Chapter 393

Albus, it seems Voldemort has started turning his thoughts abroad.

Inside the Headmaster's Office.

Grindelwald was leisurely sitting in the high-backed chair behind Dumbledore's desk, flipping through a newspaper from France.

Dumbledore stood by the window, gazing at the distant Black Lake, his brow slightly furrowed: 'The United States has also seen several attacks on Muggle-born wizards, the methods matching those commonly used by Voldemort's Death Eaters.'

Hmph, some old wizard factions in Germany have also been stirring lately, heh, all old acquaintances.

Grindelwald lowered the newspaper and looked toward Dumbledore.

Voldemort is expanding his power, seeking allies.

It seems my appearance has given him some new inspiration.

What he said naturally refers to his past deeds of dominating Europe and forming alliances.

Dumbledore turned around, his eyes deep: 'He is more dangerous than you were back then. You at least still had ideals, while he has only pure ambition and fear.'

Saying that makes me unhappy, as if you think I'm no better than him.

Grindelwald gave a cold snort, stood up, and continued speaking.

It's too easy for Voldemort to subdue those old-timers who cling to life and fear death.

Even if they dare not openly support Voldemort, they will surely give him help in secret.

Dumbledore nodded; he naturally understood this.

What Voldemort wants is the allegiance of those wizarding families; in fact, as early as over a decade ago, he had considered invading Europe.

But a prophecy suddenly appeared, disrupting his plans.

He had originally intended to personally break that prophecy, then continue expanding, but he never expected to suffer a setback at Harry's hands, leaving him incapacitated for over a decade.

Now, having made a comeback but suffering successive setbacks, he has finally learned enough lessons to stop fixating solely on that tiny plot of land in Britain.

But unlike Grindelwald, back then he relied on personal charisma and grand vision, causing many wizards to follow him willingly and serve Grindelwald.

While Voldemort relies on fear and threats, his methods are more brutal and also more efficient.

But such an alliance has far less cohesion than Grindelwald's did back then.

This will prevent Voldemort from single-handedly ruling all of Europe; he must rely on the families he coerces to manage things on his behalf.

And these families each harbor their own ulterior motives; they will not truly serve Voldemort, but will seize the opportunity to profit for themselves.

Voldemort also knows that forcing them aboard could backfire at any moment, even sparking internal strife.

So Voldemort merely asks them to declare allegiance, provide some fresh blood, and, when necessary, contribute resources.

His core deployment remains in Britain; the overseas turmoil amounts at most to a show of force, laying the groundwork for his rule.

The true battlefield remains in Britain.

Only after Voldemort truly overcomes the two great mountains of Dumbledore and Grindelwald can he advance into Europe without restraint.

Soon it was the end of October's Hogsmode Week.

The Screaming Shack.

Titus and Ethan were cleaning a room that hadn't been visited in months.

Ryan went to Hogsmeade to buy snacks.

They have now also advanced to fifth year, and are about to face the OWLS exam, needing to start planning their future career paths.

During this period, their heavy coursework let them slightly return to normal life, pressing their longing for John deep inside.

Even occasionally, in casual conversation, they could bring up one of John's embarrassing moments and then share a laugh.

Ethan gently wiped the group photo hanging on the wall.

In the photo are four people and a cat, with John sitting in the middle, laughing brightly.

For no reason, Ethan's nose tingled.

The grief they hadn't felt even upon hearing of John's death suddenly surged into their hearts without warning.

They recalled how they used to curse each other with bad luck in Divination class.

They recalled cheering for Ryan together on the Quidditch pitch.

They recalled eating, drinking, and having fun together in the Screaming Shack.

That longing and sorrow, like a tide, surged and overwhelmed him.

He sniffed hard, but his eyes kept burning.

Titus seemed to sense something, looked at Ethan, and gently patted his shoulder without speaking.

The two stood there in silence until Ryan burst through the door in a hurry.

His face bore an angry expression.

Titus! Ethan! I just saw Hermione (Senior) kissing a guy at the end of an alley!

Although this is her freedom, John has only been gone less than half a year!

Their former closeness was all fake!

Titus and Ethan exchanged a glance, both stunned.

Ethan put down the cloth in his hand, frowned, and said, 'Are you sure you didn't mistake? Hermione (Senior) isn't that kind of person.'

Titus also chimed in; as a witness to John and Hermione's love, he knew their feelings all too well.

Their two families had even planned an engagement; their relationship was excellent, and now that John has only just died, it's impossible for Hermione to have shifted her affections.

But Ryan still shouted firmly.

I even saw Hermione (Senior)'s face clearly!

She also saw me and showed a panicked expression!

She kept hiding that guy so I couldn't see him!

Ryan's face flushed red; he knew being with whom was Hermione's freedom.

But he was still angry because of Hermione's actions, feeling it was a waste for John.

"That, that guy, although I can't see his face, his build is very similar..." Ryan paused, lowered his voice, "very much like John..."

"She couldn't be missing John so much she went crazy and found a substitute, could she?"

Titus and Ethan both froze, the air seeming to solidify for a few seconds.

Ethan still wore an expression of disbelief; Ryan wouldn't lie to them, and as a Quidditch Seeker, his eyesight had always been excellent, making it unlikely he was mistaken.

But getting them to believe that Hermione had transferred her affection was truly difficult.

"No! The more I think about it, the angrier I get!"

"I'm going to find her and get a clear answer!"

Ryan couldn't take it anymore, he directly threw down a bag of snacks and turned to leave.

But he was immediately stopped by Ethan.

"Don't be impulsive, Ryan; regardless of whether there might be a misunderstanding, even if Hermione (Senior) really found someone else, we have no right to blame her."

"That's her freedom..."

"... After all, our interactions with Hermione (Senior) and even Harry (Senior) are all because of John..."

"Now that John is gone, we seem to have little connection with them..."

Everything Ethan said was the hard truth, each sentence hitting home.

"Moreover, Hermione (Senior) being able to move on from the grief of losing John is actually a good thing."

Finally, this sentence finally made Ryan's clenched fists slowly loosen, and his shoulders slumped.

It signified his complete acceptance of this reality.

Only Titus kept his brows furrowed, as if thinking about something.