Chapter 346 "You Are Invited"

In response to Wentworth's inquiry, Joseph appeared poised and composed, as if he had rehearsed his response for quite some time. "Because," he began calmly, "we aspire for a future where, should Uagadou establish a school board, one of its esteemed members bears the surname Dumbledore."

Wentworth was taken aback, his disbelief evident as he exclaimed, "You?"

Joseph affirmed with a nod, reiterating solemnly, "Indeed, we. This proposition originates from the leader of our Coney tribe, my father. And it has garnered support from leaders of several other prominent tribes."

Wentworth's astonishment was palpable as he remarked, "Are you serious? If this is a joke, then it's going too far, Joseph."

Joseph's demeanor remained resolute as he replied earnestly, "This matter is of utmost seriousness to us."

Following a brief pause, Wentworth's disbelief gave way to laughter. "I apologize, Joseph," he chuckled, "but as you aptly stated earlier, with great rights come great responsibilities. While the Dumbledore family may boast a European pedigree, it seems our wealth doesn't quite match yours. Supporting the financial demands of such a grand institution... well, it poses quite a challenge."

Before Wentworth could articulate his thoughts, Joseph preemptively interjected, "There's no need for your Dumbledore family to bear the financial burden. We'll handle it."

Wentworth absorbed Joseph's words with a deep breath, then spoke slowly, "What exactly do you have in mind?"

Joseph remained composed, offering a serene smile as he lightly tapped his wine glass against Wentworth's before elaborating, "Consider the prestige of your Dumbledore family across Europe. For Uagadou to integrate successfully into European wizarding society, it requires the endorsement of such an esteemed family among European wizards. Without it, we risk remaining mere outsiders in the eyes of European wizards."

"Your family's reputation and expertise in school administration, epitomized by Albus Dumbledore's legacy as both the greatest white wizard and the revered headmaster of Hogwarts, are invaluable assets," Joseph continued thoughtfully.

Joseph continued his persuasive discourse, "Consider, too, the significant influence of your Dumbledore family within Hogwarts. With a Dumbledore representative on Uagadou's school board, we can foster a lasting relationship between our schools. This could lead to increased collaboration and mutual learning opportunities."

Pausing briefly, Joseph seemed to recollect something before adding, "I recently came across a term from Muggles that seems quite fitting here—'long-term investment.'"

Hearing Joseph's rationale, Wentworth couldn't help but acknowledge the profound scope of the Coney family's endeavors for the proposed Uagadou School Board.

Understanding Joseph's intentions, Wentworth feigned contemplation before responding, "This decision holds considerable weight, and I cannot make it alone. Rest assured, I will convey your proposal to my grandfather upon his return to Uagadou from Hogwarts."

Wentworth had been preparing to bid Joseph farewell when, to his surprise, Joseph interjected with a smile, "No, Wentworth, the decision rests with you."

Taken aback by Joseph's unexpected statement, Wentworth halted in his movements, intrigued. "What do you mean by that, Joseph?" he inquired, puzzled by the sudden shift.

Joseph raised his wine glass, a half-smile playing on his lips as he replied, "Because, Wentworth, this position was intended for you—not Albus Dumbledore."

Perceiving Wentworth's furrowed brow, Joseph hastened to clarify, "Wentworth, please hear me out."

"Albus Dumbledore is undoubtedly a revered wizard, but now that he serves as Hogwarts' headmaster, it's impractical for him to manage Uagadou. However, you are different. You are not bound by any status yet. This makes you the perfect candidate to manage Uagadou."

"Rest assured, we won't have anything to do with how you are going to manage this place. We simply want to borrow your name, Dumbledore."

Joseph paused, then continued, "Let me be clear, Wentworth. We didn't conduct a targeted investigation on you. It's simply that Albus Dumbledore's prominence has led to a wealth of information about him circulating among various circles."

"As far as our knowledge extends," Joseph began, "the Dumbledore family, in the generation of Albus Dumbledore, consists of three siblings. Unfortunately, Dumbledore's sister passed away many years ago. As a result, the current Dumbledore lineage comprises only Albus Dumbledore and his younger brother."

Joseph continued, "Regarding his younger brother, our Coney family discovered that he had a son years ago, but the child has long been absent. Furthermore, Headmaster Dumbledore himself has devoted his entire life to Hogwarts, abstaining from marriage and progeny."

He paused for emphasis before concluding, "Therefore, if you don't have other siblings, it's highly probable that you're the sole heir of this generation of the Dumbledore family. In many respects, you embody the future of the Dumbledore lineage."

With an intense gaze fixed upon Wentworth, Joseph declared, "The individual we truly sought is you, Wentworth Dumbledore! Should you consent, and if the Uagadou School Board indeed materializes in the future, you will be among its esteemed members."

"Consider this, Wentworth," Joseph pressed on, his voice laden with temptation. "Uagadou boasts a history no less illustrious than Hogwarts'. Managing such a venerable and renowned institution may be an unattainable aspiration for most wizards in their lifetime. Yet, for you, it could be within easy reach with just a nod of your head."

Joseph's words stirred something within Wentworth, albeit for reasons different from what Joseph anticipated. While temptation tugged at his heartstrings, the true source of Wentworth's inner turmoil lay in his identity.

Wentworth Dumbledore was a facade; Wentworth Grindelwald, the heir to the Grindelwald family and leader of the Alliance, lurked beneath the surface. For a fleeting moment, Wentworth entertained thoughts of transforming Uagadou into a bastion for the Alliance cause, a sanctuary where their bloodline could flourish.

Yet, the memory of Dumbledore's penetrating gaze, capable of peering into the depths of one's soul, anchored Wentworth in reality. After a moment of contemplative silence, Wentworth spoke slowly, his resolve firm, "I need to reconsider."

Not to add to that, Wentworth doesn't want to taint Joseph's pure intention of changing the education system in Uagadou through the power of his family and connections, something that he should never tarnish no matter what.

While the Alliance is fighting for a righteous case to spread genuine respect for the pure-blooded wizards, the Coney clan wants to raise the standard of how the education system works in Uagadou.

If Wentworth wants to convert the whole tribe into wizard of Alliance he would find it easy to do, but it would go against his moral compass after the poor man himself has treated Wentworth into a luxurious party out of his own volition.