"What do you mean by delaying? I don't know." Robert pretended not to understand. "I just want to kill you now."
As he spoke, another green light appeared.
Grindelwald sneered. "Impressive... At such a young age, you can even cast the Killing Curse silently. You truly are a remarkable student of Dumbledore."
"But you are no longer his good friend."
Grindelwald: "?"
"Stop whining about why Dumbledore doesn't like you anymore. Have you ever reflected on yourself? Have you ever truly thought about him over the years? Have you worked hard for the life you once had together? Dumbledore has suffered greatly all these years!"
Grindelwald laughed in anger. "Ha... He even told you all this? It seems that Dumbledore doesn't know how to teach his students! I must discipline you for him."
"You're quite the hypocrite! For years, you ignored him. Now you're suddenly concerned about his students? Where's your shame?"
Grindelwald, usually calm, couldn't suppress his anger. His fury was rising. "I'll let you off a few times, and you think you're untouchable?"
"Then hit me! Come on! Right here!" Robert stood defiantly, pointing at his own forehead. "Even if you go easy on me, he will never love you again."
"You... are really looking for death!"
Tom and Annie, who had been watching, quickly hid behind a pillar when the battle erupted. With spells flying everywhere, they feared getting caught in the crossfire.
"Do you think... their conversation is a bit strange?" Annie asked timidly.
"Well..." Tom frowned at Robert's reckless provocation.
It wasn't out of concern for Robert's safety, but rather... if Robert died, would Tom be able to escape?
That was Grindelwald! If he unleashed his full power, Tom could easily get caught up and perish as well. It seemed likely, considering Robert once said if he died, he'd take Tom with him. What if Robert had left behind some kind of magical contingency, and Tom exploded upon his death?
The more Tom thought about it, the more terrified he became. He really couldn't understand why Robert was deliberately provoking Grindelwald!
Hearing Annie's question, he suddenly recalled Robert's comments about Dumbledore and Grindelwald's past.
He spat to the side. "Pah, disgusting!"
Robert, though appearing relaxed, was secretly cursing his luck.
He had managed to survive so far only due to his nightmare magic.
Although his abilities had improved significantly and could affect ordinary people without issue, they were much less effective on wizards of Grindelwald's caliber.
At best, he could slightly distort Grindelwald's perception, making him miscalculate his spell trajectories—almost like shifting his "crosshairs" just a fraction.
That, combined with the luck granted by the Felix Felicis potion, was the only reason Grindelwald hadn't landed a direct hit.
But Robert knew his tricks wouldn't hold out much longer.
His only option was to enrage Grindelwald, keep him off balance, and stall for time until Dumbledore arrived.
It was a highly risky plan. Otherwise, why would he need the Felix Felicis?
Sure enough, Grindelwald was growing frustrated after failing to subdue Robert. He couldn't afford to delay any further.
Even though Dumbledore shouldn't be able to receive any messages from the outside world in a short span, it was better to be cautious and finish things quickly.
Robert noticed a blue flame flickering at the tip of Grindelwald's wand.
"Ha! Resorting to area-of-effect magic? Smart move! Come on, cast your Fiendfyre! After all, the person lying over there isn't mine."
Grindelwald smirked. "Are you scared?"
"Who's scared?"
"If you're not afraid, then I'll—"
Robert suddenly sprinted into the crowd. "Come! Burn here!"
Grindelwald snorted and extinguished the flames in his hand.
He certainly had the ability to incinerate Robert without harming his own subordinates.
But then, he remembered his prophecy.
Killing Robert wasn't an option.
Instead, a new idea formed in Grindelwald's mind—a way to make Robert surrender without harming him.
With a simple flick of his hand, Tom, who had been hiding behind the pillar, suddenly felt his body lose control and was hurled toward Grindelwald.
"Ahhh—!"
Tom screamed as he was dragged forward, landing unceremoniously at Grindelwald's feet.
Before he could react, he felt the cold tip of a wand pressing against his chin.
"Robert, put down your wand. Otherwise, I will kill him," Grindelwald said with a smile.
Robert, despite being able to duel him evenly, had a clear weakness—Tom.
And Grindelwald was sure of it.
Even if Tom was a talented student, he wasn't significant enough to change anything. If he died, it would just be another loss of an ordinary genius.
But Robert? He had the potential to be an obstacle.
Tom, on the other hand, felt completely wronged.
Robert was the one who provoked Grindelwald! What did any of this have to do with him?
Robert hesitated, then sighed. "Alright… What do you want?"
Seeing Robert hesitate, Grindelwald knew he had made the right move.
"Put down your wand, Robert. You know I don't wish to harm you. I simply want to take away the magical artifact and my subordinates. But you keep stalling…"
Robert smirked. "You've certainly found my weakness…"
Hearing this, Tom felt a glimmer of hope. He never thought Robert would actually choose to save him! Tears welled up in his eyes.
If I survive this… I will never betray him again! No… I will betray him… Just more gently, when I surpass him in power.
"In that case, do as I say," Grindelwald smiled. "For the sake of friendship… Now you truly look like Dumbledore's student, Robert."
Robert ignored him and turned to Tom.
"Tom, don't worry. I will definitely—"
Tom gazed at Robert with hopeful eyes.
Robert paused, then finished his sentence.
"—give you a grand funeral! Next year, I'll burn paper for you in the most solemn ceremony of the East!"
Tom: "Huh?"
Grindelwald: "Hmm?"
Before they could react, Robert cast an enhanced illusion spell on himself and vanished.
Tom was utterly bewildered. What happened to saving me? Why are we talking about funerals?
Grindelwald sighed. "Albus, this student of yours is nothing like you. Tom… I'm sorry, but I always keep my word. Have a safe journey…"
The tip of his wand glowed green.
Tom closed his eyes in despair.
Fine! Robert, I'll remember this!
If you can be trusted, then pigs can fly!
At that moment, he reached into his pocket and grasped two small bombs filled with a powerful sleeping agent—something Robert had given him as part of their "useless preparations."
Now, it was his only hope.
If the bombs exploded, Grindelwald would surely push him away. And if not? Well… that would mean the drug didn't work on him, which was still better than instant death.
Without hesitation, Tom grabbed onto Grindelwald's robe and detonated the bombs.
A pungent smoke filled the air.
Grindelwald's calm expression shifted to shock. "Poison gas? You—"
He pushed Tom away and stumbled backward.
Tom wavered but could still hear his words.
"Poison? Wasn't this supposed to be just a sedative?" Tom, still clutching Grindelwald's discarded robe, finally understood.
Robert, you bastard!
This wasn't just a tranquilizer—it was poison!
Grindelwald, regaining his footing, sighed. "I never expected such unwavering loyalty… A true sacrifice for Robert…"
Tom's final thought before losing consciousness was:
Robert… I hate you…
With that, he collapsed.
Grindelwald stared at the lifeless body. "Albus… Compared to Robert, Tom is truly the one most like you."
Just then, Robert reappeared in the distance, grinning.
"Of course… I am very satisfied!"
(End of Chapter)
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