Upon hearing Gellert Grindelwald's words, Dumbledore paused in surprise, while Grindelwald continued speaking:
"What is he? A wizard. And what is he doing? Dabbling in schemes and conspiracies?"
At this, Dumbledore couldn't help but interject in defense of his student:
"Come now, Gellert, you weren't exactly innocent of scheming yourself back in the day."
Grindelwald choked slightly on Dumbledore's words but stubbornly retorted:
"That's because I was already one of the most powerful wizards in the world! And Wentworth? Where is he now?"
"At first, when you spoke of how eager he was to learn magic, I was genuinely pleased. But now? How much has his magical ability actually improved since then?"
"Some views can only be seen from the summit. Learning to strategize at a young age is commendable, yes—but all planning must be founded on true strength. Sometimes, might makes right. Power defines justice!"
But Dumbledore clearly disagreed. Shaking his head, he responded firmly:
"No, Gellert. I believe just the opposite. Your methods have already been proven failures—otherwise, you wouldn't be here now, would you?"
"In contrast, I believe in Wentworth's approach. Otherwise, I would never have allowed him to act as he pleases."
"The wizarding world does need unity—but not through violence, coercion, or fear. That is precisely why I vehemently opposed your bid to become President of the International Confederation of Wizards. That path would lead us all to ruin."
Grindelwald's eyes flashed with real anger as he abruptly stood, staring hard at Dumbledore:
"Wentworth. His surname is Grindelwald. He is of my bloodline—the future heir to the Grindelwald family. His education should be my decision!"
Dumbledore remained unmoved, replying with unwavering calm:
"Wentworth Grindelwald is currently a third-year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, sorted into Hufflepuff House. And I am the Headmaster of that school. His education—is my responsibility."
The two men locked eyes in silence for a long moment, neither yielding. At last, Grindelwald broke the silence:
"Bring him to me during the next holiday."
Seeing the wary look in Dumbledore's eyes, Grindelwald bristled:
"What? I can't run a private tutoring session for my own kin over the break? Look at the students you've churned out these past few years—how many of them turned out useful? I'd rather not see my grandson spend his life playing with strange beasts!"
At that, Dumbledore chuckled lightly and replied:
"Careful, Gellert. Say that in front of Newt, and he'll be lecturing you again about how there are no strange beasts—only narrow-minded people. Shall I send you a couple of magical creatures, to keep you company and liven things up?"
Grindelwald let out a cold snort, his tone acerbic:
"Oh, I am narrow-minded. I've never denied it. As for magical creatures…"
As he spoke, he raised his fingers to his lips and blew a sharp whistle.
Moments later, a young dragon, half a meter in length, soared toward them from the distance. It landed on the windowsill and let out a roar that echoed through the mountain valley.
Dumbledore stared at the creature, stunned.
"Gellert… When did you get a Norwegian Ridgeback?"
Grindelwald casually stroked the dragon's wings as he replied:
"A gift from your prized student, actually. Apparently, one of your employees was illegally breeding it. What was his name again? Oh, right—Hagrid."
Dumbledore: "…Ah. Well, that doesn't surprise me in the slightest."
Of course, Dumbledore was no stranger to magical beasts—how else would he have discovered the twelve uses of dragon's blood?
He leaned in curiously, studying the Norwegian Ridgeback, and asked:
"Have you given him a name?"
Grindelwald nodded and said softly:
"Naturally. I call him—Nibelungen."
The name gave Dumbledore pause, though he said nothing. Just then, he noticed a few drops of fresh blood at the dragon's mouth.
Grindelwald saw it too and scolded:
"Oi, Nibelungen! Didn't I tell you—clean yourself up after you eat!"
Nibelungen let out a few plaintive whimpers, as if pleading his innocence.
Grindelwald sighed.
"Alright, alright. I did call you back early. I'll let it go this time. But next time—you'll face consequences."
The moment the words left his mouth, Nibelungen nuzzled his head against Grindelwald's chest.
Watching this, Dumbledore asked, puzzled:
"You… understand Dragonese?"
Grindelwald shrugged nonchalantly:
"I guessed."
Dumbledore gave a weary smile and then asked:
"He looks quite robust. You've got nothing around here—what are you feeding him?"
Grindelwald froze, looking momentarily bewildered.
"Wait… you have to feed these things?"
Dumbledore was visibly alarmed.
"Of course you do! What has he been eating, then?"
Grindelwald shrugged again, unconcerned:
"How should I know? He's a dragon—it's instinct. He hunts. Doesn't matter what he eats, as long as he doesn't mess up my place."
...
Meanwhile, in a remote Austrian village, the air cracked with the sound of Apparition. Two Aurors from the Austrian Ministry of Magic appeared outside a wooden cabin.
They quickly transfigured themselves into the uniforms of Austrian police officers, approached the cabin, and knocked on the door.
A moment later, a burly bald man opened it cautiously, his voice trembling:
"Thank Merlin you're here! He just left—I swear, I saw a dragon! A real dragon! It ate the deer I was raising in the woods!"
The two Aurors took notes in a perfunctory manner as they questioned him. They even visited the man's forest paddock, which was now little more than a blood-soaked clearing.
"You're sure… no one else saw this dragon you claim to have witnessed?"
The man shook his head, replying:
"No. Hardly anyone ever comes out here. I was just doing a routine check when I saw it. I couldn't believe it—a real dragon! Dragons actually exist!"
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