A dozen kilometers south of Hogwarts Castle, on the shore of Loch Lomond, lies the small town of Luss.
In the southeastern corner of the town stands a solemn, Bavarian-style chapel.
The bright afternoon sun shines through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled and colorful light onto the church corridors.
"Are you praying? A person like you... such an extraordinary individual, is there still some confusion that requires seeking 'the Lord's guidance'?"
José Benitez closed the Bible, removed the crucifix hanging around his neck, and placed it in his pocket, looking puzzled at the old man sitting in the front row.
Considering the "parent-teacher conference" scheduled for this afternoon, Benitez had posted a notice at the entrance yesterday, informing the townspeople that the church would be closing early today.
Therefore, apart from the old wizard sitting in the front row, not a single believer visited the church this afternoon... What surprised Benitez was that the old wizard did not persistently try to convince him to be his son, as he had done in the past, but instead sat calmly in his chair, quietly contemplating something like those devout elderly believers, patiently waiting for the time to run out.
A Catholic church, a young and vigorous priest, and a silent wizard in black robes – this combination made the atmosphere undeniably strange.
"Hmm? Confusion – well, yes, there is a small idea."
Grindelwald raised his head, surveying the resolute-faced, square-jawed man not far away, and said softly.
"About you, Mr. José Benitez... I am currently very hesitant. Do you know what I am hesitating about?"
"I don't. But if you are willing to tell me. By the way, shouldn't I change my clothes?"
Benitez shook his head frankly, while adjusting his priest's robe. He was still considering whether to change clothes before going to the parent-teacher conference.
After all, as a proud member of the clergy, entering a wizarding school in his "work uniform" during working hours seemed a bit inappropriate?
"I'm thinking—"
Before Benitez could finish speaking, the surrounding air suddenly became viscous and oppressive.
Without anyone noticing, Grindelwald had drawn his wand, casually stroking it between his hands.
"Should I... or should I not, kill you?"
"...Because of, Elena?"
Benitez was silent for a moment, then asked calmly.
This was not the first time he had faced magic directly, but compared to the previous threats, he could clearly smell something different in the air this time.
The old wizard from Hogwarts, who claimed to be from an ancient magical family but seemed more like a ruler of the dark world, was clearly intent on killing him this time.
"You are a threat, an imperfect blemish... Mr. Benitez, do you understand?"
Grindelwald said slowly and softly, his turbid eyes reflecting the outline of the middle-aged priest in front of him.
"Elena Kaslana, that girl's soul contains unimaginable power. She is the most magnificent jewel in the current magical world, no, the human world—"
"Cold, cunning, sharp, brave, decisive, intelligent, tenacious... I have never seen so many fascinating qualities in one person."
"She is destined to usher in and guide an unprecedented era of civilization. Dumbledore saw this, which is why he chose to temporarily 'relinquish' the stage. However, before leaving, he wrote you a letter, inviting you to Hogwarts for a parent-teacher conference and requesting that I be responsible for the liaison—a very disgusting, hateful act. He loves doing this when he encounters things he doesn't want to do."
Unlike Tom Riddle, Elena, who also came from an orphanage, did not miss out on affection and family during her growth... or rather, what Dumbledore called love.
These provide her with a constant source of strength on her path forward, but they are also the shackles that restrain her full power.
When it comes to making critical decisions, he, Dumbledore, and even Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the Hogwarts professors, and the Ministry of Magic combined, are not as effective as this Muggle.
Perhaps Dumbledore never truly believed in the meaning of the "heart," but Grindelwald would not ignore the existence of this power:
Elena's panicked expression in the kitchen just now proved everything. This Muggle man, he is the "bane of Dark Lords."
As a Dark Lord, he shouldn't have such an obvious and fragile weakness.
"So, what do you plan to do with Elena? After killing me."
Benitez asked calmly, leaning against the notice board, as if listening to the troubles of a believer.
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Short eh!