Chapter 103: “Morgana”


    The once lively Hogwarts campus became deste overnight.


    There was no hustle and bustle, noughter, and no Vindality.


    Mr. Pringle looked tired as he cleaned the castle, his pet, Mr. Donald loungingzily nearby.


    Good morning, Apollyon! an old figure approached.


    Good morning, Professor Grindelwald! Mr. Pringle quickly stood up.


    By the way, have you seen Vinda? the principal inquired. I couldnt find her in her office.


    Professor Rosier, I believe I saw her near the Transfiguration Office, Mr. Pringle replied, bowing slightly.


    Alright, thank you! Professor Grindelwald nodded at Mr. Pringle, observing the mop in his hand and adding, Thank you!


    Its my duty, Mr. Pringle responded.


    The principal strolled through the castle corridors, eventually arriving at the office of the Transfiguration ssroom, where he found Headmistress Vinda Rosier.


    Professor Rosier, known for her youthful appearance, stood by the window, lost in thought.


    Vinda! Professor Grindelwald whispered, and she seemed to snap out of her daze.


    Lord Grindelwald! she turned around and curtsied.


    What are you pondering? Standing beside her, Professor Grindelwald asked casually, his gaze also fixed on the view beyond the window.


    I suddenly thought of Professor Trocar, Professor Rosier spoke softly. I wonder what happened to him?


    I didnt expect you to care about Edward, Professor Grindelwalds voice held a hint of surprise. I recall that you despise Vampires, creatures of the dark.


    Indeed! Professor Rosiers voice turned cold, a rare urrence when facing Professor Grindelwald. I never hide my disgust for those abhorrent creatures


    But Edward Troca is still one of us. He and I were colleagues for over half a year, and he sacrificed so much for us.


    I see, Vinda, Grindelwald exined. Edward is doing well. He fled to Belfast, where the Ministry of Magics influence was rtively weak. Hes no longer in danger, not to mention weve been providing the Ministry with information that hes been sighted in Asia Minor.


    Rosier nodded. I understand.


    After a pause, she asked, By the way, Lord Grindelwald, is there something important you wish to discuss with me?


    There is indeed a small matter, Grindelwald sighed. Vinda, please lead me to the Headmasters Office.


    This request seemed peculiar.


    Gellert Grindelwald, the Hogwarts Headmaster, needed the assistance of the Headmistress to ess the Headmasters Office.


    Yet Professor Rosier appeared unfazed by the request, calmly stepping forward and saying, Please follow me, Lord Grindelwald.


    The two stopped before a colossal statue of a lion-headed beast.


    If Matthew were present, he would recognize it immediatelythe same statue that shielded him from Morganas howls on Valentines Day.


    Professor Rosier raised her wand and softly incanted a spell at the statue.


    Professor Grindelwald stood silently behind her.


    The lion-headed beast suddenly moved aside, revealing a split in the wall behind it.


    A spiral staircase emerged, ascending slowly like an esctor.


    Professor Grindelwald took a few steps forward and followed the staircases upward trajectory.


    Higher and higher, he spiraled until he reached a gleaming oak door.


    Without a doubt, it concealed an exquisitely furnished chamber.


    The Headmasters Officea spacious, beautiful circr roomseemed untouched for a long time, evidenced by the thickyer of dust.


    The walls were adorned with portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses, who snored gently within their frames.


    Professor Grindelwalds entry disturbed the tranquility of the office.


    The sleeping figures on the walls gradually woke, ring at the intruder. Many old wizards began to curse:


    Murderer!


    Butcher!


    Leave Hogwarts!


    Do not defile this ce!


    Unfortunately, Professor Grindelwald remained unperturbed by their shouts.


    He took a few steps into the office, opened a desk drawer, and retrieved a small silver lighterthe light extinguisher.


    Once the former and current Headmasters grew weary of their scolding


    Once the room quieted down


    Professor Grindelwald waved his hand, and the curtains closed shut.


    With a gentle tap, he flicked the light extinguisher, causing a series of clicks that plunged the room into darkness.


    Only the faint glow of the light extinguisher remaineda tiny speck of light.


    Long time no see! Professor Grindelwald smiled at the faint glow.


    A weak voice emanated from the light, almost identical to Morganas voice that day. Grindelwald Kill me


    Apologies. Grindelwald shook his head with regret. Ive always respected truly great wizards. I will honor his choice now since Merlin chose not to kill you back then. I cant bring myself to kill you.


    Furthermore, Morganas voice resounded:


    Ms. Morgana, have you considered my proposal from a few months ago?


    Do you think I will surrender Morganas voice was feeble yet resolute. Impossible I will never


    In that case, Ill give you a few more months to ponder it, Grindelwald sighed, cing the light extinguisher back into the drawer.


    However, Morganas voice spoke once again:


    You did win, Grindelwald Your trap caught me off guard


    Her voice turned somewhat derisive. But so what? Do you think youre any different from me? Youre just slightly better In truth, were all just intermediaries, nothing more.


    Gellert Grindelwalds expression remained unchanged.


    So what? he replied.


    Closing the drawer, he strode out and left the office behind.