Escape

As though he had been struck by the most vicious Cruciatus Curse, every second brought endless pain crashing against his soul like tidal waves. It made even the mentally unbreakable Graves want to collapse and howl. During the brief elevator ride down to the Department of Security's floor, Graves, who had entered the restaurant pale as death, turned red as though blood might drip from his face—

It was as if countless worm-like blood parasites had suddenly spawned beneath his skin. The things writhing under his flesh seemed to be devouring his blood and meat, withering the once tall, powerfully built Graves!

Most of the Department of Security's Aurors worked in the field, and few remained in the office to write reports. It also happened to be quitting time, so the office was empty. That was the only reason Graves managed to keep his secret.

He practically sprinted into his office. A flash of green fire lit the fireplace, and Graves left the Woolworth Building, appearing in his secret safe house.

Bang!

A dazzling red light blew apart the alcove holding his alchemical equipment, sending spellbooks and Potions flying.

Graves let out a low growl like a starving wolf. Like a man parched for days, he lunged at the Potions that could suppress his pain. His sanity was so close to collapse that he could not even pull out a stopper. Instead, he bared teeth that had somehow become sharp and bit viciously into the glass bottle in his palm—

Crack!

As the bottle shattered, a stream of grayish-white blood poured from his mouth. Graves ignored that trivial pain, roaring as he gulped down the splattered Potions, not even caring that he swallowed countless shards of glass!

Bang—

A few breaths later, Graves collapsed onto the wooden floor, gleaming under