Inscribed with "For the Greater Good" at its entrance, Nurmengard Castle rose in solitude in a remote area, its stature tall and steadfast. Dark clouds hung over the castle, casting a chill and enhancing its isolation. There was no movement or even a shadow of a human if looked from afar.
Nurmengard was the prison for opponents of Grindelwald, confining powerful wizards who dared to defile him. It also hosted the followers of Grindelwald, Acolyte, as a base for their terror to spread throughout the world. Compared to Voldemort, Gellert Grindelwald clearly had much more charisma and influence.
However, Grindelwald's downfall was more glorious and dignified than Voldemort's. He was defeated in the final duel with Dumbledore. He was taken into custody, which he did not resist or complain about. He even ordered his followers to disperse and hide themselves after losing the duel. Although the Nurmengard castle was charmed and enchanted to contain powerful wizards, it couldn't possibly contain a wizard of the caliber of Grindelwald that easily; he chose to remain. The decision might be influenced by various factors. But it is undeniable that his fall is not that pathetic compared to Voldemort, who supposedly fell at the hand of a one-year-old child, even if it is merely propaganda. Ironically, the once ambitious and powerful master of Nurmengard was contained in his own stronghold, with the inscription "For the Greater Good" still at the entrance.
Gellert Grindelwald silently contemplated as he vacantly looked at the sealed window. Only some of the daylight can enter the room, making the room dim and chilling. He had recently seen a prophecy that spoke of the Weaver of Strings, Bane of Curse, and Sword of Bravery. What worries him is not that prophecy but the other that soon follows. He saw the flames soaring through the heavens at various ministries around the world, the dead bodies piled up into a small hill, the dead of small wizards still learning magic at school, the death of his old friend, and the rise of a man most vicious of all. This vision was made after the Weaver of Strings prophecy. He believed there was a connection between the two.
Gellert looked around the dim room that he had occupied for decades. The mark of his fall, the glaring light that shows the loopholes of his ideology. He was defeated. He accepted that. However, it wasn't entirely at the duel with his old friend.
His defeat at the duel signified his weakness, giving way to the suppressed doubts of the others under his might, including his followers. They will begin to question: "Does he still have the power to pursue his lofty dreams? Do I still need to follow him? Won't he be defeated again? Why should we fear him? He too is a human."
These doubts and questions were the things he and his friend were aiming for. If Dumbledore was defeated, he would gain unconditional royalty, and his ideology would spread and be worshiped. The winner can not only sway the view of the public but also the belief of the loser. This is the essence of their duel. Less losses and quick victory. Not some lofty honor. After all, strength wields all.
As the loser, he had been questioning his way ever since. Maybe he is the faulty one? He had been having constant debates by himself until that prophecy of 'Fall of the Wizarding World'. He regained his clarity after seeing the destruction left behind by the Muggle for the wizards. They do not spare a child if they ever get in the way.
Gellert smiled coldly. Me? The dark Lord? As if. He had never killed a child just for the sake of killing. But those beasts, the inferior of wizards, have no reservation or morality. They are the true darkness and filth of this world. "I need to correct this," muttered Grindelwald in a low voice.
Gellert stood up and paced around the barren room slowly. "I once thought that the extermination of muggles would solve the troubles arising in the future. But I had failed. Where did the answer lie? It is true that muggle and wizard worlds cannot coexist. If not, why did the wizards retreat and hide themselves? The answer is clear. One must be terminated." The speed and vigor of Grindelwald got stronger and stronger as he continued to speak.
"This is the answer I had reached when I was young. And it was proven incorrect, apparently. I had failed. But why? Why do I become the most feared villain and not a messiah? Because of Albus and his little gang? Because my words are harsh and repulsive?" Speaking as if there were listeners, he muttered lightly. "Or maybe because killing indiscriminately is wrong...." Gellert paused, pacing around as his lips contorted uncomfortably. His facial muscles long forgotten and neglected by him were trembling to pull off an expression. And he burst out laughing wildly. His laughter echoing throughout the castle eerily. "Hahahahahahahhaaa... Oh Albus, if only you could see what your friend has become."
"Why do I think that killing is wrong?" The laughter came as abruptly as it faded. "This sounds more like Dumbledore. This is not me. Then why do I think like him?" Gellert looked out at the sealed window, the sun shining brightly outside. The window does not really exist. It is a mirage charmed to look like a real window.
"It looks like I have already accepted this darkness. Ideas come from the world. The weather of the region decides what plants can grow. Naturally, beliefs clash against each other and evolve. And I had accepted his belief because I lost to him," said Gellert, glancing back at his gloomy room. "No, I lost to his power. His strength. Oh, I see. I became like this not because of Albus, not because my followers are not loyal enough. I lost my dreams and my ambitions because I lack strength and moral high ground."
"I'm ready," Grindelwald glanced at the door, the only entrance and exit of this room. "Vinda, my most trusted."
Boom!!!!
The door was blasted open harshly, raising a cloud of dust. An old lady came through the destroyed door and bowed down elegantly. "My Lord." Vinda Rosier looked at her lord, her eyes flickering with emotions. "We have come to welcome your return, my Lord."
"You have endured well, Vinda." Gellert walked over slowly as he helped her up. "What year is it? I have long lost the count of time." Vinda Rosier gave the wand that the Acolyte had prepared for Grindelwald. The wand chooses the wizard. That phrase can't bind the like of Grindelwald.
"It's July 24th, 1991. Are we late?" asked Vinda while she and her lord went through the long corridor of Nurmengard. She looked at the dark corridor, remembering the time when they planned their way of faith. They were young and vigorous at that time, endlessly discussing how to bring their dream to reality.
"Not that I knew of. We still have time," Gellert said calmly. It was as if his earlier inner struggle was all but imagination.
The Nurmengard castle had fallen without making a splash in the higher-ups of the International Confederation of Wizards. The castle was surrounded by hundreds of dark-robed figures. The prison guards have fallen without even being able to fight back. They are the Acolytes, the fanatic believers of Grindelwald. By the time the authority arrives, they will have long gone.
Grindelwald walked to the middle of the open field near Nurmengard. He saw Abel Gideon, Krafft, Nagel, and others. They still believed in him after all this year. When he reached the middle of the slightly raised platform, he looked over at hundreds of gathered people emotionally. He is still believed. It is a miracle. "For the Greater Good!!!!!" declared Gellert Grindelwald, for there are no other words needed.
"For the Greater Good" The voices of hundreds of people yelled in determination and excitement, their blood boiling.
---
Minerva McGonagall walked up to the stone gargoyle statue. She was having a pleasant breakfast with Pomona when she received the newspaper, The Daily Prophet. The article on the front page left her with dread and shock. She needed to know if that person would cause a scene at Hogwarts, although unlikely.
Before the gargoyle could open its mouth, she answered hastily. "Lemon drop." The gargoyle turned and exposed the spiral staircase, which automatically sent Minerva towards the door of the Headmaster Office. The door opens as if they were sentient and let her in.
The Headmaster Office is enigmatic as always, filled with portraits and magical trinkets. However, Minerva did not have the leisure to marvel at the wonders. Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, his hand supporting his head. His expression said that he knew what had happened at Nurmengard.
Minerva asked, although she had already guessed the situation. "Dumbledore, did Grindelwald escape?"
"Yes, Minerva. He broke out of the Nurmengard. I had already inspected the area, and it seems Acolyte were involved," said Dumbledore heavily. His eyes were not as piercing, and his voice was filled with emotions and confusion. "He is planning something big. Bigger than before. Sigh. I have hoped that he would stay there until the last breath."
Although the cold words left from the mouth of the greatest white wizard, Minerva, who has accompanied for a long time, knows his true intention that was left unsaid. But she came here not to placate him. "I know what you are feeling. But Dumbledore, we need you to take action to reassure the public." Dumbledore broke out of reminisce at her words. "Children do not know the terror of him. But the parents do. They will not be able to bear the anxiety of not keeping their children at home. You need to do something."
"You're right, Minerva. I do need to make a statement," said Dumbledore softly, finally paying attention to the frontline of today's Daily Prophet. He knew the events that had occurred at Nurmengard through the ICW official investigation. But he was curious about the growing Daily Prophet's ability to delve into this kind of classified matter.
In the last five years, Daily Prophet has been aggressively expanding itself to become international. He heard rumors that the chief editor had taken control of the publishing house and owned the decision-making power since then. And it got approval of various ministries at an alarming rate. It was still lacking to be called International Newspaper, but its influence has long gotten out of the British Ministry. Within just five years, being a reporter and journalist became a lucrative job for many young people. "RIGHT TO KNOW AND TELL THE TRUTH" becomes a well-known slogan and proud expression of the job called journalist.
Now, even the ministry has to yield to it sometimes. The most mysterious and wonderful thing isn't the fast rise of the Daily Prophet. It is their way of acquiring information as fast as the authorities. Especially the journalist and novelist Loudmouth. He spearheaded the rise of the Daily Prophet, his identity unknown to all. Various ministries, who have tried to infiltrate or buy the information as Loudmouth had offended them somehow, were left with nothing that indicates who Loudmouth is. It is doubtful if even the Chief Editor has seen Loudmouth's appearance.
After glancing at the content lightly, Albus Dumbledore stood up and headed towards fireplaces. "Alright then, Minerva. I will go to Ministry to look around and give a statement to the newspaper while at it. I believe you will handle the matter here."
"Of course, Dumbledore. It's my duty," said Minerva curtly.
---
Daily Prophet Headline: "Grindelwald's Escape Sparks Fear of the New Dark Age! Is the Wizarding World Doomed?"
By Loudmouth
In a shocking and terrifying turn of events that has the entire wizarding world quaking, Gellert Grindelwald, the most infamous dark wizard of our era, has escaped from Nurmengard! The fortress he constructed to detain his foes has witnessed an escape so astounding, it challenges all logic and reason. The Ministry of Magic has confirmed this dire news today, causing widespread panic and fear of an imminent disaster.
Nurmengard, once deemed an invincible bastion, has now become a symbol of our gravest fears come true. Enveloped in secrecy and guarded by the strongest spells known to wizardkind, it was believed to be unassailable—until now. Grindelwald's breakout, after being confined since his historic defeat by Albus Dumbledore in 1945, is akin to a living nightmare.
"We are confronted with a catastrophe of unparalleled scale," declared an anonymous senior Auror. "Grindelwald's flight could thrust the wizarding world back into an era of dread, tyranny, and carnage. The pressing question on everyone's mind is, What atrocities does he intend to commit now?"
Witnesses report an unsettling tranquility at Nurmengard, with guards discovered unconscious and the fortress in a haunting silence. No evidence of conflict, no cracks in the fortress defenses, leaving experts mystified as to how the dark wizard escaped what was assumed to be a foolproof security setup.
This alarming turn of events has sent tremors throughout the wizarding populace. Grindelwald's era of horror, encapsulated by the bone-chilling motto "For the Greater Good," led to a crusade that almost overthrew the wizarding authorities of Europe and devastated countless lives. His escape now heralds the frightful prospect of a revival of his perverse creed.