Chapter 10 – The Deals

At Nurmengard Castle

In a grand, dimly lit chamber of Nurmengard Castle, the ancient stone walls cast long shadows that danced in the flickering torchlight. The air was heavy with the weight of history and power, and the cold, unyielding stones seemed to echo the darkness of the past. An old man sat on a high-backed chair, his eyes closed in deep contemplation, as if awaiting an inevitable meeting. Suddenly, a brilliant flame materialized in front of him, illuminating the room with a golden light, and Dumbledore stepped through, his presence commanding immediate attention.

"Hello, Albus. Why are you here?" said the old man with a grin, opening his eyes slowly.

"You know why I am here, Gellert," replied Dumbledore, his tone calm yet firm.

"You mean the new prophecy?" asked Grindelwald, his eyes narrowing with interest.

"I want you to come and protect it from other communities," Dumbledore stated, stepping closer, his eyes fixed on Grindelwald.

"And why would I do that, Albus?" Gellert Grindelwald said with a smile, a hint of challenge in his voice.

"Because you are selfish and also want to keep him for wizards and witches. So, I am giving you a chance to find him," said Dumbledore, his voice steady, but with a touch of urgency.

"Chance, Albus? Why do I need a chance? Can't I just take him for the greater good?" Grindelwald's smile faded slightly as he leaned forward, his eyes searching Dumbledore's.

"You and I both know that rather than the greater good, you want power. Don't deny it; I know you better than anyone else," Dumbledore countered, his gaze unwavering.

"If you believe I am that selfish, why did you come to me, old friend? Do you think it's just to help me find him easily?" Grindelwald asked, his voice softening, a glimmer of their past friendship flickering in his eyes.

"Yes, but you will not take or hurt him. You just want him to inherit your will—the will you show to everyone. After all, the person is still a child, and you, being one of the greatest seers, know the workings of fate and the world better than I do," Dumbledore replied, his tone imploring yet resolute.

"Then if I find him or her, don't you fear he will be influenced by me?" Grindelwald said, his smile returning, but now with a hint of genuine curiosity.

"Then it will be another great competition between us. Rather than wands, it will be with words," said Dumbledore, his voice carrying a note of finality. He turned and left with his phoenix in a blaze of flame.

Suddenly, someone entered the room and said, "Sir, everyone has arrived."

Grindelwald said, "Good, let's go," his mind already plotting his next move.

Death Eater Hideout

In a dimly lit, cavernous room, Death Eaters assembled one by one, their black robes blending into the darkness. The air was thick with tension and anticipation. The Dark Lord, sitting in the middle seat, his snake-like eyes scanning the room, broke the silence.

"You all know about the new prophecy," Voldemort said, his voice cold and commanding.

One of the Death Eaters, trembling slightly, said, "We should control him, my lord. With his blessing, purebloods will flourish even if he is a mudblood."

Voldemort's eyes flashed with anger as he pulled out his wand and shot a Crucio (Cruciatus Curse) at him. The Death Eater screamed in agony, collapsing to the floor.

"Don't say foolish things. You should already know that children below eleven are protected from magic. Anyone who kills a magical child will be cursed by magic, and you want to use him? Don't you think magic will obediently let you torture and brainwash him or her?" Voldemort's voice was a hiss, filled with contempt.

"I called you all for a reason. All children below the age of seventeen should not be killed, and those below the age of thirteen should not be attacked. We just need to find one person, and only I will attack him. Greyback, I think you should not have any thoughts either. If I find you disobeying, get ready for the punishment."

The room fell silent, the Death Eaters nodding in agreement, fear evident in their eyes.

At the International Magic Conference

In a grand hall filled with representatives from magical communities around the world, tension was palpable. Political leaders gathered to discuss the matter of the nature child, their faces marked with concern and ambition.

The American Minister spoke first, "We should be the ones to keep him or her, as Britain is unstable now."

The Ugandan Minister countered, "You just want to use this excuse to increase your power and get the blessing. I suggest, as he is the son of nature, let him be free as nature is free."

Others objected, and a heated debate ensued, some arguing to keep the child in rotation so everybody could benefit.

Suddenly, a brilliant flame materialized in the center of the hall, and Albus Dumbledore emerged from it, his presence commanding silence.

"I understand your concern, but England is safe for him or her," Dumbledore stated, his voice calm yet authoritative.

The American Minister commented, "How can you say that? Don't you know the condition of the UK? You have a dark lord roaming free."

"You don't have to worry about it. I can guarantee no child will be hurt. I will be responsible for their safety," Dumbledore said, his tone serious and unwavering.

Seeing the serious expression on Dumbledore's face, the American Minister didn't continue his argument.

The British ministers took a stand, saying, "I think rather than worrying about ourselves, we should be more concerned about outsiders. We might lose him or her as a wizard right now."

Suddenly, there was a profound silence in the room. Then someone spoke, "So how should we handle it?"

At the American Ministry of Magic

The Minister of Magic was deep in thought about the gifted child when suddenly his secretary entered the room.

"Sir, are we going to let the British have him or her by themselves?" asked the secretary.

"There is nothing we can do now as the child is born in the UK, but it doesn't mean he or she will choose to live in the UK," said the minister, a calculating look in his eyes.

"What does that mean, sir?" asked the secretary, confused.

The minister smiled slyly and said, "There is a dark lord roaming right? If he creates big problems, naturally no one will want to live in a broken place. Then we can offer a safe place to live, so naturally, people will come to us."

The secretary looked stunned for a moment, then replied, "Then we should start the preparations," and left the room, determination in his steps.

In Other Parts of the World

Similar discussions were taking place, each magical community plotting their next moves, all with their eyes on the extraordinary child who could change the fate of the magical world.