The air rippled like water, and the corner beside the bookshelf seemed to be rapidly painted over with color—Wade appeared there.
He dispelled the Disillusionment Charm and sat on the sofa beside Grindelwald. A House-elf hidden somewhere immediately used magic to deliver a steaming cup of coffee to the table before him.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "I saw it... He was eager to show you his loyalty, terrified that one wrong word would cost him the position he currently had."
After a pause, Wade asked, "Why choose Barrett? The Acolytes have many members who are more capable and more loyal than him. Even within Congress, there are more suitable choices."
A knowing smile appeared on Grindelwald's face. "You don't like Barrett?"
"He reminds me of Fudge." Wade frowned. "People like that will humiliate themselves and castrate their own dignity for power. But once they gain power, they'll be desperate to reclaim the dignity they sacrificed a hundredfold, a thousandfold."
"Then never let him gain the ability to resist."
With one arm resting on the armrest, Grindelwald said casually:
"It isn't just Barrett or Fudge. No matter whom you put in that position, you must be prepared for them to turn on you."
"So we cannot hope to choose someone who is capable in every way, clever and powerful, and loyal under all circumstances—you must ensure that he never has the ability to resist."
"Barrett is the new President of Congress, but he will not have an independent armed force—the newly appointed head of the Auror Office and several mid-level officials are all my people;"
"Nor does he have his own source of funding. Although he can command an enormous sum of money, in truth, every Knut that comes and goes is monitored by us."
"He will not