Chapter 839: A Blood Oath in a Barn
Chapter 839: A Blood Oath in a Barn
Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald's relationship was becoming increasingly amicable, and it had become common knowledge in Godric's Hollow.
In just a few short days, the two had become inseparable, constantly studying magic and discussing their ideals together. If you spotted one of them on the road, there was no doubt that the other was nearby, even if you hadn't caught sight of them yet.
As for why they were often outdoors, it likely had something to do with Aberforth. The frequency of arguments between him and Albus was increasing, and those who passed by the Dumbledore residence at night could hear the angry shouts emanating from within.
Albus seemed to feel that he was in the wrong and rarely argued back, simply enduring the onslaught without retaliating in word or deed.
However, Gellert did not share his calm demeanor. On several occasions, he had come close to getting into a physical altercation with Aberforth.
Thankfully, Albus always intervened in time to defuse the situation.
Kyle, sequestered away in his rented room, learned all of this from the patrons of the local pub. He had not ventured outside himself but relied on the tidbits of information he gathered from others.
Over time, the regulars at the pub had come to realize that Kyle enjoyed listening to stories... or perhaps it was just a common trait among wizards interested in the historical aspects of magic, as Bachida Bashatta had displayed a similar penchant for tales from the past during his youth.
However, Kyle differed from Bachida in that he was not picky about the type of story. Whether it was an age-old tale passed down through the generations, an illustrated storybook lacking any basis in reality, or a recent gossip about the townsfolk, he was all ears... as long as it amused him. And when it did, he would generously wave over the storyteller and offer them a glass of the finest Firewhisky.
A whole three Sickles worth.
These individuals rarely indulged in such expensive drinks on their own, so they were more than happy to oblige, keeping a closer eye on the goings-on in the village with minimal effort on their part.
Their happiness was Kyle's happiness.
Recently, Dumbledore and Grindelwald had become increasingly vigilant, and he had narrowly avoided being discovered on several occasions. Now, for just a small price, he could obtain the information he desired without compromising his anonymity. It was a bargain.
A few Sickles here and there, and even if he treated everyone in the pub, it wouldn't amount to three Galleons. The funds provided by Holken alone were enough to sustain this habit for two months.
"Mark my words, those two are headed for a showdown," Cade said, taking his usual seat and sighing as he sipped his drink. "This afternoon, Albus barely managed to hold them back. It was only thanks to Bachida's intervention that the situation was resolved."
"Are you worried about Aberforth?" Kyle asked.
"Of course not. Every young wizard has their share of disputes with others. When I was at Hogwarts, I got into more than a few scuffles with my classmates."
"I remember when we Gryffindors clashed with the Slytherins right on the Quidditch pitch. When our brooms were knocked out of our hands, we grabbed our bats and swung them like clubs.
Let me tell you, those things pack a punch, especially the Silver Arrow model—as thick as your wrist. A good swing with one of those is more effective than most curses."
Perhaps the drink was getting to him, as Cade found himself reminiscing about his glory days, most of which involved brawls with Slytherins. After a while, he shook his head, dispelling the memories.
"But enough of that... I'm more concerned about Albus, to be honest. Being caught between his brother and his friend can't be easy.
Occasionally, I find myself thinking that it might be for the best if they just had it out and got it over with. It could clear the air and be beneficial for all three of them... but we can't exactly encourage them to come to blows, can we?"
Cade sighed and took another sip of his brandy.
"Bang!"
At that moment, the pub's front door was pushed open from the outside.
Kyle instinctively glanced over his shoulder before quickly turning back around, lowering his head.
Dumbledore and Grindelwald had entered, one after the other.
However, Grindelwald's face was flushed with anger, and Dumbledore was doing his best to calm him down.
"Well, this is a surprise," Cade remarked, having noticed the duo as well. "Albus rarely sets foot in this place. I always assumed he didn't care for drinking. Looks like they had quite the argument."
Kyle remained silent, keeping his head down and feigning drunkenness by resting it on the table, minimizing his presence as much as possible.
The pair walked over, stopping at a spot just one seat away from Kyle. Fortunately, they didn't seem to notice him.
"Who does he think he is, talking to me like that?" Grindelwald fumed. "If it weren't for your sake, I would have made him pay dearly!"
"Please, Gellert, calm yourself," Dumbledore said in a soothing tone. "Endure it for my sake, just a little longer."
"New customers," the pub owner interjected, approaching them. "What can I get for you gentlemen?"
"Mead," Grindelwald replied.
"Wine," said Dumbledore.
The pub owner raised an eyebrow, seemingly about to say something. He glanced instinctively at Kyle, noticing his drunken pose, head resting on the table.
It could be said that they had come at an inopportune time, missing a good opportunity for a free drink.
Of course, Grindelwald and Dumbledore were unaware of the owner's thoughts. At that moment, they only had eyes for each other and paid no attention to anyone else.
Grindelwald took a sip of mead to suppress his anger and asked, "Before that guy arrived, you mentioned that after graduation, you planned to travel the world with your classmates?"
Kyle, with his head still on the table, moved his ears slightly, straining to discern their voices amidst the noise.
"Yes, with Elphias Doge," Dumbledore replied, taking a sip of his honey mead. "He's written to me several times, inquiring about my travel plans, but I'm afraid I'll have to go back on my word. I simply can't leave Godric's Hollow right now."
Grindelwald frowned, appearing somewhat displeased.
"All because of Aberforth?" Grindelwald said coldly. "He's a good-for-nothing. Why should he have any say in what you do?"
"Don't say that, Gellert," Dumbledore said softly. "He's my brother. And I have other reasons why I must stay."
There was a hint of struggle in his voice, and Kyle guessed that Dumbledore probably hadn't told Grindelwald about Ariana yet or was unsure how to bring it up.
In fact, the reason Dumbledore had given up on his plan to travel the world was indeed to take care of Ariana.
Come September, Aberforth would be starting school, and the responsibility of looking after his sister would fall solely on Albus.
Leaving a Mute alone at home was not an option, and by the time he returned, Godric's Hollow might as well be gone.
Dumbledore sighed once more.
Uncertain of how Grindelwald would react if he told him about Ariana, he had been hesitating to bring it up.
After all, in the wizarding world, Mutes were considered a taboo, and as their friendship was still relatively new, Dumbledore cherished it and couldn't help but feel anxious about potentially jeopardizing it.
But Grindelwald misinterpreted his hesitation, thinking he was merely upset about not being able to travel the world. With a forceful motion, he slammed his cup onto the bar, creating a dull thud.
"You're too accommodating," he said. "You have the right to choose your own path. You are Albus Dumbledore, and that fool shouldn't hold you back."
Dumbledore shook his head; it wasn't Aberforth who was holding him back, but his sense of responsibility.
"Ha..." Grindelwald drained his cup of mead. "Do you remember our decision?"
"Of course," Dumbledore replied without hesitation. "To liberate wizards and let all of us live freely in the light."
Kyle moved his ears again, straining to listen.
"That's right," Grindelwald said in a low voice. "But do you think we can achieve that by staying here in Godric's Hollow? We must step out into the world, reach every corner of it, to fulfill this grand ideal."
His tone was filled with fervor.
"I believe it's time we took the first step."
"What do you have in mind?" Dumbledore asked.
"Let's go to the highlands south of the valley," Grindelwald said. "I heard from my aunt that wizards used to live there, and it seems to be connected to what I've been searching for..."
At this point, Grindelwald's voice dropped so low that Kyle couldn't make out his words.
"You mean those three objects?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes... must find... to fulfill... the ideal..."
His words were fragmented and difficult to understand.
This was followed by another lengthy silence.
"We should leave this place," Grindelwald said, his voice becoming clear again. "It won't be for long, just a trial run."
Perhaps influenced by the alcohol or the fact that Hogwarts hadn't started yet, and feeling a desire to let loose, Dumbledore agreed to Grindelwald's proposal after a brief silence.
"Wonderful! Let's go right now!"
Grindelwald said excitedly. "But before we do, I think we should do something to commemorate this great first step."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I know of a special magical contract that would be perfect to witness our friendship." Grindelwald's voice was filled with suppressed excitement. "Come with me..."
He pulled Dumbledore along, and they hastily left the pub.
Kyle lifted his head once more.
"You're awake?" Cade looked over at him. "What's wrong with you today? You passed out after just a couple of drinks."
"Maybe I didn't get enough rest," Kyle said casually. "I'm heading back. See you tomorrow."
"Sure, go ahead. Don't let me keep you from leaving," Cade waved dismissively. "Don't get in the way of my drinking."
Kyle smiled and got up from the bar.
However, instead of returning to his room upstairs, he circled around and followed after Dumbledore and Grindelwald, leaving the pub.
Five minutes later, he finally caught sight of Dumbledore and Grindelwald ahead. They had arrived at the abandoned barn and pushed open the door to enter.
Kyle looked around.
It was impossible to follow them inside without being noticed, even with his Invisibility Cloak. But if he didn't go in, the closed surroundings of the barn would prevent him from seeing anything that was happening inside.
Wait... there might be one place.
Kyle turned his gaze to the distant Dumbledore residence, more specifically, to the highest attic window of the house.
The window faced the barn, and from there, he would be able to see what was happening inside, though there was the risk of disturbing Ariana, who lived there.
He could hear voices coming from the barn, as if they were casting some sort of spell...
"Oh well," Kyle muttered to himself, using his broomstick to fly up to the attic window. He carefully and quietly positioned himself, lying flat on his stomach and peering through his Invisibility Cloak into the barn.
Good. Even though the window was small, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were standing right in the center of his field of view. The only problem was that he couldn't see them very clearly.
Kyle quickly pulled out his Omnioculars, a small gadget he had bought a few years ago at the Quidditch World Cup. It would come in handy right now.
Through the Omnioculars, the inside of the barn came into clear view.
Some time had passed, and they had already finished casting their spell. Inside the barn, the two young men stood facing each other, an unprecedented solemnity on their faces.
Wavering runes appeared and spun around them, adding an air of solemnity and mystery to the dilapidated barn.
Grindelwald produced a knife and made a quick cut on his palm, allowing a drop of blood to fall and hover in the air, surrounded by the swirling runes.
Then it was Dumbledore's turn.
Some of the runes darted into the cuts on their palms, and the two trembling hands clasped together. More runes emerged and danced frenziedly around them.
The number of runes increased, and their speed picked up, forming what looked like a long silver chain that wrapped around their entwined wrists.
The other end of the chain connected to the hovering drop of blood, and as the light faded, the runes transformed into a diamond-shaped silver casing, with the original drop of blood preserved in the center, glowing with an ethereal light.
The diamond-shaped silver ornament containing Grindelwald's blood was linked to the chain on Dumbledore's wrist, and the corresponding other half naturally fell into Grindelwald's hand.
Thus, the blood oath was complete.
This kind of contract, formed with the blood of the wizards, had a strong binding force. From this moment on, they were as if they shared the same body and could not harm each other... Even the mere thought of doing so would be captured by the contract and punished accordingly.
Inside the barn, the two young men embraced tightly. A moment later, they huddled together and seemed to say something to each other before simultaneously leaving the barn and disappearing into the night, evidently heading to the so-called highlands to the south.
At the same time, Kyle, who was perched on the attic roof, lowered his camera with satisfaction.
He had originally bought this item to record Fred and George's mischief, the latest magical gadget at the time. Unlike the cheaper models on the market that came with a flash, this one was exceptionally stealthy.
Now it seemed that the purchase had been well worth it. The two men, focused on their blood oath, had not noticed someone recording this moment from a distance.
As long as he developed the photos and soaked them in Revelaso Solution, Kyle would have a complete set of invaluable photos.
Kyle happily put away his camera and prepared to climb down from the attic window.
"Who are you?"
A voice from behind startled Kyle.
At some point, the attic window had been pushed open, and a little girl was sticking out half her body, looking in his direction.
It was a dangerous move, as she could easily fall, but Kyle dared not alert her to this fact.
Kyle didn't know how he had disturbed Ariana, but he could only try to remain as quiet as possible, hoping that she wouldn't notice him and that he could leave unnoticed.
He was wearing an Invisibility Cloak, so she shouldn't be able to see him... hopefully.
"Why aren't you answering? Why are you on our attic roof... and what are you wearing? It's such a strange outfit."
"Can you see me?" Kyle asked, lifting his Invisibility Cloak.
Since she had already pointed it out, there was no point in continuing the pretense, and it was dangerous to have a little girl hanging out of a window like that.
"No," Ariana shook her head. "But I know someone is here."
Kyle guessed that this situation was most likely due to her being a Secret-Keeper, although he didn't understand the principle behind it. But for now, that was the only explanation that made sense.
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
