Amortas did not care for the gratitude of the Longbottoms, and his decision to try to save them was not motivated by a desire to gain their gratitude, but simply because he admired Harry's depth of character, and also because Frank and Alice were both heroes of the war years, ultimately inspiring him to make the attempt.
He does not need anyone's gratitude, for he has already received enough reward from this treatment. The days until Voldemort returns to the magical world can be counted on one's fingers, and it is increasingly rare for his strength to improve.
"Well --"
Amortas looked at the Longbottoms with a gentle expression.
"What are your plans going forward?"
Frank and Alice looked at each other, and Frank said,
"Thanks to you and Dumbledore, Harry and I have had the chance to return to this beautiful world. So, we plan to take a walk around and see what changes have occurred in the magical world during the past thirteen years. Of course, before that, we will follow the doctor's advice and recover at St. Mungo's for a while. Our bodies are not yet ready to endure the journey."
"Should I help you request some leave from Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, Neville? Spend some time with your parents properly?"
Amortas looked at Neville and smiled.
"Oh, I'm afraid you won't be able to convince Professor McGonagall to give me a long leave of absence, Professor Breat,"
Neville shrugged.
"Of course, I cannot return to Hogwarts immediately now."
It's really different now.
Looking at the confident and composed young boy before him, even Amortas couldn't help but feel amazed.
The previous Neville was always timid when talking to him, burdened by heavy thoughts in his heart. Now, he has wiped away the layer of dirt on his soul and is shining brilliantly.
Amortas had a hunch that Neville would surprise everyone in the future.
"How so?"
Amortas looked at him with admiration and asked,
"What else is bothering you, Neville?"
"My wand, Professor."
Neville candidly revealed the secret he had been hiding all along,
"I've been using my father's wand, as my grandmother requested, hoping I could inherit his talent and bravery. But it's clear that my abilities don't match up to that wand."
Frank rubbed Neville's hair and said with a smile,
"Don't exaggerate, son. I'm quite certain that you will be more outstanding than me, and it's my wand that has held you back."
"Oh, well!"
Mrs. Longbottom spoke with a hint of disapproval, but she still smiled.
"I'm sorry, Neville. I shouldn't have imposed my will on you to use your father's wand. You and your father don't have to dance around me like this, blaming me!"
In light-hearted laughter, Alice went first to give Mrs. Longbottom a hug. Following suit, father and son did the same. Mrs. Longbottom's face showed some impatience, but she stood there unmoving.
"Oh, so that's the case..."
Amortas laughed heartily.
"While you were practicing magic in my spiritual world, I already noticed that your spiritual power and magic were no less powerful than other young wizards. But you always had difficulty controlling your magic... Ah, now I finally understand."
"I'm willing to bet that there are other professors who are frustrated by my idiocy."
Neville smiled confidently,
"But I believe that things will change once I get my new wand."
Frank, Alice, and Mrs. Longbottom were all looking at Neville with pride, while Amortas suddenly had a strange thought.
"It's like this..."
After a moment of thought, Amortas looked at the Longbottom family.
"May I speak with Neville alone?"
Frank and Alice were 'requesting' Neville to accompany them to buy a new wand when they heard Amortas say this, the conversation suddenly cut off, and the family looked a bit confused at Amortas.
"Just a little while," Amortas added with a smile.
At this moment, Amortas was certainly not going to talk to Neville about his school grades. Although confused, the Longbottom family would naturally not refuse Amortas' request. They quickly left the ward, and Alice even closed the door to the ward thoughtfully.
The ward, which was just filled with warmth, suddenly became quiet. Neville looked curiously and respectfully at Professor Breat, waiting for his instructions.
"Just now, when I heard about your plan to change your wand, Neville, I suddenly had an idea," Amortas said.
Thoughtfully, Amortas spoke slowly.
"I want you to think of it as me wanting you to follow a path that suits you better, or as my simple desire to try something new. Oh, I'm just trying it out because I think you're a good talent, Neville."
Neville blinked, but instead of asking any questions, he waited quietly. However, when he saw Professor Breat pull out a sword from a cloth bag that shimmered with silver blade light, Neville couldn't remain calm anymore.
Neville widened his eyes in surprise, staring at the sword. He naturally wouldn't think that Professor Breat was going to use the sword to cut himself, but there was only one possible explanation - he was going to give this sword to himself!
But why would Professor Breat give him a sword? He needed a wand, not. Oh!
Neville's expression of astonishment deepened. He shifted his gaze from the exquisite and beautiful silver sword to Professor Breat, truly needing an explanation now.
"Understood, Neville?"
Amortas praised Neville, noting that he had indeed become much more perceptive than before.
"I just guessed that you were planning to give me this sword."
Neville said honestly,
"But I don't understand what I can do with it, Professor, unless you want me to become a knight. But then I'd still need a horse, of course, a unicorn would be fine too, but unicorns are closer to ladies."
"Hmm, a knight?"
Amortas laughed and said,
"That profession has been outdated by the times, I certainly won't want you to develop in that direction, Neville."
Amortas threw the sword to Neville, and Neville instinctively caught it.
The moment the handle touched his hand, a warm feeling flowed into his palm, making Neville feel as if they were connected by a bloodline. He swung the silver sword a few times, surprised to find it extremely comfortable. But he still didn't understand.
"I've long discovered that your physical talent is superior to other young wizards," Amortas said solemnly, his expression changing slightly.
"This isn't just about your strong physique; your reaction ability is also exceptional, Neville. This makes it possible to realize an ancient yet novel form of dueling on your part."
Amortas spoke calmly,
"This sword is forged by gnomes from secret silver, it's not only extremely sharp but also possesses amazing magic."
It can withstand the attack of spells, and at the same time, it has the function of a wand, serving as a medium for casting spells. Of course, there is a difference in feel when using a secret silver sword to cast magic compared to a wand, and this is something you will need to explore on your own. I don't have enough experience to teach you."
Stopping for a moment, Amortas continued.
"I believe this sword can make the most of your physical talent. If you can master it, you will be able to create a unique style of dueling, magic and martial arts combined?"
Neville hesitated and nodded.
"I can roughly understand what you mean, oh, forgive me for being impolite, where did you get this sword, it is... indeed very comfortable"
"Oh, that's confidential--"
Amortas said with a smile,
"But I believe that the original owner definitely hoped that this sword would be passed on to a true Gryffindor."
(Chapter complete)
