"So, that's what you're wary of?"

Grindelwald listened to Dumbledore's story quietly, nodding thoughtfully.

"An existence that cannot be killed by the Killing Curse is indeed a troublesome fellow."

"To be precise, an existence that can survive their own Killing Curse."

Dumbledore added with a frown, not deliberately avoiding Hermione. As for the old spider Aragog, it had already discreetly retreated into its nest with a few roasted spider legs, leaving the range of the wizards' silencing charm.

"I examined the location where he last cast the spell. There were no physical remains. Judging from the traces left by the Tracking Charm, Voldemort was almost instantly disintegrated into dust—as far as I know, that only happens when a wizard uses the Killing Curse on themselves."

"So-called true death? Pitiful, not even able to control his own life."

A look of understanding appeared on Grindelwald's face, and he glanced at Hermione, who looked somewhat confused. He spread his hands and explained.

"The power of spells comes from emotions and thoughts, as I think you already know. Therefore, when a wizard casts the Killing Curse on themselves, the spell erases more than just the soul. After all, the principle of the Killing Curse is—"

"Ahem." Dumbledore suddenly cleared his throat.

"Well, okay, now doesn't seem like the appropriate time to research the Killing Curse."

Faced with Dumbledore's warning gaze, Grindelwald shrugged helplessly, turning the topic back again.

"So, Albus, do you know what method he used to evade the Killing Curse?"

"I have some guesses, but unfortunately, I have no evidence..."

"I understand," Grindelwald raised his eyebrows and grinned. "Rest assured, with the two of us working together, plus this little girl and this big dog, subduing a severely injured wizard shouldn't be too difficult—the only real difficulty is how to prevent him from escaping..."

"Quite the contrary!"

Before Grindelwald could finish speaking, Dumbledore shook his head, and said with a serious expression.

"The purpose of telling you this today is that I hope you won't excessively provoke or test Quirinus Quirrell, or rather, Voldemort. At least in this current state, it's the best for the entire wizarding world."

"So that's what you think—to do nothing?"

Grindelwald's face gradually turned cold, a scornful arc forming at the corner of his mouth, and he let out a sneer.

"So many years have passed, Albus, and you still haven't made any progress."

"Gellert, you don't understand, this involves more than just Voldemort alone—putting all the blame on him is undoubtedly the wisest course of action."

"I'm sorry, I probably see this more clearly than you do, Headmaster."

Grindelwald sneered, using the roasted spider leg in his hand to point at Dumbledore, as if he were holding a wand.

"I can imagine, without even needing to know the details, the mastermind behind Voldemort. Pure-blood wizarding families, and that group of stubborn old fools, the last struggle and madness of the old era."

"Then you should know that time is on our side."

Dumbledore nonchalantly brushed aside the spider leg in Grindelwald's hand, answering calmly.

"The proportion of half-blood and Muggle-born wizards in the wizarding world will only continue to increase. It's an unstoppable trend. In a few decades, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Muggle-born Minister for Magic."

"When that time comes, will they speak for Muggles, or for wizards?"

Grindelwald looked at Dumbledore with a playful expression. Without waiting for the old wizard to answer, he continued, "In the end, you're still avoiding it, Albus. Ten years ago, you missed an excellent opportunity to consolidate the power of the wizarding world, and now, the opportunity is presented to you again, and you're just thinking about maintaining the status quo and continuing to observe?!"

"Times are different, Gellert."

Dumbledore leisurely peeled open a roasted spider leg, tearing off a piece of white meat and putting it in his mouth. "The current wizarding world doesn't need a particularly outstanding leader. The conflicts and contradictions are much milder than in our time."

"However, those obstacles still exist, don't they?"

Grindelwald narrowed his eyes, a trace of coldness flashing within them.

"I admit that trying to change everything fifty years ago came at too great a cost, but if it were now..."

"It would still be no different. This isn't a commodity that can be bargained over." Dumbledore shook his head firmly.

"Oh? Is that so? You didn't say that back then."

Grindelwald snorted coldly, looking into Dumbledore's eyes, his face filled with mockery.

"Moreover, by simply capturing Voldemort and extracting the names of all the wizards who once supported and participated in his activities, you could use this impeccable excuse to carry out a final purge, and all the obstacles in your way would be easily removed."

Dumbledore's expression became increasingly serious. He put down the roasted spider leg in his hand and said in a deep voice.

"If we did that, many people would die."

"Maybe a dozen at most, but it would be worth it, wouldn't it? I think... they were called Death Eaters, right? Taking this opportunity to reasonably eliminate unstable elements, not many people would be sad about those fellows, would they?"

"We've discussed this many times, Gellert."

Dumbledore frowned with some impatience, glancing at the white-haired bundle who was propping up her chin with interest, observing their debate. He lowered his voice slightly.

"Sacrificing some people for the sake of lofty goals is inherently wrong. It's just like Quirinus Quirrell. At least until now, he hasn't made too many mistakes—you can't cut off all possibilities just to prevent some supposed future."

"Oh, what noble beliefs."

Grindelwald snorted mockingly.

"Albus, haven't you ever done anything similar... um, cruel? People are always pursuing nobility, but most of them are just talking about it. When you were fighting Death Eaters a decade ago, you didn't do anything similar?"

Faced with Grindelwald's question, Dumbledore suddenly fell into a long silence.

Just as Hermione thought that this discussion would end with Grindelwald's temporary victory, she heard Dumbledore's slightly dry voice.

Hermione had never heard the old man's voice like this, weak and with a hint of trembling.

"Not since that day."