Danger

"No."

Dumbledore's voice wasn't loud, but there was no room for negotiation in his tone.

He didn't even need to think too much; he answered almost the instant Grindelwald finished speaking.

Grindelwald laughed heartily, as if he had won, after receiving Dumbledore's unwavering rejection.

The laughter echoed in the empty cell, carrying a childlike smugness that formed a strange contrast with his aged and withered appearance.

He still preferred to see Dumbledore's emotions fluctuate.

Who are you trying to impress with that confident, knowing look?

Seeing Grindelwald's smug expression, Dumbledore shook his head helplessly. He hadn't changed much in that respect; he was still as happy and unrestrained as he had been in his youth.

Dumbledore wasn't afraid that Lucien would learn more about the Dark Magic. The boy had an exceptional talent for the Dark Magic, but his resolve was strong enough that he wouldn't be easily corrupted by Dark Magic.

What he feared was Grindelwald's influence on the child—not a magical one, but an influence on his mind.

Even during his student days, Grindelwald displayed dangerous traits.

Even at Durmstrang, a school that permitted Dark Magic, Grindelwald was expelled for conducting overly dangerous and wicked magical experiments, which gives you an idea of how "out of line" Grindelwald was back then.

A teenager dared to tread on taboos that even adult wizards dared not touch.

However, aside from his talent in Dark Magic, Grindelwald's "words" are actually more dangerous.

He could bewitch countless people with just his words, and once, in just a few days, he persuaded a complete stranger, an elite Auror, to help him escape from captivity.

When that Auror was later tried by the Ministry of Magic, he even defended Grindelwald, firmly believing that he was acting in the "For the Greater Good."

This extraordinary talent for public speaking and personal charisma is even more unsettling than his magic.

Although Dumbledore didn't think Grindelwald was interested in instigating a new wizarding war with a young man.

but...

Some of the influences from Grindelwald's ideas might make young people who are still growing up more "radical".

Grindelwald suddenly stopped smiling, leaned forward, and moved closer to Dumbledore across the table.

"If you think it's suitable, you can actually bring him to meet me. Some issues regarding the curse are better discussed in person."

He paused, his heterochromatic eyes fixed directly into Dumbledore's eyes:

"And you should feel at ease communicating right under your nose, right?"

Dumbledore's eyes flickered.

He truly couldn't accept the two communicating privately using Instant Whisper, but if he saw it for himself...

But why bring a little wizard to see Grindelwald?

See Gellert Grindelwald, who once shook Europe and even the world?

Grindelwald picked up a Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, popped it into his mouth, chewed it, and said leisurely:

"Don't be so rigid, Al. You don't have to bring him to see ' Grindelwald.'" He swallowed Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Just say you brought him to see a reclusive, eccentric old wizard. Don't worry about him knowing who I am; decades have passed, how could a little wizard possibly recognize this old geezer?"

As he said this, Grindelwald pointed to his withered face, a hint of self-mockery flashing in his heterochromatic eyes.

Dumbledore remained silent.

But Grindelwald knew that he was genuinely considering the matter, and if there was absolutely no room for discussion, Dumbledore would refuse outright rather than remain silent.

This silence itself is a form of hesitation.

There won't be a clear answer anytime soon.

Grindelwald then changed the subject, his tone becoming more casual:

"Speaking of which, Al, do you really think that a child can have hope for a problem that you couldn't solve back then?"

Dumbledore looked up at him.

"There are always those who can work miracles," Dumbledore said, his voice calm yet resolute, "Whether in the world of Muggle or the world of wizards."

Behind his half-moon glasses, his gaze passed over Grindelwald and landed on the gray sky outside the window.

"Some people are even the 'miracle' itself."

Seeing Dumbledore's high praise for the young wizard, Grindelwald clicked his tongue but remained silent.

Having obtained the answer, Dumbledore prepared to leave, and with a wave of his hand, the tableware on the table disappeared.

He had many things to do: clues about the Horcrux, Hogwarts affairs, and Voldemort, who could suddenly Voldemort at any moment...

Grindelwald simply raised one hand and waved, as if to say goodbye.

His other hand was firmly pressed on the Instant Whisper Book, his fingers pressed against the cover, seemingly with no intention of returning it to Dumbledore.

Under Dumbledore's gaze, Grindelwald naturally glared back.

"Why bother? Even if it's delayed, it's still faster than an owl delivering parchment."

Not content with simply "concealing" the Instant Whisper, Grindelwald then said:

"Could you ask Lucien to design more magical effects for Instant Whisper? Something that can help an old man pass the time... Didn't you say he's studious and loves reading? As a 'return gift,' I could teach him a few more spells? Or have him go to Vinda to ask for books and take my letter, but we still need to think of an excuse to conceal his identity..."

He kept talking, as if he had started to chatter away as he was about to say goodbye.

Dumbledore completely ignored the part about telling Lucien to ask Vinda for the book.

Because, apart from Grindelwald himself, most of his Acolytes were also in prison.

As the foremost Acolytes, Vinda was naturally not exempt from this custom.

Only members of their respective families are allowed to visit after approval.

However, Grindelwald's words did remind Dumbledore; he recalled Lucien mentioning seeing the Fiendfyre in the book a few days ago and expressing his curiosity...