Chapter 680: Revival
Chapter 680: Revival
Ms. Bones hurried away. She had come to personally inform Felix Grindelwald about the news of another escape, and she needed to rush to the International Confederation of Wizards Headquarters for a meeting to discuss the implications of the event.
"I checked the records on my way here", she said solemnly before leaving. "At the height of Grindelwald's power, the Ministries of Magic from various countries were forced to form a coalition to combat the Saints, who could gather and disperse at will—quite different from the Auror Squad assembled to counter Voldemort."
Felix returned to the Great Hall and was called away by Professor Mcgonagall. While sorting through Dumbledore's letters, she also tidied up his office and discovered a will—more accurately, a written resignation. In the letter, Dumbledore thanked everyone he had worked with and decided to donate most of his possessions, including his private library, research notes, magical instruments, and other personal items, to Hogwarts.
"For someone about to embark on a journey, carrying these things would be too much of a burden. My memories are my most precious wealth."
Professor Mcgonagall read these words to the entire faculty, and each professor expressed their gratitude and well-wishes.
After the meeting, Professor Mcgonagall kept Felix behind and handed him a letter. "I found this while sorting through the letters." Felix was quite surprised; he had thought Dumbledore would never write to him.
After all, all these letters were part of Dumbledore's carefully crafted lies.
It was only after asking Professor Mcgonagall that Felix understood the letter had been mixed in with many others. Felix had been so focused on picking out the ones signed by Gellert Grindelwald that he had overlooked the rest.
"He left one for me as well", Professor Mcgonagall said emotionally. "I read it, and he thanked me for my long-standing support. In fact... during the most difficult times of my life, he encouraged me. I will never forget that!"
Felix opened the envelope. The letter was short, filling only half a parchment.
"...When I realized power was my weakness, I tried to avoid it for the rest of my life. But one cannot always have what one wishes. At certain stages of my life, I was forced into crucial events concerning the safety of the wizarding world, entrusted to lead people who trusted me, yet I was deeply afraid—when you try to achieve a grand goal, your heart becomes cold, and you unconsciously weigh the value of human lives, thus overlooking their humanity. In times of crisis, sacrifices are always deemed necessary."
"Perhaps one day you will take on the burden of countless lives—though I believe you will do so when necessary—you will face the same dilemmas I did. You might be more decisive, but I never want you to become numb to the cost of sacrifice. Show mercy to the living, Felix, even if sacrifices are unavoidable."
Felix slowly closed his eyes. The letter felt unbearably heavy. Dumbledore had used his death to the fullest extent, delivering one last lesson: the meaning of responsibility and sacrifice.
Dumbledore had indeed done it, and the only one who had sacrificed was him.
...
Harry glanced at the professors' table. The professors seemed unusually quiet, still not having recovered from the shock of Dumbledore's sudden departure.
Professor Mcgonagall chose to sit with Professor Hepp rather than in the grand, ornate chair that had belonged to Dumbledore, which gave Harry a strange feeling, as if Dumbledore had not truly left and might suddenly appear, a mischievous grin on his face.
"I think Professor Mcgonagall plans to formally take the Headmaster's position next year", Hermione whispered.
"That's right", Ron realized. "The holidays are coming up, and the students aren't in the mood... It's better to wait until the next term. Do you think Dumbledore is sitting in some beachside pub right now?"
Harry and Hermione turned to glare at him.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, confused. "I saw a poster. It said Muggles go on vacation like this—wearing board shorts, sunglasses, spending the afternoon by the sea, and then heading to the nearest pub for a show... Uh, Hermione?"
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes.
"Why... why would you think—given the choice, Dumbledore would leave the school? You said it yourself—the holidays are coming. He has at least two months off", Ron said, looking at her helplessly, but Hermione turned away, her eyes blurry with tears.
Harry felt something choking him, his eyes stinging.
He struggled not to blink, afraid that doing so would make the tears spill over; he dared not speak—like he was under a curse, if he dared utter a word or join Ron in imagining Dumbledore celebrating his first day of retirement in some far-off corner of the world, he would crumble completely.
Hermione stared at Harry's face, finally confirming something, and suddenly burst into tears.
"Don't, Hermione. He wouldn't want—” Harry said hoarsely, using all his willpower.
Hermione wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "S-Sorry", she said, her voice breaking. Hermione buried her face in her arms, one hand covering her stomach, as if she were in pain, but tears streamed from her lashes.
For a moment, no one noticed her. No, Harry felt a sharp gaze and quickly looked up. It was Professor Hepp. Harry tried to get a better look, but the professor had already averted his eyes.
"Harry", a voice said in his ear.
Harry was startled by the familiar voice and nearly jumped out of his seat. He stared at Professor Hepp, who had suddenly appeared behind him, and then looked incredulously at the long table, where another Professor Hepp was still talking to Slughorn. It seemed no one else had noticed anything odd, as if this conversation existed only in his mind.
"Weasley, Granger, come with us as well."
Ron looked dumbfounded, and Hermione raised her head, her face streaked with tears. Felix handed her a handkerchief. "Oh, thank you—what's going on?" She stood up, wiping away her tears with a dejected expression, only to be startled by the sight of a second 'Hermione Granger' sitting in her place, carelessly reaching out to grab a plate of buttered peas.
Hermione's eyes widened.
Felix calmly explained, "I don't want anyone else to hear this conversation."
He walked out of the Great Hall, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed, glancing back nervously, worried they might be discovered. But they realized their concern was unfounded; another version of themselves was still enjoying the feast at the table. They felt strange.
The four of them walked to the stone steps outside the castle, where the clouds, illuminated by the setting sun, cast a dazzling glow.
"Dumbledore hoped to minimize the impact of his departure. Over the next few years, you might hear rumors of him appearing in some Wizarding towns, or receive letters from him describing the landscapes and foods he has encountered on his journey. Gradually, he will fade into obscurity", Felix said matter-of-factly.
"I guessed as much", Hermione sobbed softly, "but I still hoped... maybe something was wrong with his health or something."
Ron's face was stiff, finally realizing what had happened. He looked at Harry, but Harry didn't respond. He found himself wishing he could go back to the Great Hall and listen to his classmates talk about their holidays, about Dumbledore—anything to keep the illusion that Dumbledore was still alive in their hearts.
"You are Harry's best friends", Felix said to Ron and Hermione. "Harry knew, and you could easily guess the truth from his demeanor, even if he didn't say anything."
"So you want us to keep this secret", Ron said slowly.
Felix nodded, then shook his head.
"Yes, that's part of it. This is Dumbledore's wish. He made a great sacrifice, but I'm not sure if things will unfold as he originally planned... an unexpected turn of events... According to Dumbledore's original plan, I, Professor Mcgonagall, Harry, and perhaps you two, would be the only ones who knew about this."
"An unexpected turn? What kind of turn?" Ron asked, looking at the dejected Harry and Hermione.
"Grindelwald", Harry said coldly, sitting on the steps.
Hermione had a look of mingled understanding and confusion.
"You should know Leonhard Basch's true identity", Felix said, his tone certain. "And at least some of what he has done. Recently, he proposed a plan to address potential upheavals."
"He, Dumbledore, and I", Felix pointed to himself, "were to work together to handle the complex situations that might arise, such as the Wizarding world being forced to go public... But Dumbledore rejected the plan, knowing it could never be realized. And now, Grindelwald has vanished..."
"Professor, do you think he will disrupt Dumbledore's plans?" Hermione asked perceptively.
Harry perked up, unsure of his feelings. He wanted Dumbledore's legacy to be known, but he didn't want his plans to be ruined. His emotions were conflicted.
"Oh, I get it!" Ron said confidently. "He wants to go it alone, recreate his past glory. When Grindelwald was moved last night—Hermione and I were outside the Headmaster's Office, we didn't see it—but Seamus said he was unconscious. To Grindelwald, that might seem like betrayal."
Felix glanced at him.
"That's a possibility—though Grindelwald and Dumbledore's relationship is complex, and no one knows what he truly thinks. Perhaps the Tales of Beedle the Bard records some of Dumbledore's true thoughts."
"If Grindelwald truly considers Headmaster Dumbledore an enemy", Harry mused, "there's one more thing he must do—publicize Dumbledore's death!" As he spoke, he wore a look of shock.
Felix silently considered this, sharing Harry's concern. Even if Grindelwald understood Dumbledore's predicament, would his mindset change? From all the information Felix had gathered, Grindelwald had always been a man of strong conviction. Given Dumbledore's wariness of Grindelwald, it was likely that in their younger days, Grindelwald had been the dominant one in their relationship.
The world's greatest White Wizard might have been the first believer in the Dark Wizard Grindelwald. The thought was chilling.
Even after half a century, could Grindelwald have mellowed and become weak? Felix didn't think so. Those who had experienced or led wars were not ones to show mercy when it mattered.
He hadn't forgotten the contents of the letter Dumbledore had left him.
Felix hoped Grindelwald hadn't abandoned his previous plan. Although one of the three was now gone, his magic could create a Dumbledore persona that would be convincing enough to fool others. By maintaining a balance with the real Grindelwald—appearing to be at odds but secretly communicating—they could work together.
The peaceful, moderate Wizards would support the International Confederation of Wizards and Dumbledore (Felix), while the radical, ambitious Wizards would follow Grindelwald, neutralizing potential threats. If they could reach an understanding, Felix wouldn't mind supporting Grindelwald in forming a new group of Saints. After all, Grindelwald had already destroyed the binding curse in his body.
This was why Felix hadn't left the school; he was sending a signal that he was waiting for Grindelwald to make contact.
"Harry, you should know that I've transformed Slytherin's Chamber into a spacious playground. There's not much happening at the school these days, so I suggest you organize a few club activities..."
...
Salzburg, Austria.
This historic city, located in western Austria near the German border, is dotted with Baroque-style ancient buildings, churches, and monasteries. Gardens and fountains are plentiful, and the residents can gaze up to see the picturesque Alps.
In a spacious theater, thousands of Wizards gathered, each with a different appearance and mood. If there was one common trait, it was their age—many were elderly, their faces lined with wrinkles.
All eyes were fixed on the person on stage.
"My brothers, my sisters, my friends—" Grindelwald's deep voice echoed through the vast room, a familiar opening from his past speeches that transported them back to the fervent era. But everyone knew things were different now; the once formidable leader was now old.
Many shed tears.
"I'm not sure... if I still have the right to call you by those names. You were my most steadfast supporters, trusting me unconditionally... but I failed." The crowd grew restless. "The future I once promised you has been delayed by half a century. If you are disappointed, shaken, or have changed your mind, I can completely understand, because I too have been disappointed, shaken, and changed my mind..."
Grindelwald extended his hand, which had been hidden behind his back—his left hand was charred and black.
"Don't worry about me", Grindelwald said softly. "This hand is the price I paid to break free, and it symbolizes my resolve." From the tip of his wand, blue flames erupted, engulfing the entire stage. The fire was accompanied by the high-pitched cry of a phoenix.
"...But if you still harbor the slightest hope, follow me. I will show you that future."
The fire obscured his figure, and the Wizards in the crowd hesitated. One Wizard stepped forward without hesitation, a witch with white hair. If Felix had been there, he would have recognized her—she was once known as Nearly Headless Nicole Noire.
She plunged into the fire, which did not harm her. Grindelwald welcomed her with his unblemished right hand.
"Welcome back, Vita."
More and more people joined her, and soon the fire was crowded. Their figures became indistinct, but their actions showed that they all looked to a few of their companions.
In the fire, Grindelwald's voice, hoarse, spoke again.
"We were once close, so do me one last favor: tell Felix Hepworth that we will meet soon, but not in the way he hopes." He bowed slightly, then straightened his back.
With a sudden wave of his wand, the fire contracted and vanished.
The stage was empty.
(End of Chapter)
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