**Chapter 21:**
Everyone had a great feast, enjoying the warm atmosphere and delicious food. Carla began to show off her magic, decorating the castle for Christmas with dazzling spells.
As she saw Valerius, she approached him with a smile.
Valerius: "Carla, I thought I could teach you some spells, but you have grown yourself."
Carla: "Yes, I wanted to be with you, grow with you, but unfortunately, I was born two years later."
Valerius laughed: "Carla, you are over-sensitive as always."
Carla playfully punched Valerius in the stomach.
Valerius: "ACH!"
Valerius thoughts "She has grown well, thanks Gramps"
Carla ran away with a smile and a bit of happy tears in her eyes.
Valerius: "Man, I am finally home."
Gellert, watching the exchange from the dining table, enjoyed the playful quarrel. Adrian, on the other hand, was focused on his meal, savoring the excellent food.
Valerius: "Asher, I summon you."
Asher appeared instantly: "Asher greets young master Alaire."
Valerius: "How have you been, Asher?"
Asher: "Asher does well. Asher is happy since young master still remembers and cares about Asher."
Valerius: "The mood is good now. Gramps, I will visit Berlin now."
Gellert: "All the best, Val."
Valerius used Floo Powder to travel to the Ministry of Magic in Berlin. Arriving, he quickly cast a Scourgify spell on himself to clean up before heading to the Minister's room.
Two guards stood at the door.
Guard 1: "Boy, who are you?"
Valerius: "I am here to see the Minister. Tell him Valerius is here. I will wait."
One of the guards went inside to inform the Minister about Valerius. Moments later, the door swung open.
Minister Vogel: "Please come in, please come in."
Valerius noticed the change in the guards' demeanor as he stepped finside, ready to present his groundbreaking invention and secure support from the German Ministry of Magic.
Vogel: "About the assassins, they are already on the move."
Valerius: "Good. I think you know about the new invention, the Fax Machine?"
Vogel: "Yes, I read about it in the newspapers. Pretty amazing, I must say."
Valerius: "Now, everyone demands the fax machine since it promises to make processes faster and easier."
Vogel: "Actually, the German office workers already talked about this. They demanded the fax machine to simplify things."
Valerius: "I will permit the manufacturing of the fax machine for a quarter of the rate, but the manufacturing will be set up in Germany, with German employees."
Vogel: "That's more than I expected. If what you say is true, we can make the ICW envy us in terms of collected GDP."
Valerius: "Did you establish a connection with the Japanese Wizards?"
Vogel: "Not yet. The ICW is closely monitoring and ensuring no other countries are connecting with the Japanese."
Valerius: "The ICW is boycotting the Japanese for a reason. That senile man Dumbledore is always circling around his chair. He is only the Supreme Leader in name. Investigate it."
Vogel: "I will have some skilled people look into it."
Valerius: "Will the assassins complete the task before the end of Christmas?"
Vogel: "Yes, they have a high success rate."
Valerius: "I will ask Grandpa to look after the land and manufacturing units. It is good."
Vogel: "No problem. As long as people here are getting jobs and paying taxes. And don't worry, the identity of Gellert Grindelwald will not leak."
Valerius: "Then let's conclude the meeting:
The assassination of Dolores Jane Umbridge will be executed. Setting up the fax machine manufacturing unit in Germany and exporting it. Investigation of the Japanese Wizards. Making Gellert Grindelwald the chairman of the German fax production unit."
Vogel: "Agreed. Let's move forward with this plan."
Valerius nodded, feeling the weight of their plans and the potential impact they could have on the wizarding world. The meeting concluded, and they parted ways, each determined to see their objectives through.
Valerius gathered some papers prepared by Anton, detailing the land and its construction. He headed home and found Gellert waiting.
Valerius: "Gramps, here are the papers for the machine. The profits will be generated in the Grindelwald vault."
Gellert: "Good."
Valerius, Adrian, and Carla spent the next few weeks visiting beautiful places in Germany, France, and Italy. Adrian was overjoyed, having never imagined so many stunning places existed. They took moving photos and framed them as keepsakes.
In their spare time, Valerius taught Adrian spells like Stupefy, Defendo, and Protego. Adrian absorbed Valerius's teachings like a sponge, eager to learn.
---
**At Nurmengard, after the trip**
Valerius: "Did you enjoy the trip, Adrian?"
Adrian: "It was amazing. I've never seen so many beautiful places."
Carla: "And we have all these photos to remember it by."
Valerius: "Now, let's get back to our training. Ready for some spell practice?"
Adrian: "Absolutely."
Valerius: "Alright, Adrian, let's practice Stupefy again. Focus on the intent behind the spell."
Valerius: "Alright, Adrian, let's practice Stupefy again. Focus on the intent behind the spell."
Adrian: *concentrating, with a determined look* "Stupefy!"
A burst of red light shot from Adrian's wand, hitting the target squarely. He grinned, pleased with his improvement.
Valerius: "Good job. You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's move on to Defendo. It's a precise spell, so make sure to aim carefully."
Adrian: *nodding, taking a deep breath* "Defendo!"
A clean, sharp slash cut through the practice dummy, demonstrating Adrian's increasing control.
Valerius: *smiling* "Remember, it's all about control and precision. You're making excellent progress."
Adrian: *smiling back, a bit shyly* "Thanks, Valerius. Your guidance means a lot to me. I feel like I'm really improving."
Valerius: *placing a hand on Adrian's shoulder* "You're part of our family now. And together, we'll achieve great things."
**Later that evening, after training**
Valerius, Adrian, and Carla sat by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth after a long day of practicing spells. The cozy atmosphere of Nurmengard Castle seemed to heighten the sense of camaraderie and accomplishment they felt. Carla had been showing impressive improvements in various magical disciplines, and the evening was a perfect time to reflect on their progress.
Valerius: *sipping his hot cocoa* "Carla, your progress in astronomy, herbology, and dark spells has been incredible. You've really outdone yourself."
Carla: *smiling proudly* "Thanks, Brother. I've been putting in a lot of effort. I want to make sure I'm ready for Hogwarts."
Adrian: *raising an eyebrow* "Hogwarts? I thought your grandpa wanted you to go to Durmstrang."
Carla: *nodding* "He does. He's been telling me all about Durmstrang and its focus on the Dark Arts, but my heart is set on Hogwarts. I want to be with my brother."
Valerius: *leaning back in his chair* "Grandfather has a lot of respect for Durmstrang, but I understand your decision, Carla. Hogwarts is an amazing place, and it's where you belong."
Gellert: *entering the room with a knowing smile* "I couldn't help but overhear. Carla, you know my opinion about Durmstrang. The school has a proud tradition and offers a unique education."
Carla: *looking at Gellert with determination* "I appreciate everything you've told me, Grandpa. But Hogwarts is where my heart is. I want to follow in Valerius's footsteps and be with my brother."
Gellert: *sitting down beside them* "I understand, Carla. Your determination is admirable. Just promise me you'll make the most of your time there."
Carla: *grinning* "I promise, Grandpa. I'll do my best to excel in everything I do."
Adrian: *chiming in* "And we'll be there to support you, Carla. Hogwarts is lucky to have you."
Valerius: *smiling* "Absolutely. You'll thrive at Hogwarts, and I'll be there to help you along the way."
Gellert: *nodding approvingly* "Very well, Carla. If Hogwarts is truly where you want to be, then I won't stand in your way. Just remember to stay true to yourself and your ambitions."
Carla: *hugging Gellert* "Thank you, Grandpa. I won't let you down."
Valerius: *patting Carla on the back* "You never could, Carla. You've got a bright future ahead of you."
Gellert: *turning to Valerius* "And you, my grandson, have shown remarkable leadership. I'm proud of the way you've guided Anton, Carla and those in your school. Keep up the good work."
Valerius: *smiling* "Thank you, Grandfather. I will."
Adrian: *looking around the room* "This place has become like a second home to me. I'm grateful for everything you've done for us, Gellert."
Gellert: *smiling warmly* "You are always welcome here, Adrian. This castle is a place of learning and growth for all of you."
Carla: *leaning back in her chair* "I can't wait to start at Hogwarts. It's going to be an amazing adventure."
Valerius: *raising his mug* "To new beginnings and the adventures ahead."
Adrian: *raising their mugs in unison* "To new beginnings."
Gellert and Carla : *joining in* "To new beginnings."
The four of them sat by the fire, enjoying the moment and the sense of unity that bound them together. They knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a family, supporting each other every step of the way.