103. Sochoro

There are various interpretations of the prophecy, and Aurelius had his own interpretation based on significant roles. With billions of people worldwide, there must be thousands who understand it.

Aurelius chose to disregard the prophecy, believing that if it is true, it will unfold regardless of his awareness. And if it's false, then why should he bother?

But what made prophecies so important among other wizards?

Aurelius saw potential benefit in following prophecies, unlike himself, who had nothing to gain by rushing into it. Given the belief of other wizards in prophecies, there seemed to be some advantage in it.

"Understood," Aurelius acknowledged Queenie's latest update about the Tomb of Père Lachaise.

It's a significant site that contains the ancestral graves of the Lestrange family and their family tree.

The existence of this lineage led officials like Paul Herman to speculate that Aurelius had connections to the Dumbledore family.

To confirm these rumors, one could find answers there.

Although it wasn't Aberforth's intention to reveal this, Queenie learned about it through his memories.

After the call ended, Aurelius pondered on the sofa.

Both Aberforth and a witch named Galatea Merrythought were assigned to protect him, following Dumbledore's instructions.

This arrangement seemed unusual to him.

Aberforth and Merrythought's presence wasn't solely due to concerns about his Obscurus; otherwise, Newt would be sufficient. Their presence or absence wouldn't significantly change the situation with the Obscurus.

"Matters seem to have changed," Aurelius muttered to himself.

He suspected their true purpose was protection. Dumbledore likely sensed a threat to Aurelius, possibly even during an Obscurus state.

While an Obscurus possesses immense vitality, its defense is average, making it susceptible to a careful attack by Aurors.

That's why Aurelius focused on learning defensive spells like the Shield Charm and Apparition.

He wasn't overly worried about safety; having a stronger form of Apparition and the ability to escape meant he could flee if necessary. These were skills Dumbledore didn't know about.

But his main focus remained on identifying the threat against him.

This situation was puzzling!

Previously, the worldwide search for him was purely investigative and didn't necessarily mean there was a threat.

However, Dumbledore's reaction suggested that someone posed an actual threat.

"Britain... the Ministry of Magic?" Aurelius pondered, considering it the most plausible scenario.

Newt had mentioned that the British Ministry of Magic had hired the notorious magical creature hunter, Gunnar Grimmson, to find him, even expressing a preference for death rather than capture.

Dumbledore's presence in Hogwarts, along with his extensive network, indicated a sense of urgency. This must be based on personal experience or reliable information.

This led Aurelius to suspect that the threat originated from England. What resources did Britain possess? Primarily Dumbledore's network and the Ministry of Magic. Pure-blood families lacked the motive, courage, or capability for such actions.

"Could Grimmson's cover be blown? Is the Ministry aiming to eliminate me at all costs?" Aurelius furrowed his brow in thought. However, given Grindelwald's prior discovery, it seemed illogical. How could Grimmson's identity be exposed?

Determined to uncover the truth, Aurelius stood. The idea of not knowing who threatened his life struck him as absurd. With resolve, he left.

"Aurelius! Where are you going?!" Tina called after him.

"Don't follow!" Aurelius didn't glance back; his warning halted Tina's pursuit.

Outside, Aurelius noticed a tall building where someone incessantly surveilled his home.

As an Obscurus, Aurelius possessed keen perception and was capable of rendering areas invisible with a flick.

After signaling, he vanished into the nearby tree-lined path.

On the rooftop, two suited wizards exchanged glances. Had they been noticed just now?

"Mr. Sochoro..." one began.

The meditating old man opened his eyes with a sinister grin. "What's the matter?"

"He seems to have noticed us. He gestured for us to approach," one wizard admitted nervously.

"Oh? This boy isn't ordinary! No wonder Grindelwald has his eye on him. You two stay put; I'll go meet him," Sochoro declared before vanishing.

"It's incredible! It's the first time I've seen someone Apparate without a wand," the remaining wizard marveled.

"How else would he treat us so courteously?" they pondered.

Sir, the honorific for Grindelwald, didn't imply servitude. It was consistent with his ideology of unity among wizards.

Ordinary folk weren't typically treated with such respect by Grindelwald.

"Do you know who Sochoro is?" one wizard asked.

"No clue," the other admitted.

"Could he be the Chinese Minister of Magic?"

"You might as well call him the Chinese Dumbledore!"

After some banter, they concluded that China remained enigmatic, with unpredictable figures.