Hogwarts Outsider - Chapter 182: “One More Left”

The fierce battle erupted within the Slytherin common room, leaving chaos in its wake.

Both Remus and James sought cover amidst the room’s disarray.

James occasionally transformed into a massive stag, using its bulk to evade Remus spells, but it was clear he was becoming disadvantaged.

“It seems you’ve picked up some new tricks from your Lord,” James taunted bitterly.

Remus voice still carried a tone of sadness. “You won’t be my opponent, James. After all, in Azkaban, you lost so many years of time. It’s time to stop.”

“Stupefy!” Another powerful red spell interrupted Remus.

James bellowed, “I’ll stop when I’ve brought you down!”

However, the anger on his face abruptly turned to shock as he fell to the ground.

Remus, bewildered, spotted a witch standing behind James.

“Rosier…” he murmured.

“Perhaps you should have acted more quickly, Remus!” Rosier said coldly while holstering her wand.

Remus stammered, “I’m sorry…”

“Have you obtained any information?” Rosier continued to inquire.

“No… I only know what they were looking for,” Remus replied honestly.

“Then take him away; perhaps we can extract some information from him…” Rosier glanced with slight disgust at the unconscious James. “Silvanus and Apollyon should have captured the other two Azkaban fugitives. The trials and tribulations of the past year can finally come to an end…”

“I understand,” Remus nodded silently, bending down to carry his “friend.”

…

This marked the capture of all three fugitives.

The events unfolded with surprising ease, lacking any twists and turns.

McGonagall remained in the principal’s office, temporarily controlling the power of Hogwarts.

She sensed the occurrences at the castle and understood the situation facing the three unfortunate fugitives from Azkaban.

Yet, she remained resolute, refusing to flee, and held her ground.

Footsteps in the castle corridors gradually grew louder.

The sound of boots on the spiral staircase echoed closer and closer…

McGonagall’s breathing quickened; she knew exactly who was approaching and how formidable that person was.

Her courage was the only thing sustaining her!

Grindelwald gently pushed open the door to the principal’s office and greeted the witch before him with a smile.

“Good morning, Minerva. But I must say that breaking into my office without permission is not in line with British etiquette…”

His voice remained calm, as if he were speaking to an old friend, not a formidable adversary.

“Your office? Grindelwald!” McGonagall retorted, visibly angered. She exclaimed, “You’re lying! Coward! Did you say this is your office?”

“It’s not entirely inaccurate to say that… but for the past fifty years, this place has borne my name, which is not entirely wrong!” Grindelwald calmly explained.

McGonagall did not respond further; she knew any words now would be in vain.

She simply gazed at Grindelwald with her wand at the ready.

“Truly a splendid performance,” Grindelwald continued, almost as if praising the younger generation. “Using the Centaurs, House-elves, and Fairies to incite rebellion and draw our attention, while your true objective lay here, to complete the plan that you failed to execute fifteen years ago…”

McGonagall’s expression remained unchanged, and she kept her wand aimed at Grindelwald.

“Of course, perhaps this is all a ruse… You utilized yourself and the power of Hogwarts as bait to lure me here, and you have a deeper motive…” Grindelwald mused.

This time, there was a slight shift in McGonagall’s expression.

However, Grindelwald did not miss this change.

“To be honest, your setup is quite ingenious, and even I had no choice but to walk into the trap. I must commend you!” Grindelwald began clapping.

His applause and smile appeared entirely sincere, devoid of sarcasm.

…

“So, why are you so confident in showing up here?” McGonagall demanded.

“You should be well aware, Grindelwald… With the dispelling of the enchantment you cast on Hogwarts, this castle has revealed your true nature. Now, with the power of the entire castle under my control, no matter how confident you are, your strength is no match for it!”

“That’s true,” Grindelwald agreed.

“Even under normal circumstances, I cannot stay on the Hogwarts grounds for long; otherwise, the castle’s power would eventually overwhelm me… especially now that the castle has shown open hostility towards me. But when I set foot on this place, I did feel the pressure!”

Grindelwald withdrew his wand, giving McGonagall an appreciative nod.

He continued, “Indeed, your courage and resolve are commendable. Over fifty years have passed, yet you remain fiercely loyal to Dumbledore and are still attempting to thwart us. Such dedication is truly rare and precious. When I hold you in Nurmengarde, I shall ensure you and Albus meet again, Minerva…”

“Enough!” McGonagall snapped. “I thoughtless…”

She pointed her wand at Grindelwald for the last time.

But this time, she wouldn’t get the chance to cast a spell.

Grindelwald simply gave her a look, and she was sent flying.

Her wand slipped from her grasp, and she lost consciousness.

The most formidable member of the Order of the Phoenix had been defeated with ease.

Grindelwald wiped his wand clean and glanced at McGonagall, unconscious on the floor. He then turned and left.

Muttering to himself:

“One more to go…”

…

While McGonagall and Grindelwald battled fiercely in the Headmaster’s Office, three second-year students hid behind a bush about two hundred yards from the castle.

Among them were Matthew, Hermione, and Neville.

They were unaware of the exact events within the castle, but the castle’s appearance led them to make educated guesses.

“What’s happening?” Hermione whispered, seeking guidance from Matthew.

Matthew shook his head in bewilderment. “Perhaps… Professor Grindelwald has returned.”

Although Matthew had not seen Grindelwald, the sudden tremors of the castle and the oppressive atmosphere made him suspect.

“Wait… Look over there. What’s that?” Neville pointed at the castle’s entrance curiously.

“Hide!” Hermione urgently instructed. “Don’t look, just hide!”

While Matthew and Neville didn’t fully understand, they obeyed, taking cover in the bushes.

Peering through the foliage, Matthew could glimpse a group of ominous figures entering the castle.

They wore black suits and veils, obscuring their faces.

Hermione explained in a hushed tone, “They’re ‘Alliance’… I remember reading about them in a restricted section of the library, under Professor Flitwick’s guidance. They’re dressed like that because they’re Grindelwald’s most loyal followers.”

“Over fifty years ago, they were infamous throughout Europe,” Hermione continued.

Her voice trailed off as she saw something unbelievable.

In the direction of the castle, Hermione’s expression shifted from surprise to a desire to rush out of the bushes.

However, Matthew quickly stopped her and covered her mouth, preventing her from making a sound.

The cries of House-elves filled the air, indicating a massacre was occurring.

It was clear that the Alliance, long absent from the scene, had returned to Hogwarts, and they were showing no mercy to the rebellious House-elves.