"This is Director Conal of the North American Magical Congress!" Pierce introduced one of the wizards, who was lean and capable.
"How do you do, Madam Director?" Ivan asked, extending his hand to shake Connor's.
"I've heard of you, Harles!" Conal's face lit up with amusement, but he looked at Ivan searchingly. "The papers say you're the most gifted wizard in Britain, Dumbledore's favourite?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore is always happy to lend a helping hand to students who ask him for help… I was only fortunate enough to receive some guidance from the Headmaster," Ivan said vaguely, not wanting to sound too friendly with Dumbledore until he knew exactly why Dumbledore was there.
"May I ask what brings you here so urgently, Sergeant Conal?" Ivan added.
"Hars, can you tell me where you were the day Grindelwald escaped?" Conal asked Ivan, his smile fading.
Yvonne did not hesitate. "At Hogwarts, of course…"
"Don't try to lie to my face!" Connor interrupted, his face dark before Ivan could finish. "As far as we know, you were not at Hogwarts when Grindelwald attacked. You were seen arriving half an hour later."
"In addition, when the International Confederation of Wizards received a letter from Minister Pearce, they immediately dispatched Aurors to investigate. According to their report, traces of the three men's spell-casting were found near Nurmengard…" Connor enunciated each word carefully.
This doesn't mean anything… Ivan's first instinct was to retort, but when he used Legilimency to probe some of the memories that had surfaced in Connor's mind, he stopped himself.
This was because some of the Aurors sent by the International Confederation of Wizards to Nurmengard possessed a unique magic that allowed them to recreate magical images based on the magical traces left on the battlefield.
However, due to Pierce's late notice, most of the traces of his magic had dissipated, and the International Confederation of Wizards was unable to obtain a complete image of his visit.
Realising this, Ivan's tone changed, and he admitted it. "Well, as you say, Director Connor, I was no longer at Hogwarts, but at Newmond…"
Conal was surprised by Ivan's sudden change of heart, but he did not dwell on it, instead continuing to question him. "What were you doing in Newmengard at that hour?"
"I received a report from Winky, the house-elf, that Voldemort had gone there and was fighting Grindelwald," Ivan explained patiently.
"A house-elf? Why would it know that?" Connor persisted.
"Numengad has been abandoned for many years, and Grindelwald is the only prisoner in it. Without the care of a house-elf, I'm afraid he would have died a long time ago. Don't tell me you don't understand that, Director Connor?" Ivan said sarcastically, annoyed by the series of questions.
Conal took no notice of Ivan's prickly tone and said slowly, "I was just wondering why the house-elf would want to share this information with you. Besides, if you knew Grindelwald was fighting Lord Voldemort, why did you go to Newmengard?"
"Get to the point, Director Connor. What is it you want to know?" Ivan's face hardened.
"Did you release Grindelwald?" Connor asked aggressively.
"Why would I do that? There's nothing for me in letting him out!" scoffed Ivan.
"That may not be the case. Fifty years ago, there were many wizards of your talents who fell under Grindelwald's spell … especially when you had a favour to ask of him … I understand Grindelwald killed the infamous Dark Lord Voldemort of Britain that day? Did you make some sort of agreement with him?" Conal gazed at Ivan, trying to read his reaction.
As far as Connor was concerned, Grindelwald had been locked up for decades and could never have escaped from the Tower of Newmengard, so someone must have helped him, and the young wizard in front of him was their suspect.
However, to Connor's surprise, Ivan did not show any signs of panic or fear under his repeated questioning. Instead, he was frighteningly calm.
Connor felt an inexplicable sense of dread, but he quickly suppressed it. There was no reason for him to be afraid of a young wizard.
Thinking of this, Connor threatened again, "Considering that you're not of age yet, I can spare you. As long as you cooperate with our investigation, the International Confederation of Wizards will never make things difficult for you!
But if you don't tell the truth… then I'm afraid the restored Nurmengard will have one more prisoner!"
Connor's threatening words frightened Pierce, and he quietly moved away from them, lest he be caught in the sudden attack of the Cruciatus Curse and the Killing Curse. How dare they speak to this demon like that…
"I had nothing to do with Grindelwald's escape, and I can answer your questions!" Ivan's patience was wearing thin.
"That's because I was the only one at Hogwarts who was able to get away unscathed from Grindelwald and Lord Voldemort. The house-elves knew that and did not go to anyone else…"
Conal was so amused by Ivan's words that the Aurors behind him burst out laughing.
"I read yesterday's paper, and I admit you're very talented, Harles, but Grindelwald's power is far beyond your imagination…" Conal's smile faded, and his face grew serious.
He was the head of the North American Office of Magic at the age of thirty, and was a natural talent, having graduated early, although not as highly regarded as Ivan, and was able to show off in the exam, defeating a few Aurors who had thrown the game.
As such, Connor was well aware that no matter how talented one was, no matter how much age, energy, or combat experience one had, one would only be at the level of an elite Auror. The exaggerated claims in the Daily Prophet would most likely be discounted…