Chapter Twenty-Seven: Questions, questions

It was conflicting to be in a situation such as this.

Dumbledore had never done anything to oppose Cordelia, in fact, it was the opposite. The bearded man was the only professor who favoured her above Tom. He was the only one who she sought comfort in, someone she could freely talk to in regards to Tom and her school life.

He might be annoying, overbearing and overly Gryffindor-like, but Dumbledore was one of the few adults Cordelia truly enjoyed talking to.

Grindelwald was a threat to everyone, but he wasn't an imminent threat. Was he really worth throwing Dumbledore to the Hippogriffs?

"Cordelia."

The brunette let out a sigh as she purposely ignored the Slytherin head boy, choosing to look anywhere but into his brown pools. Was he really someone she should put her faith in?

After discussing the situation for a few minutes last night, the two parted ways and retreated to their own rooms. While Tom probably got a content full night's sleep, Cordelia was stuck tossing and turning in her bed as she contemplated their talk.

One thing had been clear, Tom would go to Dippet with or without her.

Perhaps if Cordelia couldn't save Dumbledore from possible slander, she could lighten the blow. After all, that was the least she could do for the older man.

"Let's get going then."

The blue-eyed witch twirled on the spot and attempted to walk away from the window she had been leaning against. Her retreat, however, was promptly halted as Riddle grasped her wrist and pulled Cordelia back to the window.

"You don't have to come."

The statement drew a secret flutter to her abdomen, but Cordelia hid it well as she cocked her head and let out a Slytherin smirk.

"We can't have you twisting the story with emotion, now can we? After all, we know how strongly you feel for Dumbledore."

Her reply had Riddle tightening his grip as he worked his jaw and sent her a glare, one that was returned with equal fervour.

They might have a truce going, but Cordelia could help but play around with Tom. He was so easy to annoy the brunette couldn't help herself at times.

"Let's go."

Cordelia rolled her eyes at his command, promptly snatching her wrist back as they headed down the corridor towards the Hogwarts headmaster's chambers.

The walk wasn't a long one, but she couldn't keep her gaze from wandering off with her thoughts.

For the umpteenth time, Cordelia second-guessed herself, wondering whether it would be wise to consult Dumbledore before addressing the headmaster. What if he truly was innocent in the matter? Seeking a peaceful solution to the Grindelwald situation would be beneficial for everyone and would halt many future and present battles.

Her thoughts were cut off as Tom knocked on Dippet's door, waiting patiently as the older male took his time.

"Ah, my champions! What brings you here today? You should be celebrating!"

While Dippet's greeting wasn't taken very well by Cordelia, who chose to keep her confused frown, Tom had no issue chatting with the headmaster as he welcomed them into his chamber. She allowed the wizards to talk with each other as Cordelia took a set at the headmaster's desk, awaiting Tom's queue to bring up the situation.

When the boy finally took a seat beside her and gestured towards Dippet, Cordelia let out a sigh and plastered a fake smile to prepare herself.

"We have something dire to discuss with you headmaster."

This drew his attention as Dippet finally took in the situation, realising it was more important than a simple visit for congratulations.

"Whatever is the problem, Miss Black?"

Rather than giving an immediate reply, Cordelia paused, taking a moment to mull over her words before continuing.

"We fear Professor Dumbledore might be fraternizing with Grindelwald."

It had taken an hour to get over their meeting with Dippet, but throughout that hour Cordelia barely muttered a statement. Contrary to her presumptions Tom remained honest and repeatedly ensured Dipept was aware their claims were merely speculation and not fact.

Cordelia only butted in near the end when Dippet thanked them for their concern and ensured the duo he would look into the matter.

It was then that the older male reached forward and shook both of their hands, muttering how they shouldn't be bothered with such things as they could ruin their time together. The statement had Tom smirking as Cordelia rolled her eyes, quickly interjecting with mentions of spending the day with her friends.

She was quick to leave after that, bidding the two wizards a good day as she promptly avoided meeting either of their gazes.

While she had in fact spent the day with Orion, Phyllis and Theodore, Cordelia couldn't help but rerun her conversation with Dippet like a faulty remembrance spell. It didn't help matters that Druella, the only person she could confide in without risks of Tom knowing, was off on a date with Rudolphus.

She was happy for her friends, truly Cordelia was, but she couldn't contain the groans of annoyance.

Yet another sigh escaped her lips as the brunette made her way to the Hogwarts girls' dormitory, shuffling around until she found her bed.

Just as the brunette began discarding her uniform and wand, a shiny green envelope seal met her peripheral vision. Cordelia was certain she hadn't left any letters on her bed, and even if she had, the bookworm would have certainly removed the seal.

She couldn't contain the shiver that rolled down her spine as Cordelia reached for the envelope and ripped open the seal, quickly scanning through the words.

Dear Miss Cordelia,

I hope this letter meets you in opportune situations, although with your recent prowess in the Tournament I would presume as much. I'm not much of a wordsmith much as yourself, thus pardon me for cutting to the chase. My comrades and I have a certain vision of the Wizarding World, a vision we are keen on bringing to life.

Your parents, Arcturus and Melania Black, have previously contributed to and continue to support this vision. Some might argue our vision based on prejudice and delusions, but the likes of you and I know better.

You see Miss Black, magic folk like us, the descendants of mighty purebloods who are keen on preserving our stature, have a duty to our beloved. We have a duty to protect the purest bearers of magic and to ensure our line continues. Along with this duty, we have a privilege; one that allows us to unite against any enemies.

However, many pureblood spawns aren't as fortunate as yourself. They lack the brains and beauty of an ideal pureblood princess; features that are prominent in yourself.

Features that make you the perfect candidate for a bigger mission for the greater cause. The very cause your parents and brethren continue to fight for. The cause which you are expected to now take part in.

The time has come for you to decide your position in this war, Miss Black. I advise you to choose wisely, for this decision will pave the path to your future. It is not to, by any means, be taken lightly or influenced by others. However, I do advise you to recall that magic is might.

Alongside this message, I offer you well wishes for the Tournament and hope you bring honour to Hogwarts and the House of Black.

Sincerely,

Gelert Grindelwald.

A gasp escaped her lips as Cordelia allowed the letter to fall to the floor, its position reflecting her sunken feeling. Never in her life had she expected to be an object of Grindelwald's interest, much less a new recruit for the madman.

Cordelia was prominently aware of her parents' loyalties and her brother's favouritism for a certain Dark Lord. Orion wouldn't have to face the same decision as her for he already had himself pledged to a man of power, evidently, it wasn't the same for her.

She knew the day would come when Cordelia would have to dedicate herself to a pureblood man, however, the brunette expected him to be her future betrothed.

Cordelia didn't bother paying heed to the tears trailing down her face or the letter laying in plain sight, all she could think of was the upcoming doom and the sudden weight on her shoulders. She felt as if someone had tied her to the Giant Squid and allowed it to pull her to the depths of the Black Lake.

Cordelia was lost, and she had every right to be.

On one hand, there was the Tournament and the tasks she had to conquer, on the other two Dark Lords with various predicaments and promises. What was she to do? Study for the tournament or join Grindelwald, talk with Tom or learn her competitors' weaknesses.

Could she truly do it all much as she had done for the past years? Could Cordelia continue being the perfect pureblood princess?

The real question was, did she even want to continue being it?

A sigh left her lips as Cordelia lifted the letter from the floor, ensuring it was pristine before placing it with the collection of letters in her trunk. The teenager took her time changing out of her robes, washing her face and unbraiding her hair.

When Cordelia finally got into her bed and muttered 'Nox', she let out deep breaths which offered her a bit of clarity.

She would meet with Dumbledore the next day to talk about the Grindelwald situation, but wouldn't mention the letter. There were certain things the Transfiguration professor should be informed about, but others were more familial.