[209] Before I Leave

The Forbidden Forest. Nurmengard.

"Teacher, do you think I'm almost ready to graduate?" Hall, wand in hand, gracefully dodged Grindelwald's attack while launching one of his own.

Grindelwald snorted. "You're still a long way off!" Despite his words, he wore a proud smile. He'd watched Hall grow from a complete novice to someone who could hold his own. His teaching skills were impressive.

After their exchange, they sat down to talk.

"Your control over magic has improved, and your use of silent spells is good. But you hesitated when you attacked — not decisive enough. Your opponent is me, so I won't kill you. But what if it were someone else?"

Hall rolled his eyes. "You weren't exactly lenient either! And I knew it was you, so I didn't go all out!"

Grindelwald chuckled. He didn't believe him.

"How are my subordinates?" Grindelwald changed the subject. He'd noticed Hall's increased interactions with the Saints. With Hall's growing strength and the influence of dark magic, perhaps he wanted to become the next Dark Lord? Compared to Voldemort, Hall would be far more successful.

Hall had no idea what Grindelwald was thinking. "It's a business selling upgraded magic cards — magic notebooks. I can't get involved directly, and there aren't suitable distributors in the UK. The Saints are just right."

Grindelwald was disappointed. Extremely disappointed.

Grindelwald wasn't disappointed in Hall, but in the Saints. So much time had passed and they still hadn't proven their value to Hall. He warned Hall about politics — it was full of cunning old foxes. He couldn't exactly barge into some Ministry of Magic if things went wrong.

Hall grinned. Absolutely impossible. He had multiple cards in play — Hogwarts, the Malfoys, the Saints, Lydia, the Gringotts goblins. Even if something happened to him, these people would be far more worried than he was.

With Professor Ulysses's help, Hall's progress in Ancient Runes was rapid. He preferred the Room of Requirement for studying. Since he wasn't doing research there, Little didn't restrict his snacks — he and Misty would refine the flavours to suit Hall's taste. Extra sweet.

Hall was heading towards the Room of Requirement when someone pulled him into a side corridor.

"Fred, George, what are you up to?" Hall didn't panic. His wand had slipped from his sleeve into his hand.

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Fred and George saw the wand pointed at their noses and quickly raised their hands. "Haha... Hall, could you put that away?"

Hall's movements were incredibly fast. Though the twins were fifth-years with decent abilities, they felt like defenceless lambs in front of Hall.

"Investment?" Hall crossed his arms. "With the profits from the wooden blocks and magic cards, you two shouldn't be short of money."

Fred coughed. That wasn't the point today.

George hooked his arm around Hall's shoulder. "Hey bro, we've discovered a little secret about Hogwarts!"

"A new secret passage?"

They shook their heads. They'd found countless secret passages. Even one that led from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade.

"Here's the thing." Fred also hooked his arm around Hall's neck, lowering his voice. "We've noticed something's off with the dining table lately. We noticed because of you. You know where the kitchen entrance is, right?"

Hall nodded.

"We know too. But we always thought the kitchen entrance was the only secret. We never expected..."

Fred and George exchanged glances. Hall's wand was about to reappear.

"Calm down, we'll tell you! We discovered the fireplace in the kitchen is connected to the Floo Network!"

Hall's movements froze.

"The fireplace in the kitchen?" Hall thought for a moment. There were fireplaces in the kitchen — more than one. A fireplace wasn't just for warmth; it could also be used for cooking.

"There are three fireplaces. Which one?"

Fred and George gave him a thumbs-up. "Not those three. A hidden one — you'd completely miss it if you weren't paying attention."

Hall was genuinely interested now. "Tell me in detail."

The twins explained. They'd been curious about why the food at Hall's table was so thoughtfully prepared lately, so they explored the kitchen. For them, who'd been exploring Hogwarts since first year, the kitchen wasn't a secret. They'd snuck in before for snacks. But this time, they noticed something.

"Actually, we only noticed because of those noisy house-elves," Fred said. "We'd never thought of exploring in the kitchen before — there are just too many of them. The moment you step in, they swarm you. You have neither the mood nor the energy to do anything else."

Hall's fingers twitched. Was this Helga Hufflepuff's deliberate arrangement? Before knowing about the hidden fireplace, he could tell himself it was a coincidence. Now he wasn't so sure.

"Are you sure there's a Floo Network inside?" Hall asked.

George nodded. "I was in charge of the inspection. I'm sure."

"When exactly is this fireplace from? I initially thought it might be from the founders' time." A fireplace with a special purpose prepared from the beginning. But the Floo Network was laid after the founders' deaths. The appearance of the Floo Network made the situation even more perplexing.

"Go check it out?" Fred looked eager.

"Have you told anyone else?" Hall asked.

The twins avoided his gaze.

"...Who did you tell?"

"Harry, Ron, and Ginny."

Hall pinched his nose. He really wasn't surprised at all.

"Harry and Ron are one thing, and I could even understand Hermione, but what about Ginny? She's only in second year! Still a child!"

Fred and George's expressions became even stranger.

"Speak," Hall said coldly.

"Well... when we went to find Harry, we discovered he's, well, dating our little sister."

Hall's face went blank. "Harry and Ginny?! Ginny's only twelve! Second year! This is puppy love!"

"Is twelve too young? There are first-years who start dating. Ginny's considered late."

Fred and George wanted to discuss further, but they met Hall's furious gaze and fell silent.