Kapitel 322: Chapter 321 " Disappointed Grandpa"

Wentworth took a deep breath, steadying himself for what he was about to do. With determination etched on his face, he closed his eyes briefly before raising his wand, pointing it directly ahead.

"Fiendfyre!" he incanted, his voice ringing out clear and strong.

Instantly, a faint blue flame akin to Grindelwald's signature appeared before him. With a deft flick of his wand, Wentworth commanded the flame to expand, encircling him in a protective ring of fire.

As the flames grew, merging with the inferno that threatened to engulf him, Wentworth knew he faced a formidable opponent. Yet, he refused to yield, pouring every ounce of his magical strength into maintaining the fiery barrier.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, testament to the intense effort he exerted. But despite the physical strain, Wentworth's resolve remained unshaken. With gritted teeth and unwavering determination, he continued to battle the flames, his eyes shining with determination and defiance.

After what felt like an eternity, Grindelwald and Dumbledore finally arrived at the room's entrance.

Their eyes fell upon Wentworth, who sat slumped on the ground, utterly drained and drenched in sweat. Each droplet seemed to echo the intensity of the struggle he had endured.

Struggling to lift his head, Wentworth glimpsed the two elderly wizards standing before him.

Despite his frustration, he refrained from making a rude gesture, acknowledging their status and age.

As he attempted to rise, Wentworth's strength failed him. Frustration boiled within him as he confronted Dumbledore and Grindelwald. "Is this your idea of a welcome gift? A test? I expected more from wizards of your stature. Bullying a young man like me—where's the honor in that? The both of you combined would have a total of three hundred years of lifespan together, yet you would bully a child under the age of twenty."

Dumbledore chuckled, poised to respond, but Grindelwald intervened, his expression inscrutable.

Observing the exchange, Dumbledore interjected, extending his hand in a gesture of peace. "This is a matter for the Grindelwald family to resolve on its own."

"I must say, he is a true Grindelwald for how he speaks. No Grindelwald ever would stay silent for more than a minute," Dumbledore tried to alleviate the mood by putting his joke in the middle of the inappropriate time.

Grindelwald turned his head and stared at him, "Is that all you are going to say, Albus?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, Gellert. I believe I've said what needed to be said."

Accepting Dumbledore's deference, Grindelwald approached Wentworth without hesitation. Standing over him, his gaze bore into Wentworth's slumped form. "Do you understand where you've erred?" he asked, devoid of emotion.

Wentworth's expression mirrored his confusion. Wrong? What have I done since arriving at Nurmengard?

Cautiously, Wentworth ventured, "Have I disturbed you?"

Grindelwald's countenance darkened at the question. Suppressing his frustration, he responded sharply, "Look at yourself. Now, tell me, what is the foremost virtue in the Grindelwald family?"

Pondering for a moment, Wentworth couldn't recall the answer from his memories. Tentatively, he suggested, "Grace?"

At this, laughter erupted from the doorway, causing Dumbledore to hastily compose himself, masking his amusement behind a neutral facade.

At that moment, Gellert Grindelwald shifted his gaze from the ceiling, his tone measured as he spoke. "Who imparted this to you?"

Quick to deflect blame, Wentworth pointed the finger at Rozier. "It was Grandma Rosier. She always emphasized the importance of elegance."

At the mention of Rozier's name, Grindelwald fell silent, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he remarked, "She was only half correct. Courage is the primary virtue esteemed by the Grindelwald family. What, in your opinion, defines courage?"

"Facing life and death without fear," Wentworth responded promptly.

But Grindelwald shook his head dismissively. "That's neither wisdom nor bravery. It's recklessness."

Before Wentworth could interject, Grindelwald continued, his tone stern. "To be frank, I find myself deeply dissatisfied with you. Ever since your ascension as the new leader of the Alliance and purported successor of the Grindelwald family, your actions have been nothing short of disappointing."

He scoffed, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You believe coercing the British Ministry of Magic, eliminating Aurors sent by the United States Magical Congress, orchestrating Gringotts' millennium legacy, and destroying two insignificant Horcruxes constitute noteworthy achievements?"

Wentworth opened his mouth to respond, but Grindelwald raised a hand to silence him, continuing without pause.

Wentworth felt a strong urge to nod in agreement, but a glance at Grindelwald's expression kept him silent, his thoughts left unspoken.

Observing Wentworth's reaction, Grindelwald curled his lip in disdain. "Your professor here has already briefed me on your exploits. He seems rather proud. To an outsider, it appears as though he's basking in the glory of his exceptional pupil."

Dumbledore's expression shifted to one of mild discomfort. Still, Grindelwald pressed on, his tone dripping with bitterness, "Wentworth, do not forget that you have a powerful patron who could dismantle the entire magical order to support you. Though I am reluctant to admit it, that patron is none other than Albus Dumbledore, President of the International Confederation of Wizards, acting as your shield!"

"Let us not overlook the two adults trailing behind you. Given the same opportunity, do you truly believe they would fare worse than you?"

Wentworth, unable to hold back any longer, muttered under his breath, "I'm not as wretched as you claim..."

As Wentworth listened to Grindelwald's scathing words, he felt a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach.

Grindelwald's sneer cut through the air like a knife as he gestured toward Dumbledore outside the door, "Outside this very room, two of the most formidable wizards in the world were engaging in a display of their power, yet you cowered within, unwilling to face it head-on. What were you afraid of? That a stray spell might graze you? Do you realize how disheartening it was for me to witness your cowardice?"

"What an extraordinary opportunity you squandered! The preeminent wizards of our time unleashing their most potent spells before your very eyes, and you chose to remain indifferent?"

"Have you ever wondered where the prestige of the Alliance you now stand to inherit originated? I'll tell you—it was forged through skill and prowess. Do you think I rallied so many dark wizards to my cause through mere charm? No, it was because I am the strongest among them!"

"At your age, I was expelled from Durmstrang and embarked on a solo journey across four continents, seeking out and challenging six magical institutions in my relentless pursuit of greater magical knowledge!"

Wentworth hung his head, sweat trickling down his brow, unable to muster a response.