"Due to the unfortunate events surrounding the last Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Miss Grindelwald remained with her family for a time. However, she has now returned to Hogwarts, though she won't resume classes until tomorrow." Dumbledore's expression grew pensive, as though recalling a recent conversation in the highest tower of the castle.
After a moment's contemplation, he addressed Ian once more. "Because of her lineage, Miss Grindelwald has never truly experienced an ordinary upbringing. I worry that she may be drawn toward a radical path."
"Many remnants of Grindelwald's Acolytes wish for her to become the new shadow looming over the wizarding world. Ian, that should not be her fate. Perhaps, through your friendship, you can help guide her onto a different course."
Dumbledore's voice held a quiet plea.
Ian nodded without hesitation.
"As her friend, I'll do my part. Only a fool would aspire to be a Dark Lord. Don't worry— I think Aurora is, at heart, a good person."
He patted his chest in assurance.
After all, when he had merely tried to correct the Great Hall's floating candles so they would drip wax properly, Aurora had thought he was up to no good. Clearly, his good friend Aurora had a moral compass much more upright than his own.
"Yes, a fool indeed. I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. You are already far wiser than Riddle." Dumbledore nodded, a look of deep satisfaction settling upon his features.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back now?"
Ian suspected that the memory magic earlier must have taken a toll on Dumbledore—a mental toll. To him, the headmaster looked as if he had been laboring over delicate rune work for twenty hours straight.
Hmm.
Now it's five more hours than before.
"Of course, no problem. You can come to me anytime."
Dumbledore rose to see him off but paused at the office door.
"If possible, please also convey my greetings to Ariana. Tell her… everything will be as she wishes." His voice was low, his request solemn.
Ian nodded.
"I'll bring your greetings, perhaps even a reply… maybe even a moving portrait from afar." He ran out the door, intent on reaching the library before it was too late to borrow more books.
The night was long.
Who could sleep without reading a few more pages?
Focused on his dwindling time, Ian failed to notice Dumbledore, who, after stepping away from the door, suddenly turned back.
His eyes were filled with shock.
...
The clock ticked.
Dumbledore flipped through a tome, but he did not choose to sleep.
He was waiting for another meeting. When a soft knock came at the office door, he straightened his robes, attempting to appear as composed as possible.
"Come in."
Dumbledore forced energy into his voice. The wooden door creaked open, revealing Aurora Grindelwald, her expression cold, her posture hesitant. The Sorting Hat had yet to be returned to its usual perch.
"Headmaster Dumbledore."
Aurora maintained basic politeness, though confusion flickered in her mismatched eyes. She had only just returned to Hogwarts— had someone reported her for the eighty-plus school rule violations she'd committed before leaving?
"Please, have a seat, Miss Grindelwald."
Dumbledore smiled, gesturing to the chair across from him. The cautious girl hesitated, suspicion plain on her face.
"Have I done something wrong?" she asked warily.
"Not at all, Miss Grindelwald. I wished to see you, and it has nothing to do with the one hundred and seven school rules you've broken. This concerns something else entirely."
Dumbledore's tone remained gentle.
"…Wait, wasn't it only eighty-three?"
She frowned, as though mentally tallying them again.
"It seems you've memorized the school rules quite well."
Dumbledore's eye twitched slightly, though he maintained his composed expression. The girl across from him was clearly on guard.
"Am I being expelled?"
Aurora wasn't anxious— only a bit regretful.
"If you aren't caught, it doesn't count as a violation. That is, in its own way, a school rule too." Dumbledore winked, making no move to reprimand her.
"Huh?"
Aurora looked genuinely startled.
"In truth, I called you here privately because this matter concerns your friend, Mr. Ian Prince."
Aurora's expression turned serious.
Dumbledore noted the subtle shift immediately.
"Miss Grindelwald, I believe you've already realized that Ian is quite different from most young wizards." Seeing Aurora nod hesitantly, Dumbledore continued, "Among all those I have met, those as talented as him do not possess his sheer magical power, and those with his magical power do not have his level of talent. To be quite frank, in all my years, I never imagined I would meet such an extraordinary young wizard."
Albus Dumbledore spoke with genuine astonishment, sighing softly.
"Can you get to the point?"
Aurora's wariness deepened.
"Indeed, something happened tonight, and I may have rambled. Let's be direct, Miss Grindelwald— I hope you will become my apprentice."
Dumbledore's tone was serious.
"Apprentice?"
Aurora was momentarily stunned.
"Yes. I will impart to you my knowledge, and you will inherit my legacy."
Dumbledore spoke solemnly, believing the girl before him would understand the weight of such an ancient tradition.
"Did my grandfather agree?"
Aurora still seemed to be processing the request.
"His agreement is unnecessary. This is your decision alone."
Dumbledore's voice was soft but carried unfathomable depth.
"I want to know why."
After a long silence, Aurora finally spoke.
Dumbledore had anticipated the question. Nodding, he responded in a measured tone, "Your friend, Mr. Ian Prince, has not lived in a normal environment since childhood. This worries me— his extraordinary talent will attract many with ill intent. I fear that if he is not careful, he may be led down a dangerous path."
"Many would seek to use him, Miss Grindelwald. Perhaps you could be the one to help him stay on the right course."
Such familiar words.
If Ian were here, the entire castle would know Dumbledore was full of mischief.
"You want me, a Grindelwald, to stop Ian from becoming a Dark Lord?" Aurora's expression was incredulous.
Dumbledore's face remained unchanged.
"Only you can do it."
His voice was calm and assured.
"My grandfather hasn't lost his mind, but you, Headmaster, surely have. No wonder his old followers say Hogwarts is your prison." Aurora's words were as blunt as ever, her gaze filled with scrutiny.
"Ian needs your help, Miss Grindelwald. Without it, there are those who will see him as a mere tool for their own ends."
"We both know how… naive Mr. Prince can be about certain matters."
Dumbledore carefully chose his words. Aurora frowned even deeper, resembling a much older witch for a moment.
"What else do I need to do to become your apprentice?" she finally asked, her lack of immediate refusal causing Dumbledore's expression to brighten.
"We both understand the value of true friendship. Your role will be to learn my knowledge and, in the future, ensure that any possibility of Mr. Ian Prince straying into darkness is eliminated before it begins."
After a long pause, Aurora nodded.
Dumbledore immediately arranged their study schedule, then warmly saw her out.
"Dumbledore, what exactly are you plotting? Trying to deceive two people at once?" The paintings along the office walls bore witness to his machinations.
"Who are you really guarding against, you old schemer?" Muttered the portrait of Armando Dippet, his predecessor.
"I'm not worried about Ian. He has never lacked love— he understands it well."
Dumbledore returned to his desk, rubbing his temples as he sighed, his expression growing more solemn.
"But Miss Grindelwald is different. She requires a… particular method of guidance. Only then can we prevent the very outcome we all wish to avoid."
His soft whispers lingered in the office.
After all, if one wishes to banish darkness for others, they too must stand in the light.
(End of Chapter)
You can read ahead up to 60 chapters on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395