Unspoken // Theseus Scamander

Chapter Twenty-Five - The Choice

Word Count: 4,107 words. 

Warnings: None. 

Blinded by unexpected light as Grindelwald emerged from below, I could hear the cheers and entertained screams that accompanied his arrival. Within seconds, I was searching the crowds. There were too many of them. Too many witches and wizards that supported his sadistic and homicidal beliefs. The world had changed.

"My brothers, my sisters, my friends..." Gellert began and the wizarding world settled with no hesitation. "...the great gift of your applause is not for me... No, it is for yourselves."

I tried to turn my head, to shy away from his manipulative words. He was always so soft, always so welcoming. It was then that I found myself within the shadows. The light illuminated the world for me, but not me for the world.

Where are you Theseus?

"You came here today because of a craving and a knowledge that the old ways serve us no longer. You come because you crave something new. Something different."

He was always so certain in his way, cemented in his teachings. I could admire that dedication, that understanding, but I could also acknowledge his skill. Gellert Grindelwald could make a lie sound like the truth.

"It is said that I hate Les Non-Magiques... the Muggles... the No-Maj... The Can't-Spells... I do not hate them. I do not. For I do not fight out of hatred." He walked the circular stage as if he owned it, as he owned the hearts of those who watched.

I spotted Credence in the crowd, Nagini at his side. He was hesitant, that I could see. While the others, strangers, watched Gellert Grindelwald awestruck, enticed, he looked at those around him with fear.

Pulling at my restraints, I attempted to free myself. The power of the Elder Wand was too much to fight, but what else could I do?

"I say the Muggles are not lesser, but other," Grindelwald continued, his voice growing slightly as he tossed me a glance. He could feel my fight, and so I did not stop. "Not worthless, but of other value. Not disposable, but of difference disposition."

His grip tightened and I let out a cry of pain. The binds on my mouth had loosened and the sound echoed through the catacombs. With a sigh, Gellert closed his eyes for a moment.

"It seems that my guest is impatient to meet you," he commented, raising his wand then to pull on my restraints. He titled me upwards to a standing position, tugging my hands behind my back.

"Nat!" His scream was comforting.

I spotted him then. Theseus Scamander rushed from the top of the catacombs, but was quickly pulled aside by Jones. Just as worried, Newt appeared on the other side of the stairs.

"Ah, I see we are getting ahead of ourselves here," Grindelwald tried, taking note of the unease amongst the crowd. "To begin, allow me to introduce you all to Natalia Clayton. A Muggle-born witch of who I knew when she was a child."

I shook my head, gritting my teeth and pushing against the binds around my wrists and ankles. I met Credence's gaze in the crowd, trying to get through to him. He only watched with a saddened brow.

"Why isn't she dead?" a woman screamed from the crowd. There were murmured agreements.

Grindelwald shushed them with a graceful wave of his hand. "Magic blooms only in rare souls," he explained. "In hers," – he pointed to me – "in mine," – then to himself – "In all of us. Oh, and what a world we could make... for all humanity... We who live for freedom, for truth... and for love."