Valerius eventually learned to control his powers, but in the process, he suffered a severe injury. The castle was filled with a mysterious cry from outside, one that Gellert recognized as the cry of a Phoenix.
Gellert exclaimed, "A Phoenix?" and thought, "What's it doing here? It's not Fawkes; it's blue-black in color. Is it Val's?"
Valerius looked at Gellert in shock, asking, "A Phoenix?"
Gellert observed a severe burn mark on Valerius's hand, and the blue Phoenix, matching Valerius's size, levitated in front of him.
Gellert inquired, "Show me your wound, Val."
Valerius complied, and the Phoenix sat on his hand, dropping tears into the wound. The wound disappeared as if it had never existed.
Valerius asked the Phoenix, "How did you appear here?"
A symbol appeared where the tears had fallen—a burning blue feather.
The Phoenix cried once more, and Valerius inquired, "Did you choose me because I'm not a Dumbledore?"
The Phoenix replied, "The Dumbledore family has a contract with a commoner-level race. We are Royalty, and the universe has informed our entire race about the prophecy. Until now, everything was fate."
Valerius contemplated, "Fate, huh?"
The Phoenix continued, "We are now bonded, and I must follow you for eternity until your death."
Valerius wondered, "Are you sad about having to follow me?"
The Phoenix answered, "At first, yes, but after witnessing your talents, I want to see the changes you will bring to this world."
Valerius asked, "Would you like a snack?"
The Phoenix declined, saying, "No, I ate a snake before coming here."
Valerius accepted this and continued his magical training. After a few hours of effort, he was able to successfully perform spells like Lumos and different versions of Incendio.