Without hesitation, Erwin placed the leaf in his mouth. Unlike a standard Animagus transformation, this Hufflepuff-specific method involved far fewer steps—and far less time. If all went according to plan, within half a month, Erwin would become the only Animagus in wizarding history capable of transforming into a magical creature.
He took one last look at the fallen Hufflepuff statue and let out a sigh. Hufflepuff had been the first to make the ultimate sacrifice. She wouldn't be the last.
Erwin stared up at the darkening clouds overhead. This was only the beginning.
Meanwhile, Pansy Parkinson had just received her Slytherin Medal of Honor, marking the end of the Hogwarts term. Holidays were a joyous time for every young witch and wizard, but for Erwin, the break was largely uneventful. He hadn't spent much time at Hogwarts that semester anyway.
Instead of boarding the Hogwarts Express, Erwin Apparated away. He returned to the top floor of Cavendish Manor.
Time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed since the holidays began.
On this particular day, the door to the office on the top floor of Cavendish Manor opened once more. Erwin stepped out. Old Tom, who was always stationed nearby, greeted him immediately.
"Master!"
Erwin nodded. "It took longer than I expected. What has happened in the wizarding world?"
Old Tom reported, "Professor Snape and his family left for America ten days ago. According to your plan, they have begun operations against some of the smaller families there."
Erwin nodded. "Has the Demos family reacted?"
Old Tom shook his head. "No. It seems they are also waiting—waiting for you to initiate the final confrontation."
Erwin smiled. "They are patient. In that case, we don't need to concern ourselves with them just yet. Send a message to my godfather—tell him to stick to the original plan. Since the Demos family wants to wait for me to make the first move, they'll have a long wait ahead."
Old Tom nodded. He continued, "Miss Charlotte left England for Germany on the first day of the vacation. With Ms. Vinda's assistance, she has begun gradually assuming control of the Acolytes. To demonstrate her authority, she eliminated several wizards who weren't entirely loyal upon her arrival. With Ms. Vinda's backing, things are proceeding quite smoothly."
Erwin smirked. "Charlotte is progressing quickly. What about the German Ministry of Magic?"
Old Tom said, "Everything is proceeding according to plan. The Cavendish family has begun infiltrating the German Ministry of Magic, and it is going relatively smoothly. The operative you placed there is exceptionally capable."
Erwin chuckled. "I knew he would prove useful the moment I met him. And he hasn't disappointed me."
Old Tom smiled. The Cavendish family had many operatives, but not every one of them was this effective.
Erwin stretched. "Where is Ebony?"
Old Tom said, "A few days ago, he grew bored and went off exploring."
Erwin nodded. "Then let him be. Keep monitoring the situation in America. Although I left assets there, I want to ensure the Demos family doesn't suddenly attack and endanger my godfather. If anything unusual happens, have our people extract him immediately."
Old Tom nodded. "Yes, Master. I will arrange it."
Erwin said, "Alright, Old Tom. Inform the others that I have returned. Things in England are about to begin."
A glint of anticipation flashed in Old Tom's eyes. "Yes, Master! But what about Dumbledore?"
Erwin waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about him. If I'm not mistaken, he's too preoccupied to concern himself with these matters right now. He is likely catching up with an old friend."
Outside the Tower of Nurmengard, Fawkes perched on Dumbledore's shoulder, following the Headmaster's gaze to the tower looming before them.
Dumbledore had been coming here frequently lately, yet he never went inside. Fawkes could sense that Dumbledore was apprehensive, though it didn't understand what the old wizard feared. As a phoenix, expecting it to comprehend complex human emotions was asking rather much.
It idly preened its feathers, calculating the time in its simple mind. If nothing unexpected happened, in about half an hour, its master would take it away from here. It had become routine over the past few days.
But then, a voice echoed from within the tower—aged and raspy.
"Dumbledore! Are you planning to stand there every day, or are you actually coming in?"
Fawkes felt Dumbledore's body tremble. The heavy doors of Nurmengard Tower swung open, seemingly welcoming him.
Fawkes saw hesitation on Dumbledore's face. Finally, with a heavy sigh, Dumbledore stepped inside. He ascended the spiral staircase and soon reached the tower's peak.
There, standing before him, was Gellert Grindelwald. Dumbledore remained silent. Grindelwald's hands, clasped behind his back, trembled slightly. He forced himself to calm down.
"Long time no see," Grindelwald said, a faint smile on his lips. "And you came empty-handed?"
Hearing Grindelwald's familiar tone, Dumbledore inexplicably relaxed. He glanced at the half-finished glass of red wine on the table.
"That wine is far too expensive," Dumbledore replied. "You know the Headmaster of Hogwarts doesn't earn much of a salary."
Grindelwald let out a hearty, relaxed laugh. Dumbledore couldn't help but join in. For a moment, the two former lovers stood there like old friends, laughing freely.
Eventually, the laughter subsided.
Grindelwald said, "You've grown old, Dumbledore. To be honest, I've imagined what you would look like now a thousand times, but I never expected this—white beard, white hair. And your tastes seem to have changed—that robe looks rather whimsical."
Dumbledore glanced down at his purple robes. "Yes, I'm old. And so are you. Just as you never imagined my hair turning white, I never imagined you would be losing so much hair."
Dumbledore looked pointedly at Grindelwald's thinning hairline. He couldn't help but chuckle.
Grindelwald touched his head, smiling. "I never thought we'd actually be standing here, chatting like this. What would you like for dinner? I'll arrange it. I bet you don't eat nearly as well as I do here. Oh, I almost forgot—Erwin told me you still have a sweet tooth, just like when you were young. And apparently, you've developed an appreciation for Eastern cuisine?"