Hermione's expression sharpened.
So there was something like that, too.
Apparently, there really was some enormous secret that had to be hidden from the entire Wizarding World, and that secret could very well bring unimaginable disaster upon Hogwarts. Only that would explain going to such lengths.
Dumbledore sat down again, his expression grave.
"You're right. This does need a thorough investigation."
"I'll use every resource at my disposal to uncover everything about that transfer student."
Grindelwald nodded as well. "The Witch Cult has people in every country's Ministry of Magic. I'll have them help with the investigation."
"There must be some traces left in the records from that era."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.
With these two old dark lords on the case, they would certainly get results fast.
"Oh, right."
Something suddenly occurred to Dumbledore.
"If we're investigating that transfer student, there's someone who might know something."
"Who?"
"The headmaster at the time, Phineas Nigellus Black, Sirius's great-great-grandfather."
Hermione remembered him.
The most unpopular headmaster of them all.
"Isn't he long dead?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"He has indeed passed away," Dumbledore said with a faint, enigmatic smile, "but his portrait as headmaster is still here, although I've packed it away at the bottom of a trunk."
"It's time to dig it out."
"One more thing," Hermione reminded them. "Keep the shadow quiet for now. The fewer people who know, the better."
"The enemy is hidden while we're exposed. If you find anything, don't act rashly. Notify me first."
Hermione's tone brooked no argument.
Dumbledore and Grindelwald nodded together.
With ancient magic and the secrets behind it involved, following Hermione's lead was the safest course.
"And..."
Hermione said slowly, "Before we delve any deeper into all this, we'd better unify the Wizarding World first."
Grindelwald looked at her.
"You