Hogwarts was quiet and peaceful at night.
Occasionally, the cry of one or two night owls pierced the silence. They were either returning to their nests or carrying news from afar. Ancient trees swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows beneath the moonlight.
The young wizards had long since fallen asleep in their respective dormitories. Moonlight poured down like water upon the ancient castle, draping the magical school in a silvery-white veil.
Beneath a tower that soared into the clouds, Grindelwald seemed to be observing the stars in the night sky. Dim yellow light shone from the tower windows, illuminating the open ground before him.
That light.
That person standing within it. At this moment, it seemed to be guiding Ian home.
"Oh, Professor, I killed someone. What am I supposed to do about my soul now?" Ian did not actually feel much turmoil, but he thought that, at his age, he should at least pretend to be somewhat uneasy.
Whether they believed him or not, he had to put on a show.
"Only murder contaminates the soul. However, one's understanding of the act of killing itself also affects that rule. Looking at your situation, you're better off than anyone."
The one answering Ian's question was Grindelwald. Perhaps when it came to killing and the consequences it brought, he truly had more authority to speak on the matter than Albus Dumbledore.
"That's because I know I was removing a pest from the Wizarding World. Right, this should count as taking life to protect life. That Dark Lord had ruined who knew how many families."
"My good roommate Michael will thank me. His father died fighting that noseless thing." Ian searched for a few words to defend his moral character.
Albus Dumbledore gave no response. He raised his head, observing