Chapter 367

Hogwarts.

Voldemort had just left.

Only Dumbledore and Grindelwald remained on the field.

The two no longer had the tense standoff from just moments ago; instead, they were waiting in place for something.

While waiting, they also chatted.

"Once Meilik returns, everything will be ready."

"Are you ready to come clean with that child?"

Grindelwald crossed his arms and gazed toward the direction of Hogwarts.

Over there, Harry, under the protection of his companions, was looking this way.

Dumbledore gave a slight nod, his silver beard fluttering in the evening breeze.

"Of course, but let's wait a bit longer..."

Looking at Harry and his companions beside him, Dumbledore didn't know where to begin for a moment.

Because this would be too cruel for Harry.

He had finally gained a family and friends who loved and cared for him, yet now he must face his destiny head‑on.

"Hmph, I've said it already—if you can't bear it, just do as I say."

"He doesn't need to know the truth; you can continue to be the headmaster he trusts and loves most."

Grindelwald couldn't bear to see Dumbledore's gloomy expression, yet he snorted coldly in annoyance.

But Dumbledore simply shook his head.

Seeing this, Grindelwald could only snort coldly again.

"As you wish."

Immediately, he walked toward Hogwarts Castle, and with a casual flick of his wand he restored the stone bridge that had been shattered in their battle.

Everyone in the castle saw Grindelwald approaching and scattered in fright.

Only the professors and Aurors looked at Grindelwald with solemn expressions, and also gazed puzzledly at Dumbledore still standing outside.

Draco stepped forward to meet him first.

"Sir."

"Hmm, I heard you defeated that so‑called 'Savior'—well done."

Grindelwald gave Draco a slight nod, and Draco instantly felt honored and surprised.

Having said that, Grindelwald also glanced at Harry and snorted coldly.

Harry found the snort somewhat puzzling.

However, Grindelwald did not continue staring at him; instead, he turned his gaze to Titus.

Titus felt a sudden tension, not knowing why Grindelwald's look at him felt especially dangerous.

"Ha, are you Dumbledore's favorite student?"

Upon seeing Titus in person, Grindelwald openly displayed disappointment and contempt.

"Albus's judgment has declined."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned, including Titus himself.

"When did I become Dumbledore's favorite student?"

"Which house are you from?"

"Um... Hufflepuff..." Although he didn't understand why, Titus replied weakly.

Hearing Titus's answer, Grindelwald rare paused, then curled his lip in disdain.

"Tsk, Hufflepuff again—does Albus have a soft spot for this rubbish house?"

Grindelwald scoffed, then turned and flicked his sleeve.

"Come on, Draco."

Seeing Grindelwald stride purposefully toward the castle, Draco immediately followed close behind.

No one on the way dared to block him.

After all, even Dumbledore didn't stop him.

But Titus and the others were completely bewildered, finding Grindelwald's remarks utterly puzzling.

Seeing Dumbledore still standing outside,

after a moment's hesitation, Harry and the others still decided to go out and find Dumbledore.

After all, John's whereabouts are still unknown.

Just as they were about to head out,

outside came a sharp 'pop' sound.

Three figures went head over heels and fell onto the stone bridge.

Everyone was stunned, including Dumbledore who was standing outside.

Everyone took a close look.

Wasn't that John and Professor Snape?

Wait, there's also that familiar face—Little Dwarf Star Peter!?

John pushed himself up, covered in dust, while Professor Snape rose with a dark expression.

"Did you learn Apparition from a dog?!"

"I won't let you speak that way about Professor Flitwick.... I just didn't get it right just now...." John defended weakly, out of breath.

Professor Snape, fuming, closed his eyes, wishing he had never let John lead the Apparition.

He actually fell flat on his face in front of all the school's teachers and students, losing all face.

The more he thought, the angrier Professor Snape became, unable to hold back, then he fiercely kicked——

On Little Dwarf Star's body.

"Ah!!"

Little Dwarf Star cried out in pain.

John, knowing he was at fault, shrank his neck.

"John!"

At this moment, Hermione came over with a sobbing tone and hugged him tightly.

John instinctively opened his arms to catch her, the tip of his nose filled with the familiar scent of old pages and mint shampoo.

"What's wrong, what's wrong, who bullied you?" John, seeing Hermione like this, hurried to comfort.

Hermione in his arms didn't speak, just kept pounding his chest, emitting sobs.

As if venting her pent-up emotions.

John also immediately understood that Hermione was blaming him for again doing dangerous things without a word.

This time probably won't be so easy to coax...

John felt a bit guilty, touched Hermione's head, and softly said: "Sorry, Hermione, I made you worry."

Hermione still didn't speak, buried her face in his chest, shoulders trembling slightly.

At this moment, Dumbledore and Harry, etc., finally gathered around.

They all looked toward the Little Dwarf Star kneeling on the ground.

As if curious, how did this guy come here?

However, Professor Snape didn't explain, just reported to Dumbledore in an official manner.

"Voldemort's Horcrux Nagini has been confirmed destroyed."

"Beila is dead, and all the Death Eaters have been cleared out as well."

"Malfoy Manor has also been destroyed."

Listening to Professor Snape's report, aside from Dumbledore, all the surrounding teachers and students gasped.

Especially Professor McGonagall and others.

They previously still couldn't believe Snape's betrayal, worrying about John's safety.

As a result, not long after, Snape and John returned together safely.

Even took out Voldemort's lair.

Moreover, seeing Dumbledore's attitude, it seems Snape is not a traitor at all.

"Albus, Xifeilesi, what on earth is going on!"

Professor McGonagall couldn't help but step forward to question the two.

Facing Professor McGonagall's questioning, Dumbledore and Snape glanced at each other, rare to see both showing a somewhat timid expression.

"Headmaster, you speak."

"No, Xifeilesi, you are the one who actually acted, you speak."

"You are the planner, you speak."

Dumbledore helplessly gave a light cough.

"Let's go back to school first..."

Afterwards, he led a group of people mightily returning to the castle.

Let the professors calm the students, today give them a day off.

Wait until the evening banquet, then give everyone a formal briefing.

Little Dwarf Star was then locked by Professor Snape in his private secret room, refusing to let the Auror take him away.

Harry and them were very concerned about what plan John and Professor Snape went to execute.

However, seeing John himself still being hugged by Hermione, they also tactfully did not disturb, choosing to follow Dumbledore.

After everyone had dispersed, John then gently patted Hermione's back.

"Okay Hermione, let's find a quiet place to talk slowly; I will sincerely repent and accept any punishment you give—just don't cry like this anymore."

Hermione finally lifted her head, eye sockets red but stubbornly pressing her lips, tears still trembling on her eyelashes, yet she had already raised her hand and fiercely pinched the soft flesh at his waist.

"Ow——!!"

John let out a miserable cry, echoing throughout Hogwarts.