This era.
Besides having many followers, Voldemort also a figure of great interest.
Many people also greatly admire Dumbledore.
He is an idol in the Wizarding World.
As Cedric Jorkins approached, head bowed and lost in thought, he initially paid no attention to the person on the side of the road. It wasn't until he was almost brushing past the tall figure that he noticed him.
He then subconsciously glanced up.
That glance froze him in place.
" Professor Dumbledore...?"
Jorkins ' voice rose in astonishment, trembling with disbelief.
His eyes widened, staring intently at the face that had appeared countless times on Chocolate Frog Card, and was even more deeply etched in his memories of his student days. "Oh, good evening, Headmaster Dumbledore. I... I just wanted some fresh air. Something happened today..." He instinctively didn't want to go into details.
But it also seems to yearn to confide in someone.
Dumbledore seemed to snap out of his reverie. He turned his head, his gaze falling on Jorkins' face. A perfectly timed expression of contemplation quickly turned into a gentle look of realization and concern.
Even after so many years, and even though the other party is now a very important figure in the Wizarding World, that unique air of authority and wisdom that belongs to the Hogwarts Transfiguration Class professor remains.
It remains clearly discernible.
" Mr. Jorkins, Ravenclaw House, Class of 1970?" Dumbledore's voice was as calm and gentle as ever, carrying a reassuring strength. "To be honest, I didn't expect to see you here. So late, all alone? You look... not so good." He pretended not to know anything.
Upon confirming his identity, Jorkins ' heart pounded even faster. This wasn't just a chance encounter with a respected mentor; it was after he had just experienced such a thrilling event involving Death Eater and a mysterious powerful figure! He felt a dryness in his throat and instinctively straightened up, as if he had returned to his student days when facing his professor.
"Yes, it's me, Professor! You remember me!"
Jorkins ' voice was filled with flattered excitement, but it was quickly overwhelmed by an even stronger emotion, "I... I really... Professor, something terrible and bizarre happened to me this afternoon!"
Faced with the legend of Dumbledore, Jorkins almost instinctively wanted to confide in him, seeking guidance and protection from this elder known for his wisdom and strength.
He was completely unaware of Grindelwald in the shadows in the distance.
"Hmm?" Dumbledore's concern deepened. He took a small step forward, closing the distance and creating a safe and private atmosphere for conversation.
"Something terrible? Here? Tell me slowly, child, there's no rush."
His tone was full of soothing Magic Power.
Under Dumbledore's gentle gaze and encouragement, Jorkins felt as if he had found his anchor, and the fear, confusion, and lingering dread that had been suppressed all afternoon surged up.
He recounted in detail how he discovered the unusual Dark Magic artifacts at work, how he was hunted by Death Eater, how he found himself in dire straits in the Muggle neighborhood, and how the mysterious young Wizard miraculously saved him and performed various incredible feats, including large-scale memory manipulation.
Jorkins even mentioned that the other party asked him if he was Crouch's subordinate, checked his memory, and left him with Cobblestone token and words about "stains" on his face.
Throughout the narration, Dumbledore listened quietly, his face showing focused understanding, occasionally nodding slightly or giving a soft "hmm" at key points to show encouragement. But inside, however, his heart was filled with increasingly turbulent emotions with each word Jorkins uttered. The young appearance of seventeen or eighteen years old...
A single glance intimidated and imprisoned the Death Eater...
Precise control to defuse all the aftershocks of the battle and protect Muggle...
A meticulously crafted Mass Memory Charm, covering the Street...
A vast, chilling, and soul-chilling Magic Power pressure...
A powerful yet gentle Mental Power when examining memories...
The " Raven " mark...
These details, spoken by his former student, a firsthand witness, were far more impactful than any secondhand report or speculation. Dumbledore could clearly see the relief of surviving a near-deity in Jorkins' eyes, and the almost awe-inspiring reverence for the mysterious savior. When Jorkins spoke of the " Raven's " mark and the Cobblestone left behind, he even carefully took the warm, black stone from his pocket and showed it to Dumbledore. "Professor, look... this is it. He said if anything unusual or if we encounter danger again, we can contact him through this."
Dumbledore took the Cobblestone, feeling its slight warmth and fine texture. He didn't immediately use magic to investigate, but with the keen senses of the most powerful Wizard below the Legend, he could clearly feel the extremely subtle, resilient, and... "high-level" spiritual connection and Protective Magic attached to the stone. This magical structure was exquisitely crafted, unlike any other school of thought he knew.
"A very... unique magical creation." Dumbledore handed the Cobblestone back to Jorkins, his tone grave. " Mr. Jorkins, the abilities you described in this... young Wizard are indeed far beyond the ordinary. Could you recall his physical features more carefully? Any detail could be important."
Jorkins Hard Work recall, "He... was really young, Professor. He looked like an upperclassman or a recent graduate. Black hair, medium length, very neat. Face... very clean, well-defined, but without any particular expression, always very calm. Eyes... yes, the eyes were the most striking feature!"
"The color is deep, but not black, more like... the deep, dark color of a deep pool. When I look at you, it feels particularly... transparent, yet it's as if I can't see anything through you, particularly... um... empty? Or perhaps 'distant'? I can't quite put my finger on it, Professor. Anyway, it's... unlike the eyes of an ordinary person. You're wearing very ordinary dark Muggle clothes, somewhat like a trench coat, but not quite."
Jorkins Hard Work to describe it.
Dumbledore noted down these descriptions.
Young, black hair, deep eyes, calm demeanor, ordinary clothing... these characteristics combined with that terrifying strength create an extremely contradictory and dangerous portrait.
"He also mentioned ' Raven '?" Dumbledore prompted.
"Yes, Professor! The Death Eater who captured me had some kind of 'mark' left in his soul. He said it was the ' Raven's' mark, and he even sent the Death Eater back with a message..."
Jorkins repeated Ian's warning. Dumbledore understood. This further confirmed Grindelwald's information. This mysterious being was not only powerful, but also acted with a clear will and purpose, even daring to directly warn Voldemort's forces.
" Mr. Jorkins," Dumbledore's tone grew more serious, "What you experienced today was extremely important and dangerous. The one you encountered... the Savior, whose existence and abilities are beyond conventional understanding. I need you to keep everything about him, and the details of your rescue today, confidential from everyone for the time being."
"Including your superior, Mr. Crouch. Barty Crouch. This isn't out of distrust, but to protect you and to avoid causing unnecessary panic or... excessive attention from other forces, do you understand?" Perhaps Dumbledore's instruction had its own motives, but no one present would know or doubt it.
"Okay, okay, I understand." Jorkins nodded vigorously. "I understand, Professor! That... that official also instructed me not to tell anyone. Don't worry, I absolutely won't tell anyone!"
Facing Dumbledore, his current headmaster, he had an instinctive sense of student obedience to his teacher, especially since Dumbledore's advice sounded entirely for his own good.
"Very good." Dumbledore nodded approvingly, and at the same time, an extremely gentle and subtle Magic Power, along with his approving gaze, quietly swept over Jorkins ' consciousness. This was not a forced Memory Charm or Imperius Curse, but a more sophisticated mental soothing and subconscious strengthening based on trust and guidance.
He further reinforced Jorkins's idea of "keeping the secret" and helped him calm the long-term anxiety caused by today's trauma. With Dumbledore's skill, he did this almost without leaving a trace.
After hearing Dumbledore's words, Jorkins felt his anxiety and unease lessen considerably, and his resolve to keep the secret strengthened. "Thank you, Professor. I feel much better with your guidance."
Jorkins expressed his gratitude.
Dumbledore smiled gently. "It's getting late. You've been frightened and need some rest. Go back, Mr. Jorkins. Remember, stay alert, but don't live in fear. And be careful with your work at the Ministry of Magic..."
"Yes, Professor! Thank you!"
Jorkins bowed again before turning to leave, his steps much more steady than before. Only after Jorkins ' figure disappeared at the end of the path did Dumbledore's gentle expression gradually fade, turning into a deep solemnity. He slowly exhaled, as if to release the shock and worry that had been building up in his chest.
He didn't immediately turn to Grindelwald, but instead closed his eyes, seemingly processing the information he had just received. Jorkins's narration, combined with Grindelwald's previous speculation, made the image of the " Raven " more concrete, and more... unsettling. The gap between such a young appearance and such unbelievable strength.
It is absolutely the biggest mystery.
You heard everything.
Dumbledore finally spoke, his voice low, addressing Grindelwald in the shadows.
"Um."
Grindelwald slowly emerged from the shadows of the trees, his steps silent.
His heterochromatic eyes gleamed with a complex light under the dim streetlights. His face was expressionless, but Dumbledore could sense his intense focus. "I heard you," Grindelwald said calmly. "More interesting than I expected. Your student... described it vividly."
"Not just vivid, Gellert." Dumbledore turned, his deep blue eyes fixed on him. "It confirms! It confirms your insane claims!"
Old Deng raised his voice a little.
Grindelwald did not answer directly. He walked to the riverbank and looked at the area on the opposite bank that was indistinct in the night, as if sensing something.
Grindelwald's voice carried a strange, ethereal quality.
"Perhaps it's just a coincidence."
He himself probably wouldn't believe that statement.
Grindelwald paused, turned his head, and a sharp glint flashed in his heterochromatic eyes. "But more important than his purpose, Albus, is the impact of his very 'existence.' He warned the Death Eater, which means he has already actively intervened in the fight against Voldemort, even if it may just be a side effect."
"Given Tom's character and greed for power, he would never overlook such a powerful and unknown entity that has suddenly appeared. This would make the already chaotic situation even more complicated and dangerous." Grindelwald was clearly also paying attention to the outside world and knew about the rampant second-generation Dark Lord. Upon hearing this, Dumbledore a beat.
Grindelwald is right.
Voldemort would never stand idly by and ignore such a threat (or temptation). Given the Dark Lord's increasingly rampant and unscrupulous behavior, he might take more extreme actions, perhaps trying to recruit, control, or... destroy this " Raven." Either way, it could trigger a chain reaction.
This will involve more people.
We must find him.
Dumbledore's tone was resolute. "At the very least, we must try to communicate with him and understand his position. We cannot allow such a huge unknown to remain completely out of our control."
Grindelwald's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile as he teased his old friend, "Communication? Albus, do you think someone like him would easily 'communicate' with people? Especially with people like us... who represent the original order and 'trouble' of this world?" This was clearly a mockery.
But Old Deng didn't know that.
Dumbledore silent.
From his perspective.
really.
Judging from Jorkins ' description and the other party's style of doing things, the " Raven " was calm and detached, seemingly following his own logic and rhythm. Making contact rashly could very well backfire.
"But we must try," Dumbledore insisted. "It's our responsibility."
Just then...
Grindelwald's fingers, which were gripping the railing, twitched slightly, and his heterochromatic pupils suddenly focused, locking onto the opposite bank of the river, towards a simple, dimly lit stone bridge spanning a smaller tributary.
His breathing seemed to have slowed down.
"Perhaps..." Grindelwald's voice was extremely low, carrying a strange tone that mixed with certainty and a sense of fatalism, "... we don't need to go looking anymore."
"Hmm?" Dumbledore immediately followed his gaze. Across the flowing River Thames and the hazy night, he saw—in the shadows of the small stone bridge, a tall, slender figure was slowly walking out, stepping into the slightly brighter light of the streetlights beside the path. Although the distance was far and the light dim, Dumbledore could still make out that it was a young man dressed in dark casual clothes, with black hair and a composed demeanor. As if sensing the two unusual gazes from the opposite bank of the river, the young man paused slightly as he was about to completely emerge from the shadows of the bridgehead, turned his head, and his gaze seemed to pierce through the barriers of space and the hazy night, precisely and calmly landing in the direction where Dumbledore and Grindelwald were!
In that instant, Dumbledore clearly felt that his gaze was fixed on him.
I was surprised.
There's even joy?
"What's going on?!"
Dumbledore wondered if he was getting old and his eyesight was failing.
How could a complete stranger see me react in this way?