Wentworth, who was intrigued by the unfolding narrative, glanced at the horrified Christine and turned to Abernathy with curiosity before saying, “Seems like there is a story that hasn’t been told about Miss Christine’s grandfather and his connection with us!”
Abernathy nodded solemnly and addressed Christine, “As I mentioned earlier, you are indeed a clever girl, but sadly, you find yourself on the wrong side. Do you think I spoke without purpose?”
However, refusing to accept the answer, Christine was in disbelief as she took a few steps back before muttering, “It’s impossible! It’s impossible!”
Observing her reaction, Abernathy sighed and proceeded with his stories, “In the past, when Lord Grindelwald visited New York, your grandfather had yet to join the Alliance. He pursued Lord Grindelwald intending to arrest him, but he failed.”
“Although defeated, Lord Grindelwald admired your grandfather and engaged in discussions for several days. Eventually, your grandfather, convinced by Lord Grindelwald, joined the Alliance.”
Christine, who was unable to accept this revelation, exclaimed to Abernathy, “No way this is true! You are lying to me! This is all a blatant lie… Is this another trick of yours, Grindelwald?” She asked while turning her gaze to Wentworth.
Abernathy responded to Christine’s disbelief, he posing a rhetorical question, “Given your current role in the Magical Congress of the United States, shouldn’t you be aware that Lord Grindelwald had infiltrated it for several months?”
“If one wishes to remain undetected for months in such an environment, exceptional Transfiguration skills are necessary, along with a deep understanding of the internal dynamics of the Magical Congress of the United States. One must be acquainted with everyone’s interpersonal relationships; otherwise, wouldn’t it take just a couple of sentences to unveil the truth?”
“Despite Lord Grindelwald’s unmatched mastery of Transfiguration, enabling him to transform into anyone he’d seen, without your grandfather’s information about the inner workings of the American Magical Congress, even Lord Grindelwald couldn’t have concealed himself for so long.”
Abernathy’s words plunged Christine’s mind into chaos and confusion.
While she yearned to refute him, reason compelled her to acknowledge the validity of Abernathy’s explanation.
Struggling to accept the news Abernathy had just given her, Christine hoarsely inquired, “Where is my grandfather? What happened to him? After Gellert Grindelwald’s arrest, the Magical Congress of the United States conducted an extensive search, yet my grandfather was never found. It was as if he vanished into thin air!”
“The Magical Congress of United States believed that Gellert Grindelwald killed my grandfather, but to this day, there is no extensive research in where his body is currently at or how he died… Tell me, please tell me… Where did my grandfather go?” She asked with a pitiful expression.
Abernathy sensing Christine’s distress by seeing her face, he sighed once more and answered slowly, “We don’t know either…”
“What did you say?” Christine stared at Abernathy in disbelief with her mouth wide open.
Anticipating that today, she could uncover the whereabouts of his grandfather from Abernathy. She was unprepared for this response.
Observing Christine’s disbelief, Abernathy hurriedly explained, “In truth, when Lord Grindelwald was planning to infiltrate the Magical Congress of the United States, he established a safe house for your grandfather to ensure his safety.”
“Unexpectedly, Lord Grindelwald was apprehended by chance! Although he managed to escape later, when we investigated the safe house for your grandfather, we discovered it was empty. Your grandfather had vanished without a trace, and to this day, we remain unaware of his whereabouts.”
Listening to Abernathy’s account, Christine slowly closed her eyes and lapsed into silence.
Meanwhile, feeling awkward, Wentworth leaned toward Abernathy and inquired, “Did you already know their identities?”
Abernathy nodded, stating, “Yes, Rosier was aware too.”
Wentworth, expressing frustration, retorted, “Then why didn’t you inform me sooner? What do I do now? Her grandfather was once a member of our Alliance, and due to her grandfather, his descent remains unknown. If I were to harm her, it would seem disingenuous.”
Abernathy, embarrassed, responded, “Although Rosier and I suspected their affiliation with the Magical Congress of the United States, we didn’t anticipate it was a member of the Graves family.”
Joining the conversation, Rosier approached with a glint in her eyes and remarked, “I believe Christine shouldn’t be harmed.”
Wentworth nodded in agreement, muttering, “Indeed, she shouldn’t be harmed. It would be unsettling to kill her.”
Rosier waved his hand dismissively, stating nonchalantly, “That’s not what I meant! I simply think it would be regrettable to eliminate her like this. Allowing her to return to the Magical Congress of the United States might prove more advantageous for us.”
Upon hearing Rosier’s words, Wentworth pondered thoughtfully, “You suggest making Christine a member of the Magical Congress of the United States? However, can she be persuaded to agree?”
At that moment, Christine, who was listening to their conversation, interjected them by asking, “Can you let them go?”
Rosier gave Wentworth a pat on the shoulder, before she stepped forward with a smile, “Certainly, no problem. You’re free to leave. After all, our Alliance bears some responsibility for your grandfather’s affairs.”
Christine sneered cynically at Rosier before remarking, “Really? Should I express my gratitude?”
Attempting to exit the manor, Abernathy halted Christine after a few steps. She turned to Rosier and questioned the reason behind their stopping with an angry expression, “What’s the matter? Regretting your decision? The Alliance’s backtracking speed is impressive. Luckily, you’re backtracking now; once we change our appearance and depart, you won’t have the chance to backtrack.”
Observing Abernathy’s actions, Wentworth was uncertain about the reason for stopping Christine and the others.
Rosier slowly retrieved her wand at this point, causing Christine’s face to turn pale. She spoke, “I said you could leave,” She pointed at Christine, “Not all of you.” She continued.
Christine, who was confused by Rosier’s words, could only ask her once again, “Didn’t you already promise—“
Rosier cut her off by stating, “No one can act against the Alliance without consequences, especially after abducting and acting in a manner as you did against our Young Lord. You are free to go, but someone else needs to take the consequences of creating problems with the Alliance…” She paused a bit before observing the other wizards, “We need to make an example of what’s going to happen if you incur the Alliance’s wrath!” She continued.
Terror stroke their heart upon hearing Rosier’s conclusion. Deep down they already know they won’t leave this situation unscathed.
Alas, after knowing they’d been fighting for nothing all this time… Hopes appeared in their heart that they would go home and return to their family…
The Alliance is fair, an unstoppable force that repays any kindness with many favors. At the same time, vengeance with blood…