HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 398

Chapter 398: Endgame

Conversation, banquets, tea-time.

These were the standard programs for wizards' social interactions.

After one cycle concluded, everyone basically understood Gavin's purpose. Their observation of Sean was essentially complete. Regarding Gavin's choice, all his old friends supported it. After all, trying to find a successor as good as Sean, even among these old friends who had seen many talented individuals, none could find a better replacement.

After seeing off Gavin's old friends together, Sean turned to look at Gavin. "Grandfather, isn't it a bit too early to introduce your old friends to me now?"

"Not early, not early at all. It's the right time."

Watching the somewhat tipsy Gavin, Sean sighed helplessly and helped him to the bedroom. With Elaine's assistance, Sean placed Gavin on the bed.

"Sean, I can take care of this. I've prepared a room for you. Stay and rest well."

Looking at Elaine with her expectant expression, Sean had no way to refuse. He nodded and followed a servant to his room, where he washed up and went to sleep.

Sean had to go to the Ministry early the next morning to participate in the trial, so he retired early.

Waking early, Elaine had already prepared breakfast for Sean. Smiling brightly as she watched Sean in his full Wizengamot robes and insignia, she said, "Sean, come have some breakfast quickly. You'll be going to the Ministry soon. The trial will likely take a considerable amount of time. You can't hold up without eating something."

"Alright, thank you, Grandmother."

"Oh my." Elaine covered her mouth with laughter, repeatedly saying, "Thank me for what? It's just a little breakfast. Come sit down."

Accompanied by Elaine, Sean enjoyed a very abundant breakfast. As for Gavin, Sean had already learned yesterday that Gavin wouldn't be going to the Ministry today, so Sean prepared to go alone.

"Grandmother, I'm leaving now. I'll come see you again before school starts."

"Good, good, I'll be waiting for you. Take your time on the way and be careful."

"Alright, goodbye."

"Goodbye, Sean."

From the fireplace at Bulstrode Manor, he traveled directly to the Ministry of Magic.

Not long after, Gavin came downstairs, had a light meal, and told Elaine, "Elaine, I need to go out for a while."

"Aren't you going to the Ministry?"

"I'm going to see Boreal."

Hearing this, Elaine sighed and said, "That child, I don't know what he's thinking. He's been away so long and doesn't even come back to see me."

"Alright, I'll talk to him this time and have him come see you."

Changing into clothes, Gavin left Bulstrode Manor and came to a café located in London. The location was excellent, with very quiet surroundings. Only the rustling of trees reached the ears.

Boreal was already waiting here. Gavin sat across from Boreal, tried to order a coffee, but discovered no server appeared. Setting down the menu, Gavin looked at the silent Boreal, his eyes containing both disappointment and coldness. He looked at his second son sitting across from him.

"Have you decided? Is this your choice after thinking it over?"

"Father, once you chose the son of that Squib, my choice was already determined."

"The Flint family is involved?"

"Doris convinced the entire Flint family to fully support me."

"So that's why you've been constantly indulging her, satisfying every one of her disrespectful demands?"

"Doris is greatly favored by the Flint family head, so I must do this. Especially after I discovered my father was continuously observing the Squib's son and showing signs of letting the Squib's son take over what should have been mine."

"Your things?" Gavin gave a cold laugh. "Since when did the Bulstrode family become your things?"

Slowly standing up, Boreal looked at Gavin and said, "Father, if you promise and sign a contract making me head of the Bulstrode family, giving me everything of the Bulstrode family and everything of yours, then I will still be your son, and you will still be my father. Nothing will change."

Gavin also stood up, looking at Boreal and said decisively, "Starting now, you are no longer my son."

"If that's the case." Boreal's eyelids lowered, then suddenly snapped up as he pointed his wand at Gavin. "Then you are no longer my father. Avada Kedavra."

"The Killing Curse? Just from you?"

Gavin's silver-grey eyes flashed with white rings as he suddenly swung his arm. The surroundings immediately erupted into violent winds. The café lights flickered continuously. Boreal, about to cast the Killing Curse on Gavin, was suddenly struck by an invisible force and rapidly hurled backward. He overturned tables and chairs, crashed through a wall, and disappeared from the café.

At the same time, Gavin slowly drew his own wand, his form flickering as he prepared to Apparate away. But the next second, Gavin appeared on the street outside the café. Only Gavin stood there now, with no Muggles in sight.

"A large-scale Anti-Apparition Jinx barrier. Quite an impressive display."

"We're facing the head of the Bulstrode family after all. Of course, we had to prepare thoroughly."

Turning around, Gavin looked at the middle-aged man appearing at the street's end and curled his lips into a cold sneer. "Bartholomew Flint. It seems the Flint family is going all-out. You even came yourself."

Bartholomew was the father of Oliver and Jennifer, in other words, Gavin's son-in-law. Now looking at Gavin, Bartholomew opened his mouth again. "It's not just me who came. They're here too."

As he spoke, the sky suddenly exploded with sound. A massive Dark Mark appeared, black smoke pouring from it as it fell, transforming into Death Eaters in all directions. The person leading these Death Eaters removed his mask and hood, letting platinum-blonde hair fall.

Lucius Malfoy.

Seeing Lucius Malfoy and the Death Eaters' arrival, Gavin's expression grew serious as he looked at Bartholomew and the disheveled-looking Boreal appearing at his side, saying, "You've conspired with Voldemort and the Death Eaters? You're leading the Flint and Bulstrode families to their doom. Have you forgotten what became of the Malfoy family, who bet everything on Voldemort?"

Lucius's face darkened. Looking at Gavin, he directly said, "By order of the Master, in mercy toward pureblood supremacy, the Master can forgive your previous crimes. The price is the Bulstrode family's allegiance and Sean Bulstrode's life. Just turn over what the great Dark Lord desires, and you can continue living as the head of the Bulstrode family. Cherish this final chance the great Dark Lord has given you well."