[80] Shadows and Statements

On the fifth day, after the Saints had entered Britain, Cornelius Fudge gave a statement: it wasn't that he didn't want to refuse them, but their entry was legal and compliant. They entered the British Ministry of Magic with group visas. They couldn't doubt their intentions just because they outnumbered others.

What? They used to be Saints? Ridiculous. If they were truly Saints, they'd be in jail. Did people think the international ministries were pushovers? Such words were malicious, sowing discord between Britain and its visitors. The arrival of so many wizards would boost the economy. Only Fudge truly cared for the wizarding world.

In Nurmengard, only a handful were aware of what was happening: Grindelwald, Hall, Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey (sent to treat Grindelwald), and the house-elf Misty. Everyone else was completely unaware that a colossal structure had appeared deep within the Forbidden Forest.

At this moment, three-quarters of them were having lessons in a hastily converted study within the castle.

"Heh. Your Minister has finally been driven mad by you," Grindelwald remarked sarcastically.

Dumbledore feared his good student might be brainwashed. Since Hogwarts was under a sort of martial law, Dumbledore accompanied Hall to and from lessons. That's how Grindelwald also knew about the information Dumbledore had received through private channels.

Upon reading the message, Dumbledore wore a wry smile. Fudge, because of his rejection, had given up all pretense.

"Hall, do you understand what you're about to face?" Dumbledore ignored Grindelwald's mockery and turned to Hall.

The message indicated one thing — the Saints could knock on Hogwarts's doors at any moment.

Hall, teasing Helena with a carrot, looked up. "What? You don't need to worry. I have Helena. Besides, I'm just Mr Grindelwald's representative, not his heir." He rolled the carrot for Helena. "If they object, I'll just say I'm Mr Grindelwald's son. Don't worry. I'll handle it."

Grindelwald: "..."

Dumbledore: "..."

"Gellert, put down that cup! That's Hogwarts property!" Dumbledore stepped in front of Hall.

Grindelwald slowly lowered his hand. "That brat! All he ever thinks about is taking advantage! If I had a son like him, I'd beat him to a pulp!"

He pointed at Hall, angrily complaining.

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"Smash!"

"Mr Grindelwald! That's Hogwarts property! You can't do that!" Hall dodged, leaping to the doorway. A cup shattered where he'd just been.

"Kid, get back to work!" Grindelwald said with disdain. This kid was talented, but he only put his mind to making money. What a waste.

"Gellert."

"Grindelwald."

A chill ran down Grindelwald's spine.

"Headmaster, I think someone is knocking at the Hogwarts door. I'll go check." Hall saw Dumbledore's gleaming eyes and retreated.

"You can hear the Hogwarts door from here!? You brat! Stop right there!"

Ignoring Grindelwald's shouts, Hall ran out.

Staying here meant getting scolded. The Headmaster seemed much younger lately, but his temper had become particularly irritable — especially around Grindelwald. Of course, Hall thought Grindelwald deserved it most of the time. The man was truly obnoxious. Even first-year students knew better than him.

On the bridge before Hogwarts, shadows gathered in the afternoon sun.

On the bridge in front of Hogwarts.

The afternoon sun cast two or three dozen shadows. They stood silently, like statues, forming a triangle. This was a small contingent of Saints led by the Rosier family. Four Aurors, ostensibly protecting foreign visitors, followed not far behind.

"Madam, shall we break in?"

Vita Rosier, standing at the front, turned to the junior beside her with an expression of utter disbelief.

"Knock." Her voice was cold, like a chilling wind.

"Knock?!" The junior stared in astonishment. He exchanged glances with the person behind him. "Weren't we here to cause trouble?"

Vita Rosier heard his whisper but paid it no mind. Her gaze pierced through the thick door, looking at the people behind it.

Decades had passed.

"We're here for a goodwill visit," she explained, a hint of helplessness in her voice. These young people were always too impulsive. They had legitimate reasons, so why not use them? Fighting would only bring trouble. After all, this was Hogwarts. Even if the rest of the wizarding world fell, this place would remain impregnable.

She gestured with her chin. "Knock."

The junior nodded quickly, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and pounded three times on the Hogwarts door. His movements were stiff, as if suppressing inner tension. After knocking, he stepped back and stood respectfully behind Vita Rosier.

The wooden door opened.

Hall stood behind it.

He had finished eating and drinking, washed up, and changed into a new robe. He hadn't heard any knocking — he'd estimated the time and figured it was about right. This was his first meeting with his future partner, and he needed to make a good impression.

Vita Rosier frowned at the boy before her. "Vita Rosier. I need to see your Headmaster."

Was Hogwarts this difficult? Was a child being made a doorman?

"A beautiful lady at our doorstep — what an honour." Hall winked, tilting his head to reveal his dimples.

The response was icy coldness.

Realising his attempt at charm had failed, Hall coughed awkwardly, then quickly resumed a harmless smile, stepping aside. "Madam, please come in."

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