Gellert Grindelwald had always believed in one principle.

There were no eternally unchanging, perfectly smooth creatures in this world.

Or rather, a person's meaning was truly born the moment they entered society.

Essentially, when people summarized someone, what they were referring to in reality was the sum of all their social relationships.

This social attribute was not innate; it easily changed, deviated, and presented itself in different states in different situations over time.

However, no matter how things evolved and changed, there was bound to be one.

Just like the magical "talent" he advocated decades ago, and Voldemort's pure-blood restoration movement in Britain.

In Grindelwald's view, that initial position was often the most core essence of a person—if all social identities were seen as masks, then there would always be a face that could not be acted out.

For example, no matter how many dazzling titles Albus Dumbledore had, he was always the lost brother crying in Godric's Hollow while holding his sister;

Or, for example, when people brushed away Grindelwald's awe-inspiring deeds layer by layer, he was the student expelled from Durmstrang Institute for studying dangerous Dark Arts;

Or... the same principle.

Tom Riddle was an orphan.

"You are Ellinor's anchor in society, in life..."

Grindelwald raised his head, sizing up Benitez, and said softly with some envy.

"No matter how far that child goes in the future, this identity is something she cannot sever or abandon—"

"Obviously, when she was still a small sampan, you could hold the rope and keep her steady on the shore in a rainstorm."

"But from the current situation, she is even more powerful than your aircraft carrier, and she is facing a storm capable of crushing everything."

The old Dark Lord paused slightly, glanced at the man's expression not far away, and after confirming that his "Muggle" metaphor was not misunderstood, he continued.

"There are no eternally unchanging people in this world, except for the dead—"

"As a Muggle, your best shield is death."

"...Aircraft carrier? That's quite an exaggeration."

Benitez was silent for a moment, crossing his arms as he sighed.

Even if Ellinor had never explained it to him, just a few fragments were enough for him to imagine.

"So, why are you telling me so much, and... how much time do I have left?"

"Oh, because you're going to Hogwarts Castle for parents' meeting later."

Grindelwald grinned, put away his wand, and said meaningfully.

"Your words and deeds are very important, but not that important..."

"Currently, there are thousands of wizards in the castle, and all your conversations and interactions with Ellinor will inevitably leave a mark on the magical world."

"Your relationship, from the moment you step into the castle, cannot be hidden—people will discover that Ellinor is not the 'orphan' they understand."

In the eyes of most Hogwarts students and parents, Ellinor is a child who grew up in a Muggle orphanage.

The Ministry of Magic and the school board may know more, such as that she may be a descendant of an ancient, powerful dark wizard, but only recently recognized her ancestry.

However, with the appearance of Jose Benitez, it will obviously add some intriguing new variables.

All of this, all the speculations about Ellinor's mysterious background, from the moment he appears, will likely begin to move firmly in a certain direction.

Especially the wizards who have just been stunned by the news of "Dumbledore's disappearance," "Grindelwald's coup," and "Voldemort's semi-death," are likely to turn their attention to Benitez, who suddenly appears by Ellinor's side—as a Muggle, Jose Benitez is too easy to become a target.

"If this is really that troublesome, I could actually not..."

Benitez frowned tightly, and subconsciously spoke, but he was interrupted again before he could finish his sentence.

"No, you must go to Hogwarts."

Grindelwald shook his head, raised three fingers with an indifferent expression, and said unhurriedly.

"First, we can't hide you forever—unless you die."

"Second, this involves a crucial game between Dumbledore, the Ministry of Magic, and that girl. Without you, the other party may not enter the game."

The old man's mouth twitched slightly, and a trace of warmth and doting flashed in his turbid eyes as he said softly with a smile.

"Finally, and most importantly..."

"Although that girl says no, she actually hopes you can come to Hogwarts for the parents' meeting—"

Looking at Benitez, who seemed somewhat lost and confused, the old Dark Lord sighed helplessly and looked at the Muggle man with a serious expression.

"Dumbledore believes that you can become insurance to restrain Ellinor from 'losing control'."

"The Ministry of Magic may feel that this relationship can be used to indirectly influence a dangerous Dark Lord and his subordinates."

"And those 'enemies' hiding in the dark, who may not even have figured out their motives, will likely see you as a very valuable hostage."

"All of this will not disappear because of your beliefs or determination. As an ordinary Muggle, you can't even see the light of magic."

"Therefore..."

Grindelwald paused again, took out a small crystal vial and a syringe from his pocket.

"If you really intend to protect that little one, you must at least become a member of the magical world."

"This is werewolf potion, or rather, untreated werewolf serum."

"Choose now..."

The old Dark Lord stood up and gently placed the werewolf potion and syringe together on the bulletin board next to Benitez.

This was what Dumbledore had given him before his disappearance, along with the "accompanying request" to invite Benitez to Hogwarts for the parents' meeting.

If Jose Benitez's final answer was no, then he would not hesitate to draw his wand and "kill" him—he would disappear from Ellinor's world from then on.

Perhaps that girl would break with them because of this, or even do many outrageous things in a moment of impulse, but Grindelwald and Dumbledore were very clear that this was a task that must be completed.

Just like the question they had asked Ellinor a long time ago.

When two worlds begin to merge and collide, the first thing they have to consider is... the position of the leader.

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Yay!