I contemplated nurous possibilities, Horace Grindelwald casually waved the old wand he held, transforming it into a plush armchair.
He then seated himself comfortably in front of Slughorn.
Slughorn remained unperturbed throughout, savoring his delicious pineapple compote.
Their interaction felt more like old friends reminiscing about the past than enemies.
Grindelwald continued, Ive had suspicions about many individuals at HogwartsFrios, Pomona, even Auroraall of them had motives and possibilities for betrayal. However, you, Horace, I never considered the possibility of your betrayal.
Betrayal? Slughorn scoffed, rising to his feet. He opened a new bottle of ad and poured himself a glass.
From the day I set foot in Hogwarts, were you already a covert spy for the Order of the Phoenix? Grindelwald inquired with curiosity.
Of course! Slughorn nodded naturally. From the mont I learned of Armando Dippets demise, from the instant I witnessed Yusuf Kamas death before your followers, from when I saw Albus Dumbledores every trace erased Horace Slughorn had already made his decision.
It appears you hold a significant position within the Order of the Phoenix? Grindelwald asked with interest.
The status within the Order of the Phoenix is neither high nor low, Professor Slughorn replied, spreading his hands. I have only one contact online, and rest assured, you will not find that person. Simultaneously, Minerva is the only other person on this line, and you neednt trouble yourself interrogating her; you wont get anything from her.
Of course, I am aware of that, Grindelwald acknowledged.
Thank you, Professor Slughorn murmured before sipping his ad.
Speaking of which, Horace, you have truly caused a great deal of trouble over the years
Grindelwald conjured another goblet and was about to pour himself so of Slughorns ad when he stopped him.
Youll drink from this bottle! Slughorn tossed the previously untouched ad bottle to Grindelwald, then poured himself a generous glass from the newly opened bottle.
Very well, Grindelwalds expression shifted slightly, but he seed to accept it.
While pouring himself a glass of ad, he continued, In hindsight, there indeed were many challenges, the invisible hand behind you, Horace
Its akin to the informant fifteen years ago. Now that I think about it, that may well have been your doing, Horace Remus Lupin ca to with the childrens plans. When I ordered the teachers to seal off all exits at Hogwarts, mainly the secret passages, to prevent anyone from escaping, you must have sensed sothing amiss and alerted the children.
Of course! Slughorn responded proudly. Honestly, I had little hope that they would manage to escape from Hogwarts at the ti. I didnt expect them to surprise . The invisibility cloak passed down through the Potter family is truly remarkable. However, I still cant fathom how they all fit beneath that small cloak.
It is indeed an exceptional invisibility cloak! Grindelwald remarked, squinting his eyes.
I presu that cloak of invisibility is now in your possession, Grindelwald After your apprehension of Potter Professor Slughorn teased.
Grindelwald did not respond verbally but indicated his acquiescence.
Those young, newly recruited mbers of the Order of the Phoenix, I believe they all ca through you, Horace In truth, when Evans spoke out against , I should have been alerted. Young souls are like blank pages; they only require so guidance to follow the righteous path. They possess boundless vitality and unwavering faith, needing only a proper goal.
Its comndable! Grindelwald couldnt help but give a thumbs-up.
If I didnt do this, how could I deceive your eyes? Slughorn countered, praising in return. Especially the eyes in your heart
I can indeed see the future Grindelwald shook his head. Yet, Ive never believed in it. The future is rely a warning. Treating it as a guide would be the act of a fool!
The Headmaster paused, then inquired, Dirk Creswell, is he also part of your Order of the Phoenix?
Slughorn was montarily taken aback and fell into silence for a mont.
No need to bla yourself, Horace, Grindelwald consoled. A few hours ago, even before I guessed your identity, the Ministry of Magics Aurors had already arrested him. As the director of the Fairy Liaison Office in the Departnt of Fantastic Beasts Managent and Control, he guarded and stole but secretly fonted rebellion among the Fairies. Once the fairies in Gringotts cald down, his identity was inevitably exposed.
Slughorn inquired in a hushed tone, Dirk what will happen to him?
Azkaban life imprisonnt no possibility of parole! Grindelwald stated without hesitation. Not just him, all the participants in this rebellion share the sa fate, be it Dirk Creswell, Potter, or Shafiq
Both fell silent for a mont, drowning their sorrows in ad.
The number of wizards is exceedingly small, Grindelwald suddenly comnted. Every wizard is valuable. I have never desired to rob any wizard of life, regardless of their actions. In my eyes, they are akin to wayward family mbers or children who have erred.
Yet you send your family mbers and children to Azkaban to be with the Dentors? Slughorn retorted sarcastically.
But you can put a stop to this, Horace! Grindelwalds expression abruptly turned grave.
He openly voiced the true purpose of his visit.
Tell tell what youve done over the past year, what youre concealing, Grindelwald implored softly.
You know its impossible, Grindelwald Slughorns tone was resolute.
Of course, Im aware Any mories tied to the event have likely been altered long ago by you, and your Occluncy skills are excellent As for Veritaserum, its futile against a Potions expert like you.
Slughorn said nothing.
Only you can divulge it, and I will forgive you for everything, Grindelwald continued. Whether its Dirk Creswell, Elaine Shafiq, Minerva, or you especially for the three of them, they can be free. I can pardon whatever you did. I assure you, I believe my words still hold so credibility.
Horace I beg of you
Slughorn shook his head with a blank expression.
Thats impossible!
So, he was unequivocally rejected.
Grindelwald did not express anger but calmly poured himself another glass of ad.
To be honest, over the years, Ive grown accustod to this, he comnted composedly. You mbers of the Order of the Phoenix, at least those Ive had contact with, are as resolute as Albus evidently, you are all as mad as him.
Indeed, he was right about you, Grindelwald! Slughorn suddenly remarked.
Oh? Grindelwald raised an intrigued eyebrow.
He said youre a lunatic!
Thats accurate, Grindelwald concurred unexpectedly, offering a smile. Its not just ; he sotis shares that madness as well!
Both bottles of ad were nearly empty.
The conversation between Grindelwald and Slughorn drew to a close.
After a mont of silence, Slughorn reclined in his chair, slowly closing his eyes as if drifting off to sleep.
Observing his colleague, who had been a companion for almost fifty years, and the ad bottle in his hand
Grindelwald sighed with a tinge of regret and shook his head.
Farewell, Horace!
He emptied the last drops of ad from his bottle onto the floor before turning and exiting his office.
Rosier awaited him outside Slughorns office.
How did it go, Lord Grindelwald? she inquired promptly as he erged.
Grindelwald sighed once more.
Then he shook his head again and replied in a low voice, The Dean of Slytherin, Professor Horace Eugene Flaccus Slughorn has just accidentally ingested poison and passed in his sleep.
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