Armando Dippet pretended not to hear and turned his face away, unwilling to engage with him.
For his successor Dumbledore, who cleaned up his messes, Dippet was willing to admit his mistakes and warn him not to repeat them; but facing Black, who often ridiculed him, Dippet just wanted to kick that nuisance into a pit and bury him.
Phineas Black being listed as the most unpopular headmaster was not without reason.
Another headmaster, Evra, also said gently, "I think they have a point, Dumbledore. Why not take this chance to prevent him from getting involved with those Dark Wizards?"
Dumbledore paused for a moment and then asked, "Phineas...if it were you...if you were asked by elders not to touch Dark Magic in your youth, would you obediently listen?"
"Hmm? Of course not!" Phineas said flamboyantly, under the disdainful gazes of the other headmasters, "I'd surely agree outwardly but secretly learn it!"
Uplasia Moore couldn't help saying, "Actually, I've wanted to ask this since I was alive—Black, why didn't you go to Durmstrang?"
"Isn't it obvious? Because it's too cold there! And too strict, not an enjoyable school." Phineas Black said naturally.
Other headmasters started to expose his flaws: "You were very strict when you were headmaster!"
"You wouldn't even allow students to comment on Hogwarts' management style, remember?"
"You favored Slytherin! Other houses didn't like you!"
"So what?" Phineas Black pretended to clean his ears and said nonchalantly, "I'm a Slytherin! If I don't love Slytherin, should I love Gryffindor?"
"Dumbledore, manage this Dark Magic enthusiast!" protested a red-haired headmaster.
Dumbledore smiled peacefully and explained to the other headmasters: "I actually understand that desire and pursuit of the unknown. Even if this time I can stop Vid from touching Dark Magic, can I completely prevent Grindelwald from contacting my students?"
"If Vid becomes curious about Dark Magic in the future and touches knowledge he shouldn't, causing problems in himself...he can seek help from me under normal circumstances."
"But if my current attitude is firmly against Dark Magic, he's likely to hide his state from me and turn to even more dangerous people."
"So, I can't be too strict," Dumbledore said slowly, "because I don't want to miss a possible chance to save him in the future."
Headmaster's Office fell into a long silence.
After a while, the headmasters started speaking one after another—
"You're exhausting yourself this way." Phineas Black muttered, "Luckily, I'm already dead."
"Since you've made your decision, we'll surely support you." Dilys Derwent said gently.
"I hope that child doesn't disappoint your intentions." Evra said, closing his eyes.
"Albus..." Armando Dippet said emotionally, "Sometimes I feel that a person's future might be determined at birth."
The headmasters closed their eyes one by one, and soon there were low snores.
This time they seemed truly asleep.
Dumbledore stood by the window, gazing into the distance, as if his sight penetrated the scene and fell onto some unseen place.
...
Phoenix Fawkes left after bringing Vid home, and Vid stood at the door, seeing his parents through the window sitting on the couch, sorting through a pile of newspapers and letters.
He unconsciously quickened his pace, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth, and walked over to knock on the door. The door was pulled open suddenly after two knocks.
"Vid?!"
Fiona exclaimed in surprise, spreading her arms wide and hugging Vid tightly.
"I'm back, Mom."
Vid felt the hot tears falling on his neck, and tilted his head, speaking softly.
Ferdinand followed to the door quickly, excitement flashing across his face when he saw Vid. But soon, he frowned, lost in thought.
Then, he pulled his wife off Vid, pulled her behind him, narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked probing and scrutinizingly at the boy in front of him.
"Vid...are you really Vid?"
Vid sighed, nodding: "Of course it's me, Dad. Do you need me to say two things to prove myself?"
"Certainly not, I can't mistake my son!"
Fiona wiped away her tears, somehow pulling out a flashy, childish scarf, and handed it over, saying: "This is the scarf Mom knitted for you. Try and see if it's the right length."
Vid was about to be touched as he reached for it, but upon seeing the childish pattern like a Christmas gift, he pulled back his hand, asking with a frown: "Is it really for me? There's not a simpler color?"
Fiona burst into laughter, pushed away her husband and hugged Vid again, saying happily: "This reaction...definitely Vid!"
Vid: "..."
—I thought moms wouldn't mistake their sons?
Ferdinand couldn't stop the smile tugging at his lips, but his body seemed to lose all strength, leaning against the door, unable to move his feet.
Feeling his parents' silent panic and worry, Vid sighed and raised his hand to embrace his mother, saying again, "I really came back, Mom."
...
Once emotions settled, the family sat on the couch by the fireplace, listening to Vid recount this experience.
"...Grindelwald wanted to use the Flow Mirror to promote their ideas, so he took the opportunity to take me away. Over there, apart from not being free to leave or contact others, I actually received decent treatment."
Vid showed himself, saying: "Look, don't I seem a bit chubbier than before? German food is more flavorful and varied than British food, although I don't like mustard; sour cabbage is alright."
Fiona laughed and cried as she patted him lightly: "You child, kidnapped, and still focused on what to eat...Did they hit you? Used any dangerous dark magic?"
"No. Because..." Vid coughed awkwardly, saying: "Because I cooperated well. They wanted skills, I gave them; they wanted me to teach some people, I did, so I wasn't troubled."
Ferdinand nodded approvingly: "No need to feel ashamed, that's the right thing to do. Showing cooperation avoids greater harm, reserves strength, and buys more time and opportunities—how did you come back? Did they let you leave?"
"This morning, Headmaster Dumbledore came to save me." Vid said: "He had a battle with Grindelwald and Grindelwald lost. To protect others, he had to let me go."
As for Grindelwald teaching him dark magic, Vid thought it'd be best not to mention it, otherwise, his parents would worry and lose sleep night after night.
"That's great; Headmaster Dumbledore is reliable."
Fiona made a thankful gesture and regretted: "Sigh, I should've sent him a Christmas gift too. Vid, does your headmaster like fine wine? Or would a watch be better? I think books are suitable, but I'm worried he already has the ones I'd send..."
Vid thought for a moment and smiled: "Everyone sends him books, but Dumbledore might hope more to receive a pair of wool socks?"
"Wool socks?"
Fiona nodded doubtfully but decided to do as Vid suggested.
Though it sounded ordinary, Vid had more opportunities to interact with the headmaster and certainly understood the old man better than they did.
Fiona even secretly decided to send Dumbledore a pair of wool socks every year...perhaps wool gloves and cashmere sweaters were also good choices?