Harry potter:Dark lord

The battle at Godric's Hollow sent shockwaves through the entire British wizarding world.

For the first time, Grindelwald—who had never launched an attack in the UK before—had openly appeared and caused havoc. The Ministry of Magic worked tirelessly to make the Muggles of Godric's Hollow forget what had happened the previous night.

Early the next morning, Robert found a copy of the Daily Prophet that Dumbledore had brought in. A bold headline dominated the front page:

"Godric's Hollow Riot! Has Grindelwald Declared War on the British Wizarding World?"

The accompanying image showed a group of Wu-Zu Party members surrounding a house, relentlessly attacking it. Whoever had taken the photo had managed to capture the chaos perfectly. The moving image heightened the sense of dread, making the Wu-Zu Party appear even more menacing.

By now, Robert and his companions were no longer in Godric's Hollow. Because they had become Grindelwald's targets, Dumbledore had taken them away overnight.

Still, Robert couldn't help but feel that Grindelwald wouldn't return for them. Given the Dark Lord's personality, if he had truly wanted to capture them, he could have done so before Dumbledore arrived. There was no need for a second attempt.

When they stepped off the Thestral-drawn carriage, they found themselves in a new location.

It was a small town, but unlike Godric's Hollow, its buildings were infused with magic. Spells and enchantments were visible everywhere—clear signs that this was a place where wizards lived freely.

"This is Hogsmeade," Dumbledore explained as he descended from the carriage. "The only all-wizarding village in Britain and the closest one to Hogwarts."

Tom stepped down next, eyes wide with excitement. Seeing a village where magic could be openly practiced thrilled him. Unlike in the UK Orphanage or even Godric's Hollow, here he wouldn't need to hide his abilities. He could finally use magic as he pleased.

Professor Hicks, however, was not with them. Due to the severe injuries he had sustained during the battle with the Wu-Zu Party, he had been sent to St. Mungo's for observation. This time, Dumbledore had personally escorted them to their new residence.

Suddenly, Robert asked, "Professor… the house in Godric's Hollow was attacked. Are Mr. Kowalski and his family safe? I heard they were supposed to arrive today."

Dumbledore's tired face softened slightly at Robert's concern. "I sent them back before they could arrive. That was my mistake, Robert—I truly didn't expect Grindelwald to attack you. I almost put my dear friend in mortal danger…"

Dumbledore looked unsettled, realizing that while Grindelwald might have spared Robert and his companions, he would not have been so merciful toward Jacob Kowalski. If Jacob and his family had arrived early and been caught in the chaos, the consequences would have been tragic.

Robert was speechless. He had spent an entire day practicing Occlumency, yet in the end, he hadn't even needed to use it?

Still, Occlumency wasn't entirely useless—it had improved his ability to lie convincingly. At the very least, it would help him deceive Dumbledore on occasion.

"It's not your fault, Professor," Robert said. "Who would have thought Grindelwald would come after us? We didn't even know who he was before this."

Dumbledore sighed. "Thank you for your forgiveness, Robert. But in truth, you were caught up in my conflict. He was in London at the time, and I should have anticipated his movements. This was my oversight…"

"No, no, no—it's my fault," Robert insisted. "If I hadn't acted recklessly, you wouldn't have had to make so many arrangements, and none of this would have happened."

"How can saving lives ever be wrong?" Dumbledore shook his head. "The fault is mine—I didn't prepare well enough or keep things secret…"

Tom, who had been silently listening to their exchange, rolled his eyes. "So by that logic, I'm the one to blame. I should have stopped Robert, right?"

Both Robert and Dumbledore paused at his remark.

Just as Tom thought he might finally get some peace, Robert suddenly turned to him. "Exactly! Why didn't you stop me?"

Tom stared at him in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"Did you stop me?"

"I tried to!"

"Then why did I still go?"

"When have I ever been able to stop you?"

"You couldn't stop me—that's the problem! This is all your fault, Tom!"

Tom: "…"

He had never seen someone shift blame so shamelessly. One day, when he had the power to, he would get back at Robert.

Dumbledore chuckled. "You two have quite the bond…" He grew wistful, recalling a time when he, too, had such a friendship. A time long gone.

"Bond?" Tom scoffed. "I've only known him for two weeks!"

"A friend in need is a friend indeed," Dumbledore said kindly. "Does it matter how long you've known each other? Isn't that the essence of true friendship?"

"I've had enough!" Tom groaned. "Professor, can you send me somewhere else? Another orphanage would be fine!"

Of course, Dumbledore wouldn't do that. He knew that only Robert could keep Tom in check. If left to his own devices, Tom would likely revert to his worst tendencies. And Dumbledore had no intention of allowing another Grindelwald to emerge.

Before long, they arrived at a weathered bar. Toby, the house-elf, followed behind, using magic to carry all their luggage. Since they were in a wizarding village, Toby no longer had to hide.

Robert had already explained Toby's origins to Dumbledore, who had merely nodded and advised Robert to treat him well. In Dumbledore's eyes, having a house-elf around to help them was a good thing.

"The Hog's Head?" Tom squinted at the barely legible sign above the entrance.

"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed. "The owner is my brother. You'll be safer here than you were in Godric's Hollow."

Despite his words, he looked slightly uneasy.

"Professor, is something wrong?" Robert asked.

Dumbledore hesitated. "Well… my brother and I have a rather… complicated relationship. But never mind that. Let's go in." Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.

The bar was dimly lit and somewhat shabby, reminiscent of the Leaky Cauldron. Even the patrons seemed similar—gruff and secretive.

"Welcome," said the bartender without looking up. "What'll you have?"

He was a tall, thin man with piercing blue eyes—the same shade as Dumbledore's. A small mustache rested above his lips.

Robert immediately recognized him.

Aberforth Dumbledore.

As Aberforth raised his head and saw his brother, his expression darkened. His already stern features became even more severe.

"So… that bastard escaped from you again

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