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Had anyone ever felt so...exalted? Grindelwald couldn't help but smile at himself as he and a small band of trusted followers made their way to the next stop on their historic journey of purpose and ambition. It seemed everything that could possibly go right simply had. First and foremost, he had acquired the Elder Wand through his own means of persuasion. He had gone through many wizards just to learn the tiniest detail as to the whereabouts of the Elder Wand. Some people referred to his acts of forceful persuasion as cruel and perverse, but he felt otherwise. He felt that every atrocity he committed was one of the utmost importance and necessity.
He had also managed to gain what he felt was a sort of prestige to his name. And as his goals and intentions became known to wizards the world over, followers began to present themselves. Grindelwald was humbled when the first volunteers pledged their allegiance to his beliefs and aspirations. He had faith in those that followed him, for they would only bring more to his cause, until finally the entirety of wizard-kind would be at the top of the world.
It seemed that many had come to fear him for his harsh deeds, but he simply could not see the wickedness in his actions. Grindelwald felt that any means of force was necessary when it came to the greater good. How could these people be so blind? The only atrocity was living in hiding as muggles slowly destroyed the world around them. Under wizard rule the world would be ushered into a new order, a new peace that had never been known before. And Grindelwald would be the one to lead the movement.
The night wind rushed through Grindelwald's straw-colored hair as he and the faithful few at his side made their way through the evening sky atop their disillusioned brooms, giving them the appearance of flying unsupported. He knew that this powerful image would send fear into any adversary when they touched down. He knew that the illusion of power was power itself.
There was only one mild worry in the back of Grindelwald's mind as they drew ever closer to their destination; Albus Dumbledore. The people were louder and louder pleading for Albus to intervene in Grindelwald's plans. And Grindelwald knew that if any wizard could ever stop him, it would be Albus, but of course that was an "if" situation to him. Grindelwald supposed it was merely the memories of his last fateful day at Godrics Hollow that kept Albus at bay, and he was just fine with that, so long as there were no interruptions in his progress.
They began to descend, and the wind pushed louder into their ears as they roared steeply downward. The large, elegant, and familiar building drew ever closer as they gave into gravity's demands. The sight of Durmstrang, a place Grindelwald once called home, filled him with acrimonious yet nostalgic emotions. And then just as they were about to touch ground in front of the school gates, Grindelwald noticed the large mass of wizards standing in front of the gates. At first he was slightly surprised but he quickly regained his composure as his feet hit the ground and he let the disillusioned and invisible broom glide away from beneath him. He grinned slightly as he approached them, his followers close behind.
They all began shouting their displeasure at once.
"How dare you come to our children's place of education to recruit for your evil escapade!" one witch shrieked crossly at him.
"You don't have the numbers here Gellert!" a wizard roared. And then the gang of parents and their rants of objection became so loud and mixed that they were completely incoherent.
Grindelwald raised his wand and pointed it directly into the center of the mob and silence fell. "I don't want to hear any more shouting. If you wish to converse with me do it civilly," Grindelwald said calmly.
"Is that how you tortured and killed Welf Brasov? Civilly?" came a low mumble from the crowd.
Grindelwald looked around. Glee rose up within him. He would yet again be given the opportunity to demonstrate the devotion and high regard for which he held his quest and purpose. "Who said that?" he asked calmly, though a bit of edgy and boyish happiness seeped into his voice.
No one answered. The crowd remained silent as his wand remained pointed toward the heart of it. "I'll ask once more. Who said that?" And still no sound was heard but the occasional rush of the wind over the rolling hills of the surrounding country.
Grindelwald stepped forward and a few hands began to reach for their wands, but Grindelwald's followers drew theirs much quicker, and the crowds' hands quickly fell back to their sides. Grindelwald approached an old man and pointed his wand directly into the old man's face. The old man showed naught but pure fear on his features as his fading blue eyes grew wide with horror and his lips trembled in utter terror. Grindelwald narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the old man. "Was it you?" he spoke gently. Again the only sound heard was the wisp of the wind. And then losing his patience slightly, Grindelwald began to speak quickly, "When I reach zero this man dies unless someone steps forward. 3...2..1," but just as he said one with a sense of finality, a middle aged man stepped forward.
He was somewhat short and quite stocky, with a thick, dark brown beard. "It was me you scoundrel! Leave this place! Our children will never follow you!" the man shouted gruffly.
"Oh? And who might you be?" asked Grindelwald casually.
"The name's Krum! And my son is in there!" he pointed behind him to the wizarding school, Durmstrang. "And he will not follow you, no kin of mine will ever follow you!" he said proudly.
"I see. Well Mr. Krum, you have much pride, yet no common sense. And it really is ashame because-" began Grindelwald, but he was interrupted by Krum.
"Because what? You'll kill me?! Well get on with it then because I'M NOT BUDGING!" he bellowed.
And without a word Grindelwald's wand redirected from the old man to Krum in a blur. Before Krum had time to react a green flash of light hit him square in the chest and his body thumped hard against the ground as it fell. The crowd was shocked and horrified. A few wizards and witches went for their wands but Grindelwald's followers quickly disposed of them with more quick flashes of green.
The crowd scattered in a chaotic panic. Grindelwald turned his attention to the school and smiled. He needed to further extend his power, and that requirement was not far beyond the gate, for it lay in his next soon-to-be followers. His gaze shifted back to the death caused by his own hand; Mr. Krum lay lifeless, face down on the ground. "For the greater good..." Grindelwald whispered to himself... (To Be Continued)