Vid didn't speak immediately, he was still thinking.
In the original story, every time Dumbledore left Hogwarts, something major would inevitably happen...
Or rather, Voldemort and the Death Eaters dared to make moves at Hogwarts only when Dumbledore was away.
During the months Vid spent in the United States, with Dumbledore stationed at Hogwarts, the campus was exceptionally calm and peaceful, almost like the legendary "safest place in the world".
Of course, this wasn't why Vid thought Dumbledore should stay behind while he went to Adan Cape in Kosovo.
He simply believed that, although his magic power wasn't as formidable as Dumbledore's, with the poppets by his side, he essentially had a magical army at his disposal anytime, anywhere, which was an unmatched advantage.
However, Dumbledore seemed to hear Vid's inner voice. He leaned slightly forward, interlaced his hands on the table, and said gently:
"Vid, I understand you have a large number of poppets that are both flexible and controllable, definitely more advantageous than being alone."
"But don't forget, during your time in America, they played a crucial role. Although many are unaware, their presence has certainly caught the eye of Sophelus Reck."
"If I were him, I would immediately deduce that you were in the United States at the time and likely already have plans for your capture."
Dumbledore's eyes carried a mix of relief and a hint of fear:
"I'm very glad you've returned safely... Maybe because Grindelwald was also in America, or perhaps your return was covert and swift enough..."
Vid's palm trembled slightly on his knee.
In the final days before leaving the United States, he indeed stayed at Grindelwald's place. When he boarded the plane, Klinch Bullet's inauguration ceremony was yet to conclude.
"In any case," Dumbledore said, "you didn't encounter anything I currently worry about, which is good. But we cannot rely on luck to gamble again."
"I fear if you take the poppets to Kosovo, once they're exposed and recognized, Reck or Amanda will immediately notice. They'll find you and capture you at the quickest pace... or even kill you."
"Child, you are indeed excellent now—outstanding beyond anyone's expectations. But to face such cunning and well-prepared opponents... it's still early, Vid, also very dangerous... Dangerous enough that we could lose the most important future."
In Dumbledore's eyes, Vid was the only one capable of finding a path for long-term coexistence between the magical and Muggle worlds amidst multiple threats, his intelligence, creativity, and perspective were irreplaceable.
Adan Cape was a dangerous and turbulent whirlpool, while Reck and Amanda were entirely unknown enemies to Dumbledore, with much less understanding compared to his past comprehension of Voldemort and Grindelwald.
With only those near-century-old tidbits of rumors and the fleeting interactions depicted in Abigail's memories, Dumbledore couldn't discern the true nature and capabilities of those two, nor predict their methods.
If he recklessly sent Vid to Kosovo, overly trusting in the power of the poppets, and the promising child met his demise there... Dumbledore would never forgive himself.
Moreover, he knew Vid's pursuit and curiosity for unknown powers were very close to his former self.
Releasing such a yet-to-be-fully-formed young man early to face temptations of the "world rift" level was undoubtedly a high-risk action, potentially creating a strengthened version of "Sophelus Reck."
Then there's Gellert Grindelwald...
Thinking of that arch-rival, Dumbledore felt an urge to grind his teeth.
The Witch Pure Party members were at Adan Cape, and if their exploration didn't go smoothly, Grindelwald himself might intervene swiftly.
That fellow excelled and delighted in crafting intricate dilemmas within complex situations, forcing or luring individuals he valued into making "evil" choices, stepping into darkness, never to return.
Earlier in America, Grindelwald had already shown signs. If it's the crisis-ridden environment of Kosovo, he'd have more opportunities and reasons to draw Vid into dark gambits and moral traps.
Various worries crossed his mind, but Dumbledore didn't voice them, his gaze as calm as a lake, only speaking softly:
"Furthermore, dangers come not only from people, but also from the hidden 'world rift' in Kosovo. To confront such ancient and formidable forces, poppets may be ineffective; it requires profound understanding of the magic essence, space-time, even existence and death."
The headmaster chuckled softly: "Perhaps it's not humble to say, but Vid, in terms of knowledge in these areas, I've indeed gone further than you now."
"So this time, I need you to follow my instructions—stay here."
"The United Kingdom isn't peaceful either, you might face complex situations. Especially... after Arthur's incident, I confirmed at the Department of Mysteries that Voldemort didn't get what he wanted."
Dumbledore gazed at Vid, eyes filled with implicit worry and trust, every emotion hidden behind those half-moon spectacles.
He continued: "Voldemort will definitely not give up easily. I'm certain he will try everything to obtain the prophetic ball, even attempting to use Harry to achieve his goals."
"About Harry... although he survived another attack from the Killing Curse last year, if it happens a third time, he likely won't have such 'luck'; Voldemort's spell would truly take his life."
"Therefore, after I leave, all this... will be entrusted to you."
"I'll instruct Professor McGonagall to try covering my departure. Perhaps make some believe this is yet another false ploy by Albus Dumbledore... and with Severus and Filius..."
Dumbledore meticulously outlined his plans after leaving the school, what Vid needed to do, what issues to consider, and whom to contact in critical moments.
Vid stared quietly at Dumbledore.
Above Hogwarts, gray clouds drifted slowly in the December chill wind, sunlight sliding through the windows, casting clarity on the elder's face, deep lines etched by time.
Vid, having committed Dumbledore's instructions firmly to memory, looked at this face burdened with a century's weight, yet constantly shrouded in worry and fatigue, speaking each word clearly:
"I understand, I will manage it well."
"You can trust me, sir."
The fireplace crackled softly, illuminating the tranquil light in the young man's eyes more clearly.