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Chapter 1: For the Greater Good

July 1991, Austria.

A European-style villa with an unusual shape stands by the shore of Lake Mond. Its dark blue bricks and intricate carvings speak of its ancient origins.

The sun filters through the window, illuminating the face of a blond, blue-eyed boy with shimmering light. The boy, holding a book emitting dark blue mist in one hand and a wand with peculiar horizontal ridges in the other, creates an eerie atmosphere.

A flash of green light accompanies a smile that appears on the boy's face.

[Congratulations to the host for mastering the black magic: Imperius Curse, and earning the achievement: Candidate for Azkaban]

[Achievement Point Reward: 100]

"System, check the talent panel!"

The boy's clear voice commands, and a virtual data panel appears before him.

[Charms: 100]

[Potions: 100]

[Dark Magic: 99]

[Transfiguration: 100]

[Alchemy: 100]

[Divination: 100]

[Current remaining points: 112; achievement points can be used to exchange talents (100 points required for each exchange of talents above 95 points) or for drawing.]

[Points can be earned by achieving milestones, completing system tasks, etc.]

Hearing the notification in his mind, the boy sighs with relief: "Six years... I'm finally close to maxing out my talent points!"

The boy's name is Augustus Grindelwald.

Technically, he is not from this world. When he arrived here, he was just a baby, abandoned outside an orphanage. He believed he had been reborn, but he only realized the truth at age five, when magic began to surge, revealing the system and bringing him to Gellert Grindelwald through his acolytes.

He had entered the world of Harry Potter as an orphan of the Grindelwald family.

In his previous life, Augustus was well-acquainted with this magical world, and he had long yearned for its wonders. However, upon his arrival, he found the reality of magic far less enchanting than he had imagined—especially given his bloodline.

The Ministry of Magic, the acolytes, the International Wizarding Council... too many eyes were upon him. Had they not feared Grindelwald's wrath, he might have perished many times over.

Unlike ordinary time-travelers who flaunt their abilities or seek quick power, Augustus chose to remain discreet, accumulating points through various means until now.

"System, redeem black magic talent!"

[Points successfully added; host's current black magic skill: 100]

As soon as the points were added, another notification appeared.

[Host's talent is now maxed out; achievement earned: Future Black Magic Master]

[Achievement: Perfect Magic Genius]

[Achievement Point Reward: 200]

"It's time to consider leaving this place. Before I go, I should complete my first lottery draw."

Augustus clicked on the lottery interface, revealing numerous card packs. He chose two at random, and with a flash of ordinary white light, the system announced:

[Congratulations to the host for the reward: Spell - Legilimency (Level 2)]

[Congratulations to the host for the reward: Black Magic - Protego Diabolica (Level 3)]

"Legilimency? Protego Diabolica Spell?" Augustus muttered, puzzled.

"If these are my rewards, there's a spell I might consider trying..."

...

Outside the door, light footsteps approached.

An elegant woman in a dark green robe entered.

Vita Rosier, the Black Rose of France, unblemished by age. Her jet-black hair, green eyes, and regal demeanor have captivated many.

Despite her age of over ninety, her extraordinary strength keeps her appearance youthful.

"What's wrong, Aunt Vita?"

Augustus set his wand aside and turned to her.

Vita Rosier wore a worried expression.

"Little Augustus, have you forgotten that today is your eleventh birthday?"

"Birthday?" Augustus was momentarily taken aback, then realized.

When Grindelwald adopted Augustus, he had instructed the acolytes that Augustus would inherit the entire group on his eleventh birthday. Over the years, Augustus had kept a low profile, avoiding notable achievements. Many within the group even mocked him.

The appointed day has arrived, and the group is clearly reluctant to accept him as Gellert's successor.

Though Augustus is Grindelwald's adopted son, the acolytes remain loyal to Gellert. They believe only Gellert can lead them to fulfill their grand purpose.

In their view, Augustus is too young to assume such a role.

To be blunt, they simply hold him in disdain.

Realizing this, Augustus's expression grew serious. "Aunt Vita, is there something you want to discuss with me?"

Vita Rosier took a deep breath. "Abernethy and I have discussed this. The group is fractured, and reuniting them will be difficult. Their attitude towards you..."

"So, you want me to give up, don't you, Aunt Vita?" Augustus interrupted before she could finish.

"I understand your concern, but I refuse to back down!"

Vita Rosier was taken aback by his firm refusal.

"I am the blood of Grindelwald, and I was trained by you and Gellert. I carry the legacy you left unfinished!" Augustus rose from his chair and declared resolutely: "If I retreat now, I will not only forfeit the group's expectations but also my own future courage."

"From this moment, I may never return here again!"

Vita Rosier hesitated, then slowly spoke: "But you should be aware that today's gathering will attract a lot of attention. The Ministry of Magic will seize this opportunity. I know that there are..."

"Trust me, Aunt Vita!"

Augustus smiled confidently, meeting her gaze.

"Even Thunderbirds eventually leave their parents' nests."

"And disasters come in waves."

"If I can't handle this, it only means I'm not cut out for it!"

Silence fell over the room.

Vita Rosier gazed intently at the boy before her. For some reason, her vision grew hazy.

A figure she had longed for seemed to merge with him—same blonde hair, blue eyes, elegance, confidence, and talent.

In a daze, she felt as if she was back at the cemetery, witnessing the blue flame dragon hovering over Paris.

When she refocused on Augustus, Vita Rosier's eyes held a smile.

"Don't let me down, little Grindelwald."

In the distant sky, countless strands of black silk drifted.

Augustus's smile widened. His right hand touched his chest as he bowed slightly.

"For the greater good!"