"Yes, the business is finished, so I came."
"How did it go?"
"Everything went smoothly."
"Very good."
"I only did what I should. All for the Greater Good."
"You're as beautiful as ever."
"Thank you for the compliment."
The exchange was simple, but its meaning was anything but.
After they finished speaking, silence settled over the room.
Ever since Grindelwald had learned the full details of the battle at Hogwarts and discovered that Shawn already possessed the strength of a top wizard below the legendary level,
he had felt worried rather than overjoyed.
Great power was fascinating, but it could also lead people astray.
Without the right mindset, one would merely become a puppet of that power, a bloodthirsty madman.
That was hardly a suitable leader.
In Grindelwald's eyes, even if Shawn's talent and intelligence far surpassed those of his peers, he was still a child.
The consequences of a small child carrying a gun through a crowded street were impossible to predict.
Shawn needed guidance on how to control his power.
So Grindelwald had urgently summoned another of his most capable followers: the woman before him, Vinda Rosier, who remained coolly beautiful and exquisitely poised despite her age.
With the brief pleasantries over, Vinda looked at Grindelwald, whose youthful splendor had likewise faded.
It turned out they had all grown old.
Yet some feelings and trust did not fade with time. Like aged wine, they only grew richer.
Vinda appeared cold and aloof, but her feelings burned hot. She was also a "fool" who could move herself with her own devotion.
She had always known that Grindelwald's heart belonged to someone else and that she would never find happiness with him, yet she still followed him without regret, even unto death.
After all, the blazing fireworks, fine blades, and