[81] Into the Forest

Hall led Vita Rosier to the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where Dumbledore was waiting. He hadn't invited the rest into Hogwarts — that was his business, not the school's. If the Saints entered Hogwarts, the meaning would be different. Hall wouldn't allow it, and Dumbledore certainly wouldn't.

He had only allowed Vita Rosier in because she had remained loyal all these years. Dumbledore would lead her deep into the forest to see Grindelwald, who was waiting for his loyal subordinate.

"Long time no see, Mrs Rosier." Dumbledore smiled.

"Dumbledore!" Vita Rosier gave him a disdainful look. "Where is my Lord?"

"Please come with me. Let him give you the answer you seek." Dumbledore gestured.

Vita Rosier, chin held high, walked past him with a cold snort.

Hall watched the two figures disappear into the distance, then turned and returned to the main entrance. That was his battlefield.

Back at the Hogwarts entrance, Hall stepped forward. His slightly smaller figure drew puzzled glances from all the Saints present. Though filled with curiosity, none dared leave their positions — Hall guessed Vita Rosier had instructed them to wait.

He raised his wand. His body began to float lightly into the air. Gradually, he rose to a height half a head taller than the Saints.

Hall walked through the air before them as if his feet were on solid ground.

The Saints who witnessed it were filled with astonishment.

Hall remained silent. He was waiting for the other Saints to arrive.

As time passed, he saw flashes of light in the direction of Hogsmeade — the Apparition point closest to Hogwarts. The group landed and gradually advanced toward Hogwarts, eventually converging on the bridge in front of the gates. Four Aurors followed behind.

"Everyone... is everyone here?" Hall's gaze swept across the area.

Nearly a hundred wizards from the Saints had gathered on the bridge. Several clearly high-ranking members walked to the front, intending to inquire about the situation from the Rosier family. But when they saw Hall before them, they were visibly stunned.

Before them stood a boy, no more than eleven or twelve. That wasn't what surprised them — it was that he was floating in mid-air. Those with powerful magic could fly, but it was extremely time-consuming and required very high magical energy. For example, that Dark Lord in Britain. Clearly, this child couldn't possess such power.

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Could it be the Levitation Charm? That was the answer that came to their minds. It was a basic spell taught in every magic school's first year. However, it could only indirectly make people float by levitating objects.

Several leaders were mostly grey-haired, but one who looked relatively young stepped forward. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, was elegantly dressed, and carried a cane inlaid with a large amethyst.

Carlos Abernathy.

His father had been a loyal Saint who served in the U.S. Ministry of Magic for a greater purpose.

He frowned, wondering what Dumbledore was up to. "Hey, kid. Get your Headmaster out here."

"Yeah, hurry up. We don't have time to play with you." The other leaders, realising they'd just been intimidated by a child, felt rather embarrassed. "Hey, kid, that's enough. Go home for dinner. Your mum's looking for you."

"Hey, don't scare him. If he cries, we'll be in big trouble."

"Hahahaha..."

Hall, looking utterly bored, crossed his arms. "Gentlemen. Mr Grindelwald asked me to wait for you here." He flashed a friendly smile. "From now on, I will be his agent. Please take care of me."

His words caused an uproar.

"What are you saying, you little brat! Who do you think you are, acting as Mr Grindelwald's agent? Trying to make us laugh to death?"

"That's right! This kid — so young and already so bad. Never a word of truth out of his mouth."

"Kid, get down here now and I won't hit you. If you don't, Uncle will spank your bottom bloody, hahahaha!"

"Hmph! If you ask me, this is all Dumbledore's scheme! That kid is standing in front of us, preventing us from making a move! What kind of greatest wizard is he? A disgrace!"

"Kid, Grandpa has a bad temper. I order you to get down here right now!"

The hundreds of Saints, stirred by the excitement at the front, abandoned formation and crowded forward. All they could see was a small head — the top of a boy.

Carlos Abernathy raised his hand above his head. Everyone saw it; the murmurs instantly ceased. His father had been Grindelwald's right-hand man, and even in death, his glory still shone upon his descendants. This made Carlos highly respected among the Saints.

Everyone fell silent.

Carlos stepped forward, standing before Hall, and frowned. At over six feet tall, he had to bow slightly to face the boy, which made him uncomfortable. A surge of anger rose within him.

"Kid. Everyone here is probably older than your father. I'll give you one more chance. Get down here immediately and go call Albus Dumbledore. Otherwise — hmph."

"Now. Get down."

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. If this child disobeyed, for the sake of his dignity before the Saints, he would kill the boy, even if he was innocent.

Hall raised his eyes, his gaze indifferent, as if he had heard something amusing. He gave a naive smile, dimples appearing at the corners of his mouth.

"You can make me come down. But I don't like talking to people taller than me. How about this — I'll come down, and you kneel."

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