When Levi woke up, the sunlight had already reached the foot of his bed. It was quite late, but no one had woken him for class.
Just as he was about to sit up, he saw Dumbledore seated between his bed and Tom's, looking exhausted. However, his blue eyes were bright. Tom had also woken up earlier and now sat quietly, as docile as a small chick.
"You're awake. It seems there's nothing seriously wrong with you," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Professor... Grindelwald..."
"Unfortunately, he escaped," Dumbledore said helplessly.
Levi glanced at Anne's empty bed before looking at Tom, who shook his head, indicating he had no idea where she was.
"Don't worry," Dumbledore reassured him. "Miss Rosier is just undergoing a routine check-up. You and Tom will also have to go for a re-examination later."
Levi sighed in relief. He hadn't been worried about Anne's health—he had feared her identity had been exposed and she'd been arrested. That would have been a waste; she was still useful. If Grindelwald had been caught, it would have been a pity to only gain experience from him once.
"Wade, last night... thank you," Dumbledore said. "If you hadn't discovered his plot and sent me that letter in time, I dread to think what would have happened."
When Dumbledore had returned, the entire Hogwarts defense system had been activated, yet all the professors, including the headmaster, were already unconscious. If he had still been at the American Magic Congress, and Grindelwald had succeeded, Hogwarts would have been defenseless.
"Don't say that, Professor. It was just luck," Levi said calmly.
"I don't think so. I've heard details from Miss Rosier," Dumbledore replied. "Before I arrived, you not only subdued Grindelwald's followers with drugs but also held him off until I returned. That's not something achieved by luck alone."
"It really was luck. Even Tom almost died," Levi said helplessly.
Hearing this, Tom's face paled. If he hadn't prepared in advance and carried those "drug bombs"—which turned out to be poison gas bombs—he would have been killed. He had barely escaped when Grindelwald, furious, had pressed his wand to Tom's chin, ready to cast the Killing Curse.
"It's my fault, Tom," Dumbledore said apologetically.
Tom, uncomfortable with the gaze, pulled his blanket up.
"From now on, I won't leave Hogwarts so easily. Even if I must, I will be fully prepared," Dumbledore said firmly.
He had always been cautious, but he never imagined Grindelwald would be ruthless enough to sneak into Hogwarts through a secret passage.
"In any case, you have made great contributions. Though Principal Dippet insists on distinguishing between rewards and punishments, the professors voted to cancel your punishment. Furthermore, you will receive a Special Contribution Award at the end of the semester. Your trophy will remain in Hogwarts forever."
Levi smiled, while Tom looked thrilled.
Tom had always sought honor, which was why he cared so much about his Slytherin lineage. This would be his first significant recognition. He hadn't done much, but who would argue?
Then he remembered something. "Professor, that power Grindelwald sought—what are the professors planning to do with it?"
Dumbledore's eyes flashed. "I recall your night tour was also in pursuit of this power, wasn't it?"
Tom lowered his head, unsure how to answer.
"Yes," Levi admitted frankly. "We spent great effort obtaining it, but we encountered an accident."
Since meeting Dumbledore, Levi never hid his desire for power. When he awakened ancient magic, he had asked what he should do if he couldn't control his thirst for it. Dumbledore had replied that merely asking the question meant Levi could control himself. He also said that wanting power was normal—what mattered was not abusing it.
Sure enough, Dumbledore only nodded.
Tom, meanwhile, was speechless. He was certain that if he had admitted his desire for power, Dumbledore would have been deeply concerned.
"Principal Dippet analyzed that power," Dumbledore continued. "It does enhance a wizard's strength, but it contains overwhelming negative emotions. Absorbing a small amount is manageable, but large amounts would drastically distort one's character. One would... no longer be themselves."
"Like overdosing on dark magic?" Tom asked.
"Not quite. It's far worse," Dumbledore said.
Tom shuddered. He had no problem using dark magic, believing he could handle the side effects. But if this power could change his very nature? No thanks. He was now glad he had followed Levi's choice and avoided it.
Levi, meanwhile, thought of his senior, who had absorbed large amounts of this power—what was known as "residue." Being talented in ancient magic, she tolerated it better than most, but the side effects still lingered. The intoxicating increase in power had been addictive, leading to her eventual self-sealing with her friends' help.
Dumbledore continued, "Due to its negative effects, Headmaster Dippet decided to destroy it. Last night, in the presence of all the professors, we eliminated it."
"I see... We were lucky," Levi said. "If we hadn't encountered obstacles, we might have absorbed it and faced dire consequences."
Dumbledore smiled. "I don't think you would have. If you truly absorbed it, I believe you would have stopped yourself."
"Professor, you have too much faith in me. I'm just an ordinary person."
"Don't be modest, Wade. You've faced greater temptations before, haven't you?" Dumbledore asked knowingly.
Levi blinked in confusion.
At that moment, Anne returned. Seeing Dumbledore, she forced a smile. Dumbledore suspected her initially but quickly dismissed the idea—after all, it was Levi's warning that had allowed him to return in time. If she had acted under Grindelwald's orders, she would have sabotaged them, not helped them.
"Now that you're all here," Dumbledore continued, "I must tell you something else. Grindelwald's crushing defeat will shake the world. Some of his followers might retaliate... and if they discover that you played a role in his failure, you'll become targets."
"Do you want to hide what we did?" Levi asked.
"Yes. The world won't know your involvement, ensuring your safety. However, if the truth got out, you would gain fame and fortune. I trust you understand the pros and cons—what will you choose?"
"Hide it. Safety first," Levi said without hesitation.
"I agree!" Tom added quickly. If possible, he'd erase all connection to the incident.
Anne had no objections. Secretly, she mourned Grindelwald's defeat.
"Very well. You are wise beyond your years," Dumbledore said. "Many cannot resist such honor. However, we will not erase everything—you still need credibility for the Special Contribution Award."
At Nurmengard, Grindelwald sat by the window, gazing at the snow. Behind him, Vita reported the failed power transfer and Hogwarts' reactions.
"Sir, are you alright?" Vita asked worriedly.
Grindelwald remained silent for a moment before responding, "I'm fine... fine."
His voice lacked its usual vitality. This defeat had crushed him more than any before.
"Dumbledore is protecting those students by hiding their deeds," Vita reported.
"Yes... But why? How did he suddenly become so powerful? What did he rely on?!" Grindelwald whispered, staring into the cold distance.
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