Chapter 368: The Plan Laid Bare

Headmaster's Office.

Grindelwald sat with his legs crossed in Dumbledore's exclusive high-backed chair, his fingers idly tapping the armrest.

Draco stood properly in a corner of the office.

Until Dumbledore pushed the door open, leading a crowd of people.

He didn't drive Grindelwald away; instead, he waved a hand.

Grindelwald was moved along with his chair to the side, and he conjured a new chair for himself to sit on.

Everyone watched Dumbledore treat Grindelwald so naturally, and for a moment they were at a loss.

Weren't they just dueling outside?

How could they get along like an old married couple?

Everyone present was one of our own from the Order of the Phoenix.

Dumbledore finally stopped hiding things and laid out the full plan to them.

"Everyone, this disturbance was actually plotted by me, Grindelwald, John, and Xifeilesi together."

That opening line left everyone stunned.

"First, Xifeilesi is actually my plant placed beside Voldemort, but Voldemort sent him back, hoping he would spy on us for Voldemort."

"So he has always been one of us—no doubt about it, you can relax."

Hearing this, Professor McGonagall finally let out a breath.

Although Xifeilesi often targeted her Lion House students and stirred up trouble between Snake House and Lion House.

But Xifeilesi has always been her student.

"As for Grindelwald..."

"He is indeed an escaped convict, but I have already signed a contract with him; he will pose no threat to society."

"I will give the International Magic Association an explanation."

"This conflict was merely an act we put on for Voldemort to see."

"The goal was to lure Voldemort out, then have Xifeilesi gain his trust, bring along a supposedly captured John, and in one strike storm his lair to destroy his Horcruxes."

Hearing this, Harry always felt something was off.

Dumbledore seemed not to have revealed all the details...

If it were only to destroy the Horcruxes.

He could have simply gone with Grindelwald and John straight to Voldemort's lair; there was no need to go through all the trouble of luring Voldemort out.

Voldemort could hardly stand against their combined force.

Moreover, Dumbledore specifically had Draco relay his words to him—"Do what you want to do."

And Snape had told him—"Now is not the time for you to appear."

Everything indicates that drawing Voldemort out this time obviously has a deeper motive, and it concerns him personally.

But Dumbledore didn't say it, and Harry didn't ask.

He didn't want to put Dumbledore in a difficult position.

As for why he told John, aside from John's own strength, it was mainly because John had been singled out by Voldemort for assassination, or to have Professor Snape take action.

That's why he had John join in advance.

When Titus and his people heard that Grindelwald was one of us, it also confirmed their earlier suspicions and let Titus finally put his mind at ease.

After finally hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Professor McGonagall spoke up, addressing Dumbledore.

"Well then, Albus, what do you intend to do with... Mr. Grindelwald?"

"We can't just keep an internationally wanted criminal at school, can we?"

Professor McGonagall knew Grindelwald; when she was a teaching assistant, Dumbledore was already a professor.

Grindelwald had already stirred up a bloodbath across Europe.

But feeling her concern, Dumbledore scratched his beard somewhat embarrassedly, then spoke.

"Actually, I can't even order Gellert around now..."

"I can only guarantee he will no longer pose a threat to the Wizarding World..."

Seeing Dumbledore like that, everyone fell silent.

Professor McGonagall's forehead veins twitched; she adjusted her glasses, took a deep breath, and still wanted to say something.

But Grindelwald jumped in first.

"Don't worry, I don't want to stay in some creepy place unless Albus asks me to."

"I'll be here, but only because Albus needs me."

Grindelwald said lightly, not mentioning to Dumbledore that he was temporarily staying at the Kelaoer House.

One reason was to avoid causing new disputes; another was to prevent anyone from bothering his peace there.

Having said that, Grindelwald glanced at Draco in the corner and spoke again.

"Oh right, you also need to restore Draco's personal freedom."

Draco stood in the corner, as docile as a quail.

To be honest, he didn't much care even if the school expelled him.

As long as they could deal with Voldemort, their family estate could be reclaimed.

With the Malfoy family estate, he wouldn't need any graduation certificate at all.

But he would still be quite happy to study at school and make friends.

After all, he had been causing trouble for years and really had no true friends.

Professor McGonagall also glanced at Draco, nodded, and said, "Naturally, Draco hasn't done anything wrong."

It's precisely because of your involvement that his personal freedom is being restricted.

She said, still not forgetting to sneer at Grindelwald.

Grindelwald couldn't help laughing, looking toward Dumbledore.

That gaze seemed to say: "Look at the troops you brought out; you dare be this arrogant even toward me."

Dumbledore shook his head helplessly.

At this moment, John and Hermione finally arrived late.

John coaxed Hermione for a long time, explaining everything he knew, including Professor Snape wanting to kill him, the act that Grindelwald and Dumbledore put on, and the purpose of luring Voldemort out.

Only then was Hermione finally appeased.

She isn't unreasonable; as long as things are explained clearly, that's enough.

She was angry only because John hid the truth and recklessly got himself into danger, which made her anxious and frightened.

"What did we miss?"

Seeing that the atmosphere was off, John rubbed his waist while pretending to be nonchalant as he spoke.

However, no one answered him.

The stalemate broken, Professor McGonagall let out a sigh, throwing at Dumbledore: "You explain the evening banquet to the students yourself."

Then he turned and left.

Before leaving, he also patted John's shoulder, as if acknowledging his effort this time.

After all, he was the one who had his life endangered with Voldemort's blade at his neck.

John scratched the back of his head, asking strangely.

"Who again upset Professor McGonagall?"

Titus pointed at Grindelwald, who was sitting there with his legs crossed.

John immediately understood somewhat, and directly asked Dumbledore strangely.

"Headmaster, why won't this guy leave?"

Upon hearing that, Grindelwald burst out laughing in anger.

Just after jointly defeating Voldemort, you're already turning against him and refusing to acknowledge him?

He simply patted his butt and stood up.

"Since I'm not welcome here, I'll leave."

"I've done what I needed to do, Albus; the rest is up to you to figure out."

"Don't come begging me again later."

Dumbledore didn't try to stop him, just silently watched him leave.

Afterward, his gaze inevitably fell on Harry.

Finally, he let out a low sigh.