Chapter 31: The Kindling

Seeing Dumbledore appear, Li Weide knew that his objective of stalling for time had been achieved.

However, it struck Li Weide as strange that Grindelwald seemed to have sensed his intention to delay him all along. Yet, rather than exposing him, Grindelwald had played along. Otherwise, if they just wanted to talk, why stay in this particular place? Especially after learning that Professor Hicks had escaped. It was entirely predictable that once Hicks got away, Dumbledore would arrive in the shortest possible time. But Grindelwald had shown no urgency at all. If he had, they might have already reached Nurmengard by now.

Grindelwald’s next words, however, dispelled Li Weide’s confusion.

"You’ve come quickly, Dumbledore..." Grindelwald smiled. "I had intended to persuade these two children to join our cause right in front of you, but... unfortunately, I failed. It’s strange, really. They are clearly so hungry for power, yet they remain indifferent to my recruitment."

Trying to poach people right in front of Dumbledore? What a peculiar fetish... Li Weide mused to himself.

"That simply shows that your charm is not as high as you imagine it to be. Furthermore, not everyone is like you, using any means necessary to achieve their goals. Though young, they can distinguish between right and wrong," Dumbledore said coldly. "I can already foresee your failure, Grindelwald."

"Failure? My influence is at its zenith, my followers are spread across the globe, and our philosophy is even capable of turning our enemies against their own... and you say I will fail?" Grindelwald replied dismissively.

"So many years have passed, and countless facts have proven that your ideologies were merely the delusions of our reckless youth... they are impossible to realize." A flicker of sorrow passed through Dumbledore’s eyes. "Besides, you don't actually care about what becomes of this world; you are merely satisfying your own dark ambitions, aren't you?"

"Have I become so pathetic in your eyes?" A flash of annoyance crossed Grindelwald's face.

"People change. The person you have become now is entirely unrecognizable to me. At the very least, the Gellert I once knew was not so contemptible." Dumbledore’s face was filled with grief. "Think of what you have done over these years... how many innocent people have lost their lives for your so-called ideals? And how many who were deceived by you have sacrificed themselves in vain?"

"Revolution requires blood!" Grindelwald raised his voice unwittingly. "This world is sick... and my task is to cure it!"

"The one who is sick is you, Grindelwald..."

"I am doing this so that all wizards can stand proudly beneath the blue sky! Dumbledore! Magic blossoms only in the souls of the few! And we are the most exceptional among them! By what right do those mediocre people stand in the sunlight while we are forced to skulk in the shadows? Are you truly content to hide in the darkness like a rat forever, Dumbledore? If you lack the courage to change this world, then I shall do it! I do not blame you for choosing to be a coward hiding in that school! But one day, I will place the world of my ideals before you in its entirety! And until then... please! Do! Not! Hinder! Me!"

The two fell into silence. As they remained quiet, no one else dared to make a sound.

After a long while, Dumbledore sighed. "No matter how beautiful the words you use to dress yourself, they cannot conceal the pain you have brought to this world... Very well, such arguments have no outcome. We have argued countless times in the past, Grindelwald... let us settle this."

As he spoke, Dumbledore drew his wand.

"Planning to fight because you cannot win the argument? But Dumbledore, do you truly believe that if it comes to a fight, you can defeat me?" Grindelwald said, spreading his arms.

At the same time, the Acolytes behind him gathered, fixing sharp, fierce gazes upon Dumbledore. No matter how powerful Dumbledore was, he was still only one man. If it came to a real fight, the Acolytes would certainly not engage him in a duel. If he were pinned down by Grindelwald, and the other Acolytes launched surprise attacks from the sides, even Dumbledore would face certain defeat.

Li Weide narrowed his eyes. Could it be that because of the butterfly effect he had caused, the final confrontation between Dumbledore and Grindelwald was being accelerated?

Dumbledore looked at Grindelwald calmly, as if he did not see the Acolytes behind him at all.

"Since I knew you were here, how could I possibly have come alone?"

As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, dense figures suddenly appeared from behind him. In moments, the number of people behind Dumbledore exceeded that of Grindelwald’s Acolytes. Although Dumbledore had fewer personal followers than Grindelwald, with the addition of the Ministry of Magic's Aurors, Dumbledore’s side held a clear numerical advantage.

Professor Hicks was naturally among them, though she looked disheveled; clearly, she had paid a high price to break through the encirclement and report back to Dumbledore. At this moment, she was looking at Li Weide and Tom on the opposite side with a face full of concern.

"Weide, Tom, come over here." Dumbledore beckoned toward them.

Li Weide did not hesitate; after calling Toby, he walked directly toward Dumbledore’s group. Tom, however, was somewhat hesitant. Based on their conversation, Tom had guessed what Grindelwald was involved in; such a person was undoubtedly ruthless. Was it really safe for them to go over there now? They were, after all, within arm's reach of Grindelwald.

Grindelwald seemed to see through Tom’s thoughts. "Since you are unwilling to join us, then go back. Rest assured, I will not harm you; our kind is already rare enough... Also, my offer will always stand. If you change your minds in the future, you may still choose to come to me."

Tom could not help but glance at Grindelwald twice more before hurrying to catch up with Li Weide.

"Do not bewitch my students, Grindelwald," Dumbledore said, looking at him with anger.

"Everyone has the right to their own choices, Dumbledore. You cannot stop people from yearning for freedom and truth!"

As Grindelwald spoke, another wand appeared in his hand. It was a long, knobby wand—the legendary Elder Wand, one of the Deathly Hallows. He drew it lightly through the air in front of him.

"Whoosh!"

A wall of ghostly blue flame suddenly appeared between Grindelwald and Dumbledore, separating the two forces.

He waved his hand, and the Acolytes behind him turned and Disapparated on the spot. Today, Dumbledore’s side held the numerical advantage, and a head-on clash would yield little benefit, so Grindelwald decided to retreat. In any case, his objective for the day had been met.

Grindelwald believed that although his attempt to turn those two children on the spot had failed, the words he had spoken would surely have planted a seed of fire in their hearts. Since those two children were so highly valued by Dumbledore, everything he had done today would certainly not be in vain.