The Old Ones of Hogwarts

Chapter 532, Section 541: Believers in Deep Space 6

Amidst the noise.

Dumbledore's actions were very intimidating.

He raised his hand and gently pressed it down. A simple gesture, yet it seemed to possess an invisible magic, instantly silencing the noisy office.

Everyone felt an inexplicable pressure and involuntarily fell silent. Then, Dumbledore spoke. His voice was not loud, but clear, steady, and firm; each word seemed sculpted from ice, resounding and unquestionable, echoing in the suddenly deathly silent office. "Gentlemen."

His azure eyes, like polar ice, slowly swept over the crowd.

"I'm here to submit this application."

"It's a notification."

He paused slightly, letting the weight of the word "notification" strike heavily on everyone's hearts.

"Instead."

"discuss."

After he finished speaking, the office fell into a deathly silence. The only sounds were the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace and the suddenly heavy, incredulous breathing of the officials.

Looking into Dumbledore's calm eyes, which seemed to hold a storm within them, they felt for the first time so clearly what kind of indomitable will and power lay deep within the heart of this old wizard, renowned for his wisdom, gentleness, and Chocolate Frog cards.

Say something.

Dumbledore rarely showed such a domineering side.

however.

For the sake of that "raven," for that variable that might come from the "future" or "other world," for the terrifying prophecy of Grindelwald concerning the survival of everyone, Albus Dumbledore didn't hesitate to reveal his long-hidden, powerful side, enough to make the entire wizarding world take notice. Dumbledore's words, "Inform, not consult," were like a cold spell, instantly freezing all the noise and anger in the International Wizarding Federation's Emergency Office.

"you……"

The astonishment and anger on the faces of the senior officials had not yet faded, but they were replaced by a deeper sense of awe stemming from the past achievements and current prestige of the old man before them.

And this is overshadowed by the absolute dominance that is being displayed at this moment.

Their mouths were open, but they couldn't utter any more protests. Accuse Dumbledore of madness? Question his betrayal of the White Wizard's principles? Even threaten to initiate impeachment or investigation proceedings against him?

These thoughts flashed through my mind, but when I met Dumbledore's calm, yet seemingly stormy, deep blue eyes, they felt as if I had hit an invisible barrier.

It collapsed instantly.

There are very few truly daring people in the wizarding world.

otherwise.

The wizarding world doesn't particularly enjoy celebrating courage either.

Therefore.

The wizards present were all greatly intimidated by Dumbledore.

no way.

Who doesn't know? This old man is not only the headmaster of Hogwarts, nor just a legendary figure on the Chocolate Frog cards. He is the "Duelist" who, half a century ago, stood up to defeat Gellert Grindelwald in a moment of despair, leading the latter to imprison himself. And moreover...

It was also during the intervals between the two wizarding wars that, with its unfathomable wisdom and power, it became a crucial cornerstone for stability in the European and even the world's magical community.

Also the chief wizard of Wizengamor, he possessed an extremely high reputation and complex political influence. More importantly, the unquestionable, almost autocratic will he displayed at this moment reminded them of the scattered records of this man's youth in those dusty archives. He was definitely not a kind old man who would just smile and hand out candy.

This moment.

Everyone has become rational.

I've started thinking about it.

They've started looking for a rationale.

The reason given by the other party for the application was "top secret".

In the wizarding world, especially within the International Confederation of Wizards, "Top Secret" signifies matters that could shake the very foundations of the world's magical order or require extremely careful handling. Although they were highly suspicious that Dumbledore was abusing this authority to exonerate Grindelwald.

But no one dared to directly accuse Dumbledore of betraying or endangering the wizarding world without any evidence. Especially when Dumbledore himself was willing to stake his entire reputation and status on it, and… he seemed to genuinely possess some terrifying information they didn't know, information sufficient to compel him to act in this way. Otherwise…

Why does it display such domineering behavior?

An oppressive silence filled the office for nearly a minute. The vice-chairman from Northern Europe, his face ashen, tried to speak several times, but ultimately only let out a heavy snort, turned his head away, and tacitly admitted his inability to stop it.

The other officials exchanged bewildered glances. Finally, a younger witch, responsible for the specific paperwork, was chosen, under Dumbledore's calm yet extremely imposing gaze.

With trembling hands, he picked up the still-wet ink application from the table.

"We still need to go through some necessary...procedures." Her voice was dry as she tried to salvage a semblance of authority amidst her absolute dominance. "Even...notification requires following the proper procedures, Professor Dumbledore. Guarantor qualification verification, risk assessment, emergency filing, notification of the place of detention, registration of accompanying supervisors...and, at least three current senior officials of the Federation are needed to initiate this...unprecedented special parole."

This person is a coward.

But I still want to salvage my dignity.

As she spoke, she quickly flipped through the thick manual of rules and regulations, pointing out the necessary steps, as if these tedious clauses were her only talisman at that moment.

Dumbledore nodded in response, showing no sign of impatience.

"Okay." His voice returned to its usual gentle tone, but the unquestionable quality remained unchanged. "Please begin. I'll wait here. Feel free to provide any additional materials or statements you require."

The old man pulled over an empty chair and sat down, his demeanor composed, as if he were merely there to process a routine academic exchange permit. However, his very presence created a silent pressure, making the air in the office still heavy.

The next few hours were extremely agonizing and chaotic for that office and indeed for much of the International Wizarding Federation headquarters. The news spread like wildfire within the limited circle of informed individuals at headquarters, sparking a new wave of shock, questioning, and whispers. However, Dumbledore's presence on-site, coupled with the "top secret" designation and his own detached status, effectively curbed widespread public opposition.

The process proceeded with a strange interplay of efficiency and stalemate. Dumbledore was extremely cooperative, providing clear, concise, but utterly secretive answers to every form that needed to be filled out and every necessary question. He repeatedly emphasized the "top secret" nature of the information and used his personal reputation and status as the headmaster of Hogwarts as his ultimate guarantee.

Well, how should I put it?

The program will definitely not encounter any problems.

The guarantor's qualifications were naturally impeccable. On the risk assessment form, Dumbledore wrote in the "Potential Risks" column that "Theoretically exists, but is within a controllable range, and the guarantor is fully responsible for the entire process," and in the "Necessity of Parole" column, he wrote again that "Involves top secret, cannot be detailed, and concerns significant security interests."

This way of filling it out is almost like saying nothing at all, but it's impossible to refute it—after all, who can prove that the "secrets" Dumbledore possesses are not important?

Obtaining the signatures of three high-ranking officials was the most difficult task. Ultimately, after a brief, private conversation between Dumbledore and two of them, the content of which remained unknown, and under pressure from Dumbledore's public pronouncements, the Nordic vice-chairman reluctantly signed his name, the petition was finally completed. After the conversation, the two officials were pale, but their eyes held a complex expression as they agreed.

I don't know what happened to them.

When the final "Letter of Assumption of Responsibility" requiring Dumbledore's signature was placed before him, the atmosphere in the office was extremely tense.

This document meant that during his parole, Dumbledore would bear full responsibility for any damage or consequences caused by Grindelwald, including his escape or re-offending, and could face penalties ranging from removal from all public office and confiscation of property to life imprisonment. "Of course, no problem." Dumbledore picked up his quill, dipped it in ink, and without hesitation signed his full, flamboyant name at the bottom of the document.

The sound of the pen nib gliding across parchment could be clearly heard in the quiet office.

"alright."

The witch in charge of the documents breathed a sigh of relief, almost as if she had collapsed. She sorted out the thick stack of documents covered with various stamps and signatures and put them into a specially made magical file bag.

Hand it to Dumbledore.

"This is a copy of all the authorization documents and process records. The originals have been filed and the highest alert has been triggered. Parole is effective immediately and is valid for 23 hours and 57 minutes. You will need this document to go to the detention center for handover. Additionally," she added, in a formulaic tone, "according to regulations, this type of special parole requires at least two International Aurors to accompany the applicant to the detention center and witness the handover process. Whether they continue to accompany the applicant afterwards is at the guarantor's discretion, but it is recommended..."

She didn't finish her sentence.

Everyone knows it's pointless.

An Auror could defeat the first Dark Lord? That would be truly fantastical.

"Let's make the arrangements."

Dumbledore took the file folder, stood up, and said, "Tell them to hurry. I'll wait in the foyer."

And so, not long after.

Two international Aurors, temporarily reassigned from patrol duties, arrived at headquarters. They were two serious, experienced middle-aged wizards who had clearly already heard about the mission; their gazes towards Dumbledore were filled with incomprehension, wariness, and a barely perceptible sense of awe. They didn't ask many questions, simply verifying each other's identities and mission instructions.

"Professor Dumbledore, we are ordered to accompany you to Nurmengard... uh, to Grindelwald's current detention tower," one of the Aurors said.

"Thank you for your trouble." Dumbledore nodded without explaining further.

The three arrived at the FlooNet connection point designated by headquarters. For safety, there was no fixed FlooNet connection to the tower; special authorization and fixed-point teleportation were required. After a short wait, the network was efficiently set up, and Dumbledore and Auror disappeared in a burst of green flames.

Of course, the teleportation destination wasn't directly inside the tower, but rather a rocky platform outside, heavily protected by magic and barren of any vegetation. Night had fallen, and the place was far from any human habitation; only the cold mountain wind howled past, fluttering the hems of the three's robes. In the distance, the ancient stone tower, its silhouette menacing in the moonlight, stood.

Like a lurking giant, it stands silently atop the cliff.

"That's the first Dark Lord." The two Aurors instinctively gripped their wands, scanning their surroundings warily. Dumbledore, however, remained calm, holding the heavy file folder, and led the way towards the massive, seemingly impenetrable black iron gate at the base of the tower, covered in sealing runes. Before they even reached it, the iron gate slowly opened inward with a deep, rumbling sound, as if from the depths of the earth. The interior wasn't dark, but rather bathed in the tower's unique, cool, moonlight-like crystalline glow. A figure stood silently at the boundary between light and shadow within the gate. It was Gellert Grindelwald.

He had clearly "prepared" himself. Gone was the simple dark gray cloak he wore atop the tower; now he sported a slightly worn but still impeccably tailored black wizard's robe, its collar and cuffs adorned with intricate dark silver embroidery, a style bearing the marks of bygone luxury. "Welcome." The old man's pale hair was neatly combed, and the wrinkles on his face appeared even more pronounced in the light streaming in from outside the door. But his heterochromatic eyes shone strikingly brightly against the dim background, calmly observing the three people outside, especially Dumbledore, who was walking at the front. He was unshackled, his demeanor composed, even possessing a long-lost air of a former ruler, as if he were not a prisoner about to be temporarily paroled, but a monarch preparing to inspect his domain. He was worlds apart from the terrorist Voldemort.

This surprised both Aurors.

of course.

The tension remains.

The two accompanying Aurors' breathing quickened instantly, and they raised their wands halfway. Although they knew the procedure, facing this legendary figure still made their nerves extremely tense.

"nailed it."

Dumbledore stopped and exchanged a glance with Grindelwald inside the door. Their eyes met briefly in the cold night wind, silent yet conveying a wealth of information.

Then, Dumbledore stepped forward and handed the magical file folder to Grindelwald—where, seemingly out of nowhere, stood a wizard in a dark blue uniform, expressionless, clearly one of the tower's resident overseers. His stance might be questionable, but at this moment he represented the official handover procedure.

All I saw was...

The supervising wizard took the file and quickly but carefully examined all the seals, signatures, and magical markings. The process was silent and efficient. After confirming everything was in order, he bowed slightly to Grindelwald, a gesture that caused the two Aurors to frown, but the supervising wizard seemed unfazed. He then turned to Dumbledore and said in a flat, emotionless voice, "Document valid. Handover confirmed. Prisoner number 001, Gellert Grindelwald, on temporary parole, effective immediately and valid until this time tomorrow. Supervisory responsibility has been transferred to the guarantor." "Please have the guarantor sign to confirm receipt."

He handed over a handover list and a pen. Dumbledore quickly signed his name.

The process is complete.

"very good."

The supervising wizard took a step back and disappeared back into the shadows of the tower, as if he had never been there. At that moment, the first Dark Lord of this little-known place was released.

Although it's only temporary.

However, it was enough to cause a huge upheaval in the magical world.