HP: Bad Intentions

In a secluded and dimly lit alley in Paris, France, two figures materialized simultaneously with a soft crack: Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald.

Their sudden appearance together in such a public space was almost unthinkable. Their partnership—or rivalry, depending on perspective—was the stuff of legend.

Grindelwald, ever sharp-tongued, turned to his old friend with a mocking smirk.

"Why, Albus? Do you feel wronged by being my follower?" His tone was teasing but edged with a challenge.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled briefly, though his beard twitched as if restraining a retort.

"No, Gellert. I'm simply concerned about alarming the public."

Grindelwald chuckled softly, but there was no denying the truth in Dumbledore's words. If anyone were to see them together, the rumours alone could spark widespread panic.

Their last joint appearance had left the British Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, thoroughly rattled. This time, however, they weren't addressing politics or international wizarding laws. Their visit was deeply personal.

Dumbledore had chosen to visit the Worley family directly. Cassandra Worley was a close friend of Blake, and, as a Hogwarts student, she presented an essential connection to the unfolding events.

Grindelwald's network had pinpointed the Worleys' location—a modest, family-run hotel tucked away in the quieter streets of Paris.

Standing before the door of the Worleys' temporary lodgings, Dumbledore cast a glance at Grindelwald. "Try to behave, Gellert."

Grindelwald smirked but said nothing as Dumbledore raised his hand and knocked politely.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door opened moments later to reveal a startled Mr. Worley. His eyes widened in shock as they flicked between the two men. He had been reeling from recent revelations about Blake's family ties to Dumbledore, but seeing the man himself, accompanied by Grindelwald no less, was quite overwhelming.

Dumbledore studied Mr. Worley carefully. His piercing blue eyes seemed to read every emotion flickering across the man's face. "I suspect you already know why we're here," he said gently.

Mr. Worley swallowed hard and nodded. "Y-yes, I think so."

"May we come in?"

"Oh, of course, Professor Dumbledore! Please, come in," Mr. Worley stammered, stepping aside to let them enter.

However, his composure faltered entirely when Grindelwald stepped forward. The dark wizard's presence was impossible to ignore, his sharp gaze and commanding aura making the room seem smaller.

Inside, Mrs. Worley and two other figures—Monsieur Delacour and Madame Vaure—were already standing. Their faces mirrored Mr. Worley's shock. Dumbledore alone was a monumental figure to host, but the addition of Grindelwald was almost too much to process.

Mrs. Worley, attempting to mask her nerves, forced a smile. "Please, have a seat," she offered, bustling toward the tea set on the table.

"There's no need for tea, Mrs. Worley," Dumbledore said kindly. He took a seat but remained upright and formal. "We're here to discuss recent events involving Blake and Cassandra."

Mrs. Worley hesitated, her hands trembling slightly as she placed the teapot back on the tray.

Dumbledore continued, "If Blake has indeed harmed or kidnapped Cassandra, I assure you, as his parent, I will personally see to it that justice is served."

Grindelwald's eyes narrowed, his disapproval clear. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, but refrained from commenting. Though his silence was uncharacteristic, his thoughts were loud and clear.

If Dumbledore dared to punish Blake, Grindelwald would intervene.

The room's tension thickened. Mr. Worley looked stunned. "Your… child?" he asked, barely able to get the words out. To be fair, they only knew that Blake came from the Dumbledore family. But they never knew he was Dumbledore's... child...

"Yes," Dumbledore replied simply, though his calm demeanour did little to ease the mounting unease.

Mrs. Worley sat down heavily, her gaze darting between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. The revelation that Blake was Dumbledore's child was astonishing enough, but the presence of the notorious Grindelwald raised even more questions.

Turning to Monsieur Delacour, Dumbledore said, "I understand you've placed a bounty of 200,000 Galleons on Blake's head. I must ask you to reconsider. A reward of that magnitude could encourage harm to an innocent party. If Blake is guilty, I will personally deliver him to the proper authorities. But if he is not, such a bounty endangers him unnecessarily."

Monsieur Delacour, though visibly shaken by the encounter, nodded. "I believe you, Professor Dumbledore. I'll have the bounty rescinded immediately."

Dumbledore turned his gaze to Mr. Worley, but before he could speak, Mrs. Worley interjected, her voice sharp. "Wait. If Monsieur Delacour offered 200,000 Galleons, that means the remaining 300,000 came from you?"

Mr. Worley froze, his face turning pale. "I… I was just worried about my Baby Girl!"

Mrs. Worley's eyes blazed. "Where did you even get 300,000 Galleons?!"

"I… uh…" Mr. Worley stammered, his words failing him.

Monsieur Delacour raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You've been holding out on us, haven't you?"

Mrs. Worley, however, was furious. "While I was borrowing money from friends and family to keep our business afloat, you had a fortune hidden away?!"

"No! It's not what you think!" Mr. Worley protested, his voice rising in desperation.

"We'll discuss this later," Mrs. Worley snapped, her anger momentarily eclipsed by the sound of a familiar voice calling from the hallway.

"Dad? Mom? What's going on?"

The room fell silent as Cassandra stepped inside. Relief washed over her parents' faces, and Mrs. Worley rushed forward to embrace her daughter.

"Cassandra!" she cried. "Where have you been? Do you know how worried we've been?"

"I'm fine, Mom," Cassandra said, though her expression was troubled. "But you need to cancel the bounty on Blake right away. He didn't kidnap me."

"What?" Mr. Worley asked, his voice thick with emotion.

"The Aurors attacked us," Cassandra explained. "They didn't even give us a chance to explain. Blake protected Fleur and me. If it weren't for him, we might not have made it back."

Grindelwald's eyes darkened his calm demeanour fracturing. "Aurors dared to attack him? Where are they? Take me to them."

Cassandra flinched at his intensity. Dumbledore placed a hand on Grindelwald's arm, his expression stern. "Gellert, calm yourself."

Turning back to Cassandra, Dumbledore said, "Do you know where Blake is now?"

"No," Cassandra admitted. "After defeating the Aurors, he sent us home and disappeared."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Dumbledore's eyes grew distant, deep in thought, while Grindelwald's face was unreadable, though the storm brewing within him was evident.

=============

Want to read more?

Join my Patreon

patreon.com/Max1mus

Also Please vote for this work with your Powerstones

And don't forget to leave a review