"Then what did that black mist mean?" Erwin asked.
Ravenclaw shook his head. "You'll have to find out yourself. I don't know either. But one thing's certain: you're special to us, Erwin. And now, it seems, to them as well."
Erwin frowned. Special? His transmigrator origins? The System? From the mist's words, it sounded like he was on their side. Was he the villain here? He played the hero, but deep down, he knew he wasn't purely good—though hardly evil.
"Don't overthink it," Ravenclaw advised. "Strength will reveal all answers in time."
Erwin nodded. Sound advice, but the nagging questions left a bitter taste.
Ravenclaw stretched. "I'm off to rest."
Erwin and Grindelwald bowed. "Farewell, Founder."
With a nod, Ravenclaw vanished into Erwin's mind.
Grindelwald eyed Erwin, clearly reevaluating him. Who casually housed the soul of one of the Hogwarts Founders? The kid treated it like a parlor trick.
"Kid—Saint," Grindelwald said, "I'm handing this to you now. You've forged your own path; I trust you'll succeed."
Erwin blinked. That was it? Leadership of the Acolytes, just like that?
Grindelwald shoved the book aside and settled into bed. "Whatever you do with them, leave someone to bring my meals. But keep Vinda—she's grown insufferably chatty."
Before Erwin could respond, a dizzying pull yanked him from the tower. He reappeared on the hillside with Vinda and the others.
A shimmering barrier descended, sealing the castle. The massive eagle atop the tower screeched in protest as it was forced skyward.
Vinda's eyes widened. She bolted toward the tower, the other Acolytes close behind.
Erwin reached the base and touched the barrier. It hummed, unyielding.
He glanced at Vinda. "What's this?"
"The Dark Lord has sealed it," she said, voice thick. "We can't enter."
Grindelwald's voice echoed from within: "Vinda! Follow Erwin. He won't steer you wrong. We'll meet again when it's over—and you'll be free of this shadow."
Vinda and the Acolytes stared at the tower, eyes glistening. She removed her top hat, pressing it to her chest, and bowed deeply. The others followed suit.
Erwin raised his wand. A green flash erupted, the Deathly Hallows symbol blooming in the sky. The Acolytes joined in, their wands igniting the Acolyte's Mark above Nurmengard—a defiant banner of loyalty shifting hands.
Inside, Grindelwald's eyes brimmed, but he turned away, jaw set.
Vinda bowed to Erwin. "Acolyte Vinda Rosier greets you, Your Excellency."
The others echoed: "Greetings, Your Excellency!"
Erwin turned to face them, helping Vinda rise. "No need for that. You're the new head of the Acolytes now."
Her gaze held firm. "You've earned it."
"Fair enough," Erwin said. "First order: Your group remains the Acolytes. Leave two to tend the Dark Lord. If he needs anything, we all answer—no exceptions."
Gratitude softened their expressions. A new leader could mean purges, but Erwin honored Grindelwald. How could they not respect that?
In truth, Erwin had little choice. Their true allegiance was to Grindelwald; his endorsement alone bound them to Erwin. A conflicting order from the Dark Lord would sway them instantly. Better to show benevolence now—secure loyalty and gain control.
"Let's head to Berlin," Erwin continued. "I'll sort the details there."
The Acolytes parted for him. Erwin bowed to the tower. "I'll return soon, Your Excellency."
He wove through the group and exited the grounds, directing them to his inn before preparing to Apparate.
A figure emerged from the trees. Erwin smiled. "Aunt Vinda, take them ahead?"
She glanced at the newcomer and nodded. The Acolytes vanished with a series of cracks, heading to Berlin.
Erwin waited as the man approached: Thorfinn Rowle.
"Congratulations on becoming the new Acolyte leader," Rowle said.
Erwin smirked. "Just well-wishes? I prefer straight talk."
Rowle hesitated. "Do your words from the inn still hold?"
"The Cavendish family keeps its word," Erwin replied.
Rowle's eyes sharpened. "I want in—that position you mentioned."
"What will you offer?" Erwin asked.
"My loyalty. I'll join the Acolytes."
Erwin shook his head. "No. You'll join the Cavendish family."
...
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