''Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.'' -Gellert Grindelwald

The purpose Chapter 59 The fall of a pillar

December 14th, 1975

The blind pig

''She's not getting suspicious about anything?'' Asked Gnarlak.

Seth was looking, with a smug smile, at the vampire policeman, officer Reid, feeding off a wizard two tables further, and in plain sight from everyone. His colleague, officer Bailey, was doing the same thing one table further on a witch. Allen had brought the two vampires, three months ago, to Seth, like he had asked.

Their reaction had been more violent. They had pointed their guns at Colpy as he had been the one to greet them at Angel's manor, before Seth had spelled their guns away from them and pointed it at their face in return. Whatever doubt they had from Allen's words about Seth had been washed away pretty quickly that night.

Darthael was also seen in The blind pig tavern every night, finally leeching on someone else than Seth, and wizards were paying Darthael instead of him, just because of his numerous skills and experience. He was also the owner of a secretive muggle pub where vampires could go feed on them.

No one had dared asked Seth once wizards realized who he was. Besides, Gaspard had succumbed, like many others, to Seth's embrace.

''I still have no idea what you are talking about. '' Answered Seth.

Seth had brought the auror Fontaine to Gnarlak, who had literally licked his boots as promised. With the Triune in his head, Fontaine had obeyed Seth's order without any resistance, under the surprised face of the Gnarlak.

''Hmph. Whatever you are doing… is a well-kept secret. Rumours say you are a god, while others, who have seen Grindelwald roaming in the streets again, say he invented something.'' Said Gnarlak.

Seth chuckled as a letter appeared on the table beside him, magically sent by Colpy. It had the ministry seal and Seth's name on it with Mrs. Scamander's writing. Gnarlak raised an eyebrow with a 'I told you so' expression. Seth took the letter, cracked the seal, and began to read. Gnarlak looked at Seth's face for any reaction, but never would he had expected to find a triumphant, yet malignant, smile, and he shivered at what it could mean.

''Should I even ask?'' Said Gnarlak tentatively.

Seth made the letter disappear and laughed darkly.

''Everyone drinks on the Vulken tab tonight!'' Said Seth loudly.

His voice had thundered in the whole tavern and cheers erupted all around.

''Well, whatever the head auror said to you to make you that happy is probably not good for her.'' Said Gnarlak quietly, weary of his reaction.

A young woman came towards Seth and dared to sit on his lap. She smelled heavily of Firewhiskey and leaned in to kiss him, but Seth placed a single finger on her lips, preventing her to do just that.

''Miss, I'll blame the alcohol on your behavior, and my good mood to let you go at once.'' Threatened Seth.

She frowned and tilted her head, passing a soft hand on his chest, undoing a button.

''Oh, don't you need some blood too? I have watched you for several hours… not taking anything. You don't have to pay me.'' She said tentatively, placing her long black hair behind her shoulders and removing the string of her dress, exposing her neck.

''Mm, the nerve of this witch.'' Said Seth, seeing he might as well tempt it.

He placed his right hand on her back and pushed her closer to him before he sank his teeth in her neck. She gasped in surprise, then moaned quite loudly, her head tilted back.

''Oh god.'' She breathed.

He discovered her identity as he drank her blood. Her name was Cecilia Picquery, Maximilian's sister, and she worked in law management at the ministry. Very few knew that vampires could see all their secrets and memories if they wanted it. Just like her smell proved it and the alcohol in her blood, she was drunk, and her thoughts were not coherent, but she was smart, thinking she was using her charms to subdue him. She also thought he was going to get arrested later that night by her brother and wanted to have a go with the vampire King. She made a bet with her coworkers she would also kiss him.

Well, obviously, she would not get a kiss, but something else.

Seth felt her warm in his lap. He moved his left hand under her short dress, between her legs where he found a string underwear and an already damp area. He parted her skin folds and moved a finger inside her as his thumb rubbed against her slit, and she screamed of joy.

'Oh shit, did you see the King over there?'

'I still can't believe vampires can do that.'

'You think I could invite him to my place?'

Seth felt the witch squirm and tense as an intense climax passed through her body, and he could taste the difference in her blood, rivaling with the taste of a powerful wizard, only, it lasted a few seconds instead. He removed his hand and licked her neck before she placed her forehead on his shoulder, breathing heavily.

''Wow. How is this… possible… that vampires were… never… a thing… before.'' She mumbled, out of breath.

Seth licked his lips, the remaining drops of blood disappearing under his tongue.

''Because I was not here to do something about it.'' Said Seth and Gnarlak chuckled.

She moved away from his shoulder and leaned in again to kiss him but was stopped a second time by Seth who removed her from his lap, and he stood up.

''Very few can do that, and you are not one of them.'' Snapped Seth before eyeing Gnarlak. ''I'll see you tomorrow, my friend.'' Added Seth.

The vampire King took his heavy cloak from the chair he had been sitting on, then walked to the exit, not without being cheered on as he passed. The witch who had been denied a kiss huffed and crossed her arms.

''Just who does he think he is? Refusing to get kissed by me!'' Said Cecilia.

''Mrs. Picquery, Seth did not know who you were, and you were the one to call him *God* earlier.'' Said Gnarlak.

She became red, but lifted her chin, making a pompous demeanor.

''No matter, my brother is on his way to arrest him, and he will regret he did not kiss me when I next see him in prison.'' She said before going away.

Gnarlak frowned before realizing why Seth had been happy earlier. Porpentina was going to see him personally with aurors that were already under his control. He began to laugh uncontrollably as he thought about how it would all change his business for the better.

OoOoO

Gellert and Seth were sitting cross-legged next to each other in one of large sofas in the living room. On another one was Gaspard and Orion. Colpy served wine to Seth and Gellert, Firewhiskey to Orion, then approached Gaspard before bowing low.

''What can Colpy serve Mr. Leclerc?'' Asked Colpy.

Gaspard raised an eyebrow, eyeing Seth for a second who only shrugged in response before he looked back at the house-elf.

''Well, do you know what Vodka is?'' Asked Gaspard.

''Of course, sir. Mr. Beaudelaire has a very vast muggle… er, no-maj selection! Would you drink it with orange juice, guava or straight in shots, sir?'' Asked Colpy.

Gaspard laughed and pointed at the elf.

''Oh man, three very cold shots then, please!'' Said Gaspard.

Colpy disappeared for a very short moment, then came back holding a small plate with three shot glasses filled with what would be vodka. Gaspard took one straight in one gulp then held the two others in his hands.

''Whoa! Wherever this one comes from, that's quality.'' Said Gaspard.

Orion straightened in the sofa and looked at Seth and Gellert who had been speaking quietly.

''I'm sure you did not make us come here for a selection of alcohol.'' Said Orion.

Seth turned his gaze to Orion and smiled.

''Oh really? And here I thought Blacks loved that kind of thing.'' Said Seth with amusement.

Black stayed silent but showed his irritation by pursing his lips. Gaspard had gulped his two other shots and smacked his lips, making a loud sound.

''Right, so what's the catch?'' Asked Gaspard.

Seth placed his wine glass on the small table beside him, then looked at the clock on the wall showing 19:55. He stood up and took a few steps towards Gaspard.

''Someone's coming tonight, someone you and Gellert share a deep hatred for. Well, I assume you hate her because of how you have been avoiding aurors very skillfully…'' Began Seth.

Gaspard suddenly stood up quickly, pointing at Seth madly.

''ARE YOU FUCKING CRAZY? MAKING ME COME HERE? AND…'' Interrupted Gaspard.

Seth gave him a hard stare and made a move with his hand making Gaspard sit back down and unable to speak. Gaspard showed obvious struggle, even unleashing wandless magic, but ended by looking down, defeated.

''Mr. Leclerc, I invited you to come here to show you what will happen to her. Something that has already happened to…'' Seth closed his eyes, looking at the Triuned dots in his mind. ''Fourteen aurors, including Fontaine and Picquery. She will attempt to arrest you, they will take your wand and bind you.'' Said Seth, now standing in front of Gaspard.

''You want him to act as if he does not know what will happen.'' Said Orion, who knew about Triunes since the day before they left for America, but Gaspard did not.

Seth smiled, and Gaspard started gasping, able to speak and breathed more freely.

''Acting?'' Said Gaspard.

''Acting. I will not let her leave with you. Can you do that?'' Said Seth as he looked again at the clock.

It was almost eight and Seth looked back at Gaspard, tilting his head. As Gaspard made a nod, green flames appeared in the fireplace. Stepping out of the fireplace first was Pierre Fontaine, his hard serious face scanning the area, then he moved away to let Maximillian Picquery coming in second. Lastly, Porpentina arrived and moved out of the flames. The reaction was instantaneous, she was pointing her wand at Gellert, who had a smirk plastered on his face and his hands up in submission on each side of his head.

''He has no right to set foot in America after all the horrors he has done!'' Said Tina with a dry and cold voice.

Seth went to stand in between them and made a curt bow.

''Mrs. Scamander, good evening. No need for hostilities, Gellert is no longer under the wizarding jurisdiction since 1945. I'm afraid you cannot act on personal matters, and I'm asking you to lower your wand, now.'' Said Seth.

Tina's hand trembled for a few seconds before she lowered it, but her gaze fell on Gaspard, and her stare became even harder.

''Okay, fine. What about him, thought? Leclerc is a wanted criminal, and if you even try to stop us from arresting him, then you break the law and I don't care who you are, Mr. Vulken!'' Said Porpentina.

Seth shared a look with Gaspard who stood up as Fontaine and Picquery went to him.

''You can't just let those fuckers take me, Seth!? Goldstein! He has paid my debts!'' Said Gaspard loudly.

Fontaine took his wand and Picquery bounded his hands behind him.

''You arrest has nothing to do with money, Leclerc. You exposed us way too many times, you still never had your wand permit, and you have caused enough paperwork to fill for years.'' Sneered Porpentina.

Seth went back to sit next to Gellert.

''Mrs. Scamander, as much as you want to arrest Leclerc, you have come here for a purpose first, why don't you take a seat, as well as your men, so you can actually do what you came here for. No one is going anywhere, for now.'' Said Seth as he took back his glass of wine from the table.

Gellert had his smirk upon his face, with his hand resting on his cheek, never looking away from Tina. That seemed to unnerve her. She pursed her lips then sat on a nearby chair, where, unbeknown to her, she would meet her downfall. Picquery, Fontaine and Leclerc sat down on the sofa after Orion had moved away to sit elsewhere.

''Who is that?'' Asked Tina, looking at Black.

''Name is Orion Black. Nice… to meet you.'' Said Orion with a curt bow.

''British accent, are you even allo…'' Began Tina.

''Mrs. Scamander.'' Interrupted Seth. ''Mr. Black has come here with me with authorisation from both the ministers. I will not ask another time for you to do what you came here for.'' Said Seth coldly.

Unable to stay seated, Tina stood up again and cleared her throat.

''Fine. Like my letter said, there are things that needed to be discussed, and depending on your answers, you might face trial. We have reports of many no-majs being aware of vampires, going to taverns where vampires pay them to feed on them. I really hope that those vampires have been informed of the wizarding world now, because as being non-magical… beings, they, meaning you, have the responsibility to keep the statute of secrecy. As such, many rules and more monitoring of those practices are in order, and we fear that no-majs might become aware of magical events if this becomes even more at large.'' Said Tina.

Seth finished his wine, then placed his glass on the small table beside him. He noticed that she tried not to glance at his tail, but that detail was bothering her too. He licked his lips and leaned in.

''Tell me, what is the change you have seen, really, since I came here, hmm? What has the young Timmy say to you?'' Asked Seth, referring to the auror who had spoken to Allen and Bernard.

Tina exhaled loudly through her nose, then swallowed hard.

''There has been not a single death related to vampires since you stepped in. But even if that's the case, we are still vulnerable.'' She said, crossing her arms.

Gellert made a snort and Tina's eyes narrowed.

''The vampires taking care of those taverns have been managing those kind of pubs since before you were even born. Sanguini had one in Miami and when it went out of control, I took care of it. My vampires are aware of your laws, and for this, the taverns we manage has a rule of no wizards to go inside.'' Explained Seth.

She looked as if she was chewing her tongue.

''Max, Pierre, let's leave with Leclerc and make our report.'' Sighed Tina.

Gellert was the one to stand up this time and before Tina even reacted, his wand had slid in his hand, and he disarmed Tina silently.

She should have called her wand back to her, she knew how to do it, and would have done so, should she not have been so shocked at realizing what happened in front of her. She expected Fontaine and Picquery to retaliate, not give Gaspard his wand back while Picquery undid the binds. Gaspard quickly stood up, stepping away from the aurors. Seth moved his hand towards the doors of the living room where they closed silently, placing a silencing charm on the room.

''Max? Pierre? Do something!'' Said Tina, her voice breaking.

She looked at Gellert and Seth who both had wands in their hands, and she shook her head.

''No… NO! You… you are wizards too… you did burn the church! You killed all those no-majs! What did you do to Max? To Pierre? Merlin… My husband tried to…'' Sobbed Tina.

Gellert walked towards Tina who backed away until her back hit the chimney. There was no floo powder on the shelves for her to flee, and she could not apparate away nor use a portkey.

''Oh, how I have dreamed of this moment.'' Whispered Gellert.

He was so close to her; he could smell her flowery perfume. He cupped her face, making her gasp.

''Remove your filthy hands off of me.'' Said Tina, a tear falling down her cheek. ''What did you do to my friends? It can't be the Imperius curse, we can all fight it.'' She added.

He grabbed her chin instead while his wand hand pointed at her head.

''Can you now? Imperio.'' Said Gellert.

Her gaze went empty. Gellert took a few step back, his wand pointing at her.

''Kneel.'' Ordered Gellert, his eyes glinting with madness.

Seth observed the scene silently, letting Gellert take his revenge and enjoy the moment he had craved for a long time. She was already fighting it, sweat appearing on her forehead, and her hands were shaking.

''I said, kneel.'' Repeated Gellert.

It was the two other aurors that knelt instead, obeying the order that were enforced in their heads through Gellert.

''No…'' Tina held her head firmly. ''NO!'' She screamed, breaking out of the curse.

Gellert moved down his wand and patted her cheek.

''There, was that so hard?'' Sneered Gellert.

''You bastard! You never changed.'' Spat Tina. ''Why are you doing this?'' She added, but looking at Seth.

''Mr. Picquery, why don't you ask her the same questions I asked you when we brought you here.'' Said Seth.

''What? You brought him here? What did you do to him?'' Panicked Tina again.

Gellert stepped away as Picquery went to Tina with a blank stare. Tina went to him placed her hand on his shoulders.

''Max? Max! Just tell me you did not side with that madman?'' Said Tina.

''He's probably screaming in his head right now, but since he is under my orders, he will not answer you.'' Said Gellert.

''Do you believe no-majs are not a threat to wizards?'' Asked Picquery without emotion.

''What? They asked you that? When the most important law is our statute of secrecy?'' Asked Tina cupping his cheeks.

''Answer the question, Mrs. Scamander.'' Said Seth.

She sobbed again, placing a hand over her mouth.

''Yes. They are… in the sense of killing a lot of us upon discovery because of fear, but a few of them for other reasons… like non-wizard born…'' Said Tina, her lip trembling.

''Enough. Second question, Picquery.'' Said Gellert.

''What makes you think no-majs won't find us in a very near future?'' Asked Picquery.

Tina let her arms fall down. She took a deep breath then looked at Gellert before answering.

''You still see things, Grindelwald?'' Asked Tina.

''Answer the question.'' Said Seth.

''You believe in his schemes, Mr. Vulken?'' Asked Tina.

''I have seen my share of what fear can do. The fact that it will happen again on a greater scale has me believe that we had to act, despite the… possible losses.'' Said Seth.

''We have been hiding for centuries, w-why now?'' Asked Tina, her voice starting to shake.

''Tsk, don't tell me after two freaking wars, you still don't see this is inevitable? Nuclear bombs to annihilate us and technologies that will eventually just find wizards by snapping fingers. And you sit behind a desk, worrying about guys like me.'' Said Gaspard.

''Next question.'' Said Seth, now with steepled fingers.

''What would you think would happen if we could not stop that event to arise, no matter how hard we try?'' Said Picquery blankly.

''Stop it! You are making the ministry… all we have built, our laws, as if they don't mean anything.'' Said Tina.

''Answer the question.'' Repeated Seth again, slightly more commanding.

Her gaze went from Seth, to Gellert, then back on Maximillian.

''Deaths… t-torture… everywhere.'' Said Tina.

Seth stood up and Maximillian stepped back as Seth walked slowly towards her.

''Leclerc already answered the last question dear Max was going to ask you, which was about muggle technologies, so let me ask you this last one.'' Said Seth, eyeing Gellert who now had his obsidian box in his hands. ''Would you believe me if I told you my main goal… our goal, is to actually protect the wizards from no-majs? But by doing so, it will require to hold control of them, by any, means, necessary.''

''Y-Your goal?'' Tina laughed nervously. ''By controlling us? And you never thought we would help you? Have you spoken with… oh Merlin.'' Tina placed a hand to her forehead, then her mouth.

''Dumbledore?'' Asked Gellert. ''Dumbledore is busy enough with Voldemort. All Europe is busy with Voldemort.'' Spat Gellert with venom in his voice.

Gellert's eyes were now black, making Tina gasp and take a step back. Picquery and Fontaine walked to her and grabbed her arms before moving her to the table.

As Gellert made his way in front of Tina, and the aurors held her on the table, Seth suddenly had doubts. Tina had expressed a potential will to help before she mentioned the Headmaster. Gellert was mad with long lasted revenge and would never yield to have Porpentina other than having the Triune inside of her.

Seth looked at Leclerc who looked at what was happening with curiosity. Orion Black was looking at his Firewhiskey instead of Tina, who was whimpering and pleading.

Fontaine and Picquery placed her head in the head holder, making her panic.

''Stop it. Please… I would have helped you, Mr. Vulken… SETH! Grindelwald is nothing but a heartless cold murderer! You protect your people! I understand that! This is not the way to do it! STOP THIS MADNESS!'' Yelled Tina as Gellert held the Triune in front of her with pliers.

Gellert took a deep breath to calm himself and looked at Seth, noticing his hesitation.

''Seth, she would have never let us take control of the muggles and let me remind you she is a freaking auror. Lah'wi, ceri- ú- gar- nifred.'' Said Gellert quietly.

Seth stayed silent, and Tina took that as her last hope going away, tears flowing down her cheeks. She made another scream as Gellert shoved the mouthpiece holding her mouth open, then used the pliers and moved the Triune in her mouth, burning the skin. She retched and thrashed against the restraints.

''Well, down goes the MACUUUUSA.'' Sang Gaspard, laughing and nudging Orion's elbow.

''Right.'' Said Orion quietly, sipping on his Firewhiskey, but it was already empty.

Venthyr translation

Lah'wi, ceri- ú- gar- nifred.

Please, do not have doubts.

Author's note: Thanks for reading 😊 Again, any review at all would be appreciated. I want to pass the years 1975-1980 quickly, so it might look fast, but hey, all of you guys are probably anxious to see the Harry Potter interactions =) By the way, SoooOOo many deaths are going to be avoided, MAYBE cedric will live. Dobby will live. Not Sirius though, sowwy xD I like that guy. Maugrey's death is already set in my mind and oh soooo good. ahahhahah