The ancient stones of Nurmengard Castle loomed tall and cold as Dumbledore and Roy appeared at its gates. The air itself felt heavy—history drenched in regret, ambition, and the weight of one man's legacy.
They climbed the spiraling stairs until finally they reached the secured cell at the very top.
Inside, sitting calmly in a chair as if waiting for visitors, was Gellert Grindelwald—older, worn, but still carrying the aura of a man who once shook the magical world.
His sharp eyes flicked up.
"Albus."The voice carried amusement. And disappointment.
Dumbledore stepped forward."Gellert. I… need your help."
Grindelwald smirked."You haven't visited me in decades, and when you finally do, it is because you want something. Typical."
His gaze shifted to Roy.
"And who is this boy?"
Roy's Introduction
Roy bowed lightly."Roy Valvas."
Grindelwald froze.Dumbledore stiffened beside him.
"Valvas?" Grindelwald repeated slowly. "Do you have any relation to… Darius Valvas?"
Roy chuckled."He's my grandfather."
Dumbledore's jaw dropped.Grindelwald actually stood up, his chains rattling softly.
"So the old monster did have descendants."
The Duel of the Past
Roy tilted his head."You know him?"
A laugh escaped Grindelwald—raw, nostalgic.
"Know him? Boy… when I conquered the French magical world, one of my Saints made a foolish mistake. I had to fight Darius myself—magic versus sword."
Even Dumbledore blinked, stunned.
Grindelwald continued, eyes distant."I lost."
Roy blinked."Gramps beat Grindelwald?"
"Easily," Grindelwald admitted with a bitter smile."And then he let me go. No revenge. No hunt. Simply walked away."
Roy stared in disbelief.
"After that," Grindelwald said, "I visited him a few times. We drank tea. Discussed magic, war, stupidity… We were friends, though the world would never know."
He shot a glare at Dumbledore."Unlike some old friends who never visit."
The Request
Dumbledore cleared his throat awkwardly and began explaining Roy's discovery—the ancient soul essence, the secret Slytherin chamber, the mastermind manipulating Voldemort and the Death Eaters.
Grindelwald slowly went silent.
At the end, he whispered:
"A shadow older than Tom… older than me… working through centuries."
His expression darkened.
"You want me to use prophecy magic."
Dumbledore nodded quietly.
Grindelwald snorted."You know the price, Albus. Prophecy tears away your lifespan."
Roy's Gift
Roy stepped forward, pulling out a small crystal vial with five glowing drops.
"That's why I came prepared."
Grindelwald narrowed his eyes."What is that?"
"Life-extending potion. Each drop adds ten years. I made it using a pocket space, magical herb cultivation, and some… unique methods."
Grindelwald stared as if Roy had handed him immortality.
"You created something the world has failed to produce for centuries?"
Roy shrugged."Just a little project."
Dumbledore silently nodded, confirming everything.
Grindelwald slowly drank all five drops.
Transformation
Light burst from his body—hair regaining color,skin tightening,eyes brightening with youthful fire.
He looked like himself fifty years younger—the legendary sorcerer the world once feared.
"I feel…"He flexed his fingers."…alive."
And then he began the prophecy.
The Vision
The air trembled.Symbols of ancient runes appeared around Grindelwald like burning constellations.
Roy felt a force dragging at his consciousness—and suddenly—
He saw it.
A shadowed figure wearing ancient robes, sigils that predated Hogwarts itself.The silhouette whispered commands to Tom Riddle…Pushed Fenrir Grayback…Moved Peter Pettigrew like a pawn…And watched the world like a chessboard.
A voice echoed—"The Heir returns. The cycle must be completed."
Then everything shattered.
The Price
Roy gasped back into reality.
Dumbledore rushed to Grindelwald—but the transformation reversed violently.
His hair aged.Wrinkles returned.His body crumpled—
But he didn't fall to the floor.Roy caught him.
Grindelwald, now looking eighty instead of his original fifty, smirked weakly.
"…Worth it."
A Shared Meal Before Farewell
Roy flicked his fingers and conjured a table.Dishes appeared—Chinese steamed duck, Italian pasta, garlic prawns, dumplings, risotto—and a bottle of fifty-year wine.
Dumbledore blinked."Roy… what is all this?"
"I don't meet a legendary dark wizard every day."
They sat.They ate.Grindelwald enjoyed every bite as if tasting life for the last time.
Dumbledore kept asking:
"What dish is this?"
And Roy patiently explained each cuisine while Grindelwald listened with amusement.
After the final toast, Roy and Dumbledore stood.
Grindelwald leaned back in his chair, eyes distant.
"Roy Valvas… Tell your grandfather I still owe him that rematch."
Roy smirked."I'll tell him."
And with that, Roy and Dumbledore left Nurmengard.
The storm outside felt heavier.The mastermind in the shadows… was real.