[Bonus for the Reviews!♥♥]
(★‿★)Many thanks to Trey Phillips and Tob_Gib for becoming new members!♥♥
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When Wade saw Dumbledore appear, he knew that his goal of stalling for time had been achieved.
However, what puzzled Wade was that it seemed Grindelwald had already noticed his intention to stall. Yet, he hadn't exposed him; instead, he had continued to cooperate with Wade.
Otherwise, if they wanted to have a conversation, why stay here? Why not talk somewhere else?
Especially after learning that Professor Hicks had escaped.
It was entirely predictable that, since Hicks had escaped, Dumbledore would surely arrive in the shortest time possible.
But Grindelwald didn't seem in a hurry at all.
Otherwise, they might have already reached Nurmengard by now...
However, Grindelwald's next words cleared up Wade's confusion.
"That was quick, Dumbledore..." Grindelwald said with a smile. "I had originally planned to convince these two children to join us in front of you, but... unfortunately, I failed. It's strange, they both desire power so much, yet they remain indifferent to my invitation..."
Trying to sway people in front of Dumbledore? What kind of unique NTR fetish is that... Wade thought to himself.
"That means your charm isn't as high as you expected. And not everyone is like you, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They may be young, but they can tell right from wrong," Dumbledore said coldly. "I can already foresee your failure, Grindelwald."
"Failure? My power is at its peak, my followers are spread all over the world, and our ideals even make enemies turn to our side... You say I will fail?" Grindelwald sneered.
"All these years have passed, and countless facts have proven that your ideals were just the reckless fantasies we had when we were young... They are impossible to achieve," Dumbledore said, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes. "Moreover, you don't actually care about what will happen to this world in the end. You're just trying to satisfy your own hidden ambition, aren't you?"
"In your eyes, have I become so worthless?" Grindelwald's face flashed with anger.
"People change. The you now, I don't recognize at all. At least the Gellert I once knew wasn't so disgraceful," Dumbledore said, his face filled with sorrow. "Think about the things you've done these years... How many innocent people have died for your so-called ideals? How many people you've deceived have made senseless sacrifices because of you?"
"Revolution requires bloodshed!" Grindelwald unconsciously raised his voice. "This world is sick... and my mission is to heal it!"
"The one who is sick is you, Grindelwald..."
"I am fighting for all wizards to stand proudly beneath the blue sky, Dumbledore! Magic can only bloom in a few select souls! And we are the most special among them! Why should those mediocre people stand in the sunlight, while we, the truly gifted, must hide in the shadows?
Are you really content to live like a rat, always hiding in the dark, Dumbledore? You refuse to change this world, so let me do it! If you want to hide in that school like a turtle, I won't blame you! But one day, I will lay the world I envision right before your eyes! And until then... please! Do! Not! Stand! In! My! Way!"
After that, both of them fell silent.
Since they weren't speaking, naturally, no one else dared to say a word.
After a long pause, Dumbledore finally sighed and said, "No matter how beautifully you word your self-justifications, you cannot hide the pain you have brought to this world... Enough. This argument leads nowhere. We've already had this conversation countless times in the past, Grindelwald... Let's just settle this."
With that, Dumbledore drew his wand.
"Ahaha~ Planning to fight when you can't argue your point? But Dumbledore, do you really think you can defeat me if it comes to that?" Grindelwald said, spreading his arms wide.
At the same time, the Pureblood Party members gathered behind him, their eyes sharp and focused on Dumbledore.
No matter how powerful Dumbledore was, he was still just one man. If it came to a fight, the Pureblood Party members certainly wouldn't face him one-on-one.
If Grindelwald restrained him, and the other Pureblood Party members launched simultaneous sneak attacks, even Dumbledore would only face defeat!
Don't tell me..
Wade narrowed his eyes. Could it be that, due to the ripple effect of his actions, the final showdown between Dumbledore and Grindelwald was going to happen earlier than expected?
Dumbledore calmly looked at Grindelwald, as if he didn't even notice the Pureblood Party members behind him.
"Well.. Since I knew you were here, how could I come alone?"
As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, countless figures suddenly appeared behind him. In no time, the number of people behind Dumbledore surpassed that of Grindelwald's Pureblood Party.
Although Dumbledore's followers weren't as numerous as Grindelwald's, with the addition of the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic, Dumbledore's side had a clear numerical advantage.
Professor Hicks was naturally among them, but she looked very disheveled, clearly having paid a heavy price to break through and deliver the message to Dumbledore.
At this moment, she was looking at Wade and Tom with deep concern.
"Wade, Tom, come over here," Dumbledore waved at them.
Wade didn't hesitate. He called for Toby and immediately walked toward Dumbledore's group.
Tom, on the other hand, hesitated.
Based on their conversation earlier, Tom had already guessed what Grindelwald was up to. Such a person was always ruthless and merciless.
So, was it really okay for them to go over now?
After all, they were practically right next to Grindelwald.
It seemed that Grindelwald had read Tom's thoughts. "Since you're unwilling to join us, then go back. Don't worry, I won't harm you. Our kind is already too few... Also, my offer will always stand. If you change your mind in the future, you can still choose to come to me."
Tom couldn't help but look at Grindelwald again before quickly following Wade's steps.
"Don't tempt my students, Grindelwald," Dumbledore said angrily, glaring at Grindelwald.
"Everyone has the right to make their own choices, Dumbledore. You can't stop people from yearning for freedom and truth!"
As Grindelwald spoke, a wand appeared in his hand.
It was a long, scarred wand, one of the fabled Deathly Hallows—the Elder Wand!
He lightly drew the wand in front of him. "Protego Diabolica~"
Whoosh!
A wall of eerie blue flames suddenly appeared between Grindelwald and Dumbledore.
"It was nice seeing you my old friend, but I'm afraid the children chose you, I shall get going now."
He waved his hand, and the Pureblood Party members behind him immediately turned and Disapparated, vanishing from their positions.
Today, Dumbledore's side had the advantage in numbers, and if they fought head-on, the chances of success were slim, so Grindelwald decided to retreat.
After all, today's goal had already been achieved...
Grindelwald believed that, although his attempt to recruit the two children had failed on the spot, his words had certainly planted a seed in their hearts!
Since these two children were so highly valued by Dumbledore, everything he had done today would not be in vain!
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Read two weeks ahead:
P^treon: Captain69