Hogwarts: Becoming the White Lord from Breathing

Chapter 135 A Grand Christmas
"Professor, do we really have to talk about these unpleasant things?"

Seeing Dumbledore's distressed expression, Damon couldn't help but shake his head and offer words of comfort.

"I remember we've already discussed this; shouldn't I give my conclusion?"

“No, it’s not the same.” Dumbledore’s attitude was unusually firm this time. “You have indeed made your choice, but I cannot frankly forgive myself—I cannot accept your forgiveness until I tell you all about it. It is indeed the stubbornness of an old man, please. Let me finish.”

His expression was far more serious than when he faced Voldemort. Even during the previous battle between the three of them, Dumbledore had never shown such an expression—when facing Voldemort, he always dealt with everything calmly, and his expression never changed.

Now that the battle is over, he shows such sorrow in front of Damon, as if this matter is more important to him than the battle itself.

"Okay, go ahead and tell me, but I can't guarantee I'll listen carefully."

Damon used the Levitation Charm to grab a piece of cake and took a big bite—the battle just now, though brief, was actually quite thrilling. The properties of the Fiendfyre Charm were too terrifying; relying solely on Divine Gun and Polymorph to fight it was really dangerous.

We need to think of some ways to deal with this kind of flame more conveniently.

Dumbledore's expression softened, and he recounted everything from his first encounter with Tom Riddle in the orphanage to Tom's transformation into Voldemort after graduation.

Taking this opportunity, he poured out his plans for Harry, as well as his worries and expectations for Damon—he truly laid bare his heart, showing it completely to Damon.

The only person who has ever been qualified before is probably Grindelwald.

Their conversation lasted from morning until late at night. Although waves of guests had come and gone outside the door, Dumbledore simply cast a silencing spell to prevent anyone from disturbing them at this time.

It wasn't just because he wanted to apologize; Dumbledore also realized something profound after this battle—as long as Damon was there, he was never fighting Voldemort alone.

Voldemort could never pull off anything against the two of them.

Even if he's immortal because of Horcruxes, so what?
He and Damon can defeat him time and time again, and it will only get easier and easier—Damon is getting stronger and stronger, steadily growing to the point of making Dumbledore's heart pound.

Once Dumbledore's face showed signs of fatigue, Damon got up to take his leave.

"It's getting late, let's stop here."

Dumbledore nodded and stood up. "Old age really does get to you; once you start talking, you just start rambling on and on."

He glanced at Damon discreetly, without saying a word.

He was waiting for an answer.

Damon hasn't given it to him yet.

"professor."

He spoke.

"I really can't discuss those things that haven't happened in detail with you, and I don't think it's worth it. If you've already decided to trust me, you might as well relax a bit."

Besides, you'll live a long time anyway. If I do anything that displeases you, just say so. Why are you acting like if you die, no one can stop me? I'm not your enemy, am I?

Seeing the boy turn his head to look at him, Dumbledore hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly and firmly. "I understand," he said.

He was relieved.

Christmas is here.

This year's Christmas luncheon was more grand than ever before, with even a large number of people from other schools in attendance—Dumbledore issued a statement that he would clarify the previous matter concerning Fiend at the banquet.

The Aurors from the wizarding world arrived at Hogwarts ahead of time and made many preparations, especially at the main entrance, to prevent any dark wizards from sneaking in and causing trouble.

Although the likelihood of this happening is extremely small.

After all, the recently rising Caliban Mortos had just single-handedly destroyed a medium-sized underground black market. It is said that eighteen dark wizards simultaneously cast curses on him, but he blocked them all with a lotus-shaped shield made of ice.

The bodies of the eighteen attackers were all blasted apart by some kind of explosive energy—he single-handedly leveled an entire black market, all to find a hidden Death Eater within.

This incident caused a huge uproar in the Ministry of Magic. If it weren't for Fiendfyre's appearance at Hogwarts, Wizengamor would very likely have held Morthos accountable for it.

However, the attitude of the British magical community afterwards became somewhat subtle.

The Aurors became increasingly protective of Morthos's reputation, and the wizarding world applauded it—dozens of kidnapped children found their homes, and hundreds of magical creatures returned to their habitats. Newt Scamander even wrote a letter to the Ministry of Magic to thank Morthos for his efforts.

Other big black market leaders started sending messages to the Auror's office director: "If you need to find someone, just let us know. We'll cooperate. There's no need to send that monster out, understand?"

In such circumstances, if any villains dared to cause trouble at Hogwarts and attract the pursuit of Caliban Mortos, some dark wizards even secretly came to the outskirts of Hogwarts to take precautions.

Because this Christmas party was unprecedentedly grand, 99% of the wizards at Hogwarts did not choose to go home—they were allowed by the school to invite their parents to visit.

Everyone sensed that something big was about to happen.

Out of concern for their own safety or that of their children, no one would miss the opportunity—according to the explanation of the Fiendfyre, they must carefully consider whether it is safe for their children to continue their studies at Hogwarts.

The entire auditorium was temporarily expanded a hundredfold by an invisible stretching spell, and a terrace and private boxes were added to the second floor for some distinguished people who did not wish to show their faces.

Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge, Director of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Burns, Director of Mysteries Alec Layton, and all members of Wizengamor were present.

The young wizards didn't understand what these people meant, but they felt that this event was unprecedentedly grand. They sat in four rows of seats in the auditorium, eating turkey and discussing what exactly had happened.

Hermione scanned the hall, searching for that figure.

"Stop looking. Damon will be going on stage with Headmaster Dumbledore later, didn't you know that?"

Ron offered a word of advice, but Hermione ignored him.

Damon didn't tell them what had happened before—"It's a long story, let's wait for the principal to explain it to you personally at the Christmas party."

(End of this chapter)