Chapter 145: Hundreds of School Rules Violated! Are You Gryffindors?
Soon, the professors were rescued by Principal Dippet. Professor Slughorn was shocked when he saw Robert and the other two appear. He knew that Grindelwald had been here just moments ago! The consequences of this encounter could have been unimaginable.
Afterward, Principal Dippet asked Professor Garrick to notify the Aurors, while he and the other professors prepared to hear what had transpired. Robert then recounted their story as they had planned. He explained how they accidentally discovered a magical power that could enhance their strength, how they unraveled its mystery, and how their search led them to its hidden location.
During their exploration, they encountered Grindelwald and his followers. Fortunately, Robert had a dung bomb infused with a special drug, following a formula provided by Professor Slughorn. As planned, while the professors engaged in battle with Grindelwald, Robert summoned his house-elf to deliver a message to the Phoenix, who in turn contacted Dumbledore, ensuring his timely return to Hogwarts. During this time, Robert's drugged dung bombs almost incapacitated all of Grindelwald's followers. He managed to hold out against Grindelwald until Dumbledore arrived and confronted the dark wizard head-on.
After Robert finished speaking, the professors remained silent. Then, after a long pause, Principal Dippet said, "Robert, have you considered that the three of you have violated at least hundreds of school rules in this process?"
"I'm sorry, Principal Dippet. This is our fault. We are prepared to accept our punishment," Robert replied, lowering his head with a guilty expression.
Tom added, "I'm sorry. We were too eager to gain power... We couldn't resist the temptation."
Anne sighed, "We'll go pack our bags now…"
The three exchanged glances and, without further prompting, turned around to leave with dejected expressions.
"What are you packing for?" cried Professor Slughorn.
"We've violated so many school rules. Expulsion is the only logical consequence," Anne replied, tears welling up in her eyes.
Professor Slughorn was visibly anxious. "But you captured so many of Grindelwald's followers! You also held off against a powerful dark wizard until Dumbledore arrived! That deserves a special contribution award! In comparison, violating school rules seems trivial."
He turned toward Principal Dippet. "Armando, I..."
"You don't need to say it, Horace." Principal Dippet sighed. "Yes, they broke many rules, but their actions were very much in line with Slytherin values—ambition and resourcefulness. And they did make significant contributions. I'm not so old and foolish as to expel Hogwarts' most talented students!"
Robert and the other two exchanged relieved glances.
However, Principal Dippet's expression hardened. "Don't be complacent! You should be grateful for your contributions; otherwise, the outcome would have been different. Though you won't be expelled, you did violate numerous school rules, and punishment is inevitable. Horace, I'll leave that to you."
"Understood, Principal Dippet!" Professor Slughorn beamed, his round belly shaking with laughter.
Only Professor McGonagall appeared slightly dissatisfied. However, rather than advocating for expulsion, she simply thought Slytherin should be docked at least 300 points.
"Alright, let's investigate the so-called magical power they described," Principal Dippet declared, leading the professors into the secret chamber.
Anne watched them go, regret written on her face. Now that Grindelwald was defeated, she would never have the opportunity to fully harness the magical power hidden within the chamber. Fortunately, she had secretly absorbed a significant portion of it beforehand.
As Professor Slughorn passed by, he patted Robert on the shoulder and gave him a subtle thumbs-up. Despite breaking school rules, the three had captured numerous dark wizards, allowing Dumbledore to return in time and ultimately leading to Grindelwald's defeat. As the head of Slytherin, Slughorn felt nothing but pride.
Inside the secret chamber, the professors were astonished at the traces of the fierce battle. The destruction made it clear just how powerful the combatants had been. They gathered around the mysterious metal sphere made of fairy metal, attempting to analyze the magical energy within.
Meanwhile, Robert turned to Professor Slughorn. "Professor, we're exhausted. May we rest and discuss our punishment tomorrow?"
He knew the sphere contained nothing of interest and had used too much nightmare magic that night, leaving him utterly drained. Though he was curious about Dumbledore's pursuit of Grindelwald, he lacked the energy to wait for news.
"No more talk of punishment," Professor Slughorn whispered, glancing at Professor McGonagall to ensure she wasn't listening. "I'll figure something out. But for now, you three need medical checks at the hospital wing. Grindelwald knows many dark spells. What if you were unknowingly affected?"
Despite their protests, Robert, Tom, and Anne had no choice but to comply. After a check-up, they were given calming potions and fell into a deep sleep.
That night, beneath the high moon, Dumbledore stood in the Forbidden Forest, sighing. He knew Grindelwald had been injured in the battle, yet still managed to escape with one of his followers. Even now, Dumbledore acknowledged that without lethal intent, capturing Grindelwald was nearly impossible.
Moments after Dumbledore left, a ripple of magic disturbed the bark of a nearby tree. Grindelwald and his companion, Vita, emerged, pale but determined.
"I never thought I'd lose so miserably tonight…" Grindelwald admitted. He had believed he could retreat unscathed, even if Dumbledore returned. However, something had changed—Dumbledore's strength had grown significantly. The Elder Wand had slipped from Grindelwald's grasp, and retrieving it seemed an insurmountable challenge.
"Sir, we haven't lost yet," Vita reassured him. "Our plan in America succeeded. We can relocate our forces there and lie low. We must secure control over the Magical Congress."
Grindelwald exhaled sharply. "You're right. Let's regroup. We must first rescue our captured allies, but for now… we save our remaining forces. We need to move quickly before they succumb to truth serum."
Vita nodded, her eyes full of gratitude. Without Grindelwald's help, she too would have been captured and sent to Azkaban—the most feared prison in the wizarding world.
At Hogwarts, the Aurors had arrived. At the castle gates, Dumbledore encountered Theseus Scamander, their leader.
"Did you capture Grindelwald?" Theseus asked.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Though I defeated him, he was determined to escape. I couldn't stop him."
"What a shame. If all Aurors had been present, we might have contained him," Theseus said bitterly.
"Don't dwell on it. You responded swiftly," Dumbledore reassured him.
Theseus ordered the captured dark wizards to be transported away. Once the Aurors departed, Dumbledore returned to the sealed chamber, where Principal Dippet and the other professors were finalizing the containment of its secrets.
"Armando, how are Robert and the others?" Dumbledore inquired.
"They're in the hospital wing for check-ups. They've been through a lot tonight," Dippet replied casually.
Dumbledore nodded, still reflecting on the night's events.
"Don't worry too much," Dippet said. "Because of Robert and his team's actions, Grindelwald has suffered a major setback. He lost his best followers tonight. That alone weakens his influence."
A smile finally reached Dumbledore's lips.
"Also," Dippet continued with a knowing look, "though Robert and the others have broken at least a hundred school rules—being more Gryffindor than Gryffindors—I am considering awarding them a special contribution award."
(End of Chapter)
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