Hermione's voice was calm.
But her words exploded like thunder in their ears.
Grindelwald sprang to his feet.
Dumbledore's eyes were filled with disbelief too.
They had spent twenty-seven years researching, poring over ancient texts and testing countless possibilities, yet they had never found a single lead.
Hermione had only listened to the story and touched him.
And she already knew what was going on?
Dumbledore forced down his shock, his voice urgent.
"Hermione, what exactly is going on?"
After so many years of fruitless investigation, with Grindelwald involved, even his composure was beginning to falter.
Hermione did not answer immediately. Instead, she turned to Grindelwald.
"I'll explain in a moment."
She raised her hand, magical power gathering at her fingertips.
"First, let me see if I can remove the seal and tracking mark the shadow left on you."
Both men froze at her words.
Not only had she recognized the methods at a glance, but she even knew how to undo them?
When had this girl ever studied something like this?
Why did it feel as though she was the one who had dealt with the shadow for years, while the two of them were novices encountering it for the first time?
Hermione: Dumbledore and Grindelwald were amateurs.
Though they were full of questions, some things took priority.
Removing the threat to Grindelwald was clearly the most urgent matter.
Dumbledore and Grindelwald exchanged a glance. Neither spoke again, simply watching Hermione in silence.
Though both appeared composed, the anticipation and excitement that slipped into their eyes betrayed their feelings.
Twenty-seven years.
Twenty-seven whole years.
He, Gellert Grindelwald, the Dark Lord whose name had once struck terror throughout Europe's Wizarding World, had been trapped inside this mirror for twenty-seven whole years.
If those shackles could truly be broken today...
"Gellert,