9 The First Wizarding War

Her question froze the whole class, even me. Not expecting a question like that. Let Professor Binns do his job and tell the class.

"...Very well."

This must be the first time that the whole class paid attention to this subject. I won't blame them though. Even I am interested in the topic, even though I already know the history between them.

"Back in the days before the Duel, Albus Purcival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was a friend of Gellert Grindelwald. They were the best of friends back then. But one day, their friendship came to an end. The records didn't say but at the time Dumbledore and Grindelwald ended their friendship, Gellert Grindelwald started to amass power, like You-Know-Who. The only difference was Gellert Grindelwald's influence and power reached every corner of the wizarding world, while You-Know-Who's power only spread throughout Magical Britain. By the time Grindelwald was done gathering followers, he was not an international criminal yet. What made him notorious was that he openly attacked every form of wizard government there is, spreading fear and chaos among wizards even in the places where his group is not active. Their attacks became so widespread that his group managed to catch the attention of the international authorities, such as the International Confederation of Wizards, and the worldwide wizardhunt for Gellert Grindelwald began. But they were never successful as Gellert kept slipping through the authorities' hands." Professor Binns spoke and looked at the class. We both noticed that a lot of eyes were on me. Either in awe or fear, the whole class was still frozen in silence as they kept listening to the History teacher. Hermione's eyes widened at the fact that my grandfather was feared worldwide. He was like the wizard version of Hitler. Well, even I feel a sense of pride in that. Not that what he did was not wrong though.

Professor Binns coughed to catch the attention of the class. They were all still staring at me. And it's already starting to unnerve me, even with my Occlumency shields up.

"The attacks continued with Grindelwald always managing to avoid the authorities for 9 years. Until Grindelwald was captured for the first time by the authorities with the help of Newt Scamander in New York. Unfortunately, he managed to convince some of the government employees of the American Magical government and escaped. That is also one of the defining characteristics of Gellert Grindelwald that shook the world. He is a very charismatic man, and he was good at persuading people. Naturally, he persuaded his enemies and made them turn into their allies, which caused a lot of chaos and distrust within Government organizations. Grindelwald's group continued to spread turmoil and unrest throughout the world until Dumbledore decided to join the war." He paused for a moment and scanned the whole class.

"You might be wondering why Dumbledore joined the war so late, with Grindelwald almost successful in his goal. Let me remind you that both of them used to be sworn brothers. In one of their journeys, they made a blood pact with each other, proving that they were brothers before they arewizards. But it also burdened Dumbledore as the blood pact prevented him in fighting and hurting Grindelwald. That is also why Britain is the least affected by the war. The whole international community dubbed Dumbledore as the only one who can stop Grindelwald, and it is true. The only thing that stopped him was their blood pact." The whole class gasped at that, not only on how was Dumbledore unable to fight but also how brilliant and powerful Grindelwald was. Now the class understood why the heir of Grindelwald making his debut in the wizarding world is a big thing. Now, even muggleborns view me in a different light.

"The moment Dumbledore was able to break the blood pact, he took full leadership of the resistance and led the group in defeating Grindelwald. By the time they joined the war, Grindelwald successfully dismantled almost every magical government in Europe, and Magical Britain was the only European country left with a normal functioning government body. When the Ministry of Magic heard of Dumbledore's leadership, they pleaded to him to intervene in the war as they believed that only Dumbledore is able to defeat Grindelwald, and the only person he fears.

Dumbledore then spent months tracking down Grindelwald, and he found him in the end. That was when the historical Duel happened. The duel that changed the landscapes of Europe. Eventually, Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald, and he was imprisoned for his crimes.

When Binns finished his storytelling, he glanced across the room. Every student had a look of either admiration or fear. Of course, those eyes were directed at me, wondering if I ever thought of following my grandfather's footsteps. The silence continued until Hermione raised her hand again.

" Professor, may I ask. What was Grindelwald's goal?" She asked. Naturally, Professor Binns answered her.

"Grindelwald's goal was to lift the Statute of Secrecy so we can reveal ourselves to the muggle world and dominate them. His statements became solid when the Second Muggle War happened, and that speech of his alone gathered him a lot of followers. He wished to force muggles into subservience under wizard people." He finished.

"Where was he imprisoned?" She asked again. I don't know why, but Hermione sure knows how to poke my nerves.

"Nurmengard. The prison he built himself for his own enemies. It was heavily guarded, of course. That's why they imprisoned him there." I said before even Professor Binns spoke out. It seems my response garnered attention.

Morgana's tits, I really hate those gazes. I swear I'll search for the Room of Requirement later. Some breathing room would definitely help.

"Okay, the class is over. Now off you go." Professor Binns said. I walked quickly outside. I'll just eat in the kitchen and attend class later.

Before I even hear a hint of murmurs, I quickly ran away to search for the fruit portrait. When I found it, I tickled the pear until a doorknob appeared. I turned it and quickly stepped inside the busy kitchen. All of the elves are busy preparing lunch for students, and I'm sure they will be eager to help me.

"How can Daisy serve young wizard Frederick?" The house elf popped in front of me.

"Can you give me lunch? I'm quite hungry." I said while making a sad smile.

Things are heating up, and I need to have a private room for myself. The dorm is not enough since I share the room with other roommates who I've never even bothered to interact with. For all I know, the whole school already knows what happened inside history class. And interacting with them now will be more difficult. I kept thinking of how I will avoid those kinds of people when it dawned on me.

I already accepted my fate the day I was born here. My name may carry a curse that'll burden me, but I can turn my curse into a blessing. Being a Grindelwald is a curse. But at the same time, it has its own benefits. Look how far I've progressed in magic! If I find the Room of Requirement, my skills will reach a new height!

With new vigor, I immediately finished my lunch and went back to the Charms class. I haven't met anyone on the way, not that I plan to anyway. I was still the earliest to walk inside the room. As I made it inside, I immediately took the seat in the middle of the room, but near enough for me to see the short professor.

"Ah, welcome Mr. Grindelwald. I may have not seen you in the halls during lunch. Do you mind if I ask why?" Professor Flitwick asked politely.

"I don't mind professor. Honestly, I just kind of ran away to the kitchen because of what happened during history class." I scratched my head at that. It was very embarrassing. But I must have been stressed because of the pressure.

"I understand. But sure you can talk to me if you have problems, Mr. Grindelwald. My office will always be open to any student." The professor smiled.

"Thank you, professor. I may take up your offer soon." I said while chuckling.

"Say, Mr.Grindelwald. How far are you in charms? I heard from Minerva that you are actually quite skilled in Transfigurations. Being successful in the first try is definitely not an easy feat." He asked, genuinely curious.

"To be honest professor, I actually mastered the basic charms. I am only reviewing what I know so I won't lose touch." I said honestly. I won't say how far I am, but only the foundations needed in mastering charms.

"That's a good attitude, Mr. Grindelwald. But would you mind helping your classmates in case they find it difficult in my class?" Professor Flitwick offered. I might actually do that. I don't want to be a brooding boy like Professor Snape. And I also don't want to sully my family name by being antisocial. My grandfather was infamous because of his very convincing statements, and he's a very charismatic man.

"Of course, professor," I said cheerfully.

Soon, the class was already filled up by students, and Professor Flitwick started the lesson. We first learned the light charm, which was easy enough. Though some pupils struggled, and Professor Flitwick let me help those struggling students. It was a very fruitful lesson. I am on my way to building a reputation for myself. I want to be seen as a strong wizard.

After that was the last class for the day, which is Potions. We were having a lesson with Hufflepuffs, and I felt pity for them. Professor Snape repeatedly admonished them even for their smaller mistakes. While Professor Snape became less nice to me compared to when we went to Diagon Alley, he's quite tolerant of me. Maybe because I proved to be competent in potions and not sorted in the Gryffindorks. My other housemates were not as lucky as me though. Even I can't help them since Snape seems to have eyes on the back of his head. Punishing anyone who dares to help the 'dunderheads'.

All in all, my first day was an eye-opener to me. I may be an adult in my mind, there will always be room for improvement and learning.

At the end of the class, I went straight to the Headmaster's office. What I met there was a gargoyle. I only waited a few seconds before Dumbledore told me to come in.

"Hello Frederick," he said with a grandfatherly smile, although it is much different from how my grandfather smiles. He smiles like a sadist.

"Hello Headmaster," I greeted back.