99. Merrythought

Dumbledore and Grindelwald were once as close as brothers.

The news is astounding. "Closer than brothers," Dumbledore stared blankly at the phantom in the sky. It was a past he didn't want to think about, yet also his most cherished memory. It was the bittersweet end to those beautiful days that brought him immense pain. Even now, Dumbledore can't fathom anyone else affecting him this way. Searching for a kindred spirit amidst the mountains and rivers, Grindelwald is his soulmate. They shared the same talent, high ambition, and unwavering confidence.

"Will you fight him?" Travers asked for the final time, every word hanging in the air as an ultimatum. The Ministry of Magic had asked Dumbledore multiple times to confront Grindelwald, but he was always stymied by the words "I can't." Dumbledore's voice was soft but unyielding as he spoke them. Once again, 'I can't.' Travers could practically feel his frustration boiling over.

Did Dumbledore truly believe he was the savior? Did he believe only he could save the day? Was he planning to use this as leverage against the Ministry of Magic?

"Now that you've chosen your side," Travers waved his wand, conjuring metal bracelets that snaked around Dumbledore's wrists. "From now on, I will know every spell you cast, and someone will be monitoring your every move. The surveillance will be doubled. And you are prohibited from teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts!"

Travers stormed off in a fit of anger, asking Theseus about the whereabouts of Rita before declaring they would head to Paris immediately. Theseus was silent and full of unease.

This was what Theseus meant when he said one had to "choose sides." Everyone had to make their allegiances known, including Dumbledore and Newt. The idea of having no choice was merely a delusion. With a heavy heart, Theseus exited silently.

"Theseus! Theseus!" Dumbledore called out, halting his departure. Theseus looked up reflexively. Dumbledore's gaze was intense as he spoke. "Remember, if Grindelwald calls for a meeting, do not prevent it. Do not allow Travers to send you. If you still trust me..."

"Theseus! Theseus!" Travers' angry voice interrupted their conversation from outside the door. Theseus nodded absentmindedly, turned, and left.

He had made his choice. He stood with the "Ministry of Magic."

"Oops," Dumbledore muttered while looking at the metal bracelet encircling his wrist. Things had taken an unexpected turn. He had never anticipated that the British Ministry of Magic, so far removed from the mainland, would be the first to sound the war cry.

War? Yes, it was clear from Travers' actions. The Ministry of Magic was on the verge of collapsing. They no longer concerned themselves with concrete evidence, nor would they allow Grindelwald to amass more power.

Maybe others can, but Travers can't. As a hardliner, when Grindelwald didn't use coercive means, Travers forcefully ordered everyone on the team. There is no room for centrists - either fight against Grindelwald or assist him, nothing else. This is unjust and unacceptable. Dumbledore wore a sullen expression as he witnessed a large number of neutral forces being swayed toward Grindelwald. As the Ministry of Magic, it is our responsibility to enforce order. However, being too tough in this situation will only be counterproductive.

What does order mean? It is the understanding that individuals must sacrifice a portion of their freedom to protect their remaining liberties. Those who work for the Ministry of Magic are constrained, and such harsh behavior will only cause more people to worry about losing their remaining freedoms. Instead of following this path, it would be wiser to surrender to Grindelwald and accept his tyranny in exchange for other freedoms. Nonetheless, Dumbledore felt compelled to take action. Unfortunately, the bracelet on his hand prevented him from acting impulsively. He didn't want to further aggravate Travers, as their conflict would only aid Grindelwald.

It was unfortunate that Travers couldn't comprehend Dumbledore's earnest efforts. "Power - it's truly the sweetest poison in the world." Dumbledore closed his eyes, sighing quietly. "Albus--" "Professor Merrythought." Dumbledore knew the voice belonged to Professor Merrythought without even turning around. Galatea Merrythought , a talented witch who had been a professor at Hogwarts for decades, even longer than Dumbledore himself.

"You don't look well. I just heard Travers say you were prohibited from teaching," Professor Merrythought inquired. "Ah, yes, it's dreadful news," Dumbledore chuckled. "This is absurd! Why does the Ministry of Magic meddle in Hogwarts' affairs? It's preposterous to forbid a professor from teaching! I'll go speak with the Headmaster right away--" Professor McGonagall was furious.

"No need, these are extraordinary times. Travers doesn't trust me, so I'll reluctantly take a break for now," Dumbledore sighed. He was yielding once again. Dumbledore wasn't weak, but many misunderstood his repeated compromises in the face of magic. This is what it means to prioritize the greater good.

Dumbledore despised the Ministry of Magic, a feeling that had persisted since his childhood. The Muggles had harmed his sister, turning her into an Obscurial, while the Ministry of Magic had imprisoned his father, leaving his family devastated. It was for these reasons alone that Dumbledore refused to hold any favorable impression of the Ministry of Magic.

Despite this, in light of the bigger picture, Dumbledore chose to exercise patience. As a former close friend, nobody knew Grindelwald better than Dumbledore. To prevent his old friend from causing further destruction, Dumbledore had to take measures to ensure that the past does not repeat itself.

This is why Dumbledore's actions were regrettable. The fallen flowers and unfeeling water deliberately flowed against him. Although Dumbledore's decision to retreat was made in consideration of the greater good, he was met with resistance from the Ministry of Magic.

He glanced at the metal bracelet adorning his wrist, a highly sophisticated alchemy tool. As someone who could engage joyfully in conversations with Flamel, Dumbledore was well-versed in the field of alchemy. However, he could not simply remove the bracelet, not at least in the immediate future.

"Professor Merrythought, could you represent me and travel to Paris?"

"Paris?"