Noticing William's mysterious smile, Dumbledore couldn't help but pull a bitter face. He initially thought he could enjoy the spectacle, observing the first "clash" between the two after their identities were revealed, and then adjust his strategy accordingly. However, unexpectedly careless...
Contrary to Dumbledore's expectations, William didn't dwell on the candy incident but chose to let it pass. That didn't mean he'd let Dumbledore off easily. After this incident, the previously tense atmosphere also relaxed a bit. William coughed twice and spoke again—
"So, Albus, I suppose the International Confederation of Wizards isn't aware of this, are they?"
Hehe, Old Bee, you wouldn't want the International Confederation of Wizards to know that you secretly let an international political prisoner go, right? Yes, still phrased in the style of Japanese netizens, but the topic is significantly more serious this time. Hearing William's words, filled with hints and threats, Grindelwald's previously smiling expression slightly stiffened...
Do you always switch topics this abruptly?
"What do you mean?"
Though knowing Dumbledore is the president of the International Confederation of Wizards, Grindelwald is well aware that his escape from Nimangard violates many laws. Although that wizard prison has mostly fallen into disuse, someone still goes back every month to check on him, and he himself returns during the monthly inspections.
If this matter were exposed, Dumbledore's righteous image in the international wizarding world would likely collapse...
Thinking of this, growing anxious, Grindelwald desperately looked at Dumbledore, the meaning in his eyes was clear...Come up with a solution?
William didn't answer Grindelwald's spontaneous question but continued to gaze at Dumbledore, with an increasingly pronounced smile on his face.
"...What do you want?"
After a long silence, Dumbledore finally sighed and decided to try bribing. Though he knew William probably wouldn't expose this matter, one can never be too cautious. And since the other party brought it up, it meant there was room for negotiation—
The old man felt somewhat at a loss. He initially thought that Grindelwald and William's first verbal clash would be spectacular, yet he didn't expect the other party to skip the bait and directly attack his weak spot.
"I don't want anything. I just want to know... why did you let this scum out of prison?"
But to Dumbledore, William, who had always been a cunning fox type, suddenly changed his behavior. The boy's back straightened, and in his hands resting on his legs, his magic wand had unknowingly been grasped. The eyes, once filled with mixed emotions, now bore only an icy coldness devoid of feeling, as a faint blue light glimmered—
"And, you let him into Hogwarts?"
"William, you..."
Dumbledore spoke out in some surprise. He had never imagined William would react so strongly and change his tune so quickly. He could feel that the boy's magic wand was already targeting the two old men—evidently, if William didn't get a satisfactory answer, he might well "bully the old with the young".
Likewise, Grindelwald's expression also turned slightly solemn. Although he had witnessed William's quick change before, he hadn't expected such a big reaction from him.
After all, in this hundred-year gap, it was impossible for him to have offended William somehow. However, even though equally targeted by William's aura, Grindelwald suddenly didn't feel anxious anymore. He wasn't even angered by William's insult as a scum, instead, he crossed his arms over his chest, quietly awaiting the developments.
As a result, the "Unscrupulous Old Bee", who originally just wanted to watch the fun, instantly became the target of everyone's focus.
"No need for explanations, state your reasons, I give you this chance—you know why."
Seeing Dumbledore seemingly about to ask something, William immediately spoke to interrupt. Upon hearing what William said, Dumbledore instantly understood William's meaning—William had long ago told him the reason for staying in the castle—
To guard the "Secret Vault", to protect the power that could destroy the world if mastered by some means.
At this moment, the headmaster portraits, which had been pretending to sleep all along, also opened their eyes. Among them, many cast questioning looks at Dumbledore, including Fitzgerald and Amendo Dipeite. The former was one of the guardians of the Secret Vault, while the latter was an eyewitness during Grindelwald's era.
When William exposed Grindelwald's identity, the portraits had already awoken, not to mention now that William had officially started the confrontation—
"Albus, perhaps you really ought to give an explanation—"
Fitzgerald spoke, questioning Dumbledore, yet also offering him an out. Although William was technically Dumbledore's student, at this moment, the age gap between them was immensely wide. So, essentially, this was a young man challenging and questioning an elder—
For many high-ranking elders, this is definitely a loss of face. If Phineas sat in the headmaster's chair now, she could be sure that the two would already be fighting.
By speaking up, she naturally made this confrontation more palatable...essentially saying, do me a favor.