"I won't kill you, Grindelwald. Violence cannot solve problems, and killing has never been my choice—even for you, I will not end everything with death."
Dumbledore sighed, his gaze deep:
"If you think you are right, then go ahead—perhaps the world indeed needs people like you..."
His eyes swept over the surrounding ruins, and visions of the atrocities he'd witnessed flashed in his mind.
"But I hope... I hope you can understand..."
Dumbledore said, "True power lies in restraint, in choosing not to harm others, even when we have the power to do so... and in choosing to protect others from harm. This is the responsibility that comes with having power."
Grindelwald sneered, "Don't use your ridiculous morality to bind me! My thoughts... my ideals have never changed from the beginning!"
"Whether sincere or pretend, right now you are indeed doing things that benefit others, rather than just brutal slaughter."
Dumbledore spoke calmly and forcefully:
"I never believed your ideals were entirely wrong; it's just the methods that were flawed."
"After all these years, you should already understand that the former way will only bring about destruction. Changing the world indeed requires power, but it needs wisdom and kindness even more."
Dumbledore's eyes showed a hint of regret as he looked at his opponent:
"Even for the greater good, patience, retreat, and compassion are necessary."
"Grindelwald, if you now only wish to deceive the world but ultimately choose to rule and oppress with violence, then no matter how many times you repeat, you'll certainly fail."
"I hope you can understand this."
Hearing his words, Grindelwald raised an eyebrow and said loudly, "So, that's how you teach that child? If you had told me this before, wouldn't I have..."
"Pop!"
Dumbledore had no intention of arguing with him. After saying what he needed to, he took Vid and Disapparated.
The sound of the pop was like a slap to Grindelwald's face, twisting his expression instantly.
The wind swirled the dust and frost, spinning arrogantly before Grindelwald, mocking him.
Grindelwald: "..."
The Witch Pure Party members, seeing the battle over and Grindelwald not killed, were overjoyed, gathering around their leader, only to see Grindelwald letting out a cold laugh, eyes gleaming as he raised his Magic Wand to point at the manor ruins before him.
"Destroy it!"
"The saints will live forever!"
The members of the Witch Pure Party shouted the slogan and rushed into the manor, entering underground through the cracks in the ground, and soon the sounds of battle came from within.
The soldiers were just shocked by the earth-shattering power of the two individuals and were now demoralized. The Witch Pure Party had the upper hand, advancing like a hot knife through butter.
Delaine came to Grindelwald, handing him a Magic Potion, anxiously asking, "Sir, how do you feel now?"
"Me? I feel great!"
Grindelwald gulped down the Magic Potion, gritting his teeth.
Delaine stayed by his side worriedly, watching as an invisible force seemed to fill Grindelwald's thin body, possibly fueled by boiling rage, becoming a new pillar of strength, making him forget his physical discomfort, and reigniting the light in his eyes.
—— This surely isn't the power of the Magic Potion.
Delaine murmured in his heart, recalling how it felt like the sky was falling moments ago, and sighed silently.
...
The few surviving cameras tenaciously held their posts, slowly rotating to capture the scenes over the ruins.
Despite all the twists and turns, witnessing the wizards finally enter the manor as desired left the organization leader so moved he almost cried, wishing to kneel and thank God.
His colleagues around him began to cheer, pounding on the table vigorously, exclaiming, "Great!"
The more composed ones still advised, "Wait... wait until more people get inside."
"Of course, I understand."
The leader wiped his sweaty palms, pressing them on the activation button, his eyes intently watching the screen.
Beside him, another person made a call, suppressing excitement, his voice trembling slightly, "The plan is proceeding normally. We can take action now!"
Finally, after the majority of the wizards had entered the manor, the leader pressed the button fiercely!
...
"Buzz——"
The quiet machine in front suddenly emitted a buzzing sound, with all its indicator lights lighting up, startling Dobby, who then quickly severed the cables in front of him.
Seeing that the machine lights hadn't gone out, Maki pointed a finger, and with a "bang," the machine surface cracked with several large fissures.
"That was scary, what was it about to say?" Dobby asked, still with lingering fear.
"It can't talk; that was the sound of the machine starting up," Donovan explained. "It's fortunate that you stopped it in time."
Dobby bashfully smiled.
Maki frowned and asked, "Are you sure this is the last one?"
"Of course. I heard they're quite expensive, and they only brought so many temporarily."
Donovan explained while, as per agreement, sending a message to Dumbledore.
Dumbledore replied instantly: [Wait a moment.]
Maki squinted suspiciously at the Friendship Book in his hand, asking:
"Who is Donovan contacting? Did he lie to Maki?"
"No, no."
Having just witnessed how powerful these house-elves were, Donovan didn't dare offend them, hastily waving his hands.
"It's Dumbledore, didn't I say? I belong to Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore?!"
Maki shrieked, instinctively about to Apparate, but the parchment in Donovan's hand suddenly glowed, followed by a loud bang!
Dumbledore appeared.
Maki's gaze flickered, avoiding looking at the Headmaster, his fingers uneasily twisting the hem of his clothes.
Dobby looked at Dumbledore with admiration, swallowing nervously, his big eyes seeming glossy.
"Mr. Dumbledore," Donovan stepped forward and said.
"Good job, Donovan," Dumbledore said, seeing the werewolf's wounds. "Let me take you away first; this place will be breached soon."
"Yes."
Donovan naturally had no objections. He took the Portkey Dumbledore handed him and vanished instantly.
Then, Dumbledore's gaze turned to the two house-elves nearby.
"Good morning, Mr. Dumbledore," Dobby bowed deeply, his nose almost touching the ground.
Beside him, Maki quickly followed suit, praying internally that Dumbledore wouldn't recognize him—
So many house-elves at Hogwarts, wizards usually can't tell which is which, right?
"Good morning, Dobby, Maki."
Dumbledore said gently, "I must thank you for your help; you are very brave and loyal house-elves."
Dobby's eyes lit up instantly, his cheeks flushing with excitement, as he waved his arms and exclaimed, "Dobby, Dobby is very happy to help!"
Maki sneaked a glance at the Headmaster's expression from below, stammering softly, "Actually... um... Maki is..."
Smiling, Dumbledore looked at him and said, "I know you left school to buy wine for Professor Trelawney... did you get it?"
Maki shook his head quickly.
"Then go ahead and buy it."
Dumbledore said with a gentle smile, "Remember to return to school after purchasing... Vid has safely returned to school, so I don't think you'll need to travel thousands of kilometers to buy whiskey this time."
—— Is that... is that all? No punishment?
Maki looked at the Headmaster in disbelief, unable to believe his good fortune until Dumbledore reminded them to stay safe and vanished with Apparition, still in mild disbelief.
"That's amazing!" Dobby said excitedly, waving his fists. "Maki didn't get punished! Mr. Gray was rescued too!"
Maki gradually collected himself, finally breaking into a smile.
He remembered passing by a room labeled "wine vault" not long ago, disappeared with a pop, and quickly reappeared, hugging almost more whiskey than he could carry.
"Maki should head back to school," Maki said. "Does Dobby want to come along? Mr. Dumbledore might accept another house-elf."
Dobby was about to nod but hesitated quickly.
"Mr. Dumbledore is a very good wizard, but... but..."
Dobby's eyes flickered, beginning unsure and slowly growing firm.
"But Mr. Gray has no house-elves... Dobby wants to ask Mr. Gray first. If he's willing to accept, Dobby... Dobby wants to work for the Gray family..."