Tom remained silent for a moment, then reached out to stroke the young Qilin's head. Sensing his gentle intentions, the Qilin didn't resist, tilting its head inquisitively, still trying to decipher the enigma of this human's soul.
"Curious, are you?" Tom seemed to understand its thoughts. "Then come with me."
"Stay by my side until you unravel the secrets of my soul."
The warm caress of Tom's hand on its head, combined with those captivating emerald eyes, seemed to enchant the Qilin.
"How does that sound?" Tom's uniquely charming and gentle voice echoed in the Qilin's mind.
It shook its head, feeling strangely captivated by the stroking. Realizing this, the Qilin, like a skittish fawn, stamped its hooves and took a few cautious steps back, warily eyeing the human it so desperately wanted to trust. But how could a naïve and inexperienced Qilin possibly outmaneuver the 'cunning and treacherous' Dark Lord?
With just a few carefully chosen words, Tom won the Qilin over once more. "Your family has abandoned you, haven't they?"
...
Harry and Malfoy exchanged glances, inwardly marveling at their master's unwavering dedication to securing his desired creature, even resorting to Legilimency to achieve it.
Meanwhile, the Qilin, slightly puzzled as to how Tom knew, didn't dwell on it.
"For so long, a Qilin has lived here all alone; it must have been terribly lonely, hasn't it?" Tom continued, producing some specially prepared food designed to entice magical creatures.
Drawn in by the aroma, the Qilin instinctively moved closer, and Tom seized the opportunity, placing his hand upon its head, stroking it as he spoke. "But… from now on, that will no longer be the case."
...
Succumbing to the Dark Lord's persuasive charm, the little Qilin savored the stroking as it ate, even letting out a soft, contented cry between bites. But as it lowered its head to feed, it failed to notice the subtle, barely suppressed smile playing on Tom's lips.
Earlier, during his attempted 'abduction of the underage Qilin', Tom had meticulously concealed his true nature, ensuring the little creature couldn't glimpse his soul to avoid frightening it away. After all, his soul was intertwined with the essence of 'pain'.
Now, it seemed the plan was working perfectly. Although Harry and the others hadn't been properly greeted, and no significant incidents had occurred, leaving him slightly bored, he had successfully tamed another magical creature he desired, making the trip entirely worthwhile.
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere, deep within the Forbidden Forest at night.
Due to Hagrid's recent pleas to Dumbledore, both Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald found themselves within the Forbidden Forest.
A giant, approximately five meters tall, lay sprawled on a boulder, surrounded by uprooted trees and shattered rocks.
"Hagrid, you certainly know how to give me a headache," Dumbledore said, gazing at the massive figure before him with a hint of helplessness.
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid said, his expression turning anxious. "I'll send him back immediately, though I might need a few days off to do so."
"There's no need." Dumbledore shook his head. "He can stay here, so long as you keep a close eye on him."
Hagrid looked surprised. "But Professor, didn't you say..."
"After all, the inhabitants of the Forbidden Forest are already complaining," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and smiled, feigning concern. "They've been telling me about a giant trespassing into their territory."
Hagrid's eyes lit up immediately. "Yes, Professor! I'll definitely watch Grop closely!"
Although Hagrid wasn't particularly perceptive, he understood that Dumbledore had agreed to let him keep Grop and that he didn't need to worry about 'the parents'. However, Dumbledore needed to emphasize that Hagrid had to watch over his giant brother.
Although Dumbledore was confident he could ensure that Hagrid's brother wouldn't cause any trouble while he was around, he couldn't be around all the time, could he?
"Albus, you haven't changed at all." Gellert Grindelwald listened to their conversation in silence until it ended before finally remarking.
"No, everyone changes." Dumbledore smiled. "You just haven't realized it yet."
"Is that so?" Grindelwald gazed into Dumbledore's clear, unwavering eyes. "Then I hope I never do."
"Oh, since you say so, I'll send you back to Nurmengard immediately."
"No, it's better if that changes."
Seeing Grindelwald's expression, Dumbledore's lips curled into a smile. "So, do you see it now?"
"Alright, alright, you win." Grindelwald raised his hands in surrender, then changed the subject, turning to Grop. "A giant? Not even as dangerous as that kid's cat."
Just as he finished speaking, the crackling sounds of Apparition echoed nearby. The group looked in the direction of the sound and saw Tom and his two companions.
"Tom?" Hagrid was somewhat surprised to see Tom and his friends suddenly appear. He had been nervous upon hearing the Apparition, but upon seeing that it was Tom and his friends, the worry vanished, since they all knew Grop was there.
However, unlike Hagrid, Dumbledore and Grindelwald focused on something else entirely.
"Wait," Grindelwald said, his tone complex. "Is that… a Qilin at your feet?"
Hearing this, Hagrid quickly looked down and spotted a 'little deer' hiding behind Tom, peeking out from beside Tom's feet and observing the creatures. The Qilin seemed somewhat afraid, especially of Grindelwald.
"This little one…" Dumbledore also noticed it. "Could it be the one I'm thinking of?"
Although it had grown a bit, he still recognized the small figure that had bowed to him years ago.
Grindelwald's complicated emotions stemmed from recalling that time—the time of his utter defeat. Moreover, he had personally killed this Qilin's brother, and their mother had been dealt with by his own followers. And now he'd actually encountered that little creature again. Although much had changed, he couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.
While Grindelwald was lost in thought, his expression betrayed little of his inner turmoil. He snapped out of his reverie and asked Tom curiously, "Where did you pick up this new pet?"
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