Chapter 369

no.

News of the three-way war among Dumbledore, Grindelwald, and Voldemort spread rapidly throughout the magical community.

Among them was the astonishing scene of Dumbledore and Grindelwald joining forces to defeat Voldemort at last.

Was Grindelwald truly an enemy or an ally?

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The International Confederation of Wizards also sent someone again to visit Dumbledore.

Gellert Grindelwald

After all, Grindelwald ultimately vanished within Hogwarts Castle.

But Dumbledore did not give them the answer they wanted.

He even stated outright that Grindelwald was now under his personal supervision.

Anyway, it's not really a prison; rather than throwing him back into Niumengade without any supervision or care.

It is better to keep him right under his own watchful eye.

In truth, Grindelwald's escape is inseparable from the International Confederation of Wizards' negligence in supervision.

For over a decade or two, they never arranged for a living person to conduct a humanitarian visit, let alone psychological assessment and magical restraint testing.

Even Azkaban allows family visits.

Dumbledore does not go because his position requires him to avoid any conflict of interest.

Yet the International Confederation of Wizards failed to fulfill even the most basic duties.

No wonder Grindelwald chose to shelter the Malfoy family after they accidentally intruded.

Because the Malfoys' appearance merely gave him an excuse and reason to leave Niumengade.

In short, fearing Dumbledore's prestige, the International Confederation of Wizards ultimately accepted his arrangement.

After all, they would indeed be at fault; if Dumbledore blamed the International Confederation of Wizards for Grindelwald's escape, their reputation among the ministries of magic worldwide would plummet.

Moreover, they could hand the hot potato of Grindelwald over to Dumbledore, which they would gladly do—at least on the surface.

In the end they left only one agreement, demanding that Dumbledore sign a legally binding supervision pledge.

If Grindelwald, under Dumbledore's supervision, again causes serious danger, Dumbledore must bear joint liability.

Dumbledore signed without hesitation.

Grindelwald's supervisory duties were formally transferred into Dumbledore's hands.

Gellert Grindelwald, Hogwarts (event: Attack on Hogwarts)

But it's unknown whether Voldemort would explode with rage upon learning all this.

At least they got the Elder Wand, right?

"Here, John, your wand."

Finally, after everything settled down.

John

As for the Horcrux matter, he plans to ask Dumbledore about it tomorrow.

He and his friends crowded outside Hagrid's Hut to rest and relax, with Draco also present.

At that moment, Titus suddenly pulled John's wand from his coat and handed it back to John.

"Whoa? My wand is still alive!"

Seeing the wand, John immediately took it with delight, gently caressing it.

Titus, John, Voldemort, Professor Snape

Titus held up his scissor hands and said smugly.

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John immediately grabbed Titus in a hug, almost planting a kiss on his face.

He had already mentally prepared for the wand to be lost forever, since the act had to be done in full and he couldn't let Voldemort detect any hint of betrayal from Professor Snape.

He didn't expect his good brother to snatch the wand back for him.

"Let go, let go, let go!! I don't want your love!!"

Titus immediately struggled desperately, using hands and feet, trying to kick John away.

Because Hermione was silently watching them from the side.

But Hermione wasn't actually jealous.

After all, Titus truly saved John's precious wand.

She herself was still coping with the psychological trauma of losing John, and had no capacity to help him retrieve the wand.

"Back then, it was thanks to Titus stepping up; otherwise we would have lost our composure and fallen into Voldemort's trap."

Ethan then slipped his arm around Titus's shoulder and said with a smile.

"Indeed, you have no idea how arrogant Voldemort was after you were taken, thinking he'd won."

"Hehe, we also don't know what expression he'll have now that he realizes he's been tricked."

Ryan

Hearing them say that, John felt even more moved.

John, Titus

John, Titus

Moved, John clutched Titus's shoulder and leaned forward, and Titus cried out desperately, "Don't come any closer!!"

This time Hermione really couldn't stand it.

Hermione grabbed John's ear with one hand and pulled him away.

"Ah, it hurts! Hermione, be gentle!" John pleaded in pain.

"Be serious!" Hermione said angrily.

"I'm being serious! A good brother's kindness can't be repaid—I can only offer myself in return." John said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Hermione angrily punched John in the chest.

"Ugh!"

John cried out in pain.

Titus also quickly stepped back to put distance between himself and John.

"You're repaying kindness with betrayal!"

Harry and the others nearby couldn't help but burst out laughing.

After the commotion, everyone finally calmed down.

At that moment, Harry suddenly pulled a book out of his pocket.

It was exactly their sixth-year Potions textbook.

"Hey John, do you still remember what I asked you at the start of the term about the Half-Blood Prince's identity?"

"Huh? I do remember—why are you suddenly asking about this?"

John saw the book and nodded.

At the start of the term, Harry got this book; its pages were filled with handwritten notes, and the flyleaf read—"This book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince."

Harry flipped to a page and unfolded it to show John.

John looked curiously at where Harry's finger was pointing.

"... Divine Edge Unseen, used against foes..."

"Divine Edge Unseen?"

"Isn't that Professor Snape's technique?"

"Is the Half-Blood Prince Professor Snape?" John looked at Harry, somewhat surprised.

"I think so." Harry nodded.

"Not only Divine Edge Unseen, but many obscure spells are written there—I've also seen Professor Snape use them."

Hearing Harry's explanation, John asked curiously.

"When did you find out about this?"

Harry laughed, closed the book, and continued speaking.

"It's been a while; when I saw Divine Edge Unseen, I roughly guessed the Half-Blood Prince's identity."

"But I never went to confirm it with the professor—if he confiscates the book later, I won't be able to study."

John gave a thumbs-up.

"Well done, Harry!"

"Once we're done studying, let's pass the book around."

"Let's have everyone get to know Professor Snape's embarrassing online nickname from his youth."

Upon hearing that, Harry couldn't help but chuckle.

One can imagine Professor Snape walking around campus, occasionally hearing students shout "Your Highness, the Prince!"—a mortifying scene.