Orion took a deep breath as he prepared to bring Credence to a place that he hadn't planned to visit for a long time—Hogwarts.
After everything Credence had been through, it was time for him to meet his family, to find the belonging he'd always wanted. It wasn't just out of the goodness of his heart either, right now Credenece needed someone who could look after him, and give him the family love that he deserved.
Orion once made the mistake of leaving him alone and he almost tore about New York.
Not gonna let that repeat itself.
Orion knew, however, that this visit could change the course of many lives and how the future might turn out, so he put his "John Wick" disguise back on. He couldn't afford for Dumbledore to know his true identity.
With a sweep of his hand, Orion opened a shimmering portal. He turned to Credence and gave him a nod. "Ready?"
For a few second he was just stunned seeing the portal connecting two different countries with amazement.
Credence looked nervous, his fingers clenched as he took a step forward. "I think so," he murmured, glancing at the portal with wide eyes. He took a deep breath and followed Orion through it.
On the other side, they found themselves just outside the vast grounds of Hogwarts. The castle loomed over them, its towers and turrets reaching into the misty sky, lights twinkling from its many windows. Credence stared up at it in awe, his mouth slightly open.
"This… this is Hogwarts?" he whispered.
Orion knowing the feeling smiled and nodded. "Yes. It's where Dumbledore teaches and where many great wizards have trained. It's also a place where you can feel safe." Orion placed a reassuring hand on Credence's shoulder. "Let's go."
They walked through the castle gates, moving quietly across the grounds. Orion kept a steady pace, glancing around to ensure they weren't drawing too much attention.
Unfortunately, the moment they entered the Hogwarts Ground, they attracted attention almost immediately. After all this place is a rig with all sorts of wards.
They only were able to enter becuase Orion bypassed the wards. Though this game him the entry, this also attracts attention towards them.
As they entered Hogwarts, Credence couldn't help but marvel at the castle's grandeur—the moving staircases, the enchanted portraits, and the flickering candlelight illuminating the stone corridors.
Orion saw many students and he couldn't help but smile at how lively it looked. He honestly can't remember the last time he behaved like this student when he was learning in Hogwarts.
After a few turns, they finally reached Dumbledore's office. Orion rapped gently on the door. After a pause, a familiar voice invited them in.
"Come in."
Dumbledore, actually was waiting for them, he of course noticed that someone suddenly entered the School and the wards didn't stop them. This alone was worrisome for him. But upon not sensing any malice on them, he didn't directly take any action.
However, he was ready nonetheless.
Orion pushed the door open, and there sat Albus Dumbledore, his eyes this time not twinkling like usual but holding a sharpness unusual of him, and there was something more, there was caution in them.
Orion knew why, they were the wards… he just kept his composure and entered the unfamiliar office.
Currently, Dumbledore wasn't the headmaster and thus his office was different, much smaller, with more books and less candies…
Dumbledore's gaze quickly shifted to Credence, who stood beside Orion, visibly nervous.
Within a second he saw who might have bypassed the wards. Something neither he nor Grindelwald could do.
He turned back to Orion, completely disregarding Credence even though his magic was also powerful.
However, what attracted Dumbledore's attention towards Orion was that he couldn't sense Orion's magic. And that was what made him nervous.
"Professor Dumbledore," Orion said respectfully, giving a slight nod. "This is Credence. There's something he'd like to share with you."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly, 'Wasn't you suppose to introduce yourself first' Dumbledore thought but didn't say anything and he gestured for Credence to take a seat.
Credence hesitated but eventually sat, still glancing nervously at Orion, who gave him an encouraging nod.
Gathering his courage, Credence looked directly at Dumbledore. "I… I don't know how to say this," he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "But… I was told that I'm… I'm a Dumbledore."
Dumbledore actually took some time to even process what he just heard and then he just blink his eyes as he leaned back in his chair, studying Credence with a thoughtful expression.
"I see," he murmured. Not even sure what else he is supposed to say, he wasn't expecting many things, like someone blackmailing him or threatening him or even having a offer for him but this…?
He looked down, considering his words carefully before continuing. "So, you were told this?"
Credence nodded, glancing quickly at Orion, who gave him a reassuring nod to go on. "Orio…
"Cough Cough* Apologies, I completely forgot to introduce myself, I am John Wick and this here is Credence Barebones…." Orion quickly stopped Credence from saying his real name. Maybe he shouldn't have told about his real identity to Credence just yet.
"Hmm John here… he told me. He said my father was… your brother." The last words came out as a near whisper, but they held a powerful weight.
Dumbledore hearing this look back at John first, not sure what he was thinking.
At first he just wanted to asked John why he think so but seeing the child looking at him nervously he refrain himself.
He has to talk with this John Wick alone later but right now, he rather deal with the matter at hands.
Dumbledore closed his eyes for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. When he opened them again, his gaze was filled with a warmth that Credence hadn't expected.
He was still very good at handling kids, even now.
"If that is true, Credence, then we have to find my brother and ask him. Family, in the wizarding world or any world, is something very precious."
A small, hopeful smile appeared on Credence's face, as if a weight he'd carried his entire life had just lifted. Dumbledore turned his gaze to Orion, instantly the warmth fading away, it felt like his blue eyes were glaring at him like he was just about to throw a killing curse at him.
Orion didn't care, he shamefully ignore the old greezer.
Dumbledore stood up, gesturing towards the door. "Come. Its just happens to be that I have my day off today, lets go and meet my brother, Aberforth."
xxx
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