The Mask

Written for The Great 2021 Prompt Compendium.
Prompt 43: Incorporate into a fic something bizarre you've seen in public.

A/N: Believe it or not, but this was actually inspired by another moment taken from real life. I guess people start to go a little crazy after they've been in quarantine for six months.

Grindelwald huffed out an exasperated sigh, lowering his head and massaging his temples. "This is what you're afraid of?" he said, motioning towards the mask mandate sign on the window of the convenience store. "Honestly, Abernathy, we can't even catch this wretched disease! It is a Muggle affliction."

"I don't know, sir," said Abernathy, nervously wringing his hands. He glanced out the window on his right, seeing several Muggles walk past, each one wearing some kind of face covering. "It's not like any of them really know that much about it yet."

"Then why isn't there anyone in the wizarding world affected by it?"

"I don't have an answer for that, sir," Abernathy said rather meekly. "But with all due respect, sir, I really don't want to go out there. I don't feel safe outside anymore."

Grindelwald rolled his mismatched eyes. There they were, two grown men sitting in a car at one in the morning, parked outside an all night convenience store because a certain cat man had the munchies. And Abernathy, respected member of the Alliance, was too afraid of catching Muggle cooties to set foot outside.

"Fine then," Grindelwald hissed in annoyance, glaring at his servant. "But I will not be sharing the pudding and corn dogs when I return."

He slung the car door open and marched right into the store, only to receive a stern lecture about how he was not allowed in the building without a mask.

"Really?" Grindelwald said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Very well, then." He turned on heel, his black leather coat swishing about his ankles as he headed for the door. "I shall return momentarily."

Abernathy was then assaulted by a pair of pants, his master's trousers sailing through the air just seconds after Grindelwald sat down beside him in the car.

"Hold on to those for a moment," Grindelwald said curtly.

"Sir, what are you - " He reached up and grabbed the pair of pants that was draped over his head, his voice dying in his throat when he saw Grindelwald removing his underwear.

"Since these people are so adamant about wearing a mask, I'll be glad to give them what they want." Grindelwald then snatched his pants off Abernathy's head, sliding into them in record time. "This is a little something I learned as a child," he added, seeing Abernethy's look of astonishment. "It's quite simple really. When all else fails, just take off your pants."

The bell above the door jingled merrily, announcing the return of the cat man. Heads turned and jaws dropped throughout the store when they saw Gellert Grindelwald wearing a pair of black lacy panties on his head, the fabric properly positioned so that it covered his mouth and nose.

"You wished that I wear a mask," Grindelwald said casually, leaning with one arm on the counter. He motioned towards the silky panties. "I trust this will suffice, will it not?"

The cashier swallowed hard and nodded, utterly speechless by the sight in front of him.

"Splendid!" And with that he swept off through the store, gathering an armload of snacks and junk food.