You Can Never Guess What's on Grindelwald's Mind

"This vicious curse can even be inherited through bloodlines. Every Maledictus is female, and similarly, the curse flows in the blood of their daughters."

Sean nodded, glancing at Nagini: "So, she doesn't want to get close to me because she's essentially a human, not an animal, right?"

"That's right," Dumbledore agreed with his point of view, and then said, "To be precise, I need you to help me determine whether Nagini still retains a shred of humanity."

"If you can attract her, then unfortunately, her human side has completely disappeared. She will be nothing more than an animal, both in body and soul. This is what makes the Blood Curse so terrifying; it curses people, curses the bloodline passed down through generations, and curses the soul."

Sean looked at Nagini with a hint of pity. Once she turned into a snake, she could never turn back. Her human memories were slowly being eaten away by her animalistic instincts, and the remaining human consciousness in her soul would gradually fade. Only those who had experienced it could imagine the despair she felt...

"Can she turn back? Professor, you just said that Maledictus will eventually turn into animals permanently," Sean asked.

Nagini had clearly been with Riddle for a long time, which means she may have been a snake for decades, which is the fate of the Maledictus that Dumbledore spoke of.

Dumbledore's expression became much more serious. "It's very difficult, extremely difficult. In fact, I've been studying the Blood Curse for a long time now, and I'm not afraid to admit it, child."

He shook his head. "I haven't found any spells that can break the Blood Curse. I only got some information from the notes of some ancient Potion Master. Severus and I studied it for a long time, but we can't guarantee that the formula we got will be completely effective."

"Professor, are you familiar with Nagini?" Sean asked. He naturally knew some things about Nagini, but for now, he would rely on Dumbledore's words.

Dumbledore looked remorseful. "Yes, we've known each other for a long time, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I didn't notice Nagini's disappearance at the time. I only recently discovered that Nagini was actually right next to Riddle. This plan includes both eliminating Riddle and finding Nagini."

"I see." Sean nodded.

Dumbledore continued, "You noticed it too, didn't you? I sent Aurelius away because he and Nagini used to be very good friends, and he's never given up looking for Nagini all these years. But because of his own circumstances, I couldn't let him be too upset, so I had to send him away first."

"Credence isn't so fragile anymore, and he'll find out eventually, Albus," Grindelwald interjected.

"But not now," Dumbledore said curtly.

Grindelwald shrugged and didn't argue as he had before.

Dumbledore cast a spell, Nagini fell unconscious again.

"Sean, we'll try to give Nagini some initial treatment, and we'll likely need your help then..."

"Of course, Professor," Sean replied quickly.

Dumbledore smiled at him, "Thank you, son. Of course, I won't interfere with your studies."

"Class is in session... "Dumbledore's words reminded Sean of a question.

His expression was a little strange. "Professor Dumbledore, what about our next Defense Against the Dark Arts?"

"That is indeed a problem," Dumbledore, patting his head with a headache. "I need to find a good candidate."

Grindelwald straightened up, stroked his short beard, and smiled. "I do have an idea."

"Alright, that's the end of our conversation," Dumbledore said without even glancing at Grindelwald. "You should leave Hogwarts."

He turned to Sean, his smile gentle, "Sean, I'm sorry to have kept you from getting some sleep. See you next time."

Sean glanced at Grindelwald, who hadn't moved an inch, and nodded quickly. "Goodbye, Professor, good night."

He had just turned around when he heard Grindelwald's drawn-out voice: "Sean — Wallerup— "

"Sir, you too. Good night." Sean chuckled dryly, turned around, and said good night again.

Grindelwald's cold face regained its smile, and he said gently, "Sean, I'm sorry to have kept you from your sleep. See you next time."

The old man... Sean nodded and quickly left.

Leaving the Headmaster's Office, as he passed the fourth floor, the large hole that Riddle had breached was still there. The sky outside was already beginning to lighten. Carefully navigating around the collapsed floor, Sean hurried towards the Common Room.

Sean tiptoed back to his dorm room and sank into the soft bed.

"Phew—" he let out a soft but extremely satisfied sigh, and then fell asleep instantly.

Where is this?

When Sean woke up, he found himself sleeping in a completely different place.

The soft four-poster bed of Ravenclaw was gone, replaced by clean white linen sheets. With the familiar furnishings, Sean quickly realized that he was in a school ward.

"What the hell..." Sean looked at the bedside table, where gifts and candy were piled up like a small mountain, interspersed with many cards.

"Oh, you're awake, child. How are you feeling?" Madam Pomfrey came in.

"I'm fine, madam. What is this?"

"It seems that Albus, you are alright, that puts my mind at ease."

She handed me a card. "Professor Dumbledore asked me to give this to you."

Professor Dumbledore? Sean took the card and unfolded it with a puzzled look.

Dear Sean: This is a little something from me, and I really wanted to keep making this up—but after thinking it over, I realized that Albus n't do something like this, so I'll just tell you the truth.

Albus clearly had no intention of letting me stay the night, so I had no choice but to find a place to shelter this poor old man, since the nights in Scotland were just too cold.

Thank you, Sean, your blanket is clean and warm.

Then I moved you to another place. After all, injuries are inevitable after fighting the vicious Dark Lord...

Besides, those gifts were from your admirers and friends. Although what happened last night should be kept a secret, as the great White Wizard Albus Dumbledore said: secrets always spread.

You're welcome. Remember to enjoy it.

P. S.: I took all the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans; I still have a use for them.

The card was signed Albus Dumbledore, but after Sean read it, the handwriting twisted and turned into a wild, cursive signature.

Gellert Grindelwald.

Sean: "..."

"..."

"...!"

This old man's head has definitely been licked by Troll!