The surrounding windows have been covered by black curtains, and no light can penetrate.
Gilderoy Lockhart faced the old wizard who called himself Otto Apocalypse and sat quietly in his seat. There were two unfolded parchments floating in front of him signed with curly names.
duel letter, and an employment contract.
Beside the two people, there were dozens of middle-aged wizards with different expressions surrounding them, and everyone's eyes were shining with anticipation.
As a dueling master known in the wizarding world today who has only lost one public duel in a one-on-one duel, Gellert Grindelwald's magical attainments have risen to the level of an art.
There is no doubt that everyone is looking forward to appreciating Grindelwald's dueling skills again.
Grindelwald narrowed his eyes, rubbed the scab on the Elder Wand with his fingers, and asked slowly.
"So, what's your decision? Mr. Lockhart."
"Mr. Apokalis, how about I..."
Kurt Meier, who was standing next to Grindelwald, frowned and stepped forward, ready to volunteer to say something.
"Shh, give me some time, and give Mr. Lockhart some time."
Grindelwald pressed a finger to his lips, signaling Kurt to stay quiet.
This gesture was just like it was decades ago, elegant and protective, but also revealing a toughness that could not be refuted. Kurt Meyer met Grindelwald's eyes, moved his lips, and retreated obediently.
In the shadows of the room.
Grindelwald walked to Gilderoy Lockhart's side, picked up the document placed in the wizard's hand, and read through it carefully.
"Gilderoy Lockhart is a well-known writer, a third-class medalist of the Order of Merlin, an honorary member of the Anti-Magic League, and has adventures in all corners of the world... Gee, what a respectable resume."
"Actually, my favorite honor is winning the Wizarding Weekly Most Charming Smile Award five times..."
Lockhart swallowed, forced a bright smile on his face, and tried to divert his attention away from the colorful signature of "Albus Dumbledore" on the two pieces of parchment in front of him.
As a wizard who graduated from Hogwarts, Gilderoy Lockhart naturally knew the headmaster's handwriting.
Not to mention, at the end of the parchment, the magical seals of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts are stamped. Whether it is an "employment contract" or a "book of duels", they have gone through the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts.
Two-factor authentication document.
Obviously, the matter was far more serious than he imagined.
Ignoring the tremor in Lockhart's voice, Grindelwald continued to look at the documents in his hand and read softly.
"In your book, you record the process of fighting various magical creatures. However, according to the investigation of the relevant departments, in fact, these are collected from magicians who have actually experienced these things. They are not
From your personal experience, you just used the Forgetting Curse to attack them."
"I can explain! It was just an accident!" Lockhart trembled and argued loudly subconsciously.
"Shh, take it easy, kid. This isn't the worst part yet."
Grindelwald smiled slightly, raised his fingers to his lips, and continued reading unhurriedly.
"Illegal tampering with other people's memories, deceiving the International Ministry of Magic, and falsely claiming the badge of Sir Merlin... It is said that you also plan to deceive Albus Dumbledore and apply for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts? Then I guess you will have to add more
The previous crime of deliberately instigating underage wizards and subverting the future of the magical world... Of course, even without the last one, your previous actions are enough to be punished with confiscation of all illegal gains, life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
"
"Speaking of which, let me introduce myself by the way. I happen to be temporarily serving as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. I have never heard Professor Dumbledore say that he wants to fire me."
Grindelwald glanced at Lockhart, who was about to retort. Like a fire dragon staring at its prey, he exhaled gracefully and slowly, quietly admiring the whole process of the wizard's face changing from rosy to gray.
.
"As for the evidence, I think a drop of truth serum should be enough to get it all, right? Now, tell me your answer."
"I just agree. I agree to all the atonement punishments you proposed! Stop talking!"
Lockhart dejectedly grabbed the quill on the table and began to sign behind the pile of paperwork without looking at it.
"Oh, that's not what I want to hear. You don't seem to understand what I mean."
"You, what exactly do you want to say?!"
"What I want to express is actually..."
Grindelwald looked around at the wizards around him, nodded slightly, and spoke softly in an understatement.
"Although you will be responsible for coordinating the confidentiality work of the Nikolayev Shipyard in the next period of time, if you attempt to pass on information to the outside world, or can be passive and sabotage, leading to the leakage of information, I will allow all Tianming Group
The official wizard can eliminate the traitors on the spot before reporting to us."
Grindelwald slowly waved his wand, and a small note flew into the hands of everyone except Gilderoy Lockhart.
"This is a safe house address established in Ukraine. Once a dangerous situation arises due to leaks, everyone will evacuate immediately."
"Wait, what about me?"
Lockhart looked around and asked with some anxiety.
"Don't worry, you won't need this... we will protect you."
After Kurt Meyer carefully read the note in his hand, and memorized the contents in his heart, he waved his wand to turn the note into ashes, and grinned at Lockhart, revealing his white smile.
teeth.
Grindelwald nodded with satisfaction and said in a serious tone.
"Very well, that's it. From now until the end of the project... we all need to remain silent for the time being."
"Huh?! Is the situation so serious this time? Mr. Goose Pokalis."
Kurt Meyer was stunned for a moment, bit his tongue, and asked curiously.
"No, it's just that... the situation is a bit delicate. Anyway, there is nothing wrong with being cautious."
Grindelwald's eyes flickered and he repeated in a deep voice, "Remember! From now on, unless I come here in person, once there is an exchange of letters or your presence in the safe house, I will judge that the mission has failed.
"
According to Elena's worst-case scenario, the U.S. government may join forces with the Magical Congress of the United States of America and the American Goblins.
If that happens, both the magical and non-magical worlds may change. The remaining European wizards must fight back as soon as possible, otherwise it will be too late when the traitors join forces and begin to attack the entire world.
.
Even if it is not the worst outcome, judging from all the current signs, the American Muggles, the MACUSA and the American Gringotts Goblins have all set their sights on the disintegrating behemoth of the former Soviet Union.
"This is a response to most unexpected situations during this period. If you have any doubts, just look at this."
Grindelwald took out a document from his arms and solemnly handed it to Gilderoy Lockhart.
Then, the old man waved his hand and walked towards the door without looking back.
Counting the time, he had been away from Hogwarts for long enough. If he didn't go back, Dumbledore would become suspicious.
"Wait, Mr. Apokalis, can I ask you a question?"
Seeing Grindelwald about to leave, Gilderoy Lockhart stood up and asked loudly.
"Why does it have to be me? What qualities do I have that deserve your attention?
"Good question. In fact, this is also a question that I am curious about... I hope you can give me the answer in a few months."
Grindelwald stopped, looked back at the blond wizard, and said meaningfully.
Then, it turned into a black shadow and dissipated in the air.