บท 320: Chapter 319 "Grandfather and Grandson Reuinion""

Austria, outside Nurmengard Castle.

Standing before the imposing and somber tower of Nurmengard Castle, Wentworth couldn't help but feel a wave of complexity wash over him as he gazed up at its towering entrance.

For the greater good, he pondered, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of emotions.

In the brisk Austrian mountain breeze, Wentworth drew in a deep breath, feeling a sense of nostalgia creeping over him.

Almost in a trance, he envisioned a figure clad in a long-collared black trench coat standing beneath the castle's banner.

Before him stood the first-ever wizarding battalion, resembling an army in their unity and determination.

They bellowed a rallying cry in unison, brandishing their wands while pledging their unwavering allegiance to the figure below the tower.

"Wentworth?! Are you there, Wentworth?"

Dumbledore's voice suddenly pierced through the reverie in Wentworth's mind.

Brought back to the present by Dumbledore's call, Wentworth opened his eyes and met the penetrating gaze of the venerable headmaster.

Dumbledore fixed his gaze on Wentworth, his words deliberate and measured.

"Gellert initially suggested sending you to Nurmengard during the holidays, but I initially declined. I believed that my guidance at Hogwarts would suffice to nurture you into an exceptional wizard."

"Then why didn't you follow my grandpa's suggestion, Professor? I was admitted to Hogwarts and I'm a loyal man, it's not like I'll forget my root," Wentworth said with a smile.

With a pause, Dumbledore's gaze shifted, seemingly drawn to the inscription above the entrance, his eyes reflecting a depth of thought as if reminiscing on past events.

Observing Wentworth's receptive demeanor, Dumbledore responded with a hint of complexity in his tone, "It's because, my dear Wentworth, you are still too vulnerable."

Wentworth's puzzled expression prompted Dumbledore to elucidate further, "You see, at your age, Tom Riddle delved into the dark arts independently, and Gellert... well, at your age, he was reprimanded by his Professor for his pursuits in dark magic. He was expelled."

With a contemplative shake of his head, Dumbledore glanced back at Wentworth, who was still trying to make sense of the conversation, "There are numerous indications that Tom Riddle's resurgence is imminent. I've long anticipated his return, and for years, I've pondered strategies to confront him. None have felt adequate until you came along."

Dumbledore paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, "Originally, my intention was to utilize you and the Alliance to combat Voldemort and his Death Eaters. However, today, I must emphasize that regardless of circumstances, you are all my students. I cannot bear the thought of any harm befalling you."

After all, most of the Death Eaters were once Dumbledore's students, who were lost in their pursuit of dark magic.

After Dumbledore's profound statement, he raised his gaze, fixing it upon the towering structure ahead, "Come, the individuals here will lend their aid."

"It is said that only magic can vanquish magic. Likewise, only the Dark Lord can conquer the Dark Lord."

Upon hearing Dumbledore's unexpected declaration, Wentworth fell into a momentary silence before breaking into a smile, "Professor, I must admit, I didn't anticipate such words coming from you."

Dumbledore met Wentworth's gaze with a twinkle in his eye and offered a half-smile, "Do you know why I've been regarded as one of the most powerful wizards in history by nearly all for so many years?"

Wentworth shook his head, curious for the answer.

Unfazed by the lack of response, Dumbledore continued forthrightly, "It's because I've never been rigid in my beliefs! Allow me to share another secret with you."

With a decisive gesture, Dumbledore extended his hand, indicating the slogan adorning the entrance to Nurmengard, and spoke softly, "In truth, I was the one who first imparted that phrase to Gellert."

The phrase "For the greater good" was actually suggested by Dumbledore as the point for their cause.

Wentworth's eyes widened in disbelief at this revelation, but before he could utter a word, Dumbledore gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and strode ahead into the tower.

Upon entering the dimly lit room at the apex of Nurmengard, Wentworth trailed behind Dumbledore, his steps echoing in the silence.

As his eyes adjusted to the subdued light, he beheld a sight that filled him with disbelief. There, standing before him, was a frail, haggard figure — none other than Gellert Grindelwald, the once-terrifying enigma of the magical world.

As Dumbledore and Wentworth approached, Grindelwald, seated on the lone, austere bed in the chamber, peered through the gaps between the dark stone walls, his gaze fixed on the world beyond.

In a tone laced with mock affection, he addressed Dumbledore, "Ah, my dear Professor Dumbledore, still playing the role of the stern educator? Do remind your students to mind their manners!"

Dumbledore chuckled at Grindelwald's jest, paying it little heed as he nudged Wentworth forward into the room with a gentle push, "There you go, I've delivered him to you. The rest, grandfather and grandson, is for you to sort out."

At Dumbledore's prompting, Grindelwald turned his head slowly, fixing his gaze upon the motionless figure of Wentworth. With a furrowed brow, he regarded the young man before him.

Sensing the weight of Grindelwald's scrutiny, Wentworth felt compelled to break the silence, "Grandfather."

Upon hearing Wentworth's call, Gellert Grindelwald drew a deep breath before snapping his fingers.

In an instant, a faint blue flame flickered to life, engulfing the walls of the chamber. It bore a striking resemblance to the flame Wentworth had crafted himself using ancient runes, yet the difference in scale was akin to that between a mere firefly and the resplendence of the sun and moon combined.

As the flames danced and cast their glow upon the room, Grindelwald spoke, his voice carrying an air of authority, "Albus sought my assistance in cultivating a student capable of surpassing even the most formidable opponent he had faced. I agreed. Do you know why?"

Wentworth, his gaze fixed on the fiery spectacle before him, swallowed nervously and shook his head in response.

With a measured pace, Grindelwald rose from his bed, his eyes ablaze with determination, "The magical world may believe I was defeated by Albus in our youth," he continued, a wry smile playing upon his lips. "But I wish for you to prove otherwise. I did not lose to him; I simply chose not to engage. Will you accept this challenge and surpass even Tom Riddle, my grandson?"

In response to Grindelwald's call, Wentworth nodded fervently., "I understand your intent, grandfather," he affirmed with conviction. "I shall surpass Tom Riddle and prove your greatness!"

Upon hearing Wentworth's pledge, Grindelwald remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Without warning, he strode over to Wentworth's side and delivered a resounding slap to the younger wizard's head.

As Wentworth recoiled from the unexpected blow, Grindelwald leaned in close, his voice a low whisper in Wentworth's ear.

"Idiot," he hissed, his tone laced with exasperation. "I expect more from you than simply surpassing the likes of Voldemort. You must aim higher, strive for greatness beyond imagination."