Chapter 531 Silent Period and Warning
Kyiv, wizard hotel.
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. He sat quietly in his seat, with two unfolded parchments floating in front of him - signed with flowers. a duel letter in his/her name, 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 one-on-one public duel, Gellert Grindelwald's magical attainments have risen to an art form.
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 Maier, who was standing next to Grindelwald, frowned and stepped forward, ready to volunteer to say something.
"Hush, give me a moment, and give Mr. Lockhart a moment."
Grindelwald pressed a finger to his lips, signaling Kurt to stay quiet.
This gesture is just like it was decades ago, elegant and protective, but also revealing a toughness that cannot be refuted.
Kurt Meier met Grindelwald's eyes, moved his lips, and retreated submissively into 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, the magic seals of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts are stamped at the end of the parchment - whether it is an "Employment Contract" or a "Duel Book", they have all been approved by the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Watts double certified paperwork.
Obviously, the matter was far more serious than he imagined - the Ministry of Magic was secretly controlled by destiny, or everything was ordered by the Ministry of Magic. It was difficult for him to determine which situation was worse.
Ignoring the tremor in Lockhart's voice, Grindelwald continued to look through 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.
"Sh-take it easy, kid. This isn't the worst part yet."
Grindelwald smiled slightly, raised his fingers to his lips, and continued reading unhurriedly.
"——Illegally tampering with other people's memories, deceiving the International Ministry of Magic, and falsely claiming the badge of the Order of 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 are still You have to add a charge of deliberately instigating underage wizards to subvert 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. Crime."
"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, and 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 Veritaserum 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 wanted to hear. You don't seem to understand what I mean."
"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.
"Although you will be responsible for coordinating the confidentiality of the Nikolayev Shipyard in the next period of time, if you try to pass on information to the outside world, or you can be passive and cause information to be leaked - I allow all The official wizards of the Tianming Group 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 nervously.
"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 lips. teeth.
Grindelwald nodded with satisfaction and said in a serious tone.
"Very well, that's it. From now on until the end of the project... we all need to remain silent for the time being. No owls, no flying notes, no floo network, no magic messengers -"
"Huh?! Is the situation so serious this time? Mr. G. Gobokalis."
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 really happens, both the magical and non-magical worlds may change - the remaining European wizards must fight back as soon as possible, otherwise when those traitors join forces and begin to march towards the entire world, then late.
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.