✔ᵉⁿᵍˡⁱˢʰ Stuck in the Past [Grindelwald]✔

epilogue

Gradually it became warm in Hunter's pocket, but so far he had not cared and had paid no attention to it. Now it looked different, because it was now uncomfortably warm. Reaching into the pocket to see what the reason was, he first let out a 'fuck', then immediately withdrew his hand and shook it out with a hiss.

The last image the fog presented to them was the explosion of a nuclear bomb. Shocked and aghast, those present looked at Grindelwald, who had obviously achieved what he wanted. Fear was powerful and made for many stupid decisions, as did love and the desire for freedom. This man knew exactly how to manipulate people without them realizing it.

"This is what we are fighting against. This is the enemy. Their arrogance, their greed for power, their barbarism. How long will it be before they turn their guns on us?", Grindelwald had any idea at all what he was talking about, because the Muggles were not capable of accomplishing this and any person who would think a little bit would know, "What I am about to tell you will worry you. You must restrain your emotions and keep calm. There are aurors in our midst....."

"Hey, hey...." dangling from Hunter's index and middle fingers was the time reverser, its glass glowing slightly where the crack was, "Either that thing is charging up right now, about to rip us to shreds with an explosion, or...."

".... we get home," Gillian finished the sentence, pushing her hair aside after Hunter placed the gold chain around them both, "I'm very much hoping for the latter."

All eyes wandered to the stairs, where one man after another stepped down the stone staircase, step by step, approaching the white-haired wizard.

"They killed many of my followers, it is true. They locked me away and tortured me in New York. They struck down their fellow witches and wizards, while their mere crime was to seek the truth. Wanting peace" is how you goad people's subconscious, as Grindelwald just gloriously proved, talking them into things and feelings, leading to actions that it would never have otherwise led to if this one hadn't said anything, "Your anger, your desire for revenge is natural."

An outcry went through the crowd when a ministry official killed a woman. As I said, this man knew how to manipulate people and make them fight for his cause. A sacrifice that should be very convenient for Grindelwald, because so, the Ministry stood as the bad guys and not him. His image of the savior would be further strengthened by this act, which would increase his following.

"Take this young warrior to her family," it was made too easy for Grindelwald to come off as one of the good guys because the Aurors didn't think one step further, "Disaparate. Leave. Go out into the wide world and spread the word, it is not we who are violent."

Only a few remained behind, for all the others had immediately disappeared. In the center of the amphitheater, on the small rise where everyone can see him, Grindelwald stood and with a twist he caused a blue fire to rise around him. Demon fire. Most recently, Lord Voldemort had used it to destroy the Hall of Ministry. His, however, was not blue, but red. It was no ordinary demon fire, for this one did not burn everyone who touched it. Except for one, no one who stepped through the flames was burned by it.

"Aurors, join me in the circle. Come and swear to me, your eternal allegiance or die. Only here will you know freedom. Only here will you know yourselves.", the fire began to spread and chase the fleeing Aurors, "Follow the rules. No cheating children."

Only now did Gillian see that Nagini was also present, and not alone. That boy named Credence, the Obscurus from New York was with her. In addition, Scamander, who like Nagini tried to stop Credences, but did not succeed. A blonde witch also stepped through the fire.

In the next moment, Hunter and Gill felt as if a rubber band was being stretched and then suddenly released. It was worse than apparating for the first time. Seconds, minutes passed, then there was a muffled sound.

Unable to move, Hunter and Gillian lay on a cold wooden floor; the crackle of fire could be heard, but both barely perceived it and their bodies began to twitch uncontrollably. The last thing Gill saw before her eyes closed was a shiny green skin of scales.