Chapter 71: Conversation
"So why would the vampires want to resurrect him?" Phineas asked, still puzzled.
Dumbledore shook his head. "They don't. They seek his blood to break the curse's restrictions—specifically, the one preventing lower vampires from casting magic."
Understanding dawned on Phineas.
The reason vampires were dismissed as lesser beings in the wizarding world was their limited spellcasting ability. Higher vampires couldn't be turned through conventional means, making wizard-born vampires exceptionally rare.
That's why we were shocked when those chasing us could cast spells.
And it explained why the vampires had risked so much to infiltrate Hogwarts—even sacrificing their elites—to capture him.
So the magic circle I passed through wasn't for teleportation… but for breaking the curse?
Dumbledore continued, "We located the castle where you were held. The circle you activated was part of the vampires' ritual—though I don't yet know how you triggered it."
That also clarified why the vampires had fought so desperately to stop Phineas from reaching the room.
"Can you tell me how you activated the circle?" Dumbledore's gaze was piercing.
Phineas sighed, raising his right hand to reveal the ring on his little finger.
"Because of this."
He didn't elaborate. He didn't need to. Dumbledore's slight nod confirmed he recognized it—and likely possessed one himself.
"Ravenclaw's ring…" Dumbledore murmured. "Then, Phineas, I have one more question."
"Ask, Professor."
"Where did you learn Sectumsempra? Did Lucius teach you?"
Phineas stiffened. His wand must've been examined with Priori Incantatem—otherwise, they wouldn't know he'd cast Snape's signature spell.
And Snape's the one who told Dumbledore. Otherwise, Lucius wouldn't have been mentioned.
"Lucius didn't teach me," Phineas said carefully. "I learned it from a sixth-year Potions textbook in the classroom cupboard. The owner called himself the 'Half-Blood Prince.'"
Dumbledore studied him for a long moment, visibly resisting the urge to use Legilimency. "I'll look into it."
"Professor," Phineas added, "you have my word—I'm not your enemy. Oh, and if you're searching for the blood vial, I hid it in Ravenclaw's alchemy lab. The Room of Requirement might… surprise you too."
Dumbledore paused, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I'll investigate."
As he left, Madam Pomfrey stormed in, her voice sharp.
"Who let you eat biscuits? Your stomach can't handle solids yet! Was it Dumbledore?"
Phineas nodded weakly.
"DUMBLEDORE!"
Her roar echoed down the corridor. Phineas shuddered.
Note to self: Never cross Madam Pomfrey.
---
Two Days Later
Phineas was finally released—though in his opinion, he'd been ready to leave the day after waking up. Madam Pomfrey had insisted on an extra day of "observation," only relenting after exhaustive checks.
Thanks to saving the Weasley twins, his standing at Hogwarts had improved—except in Slytherin. But after half a year, he'd grown used to their cold shoulders.
What truly bothered him was the timing of his kidnapping. He'd missed two weeks of classes.
Not that he cared about the lessons. But no classes meant no extra credit. No extra credit meant no House points. And no House points meant—
No unlocking the academy chest. No library pass. No new spells.
"Phineas!"
Two identical voices rang out behind him. Fred and George Weasley jogged to catch up.
"You're alright, then?"
"Shouldn't you two be in class?" Phineas raised an eyebrow.
The twins grimaced in unison.
"Oh, don't—"
"—don't turn into Percy."
"'Skipping tarnishes Gryffindor!'"
"'A disgrace to the Weasley name!'"
"'I'll write to Mum!'"
They mimicked their older brother's priggish tone perfectly.
Phineas laughed. "So you are skipping."
"You won't snitch, right?"
"Percy's bad enough."
"Mum would have our heads."
Phineas slung an arm around each twin's shoulders. "Of course not. But I am curious—how'd you manage to sneak a chocolate toilet seat into the hospital wing? It was revolting. And inedible."
Fred and George gaped at him.
"Merlin's beard—"
"—you didn't try to eat it, did you?"
"That was a real toilet seat—"
"—just charmed to smell like chocolate!"
"If you bit into it—"
"—please don't breathe on us."
Phineas recoiled in horror. He'd almost taken a bite, deterred only by the shape.
Ron Weasley… I finally understand your suffering.
"Enough," he muttered. "I'm heading to the Great Hall for dinner. Coming?"
Fred clutched his chest dramatically. "A Slytherin inviting us?"
"To be seen together—"
"—in public?"
They grinned identically.
"The scandal! We have to."