Grindelwald chuckled, his voice hoarse, as though he were laughing at something he had expected all along.
He turned to glance at Dumbledore. "Al told me you dislike trouble very much."
"So you do know."
"Don't look so unhappy, child." Grindelwald softened his tone, warm and easygoing, like a good-natured elder speaking to someone younger. "I'm doing this for your own good, Will."
Without waiting for Will to ask, Grindelwald continued, "The last time you came, you said you wanted to reach the pinnacle of Magic; and Al told me that in your first year, you had already set your sights on becoming the greatest wizard.
"So I merely want to help you, child, in a way you may not yet understand.
"Al said you were very close to 'Response of Magic,' didn't he?"
Will nodded. "I think so."
"If you wish to become one of this era's foremost wizards, then you are already very close; but if you wish to become the greatest wizard and pursue the pinnacle of Magic, this alone is not enough.
"And all I really want is to tell you how to fulfill the other aspect—"
"Gellert." Dumbledore interrupted him. His voice was quiet, but it was clear he was not particularly pleased.
Will felt he already had an inkling of what Grindelwald was about to say.
"Al, don't forget—you promised not to interfere with my teaching of Will." Still smiling, Grindelwald raised a hand and made a shushing gesture, looking rather like a mischievous old man. Will felt the two of them really were alike in many ways.
Dumbledore said nothing, seemingly lost in thought.
"Do you really think I would lead Will astray?" Grindelwald continued. "He is merely combining the right paths and following them forward. Don't forget, Al, you had the chance