Vid ignored the scorching heat behind him and instead looked at Dumbledore, asking, "And what about your soul, sir?"
"Helping innocent children avoid torment and death, sending those demons wandering in the Human World to Hell will not harm my soul."
Dumbledore said gently, "Vid, I've survived two wars, not by shouting slogans or using love to convert the enemy—I know when to make a firm decision."
"But you are still young, child. I am not worried about your Magic abilities—I know you have the capability to eradicate all the enemies before you, compared to you, they are as helpless as scarecrows."
"I know you are mature and your Magic is outstanding. I've always been very proud of you, Vid."
"But I'm worried—I fear you can't distinguish between fighting to protect and fighting for the sake of slaughter; I fear you might get addicted to this thrill of deciding life and death, adopting life-taking as a regular means of solving problems."
"I've seen the world's most exceptional Wizards fall into depravity, knowing many outstanding young people originally just wanted to speak for the persecuted but ended up becoming the darkness harming the world."
"They believe in their strength, believe their sacrifices are for saving the world, but eventually get lost on the path of salvation…"
"Those people lose their reverence for life and death and their compassion for ordinary people, even if they massacre an innocent infant, they only pity their own pain, but will not pity the innocent sufferers."
"So wait a little longer, Vid. I'm not underestimating you, I just hope you won't let your soul be corrupted before building a solid mental defense."
Vid: "..."
At this moment, he really hoped Dumbledore would either ignore him like he did with Harry in the original work or outright prevent him from being involved.
This way, Vid could peacefully disregard Dumbledore's views and act according to his own will.
But he really couldn't resist such gentle and sincere teachings and detailed admonitions from others.
There was no time now for the two to pour their hearts out and convince each other, Vid could only say, "Then what should I do? Should I just watch?"
"Of course not." Dumbledore smiled: "I need you to protect those children and find Ms. Skeeter to ensure their safety—can you do that?"
"—Of course."
...
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom—"
The explosions roared continuously, blazing flames soared into the sky, utility poles snapped, underground cables flew into the air twisting and tangling, machines originally rumbling underground suddenly flew out, exploding mid-air.
After enduring a strong magnetic field attack, Dumbledore had completely figured out the whereabouts of these things.
He didn't need to understand how they worked; it was enough to destroy them all beyond functional use.
The headmaster knew very well how fragile Muggles' machines were.
The black-clad men rushing up fell down one after another, while the researchers wearing lab coats fled frantically, clutching their chests and collapsing halfway.
This time, the headmaster showed no mercy.
Vid then saw the kind of terrifying aura that made Grindelwald fear him and Voldemort dread him.
He knew, because there were some innocent children and hapless Wizards unexpectedly caught on this island, Dumbledore held back.
Otherwise, the entire island would have become a sea of flames by now, leaving no chance for these people to scramble and flee?
But—
When needed, just say, "Let me teach you Magic."
When unnecessary, just say, "You're still too young, Vid."
As he ran toward the dungeon, Vid still grumbled in his heart.
But he still faithfully executed Dumbledore's orders... or requests.
No choice.
"I need you."
—Though this sentence is commonplace, it always possesses great power.
The whereabouts of the dungeon were clear to the fat administrator. It wasn't a standalone building, but hidden at the very bottom of the laboratory, separated by two floors.
So even though chaos was erupting above, it remained quiet and normal here, only the corridor of the jail is frequently patrolled by a few guards.
The buzzing stopped when Rita Skeeter quickly transformed back into a beetle, intentionally standing in front of the children on the bed before they finally scattered.
Boots clashed with the ground once again.
They sat on the floor, silently watching the guards roam back and forth in the corridor, occasionally whispering into their earphones or exchanging glances with their peers, continuing their pacing.
The children in the cells also exchanged whispers—
"What's going on?"
"They usually don't patrol so frequently..."
"Is there need for people over there again?"
"I don't think so; they seem to be in some trouble."
"Mabel, what do you think? Mabel?"
Mabel stared vacantly at the sky, only responding after a while, "I don't know."
Luke raised his head, glanced outside, then lowered it again, seemingly uninterested in everything.
His hand was scratched earlier; now he was licking his wound, like a cat licking its paw.
Rita wanted to say something to them but knew, for safety, staying silent would be best for all of them.
She crawled around the old blanket, troubled, suddenly hearing a "thud, thud" noise.
The guards in the corridor fell unexpectedly, with a "bang," it sounded like their noses were smashed flat.
They heard footsteps; everyone turned quiet once more.
Then, Rita heard a young voice ask, "Just these few guys? Are there other guards here?"
No one answered him; the frightened and hurt children just stared silently at him, as if they couldn't comprehend English.
Rita paused, jumped forward, transformed back into human form, grabbed the bars, and shouted, "Vid! Vid Gray! Is it really you? Have you come to save us?"
Like those kids earlier, she pressed her face against the iron bars, almost squeezed out of shape, completely forgetting she could fly out as a beetle.
"Rita?"
Vid was also surprised, quickly walking over and said: "Thank Merlin, you're alright. I didn't expect you to be hiding in the cells."
While speaking, he used an Unlocking Charm to open the lock on the cell.
Rita Skeeter immediately rushed out, excitedly wanting to give Vid a hug, but was greeted with the tip of the Magic Wand pointing at her nose.
"Hold on, confirm if you're really Rita Skeeter."
Vid said expressionlessly.
The originally heartbroken and crying Rita Skeeter instantly froze, pitifully raising her hand, trying to recall the few interactions she had with Vid.
"I... you loaned me the Invisibility Cloak..."
"That was borrowed… But never mind." Vid lowered the wand, asked: "Where's the Invisibility Cloak?"
"They broke it." Rita said anxiously: "Forget it—how many people did you bring?"
"Two."
"What? Only two?" Rita screamed.
"The other is Dumbledore." Vid said.
"Then it should be fine to escape from here." Rita slightly let out a breath of relief, hurriedly asked: "Where's Dumbledore? You didn't fall into the Muggles' trap, did you? That buzzing sound..."
"What's affecting Magic isn't sound waves but the magnetic field here..."
Vid said halfway, realizing Rita wouldn't understand, swallowed the rest of the words.
"Prepare, I'll get you all out of here."
He waved his Magic Wand, and the locks on all the surrounding cells opened; the pale, frail children looked at each other, and after a while, someone bravely walked out first.
"If you can rescue us, could you save Hayley too?" a girl suddenly shouted: "She was taken by them!"
The corridor suddenly fell silent.