"Alas, I don't know when I'll learn a thing or two from Professor Dumbledore." Robert sighed.
Except for the first class, where Dumbledore had taught some dueling skills, he had resumed his original teaching pace in subsequent lessons.
It seemed as if the duel in the first class had been specifically arranged for Robert and Tom…
In other words, their Defense Against the Dark Arts classes now mainly focused on dealing with various dark creatures—both common and uncommon.
As for dueling, according to the curriculum, that wouldn't be taught in-depth until their third year…
"Given your relationship with Professor Dumbledore, why don't you just go to him directly for private lessons?" Tom asked enviously.
In fact, Tom was very aware of his own position.
Professor Dumbledore didn't like him much.
Even though Tom was exceptionally talented compared to other students, Dumbledore remained wary of him.
But Robert was a different story.
Dumbledore saw him as a good person, despite the fact that Robert was clearly more cunning—even borderline evil—than Tom himself.
How unfair!
Though Robert wanted to learn more from Dumbledore, he shook his head. "He's too busy. I'd rather not bother him."
It was beneficial to have guidance from a senior student for now, but Dumbledore was, after all, Dumbledore.
It would be ideal to learn additional fighting techniques or even powerful spells from him.
However, Grindelwald was still causing chaos, and Dumbledore barely had time to defeat him, let alone provide personal lessons.
Despite this, he somehow managed to teach classes regularly—a true master of time management!
"Alright, you guys continue practicing. I'm leaving." Robert turned and walked down the platform that had been specially set up for dueling practice.
Anne's curiosity was piqued, and she asked, "Where are you going?"
"To continue investigating, of course. Have you forgotten what happened last night?" Robert replied as he stepped out the door.
Anne's eyes flickered. She suspected Robert was searching for a secret passage within the castle that led to the Forbidden Forest.
She knew that with Robert's abilities, he would probably find the passage soon.
So, she decided to act quickly…
She had to seize most of the "magic power" before Robert did!
Tom, however, knew the truth. Robert wasn't just looking for a passage—he was about to become elusive again.
That meant potions, dung bombs, setting traps…
Perhaps even more trouble than their previous investigations.
Still, for once, Tom welcomed the idea of Robert being preoccupied.
If Robert was busy, he wouldn't have time to mess with him!
Tom suddenly felt foolish for ever thinking otherwise.
Damn it, wouldn't it be great if Robert simply ignored him and left him alone?
He had to talk to him…
He had nearly lost his life last time!
Now, seeing Robert engrossed in another scheme, Tom suddenly felt relieved.
As soon as Robert left the club room, Tom collapsed onto the floor.
Even Anne was startled.
She thought some kind of magic had backfired on him.
Lying comfortably on the ground, Tom sighed, "Finally, Robert's gone. I feel healthier, both physically and mentally… I can live another day!"
Anne was speechless. "He treats you so well, yet you talk about him behind his back?"
"Treats me well? Huh? Do you even hear yourself?" Tom almost jumped up in frustration.
"Doesn't he? If he hadn't asked me to help you, you wouldn't have learned the Armor Charm by now. Most of your dueling skills came from Robert, didn't they?"
"You… You're absolutely right. If only his 'kindness' didn't constantly put me in danger," Tom said sarcastically.
Even Anne, a witch known for her patience, found Tom insufferable.
"Hmph. You saw Robert's level in our duel just now. If you were ever in real danger, do you think he wouldn't save you? Do you really believe he'd ignore you? Aren't you his best friend? What reason would he have to kill you? Robert sees you as his closest friend!"
Tom rolled his eyes.
Wasn't Anne planning to steal all that magic power for herself? Did she really think she had the moral high ground?
Still… now that he thought about it, she wasn't entirely wrong.
Robert had certainly tricked him many times, but he had also gained benefits from those situations…
Thinking about it now, Tom regretted his earlier complaints.
Maybe… Robert's methods were a bit unconventional, but he genuinely treated him like a friend…
After all, Robert had only shared his plans to deal with Grindelwald with him.
Wait… No! Why was he thinking like this?
Was he being manipulated?
But shouldn't he be grateful? Robert truly saw him as a best friend…
No! Something still felt off!
Tom's thoughts spiraled, and he suddenly felt an itch in his head—like his brain was growing!
Anne noticed Tom scratching his head and remarked, "...Maybe just go wash your hair?"
The principle behind a dung bomb was simple.
To Robert, it was no different from the firecrackers he had played with as a child.
As soon as it exploded, the awful stench would spread.
Thus, it wasn't difficult for Robert to make one himself.
After instructing his house-elf Toby to purchase potion ingredients, Robert went alone to a secret passage.
However, the end of the passage was completely buried under rubble.
This was where a senior student and Lanlock had their final battle. It was also where Professor Morgana had collected the "remnants."
After the battle, the passage had collapsed.
According to the senior student, though, only the entrance was blocked. The space inside remained intact—it just needed some repairs.
Using the knowledge provided by the senior, Robert enhanced his repair spell with ancient magic and began working on the passage.
Soon, there was movement within the blocked passage, and even the ground started shaking!
Robert quickly halted the spell.
Such a loud noise would definitely draw attention from Hogwarts!
Using the repair spell directly wasn't going to work.
Robert swiftly disappeared from the passage and returned to the ground.
As expected, the unexpected tremor had left Hogwarts students confused.
The professors were alarmed and immediately began investigating.
If Robert hadn't stopped in time, they might have suspected an attack!
Even Dumbledore and Headmaster Dippet were searching the area where the tremors had originated.
Robert frowned.
If forcibly repairing the passage caused such a commotion, he'd have to try another method.
Otherwise, Dumbledore and the others would discover the passage before Grindelwald even had the chance to be lured over.
That would ruin Robert's plan.
"How can I reopen the passage without making a sound?" Robert pondered.
Suddenly, he slapped his forehead.
"Wait… who says I have to go in myself?"
Nurmengard.
Grindelwald put down his notebook.
"Robert figured out several locations based on mere fragments of manuscripts… And these locations match exactly with those recorded in this notebook… That means the goblins weren't lying!"
He turned to Vita.
"Tell them to speed up the search! I refuse to believe there's nothing left! And send goblin craftsmen if necessary—their devices haven't worked at all yet!"
"If they still find nothing, they should know the consequences!"
Vita nodded. "Understood. I'll inform them immediately."
As she left, Grindelwald frowned.
Ever since Robert had discovered this magic power and accurately deduced its location, he had a bad feeling…
His talent for prophecy warned him—something terrible was coming.
And it all pointed to Robert.
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