"Apologies, Mr. Gregorovitch. I came in a hurry this time and didn't bring any payment. Next time… I'll make sure to repay you."
I would rather give you ten thousand Galleons than ever see you again.
Gregorovitch thought weakly, his entire body drained. Only after confirming that Gellert Grindelwald had truly left did he immediately contact the German Ministry of Magic. Before long, a large group of Aurors flooded into his shop.
...
Inside the learning space.
Tom had just woken up when Grindelwald dragged him into a practical duel to test the performance of his newly acquired wand.
"Hawthorn… unicorn tail hair. This combination doesn't suit you at all."
Tom held the wand, clicking his tongue in disdain.
"A person like you using a unicorn core? Looks like Gregorovitch isn't that impressive after all."
"It's not particularly smooth to use."
Grindelwald paid little attention to the mockery. He knew exactly what kind of person he was.
"It's merely a temporary solution to counter the Elder Wand. Taming a wand is not difficult for me."
Tom nodded slightly. From that perspective, Gregorovitch's choice actually made sense.
Aspen wood suited determined duelists who did not fear authority, capable of resisting the overwhelming suppression of the Elder Wand. Unicorn tail hair, on the other hand, carried a sacred quality, filled with strong positive energy. Thestrals naturally disliked unicorns, their powers opposing one another.
Tom then brought up what had happened the night before.
"After Dumbledore learned about your escape, he disappeared. Vinda also got the news very quickly. I told her to stay calm and not act recklessly. You should get yourself a WhatsApp notebook and contact her directly."
Grindelwald fell silent for a moment before nodding.
He hadn't wanted to interfere too much with the Saints before Tom fully established his authority, but under the current circumstances, it seemed more appropriate for him to step in personally.
Tom waved his hand dismissively.
"Go on. Cause some trouble if you want. The bigger the commotion, the better… I enjoy a bit of chaos."
With that, Tom vanished from the learning space.
Grindelwald stayed behind a while longer, chatting briefly with Andros before leaving as well.
...
At breakfast, Albus Dumbledore was still absent.
Professor Minerva McGonagall looked so grim that it made the students uneasy. There was no news in the papers about the capture of the two escaped criminals, and many began to realize that yesterday's speculation had likely been wrong.
Or perhaps…
Dumbledore had failed?
But in truth, although many in the upper circles already knew the news, it would still take time before it reached the students and the general public.
Almost every Minister of Magic across Europe had been jolted awake the previous night, forced to accept the reality of Grindelwald's escape in a haze of shock. A few dismissed it lightly, but most understood the gravity of the situation.
Under the suggestion of Babajide Akinbadé, several key individuals were already being placed under surveillance.
Yet no one dared to take further action.
Arrest them outright?
If word reached Grindelwald, it would only attract his retaliation. He might not be able to take on the entire world, but eliminating a few individuals would be effortless for him.
...
At dawn, Dumbledore arrived in Berlin, at Gregorovitch's wand shop.
By then, Gregorovitch had already told the Aurors most of what had happened the previous night… except for the existence of the Elder Wand, and Grindelwald's specific request.
He didn't dare let that information spread.
Otherwise, even more terrifying figures might come knocking at his door.
But when facing Dumbledore, the current master of the Elder Wand, Gregorovitch exchanged a few subtle glances. Dumbledore understood immediately.
After the Aurors left, he quietly returned to the shop.
"Gregorovitch, what is it you wanted to tell me?"
"Dumbledore… Grindelwald asked me to craft a special wand for him."
Having worked through the night and endured prolonged questioning, Gregorovitch looked utterly exhausted. His voice was weak.
"He wanted a wand capable of opposing the Elder Wand."
Dumbledore's expression remained calm, but his eyes grew deeper.
"And did you make it?"
"…I did."
Gregorovitch gave a bitter smile.
"I didn't have the courage to refuse him, nor to deceive him. I did everything I could. It should… have some effect."
"Dumbledore… you must be careful. His objective is very clear."
"He wants revenge."
"Thank you for the warning."
Dumbledore nodded slightly, then reassured him.
"This is not your fault. Please don't worry. I defeated him once before… and I can do so again."
"Even without relying on that wand which brings nothing but misfortune."
Gregorovitch visibly relaxed. The heavy shadow left by Grindelwald lifted considerably.
This was Dumbledore's strength.
For a century, he had stood victorious. And almost everyone believed he would continue to do so.
The only thing that might ever defeat him… was love itself.
...
Stepping out of the shop, Dumbledore looked up at the glaring sunlight.
Yet in his heart, darkness gathered instead.
Grindelwald's intentions were unmistakable.
The very first thing he did after escaping was to seek a wand. That meant everything had been planned long in advance. This was no impulsive act.
And if Grindelwald was truly serious…
Then Dumbledore would need strength to match him.
Fawkes…
Having sorted his thoughts, the old wizard quickened his pace.
He needed to contact old allies. If something truly happened, he would not be able to face it alone.
North America was too far.
The nearest place… was Paris.
Fawkes appeared on his shoulder. Flames erupted, swallowing them both.
Moments later, a new visitor arrived at the estate of Nicolas Flamel.