The gargoyle leapt aside.
The door to the Headmaster's Office opened, and Keith stepped inside.
He paused just long enough to incline his head respectfully.
"Good morning."
The portraits stirred at once.
Several whispered.
A few straightened.
And one—set in an ornate frame trimmed with silver runes—stood up immediately.
Cedric Runcandel.
The former Head of House did not bother hiding his reaction.
His eyes widened.
Then narrowed sharply.
"…I see," Cedric said slowly, voice carrying both awe and certainty.
"So it has finally happened."
Keith greeted the portraits properly, then took the offered chair near Dumbledore's desk.
Before Dumbledore could even speak—
Cedric leaned forward, anticipation blazing in his gaze.
"Keith Argus Runcandel," he asked, almost laughing already,
"did you become a True Dragon?"
Keith met his ancestor's eyes without hesitation.
"Yes, Ancestor."
The room went still.
Cedric's smile widened—but his next question came instantly, precise and sharp.
"Was it through the will of the Founding Ancestor, Temar Runcandel?"
Keith nodded.
"Yes. Through the necklace."
Cedric exhaled slowly, as if releasing centuries of tension.
The Runcandel Heirloom Revealed
Keith lifted a hand, touching the ancient necklace resting against his chest.
"This heirloom," Keith explained calmly,
"contains a sealed dragon and a True Dragon Heart."
Cedric's laughter rang out—clear, proud, and unrestrained.
"HAHAHA—! I knew it! I knew that old fool wouldn't waste it!"
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, but wisely said nothing.
Keith continued.
"Only a dragon born of the Runcandel bloodline can awaken her," he said.
"My bloodline was incomplete… so I took the dragon heart."
Cedric watched intently.
"And?"
"My Primordial Draconic Bloodline evolved," Keith said simply.
"Into a True Dragon Bloodline."
For a moment—
Cedric Runcandel looked every bit the proud grandfather.
He laughed again, slapping the arm of his chair.
"At twelve years old," Cedric said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Temar truly left the future in good hands."
Then his expression sharpened, turning serious.
A Command from the House of Runcandel
Cedric turned his gaze toward Dumbledore.
"Headmaster," he said firmly,
"this matter must not be revealed to the outside world."
The words carried authority that even portraits of former Headmasters felt.
"The wizarding world is not ready," Cedric continued.
"And our enemies would tear the world apart trying to test him."
Dumbledore nodded without hesitation.
"You have my word," he said softly.
"This knowledge will remain within these walls."
Cedric looked back at Keith, pride unmistakable.
"You did well," he said.
"Better than any of us could have hoped."
Keith inclined his head.
"Thank you, Ancestor."
An Unexpected Presence
Before anyone could speak further—
Dumbledore's expression changed.
His eyes sharpened, gaze lifting slightly toward the air itself.
"…Interesting," he murmured.
Keith felt it too.
A presence.
Old.
Heavy.
Carrying the weight of time and regret.
Dumbledore's fingers tapped lightly on the desk.
"We have a guest," he said.
"An old man, by the feel of him."
The office's wards hummed softly.
Cedric's portrait leaned back, eyes glinting.
"Well then," he said with a knowing smile,
"let us see who dares step into this room now that a True Dragon sits within it."
The air twisted.
And the door began to open.