Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

As Gellert Grindelwald's words fell into silence, the room grew still for a long while. Eventually, watching Wentworth deep in thought, Grindelwald softened his tone and said:

"Wentworth, think carefully—how long has it been since you truly fought someone? And I don't mean a childish duel."

"If you no longer have the courage to face real combat, then you won't be able to hold the Alliance together."

He sighed, and with a final glance, added:

"This holiday, you only have one task: find the answer. Tell me—what is courage? What is the courage of the Grindelwald family?"

"The day your answer satisfies me is the day you'll be free to leave."

With that, Gellert Grindelwald turned and left the room without waiting for a reply. Wentworth collapsed onto the floor, silent, his head bowed.

After a moment, once the sound of Grindelwald's footsteps had completely faded, Albus Dumbledore stepped slowly toward Wentworth. He knelt before him and said gently:

"Wentworth, as per my agreement with Gellert, I will be leaving shortly. But before I go, you still have a choice."

"You can come with me. Leave Nurmengard, return to Hogwarts. In a few days, you'll board the Hogwarts Express back to London and resume your life as you see fit. And don't worry—no one will blame you. Everyone has the right to choose. You will still be my student."

"Of course, you may also choose to stay. But if you do, there will be no turning back. I can't say what Gellert will do, but I can tell you this: calling him your grandfather will not make him go easy on you. If anything, it may put your life in real danger."

Dumbledore paused deliberately, then stood and asked calmly:

"Have you made your decision? Tell me now."

As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, Wentworth braced himself on the ground and slowly stood up. He looked Dumbledore in the eye and said, word by word:

"Headmaster, I've made up my mind. I'm staying!"

Dumbledore nodded, expressionless, and said only:

"Remember, his magic you may learn—but not all of his ideas. You are who you are. You are Wentworth Grindelwald."

He turned to leave, but was stopped by Wentworth's sudden voice behind him:

"Wait, Headmaster Dumbledore!"

Dumbledore turned back with a slight smile. "I guessed you wouldn't regret it quite so quickly."

Wentworth gave a wry smile and said:

"Headmaster, could I trouble you to take some letters back and post them for me?"

...

Several days later, at the Greengrass Manor—which had recently become the de facto headquarters of the Alliance in Britain—Auston Greengrass was anxiously directing the family's house-elves.

"Hurry, get that new enchanted recliner into the young master's study! He loves reading—he can sit in it and enjoy a massage while reading!"

"And bring that blanket too. Put it on the chair!"

Meanwhile, Lockhart and Lucius Malfoy were standing together in the manor's courtyard. Lockhart turned to ask:

"Lucius, aren't you picking up your son today? I can wait here on behalf of our bank to welcome the master."

Lucius sneered and replied casually:

"No need. Narcissa's handling it. And you really dare call him 'master' out loud like that? Aren't you afraid someone might hit you with a Cruciatus Curse?"

Following Lucius's pointing finger, they saw Rosier and Abernathy emerge from the manor together. Abernathy was barking orders to the Alliance wizards around them:

"Everyone, stay sharp! Once the Hogwarts Express arrives, make sure the young master is under constant protection!"

At that very moment, an owl swooped down into Greengrass Manor, wings flapping.

Curious, Rosier untied the letter from the owl's leg and began to read. She had barely skimmed the first lines when she gasped—and then quickly clamped a hand over her mouth.

Abernathy rushed over, concerned.

"What's happened?"

Rosier didn't respond, eyes fixed on the letter. Moments later, there was a glint of tears in her eyes.

Seeing this, Abernathy's heart sank. Frowning, he asked:

"Did something happen to Wentworth?"

Rosier slowly shook her head and handed the letter to Abernathy, who quickly scanned it. His expression shifted to one of astonishment and joy.

"The old master, he—"

Before he could finish, Rosier gestured for silence. Abernathy nodded in understanding. Together, the two read through the letter again and again. After confirming it was indeed Wentworth's handwriting, Abernathy raised a hand with sudden excitement and announced:

"Tonight, we hold a feast at the manor!"

Later, as Rosier approached Lockhart and Lucius, she uncharacteristically greeted them warmly:

"You're both invited."

As Rosier left, Lockhart and Lucius exchanged stunned glances.

"They're… accepting us?" Lockhart whispered in disbelief.

...

Meanwhile, at King's Cross Station in London, Cedric embraced Kirk tightly.

"Hey… Kirk, you…"

Kirk quickly raised a hand, signaling him to stop. Smiling, he said:

"Don't say a word. One look at your face and I'm afraid if you speak, you'll start crying! You should be happy for me—I finally graduated from Hogwarts!"

Cedric nodded silently. Seeing this, Kirk placed both hands on his friend's shoulders and added:

"Truth is, I envy you, Cedric. Not because you're more talented—but because you still get to be in school."

Just as Cedric was about to respond, Cassandra walked up, a letter in her hand. She handed it to Kirk and said:

"One week from now, take this letter straight to the British Ministry of Magic. My father will make arrangements for you."

Kirk thanked her earnestly, but Cassandra shook her head.

"No need. I'm only carrying out Wentworth's request."

She paused for a moment, then added softly:

"Once you leave Hogwarts and enter the Ministry, remember the most important thing: protect yourself."

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]