Chereads / THE RISE OF GRINDELWALD / Chapter 20 - Business Essentials

Chapter 20 - Business Essentials

Valerius boarded the Hogwarts Express with Cecilia, Maximilian, Orion, and Adrian. As the train chugged along, the group, all pure-bloods, settled into a compartment and began discussing Adrian's family history and their resistance against Voldemort.

 

Because of Valerius, his friends came out of the mindset of the division of houses and blood purity. From now on, Slytherin students will be taught how to move past the blood purity concept.

 

Cecilia: *sitting comfortably* "So, Adrian, tell us more about your family's stand against Voldemort. It's quite the legacy."

 

Adrian: *nodding* "Indeed. My family has always valued integrity and justice. When Voldemort rose to power, we couldn't just stand by."

 

Maximilian: *looking down* "I've heard stories about your grandfather. He was quite the formidable wizard, wasn't he?"

 

Adrian: "Yes, Grandfather Arthur Prewett was known for his bravery. He, along with my great-uncles, stood firm against the Death Eaters. They even joined the Order of the Phoenix to fight back."

 

Orion: *sighing* "That's admirable. Most pure-blood families were too afraid to openly oppose him. What drove your family to take such a risk? Even our family openly supported him, and most of us are now in Azkaban."

 

Adrian: "Our family motto has always been 'Fortitude and Honor.' We couldn't just abandon our principles. Voldemort's ideology was something we couldn't accept, especially his treatment of Muggle-borns and half-bloods."

 

Valerius: "It's inspiring to hear about your family from yourself, it seems you learnt a lot about your family. It's essential for us to remember the past and learn from it, especially now that the world is changing again."

 

Cecilia: "Absolutely. It's important to stand up for what's right, even when it's dangerous. Your family's story is quite the opposite if you consider Bellatrix Lestrange née Black. She only stood up for that bastard because he is pure blood, but my father, RAB, in his last moments came out of the Death Eaters squad and wanted to kill Voldemort."

 

Adrian: "Thank you. I just hope we can continue to uphold those values, no matter what challenges come our way."

 

Maximilian: *somberly* "We will. With friends like us, we can face anything together."

 

Orion: *nodding slowly* "Agreed. We're stronger together, and we'll make sure to support each other, just like your family did."

 

Valerius: *smiling* "Indeed. Unity and courage will be our guiding principles."

 

The group continued to discuss, drawing strength and inspiration from Adrian's family history as the Hogwarts Express carried them toward another year of learning and growth. Maximilian and Orion remained quiet, their thoughts heavy with the knowledge of their families' dark past, yet hopeful for a future built on different values.

 

Valerius: "Friends, don't dwell on the past. As I said, it is the duty of the pure-blood to guide the new blood. That's why we have the name Noble before our house names. Some of our ancestors have forgotten it, but it is up to you whether you follow it or not. Practice the spells I taught you and gain the upper hand quickly."

 

Adrian: "Spells?"

 

Nott: "Yeah, Val taught us dueling spells."

 

Adrian: "Will you teach me too?"

 

Valerius: "There are certain conditions, though."

 

Adrian: "Please."

 

Valerius: "Okay, I will tell you later."

 

Cecilia: *with a smile and blush* "See you after the holidays, Val."

 

Everyone in the room thought if something was going on between Cecilia and Valerius. Valerius and his friends parted ways, while Valerius and Adrian moved toward the city.

 

Valerius and Adrian boarded the Knight Bus and reached Westminster City. During the journey, Adrian felt much discomfort and uneasiness. Finally, they reached the Grindelwald Manor of Westminster City, enchanted such that no Muggles could see.

Valerius: "We are going to Berlin, to the Ministry of Magic in Germany, and you will be staying at Nurmengard Castle."

 

Adrian: *looking surprised* "Nurmengard Castle? Isn't that where your Grandfather was imprisoned?"

 

Valerius: "Yes, but it's much more than a prison now. You'll see. We won't be using a portkey, though."

 

Adrian: "How are we getting there then?"

 

Valerius: *summoning his Blue Phoenix* "I have a quicker way. Hold on tight."

 

In a flash of blue flames, Valerius and Adrian were teleported to Nurmengard Castle. The imposing structure loomed before them, and they could feel the magical wards protecting the place.

 

Valerius: "Welcome to Nurmengard."

 

Adrian: *looking around in awe* "It's incredible. The magic here is... intense."

 

As they approached the entrance, the massive doors swung open, and they were greeted by an older man with piercing eyes.

 

Gellert: "Valerius, welcome back. And you must be Adrian. I've heard a lot about you."

 

Adrian: *nervously* "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Grindelwald."

 

Gellert: *smiling* "Come in, let's talk."

 

They entered the grand hall, where the history of the castle seemed to echo in every corner.

 

Suddenly, a girl rushed toward Valerius, colliding with him and causing both of them to fall to the ground.

 

Valerius: *laughing as he helps the girl up* "Carla! What a surprise."

 

Carla: *blushing* "It's been too long brother."

 

Valerius: "No harm done. Adrian, this is Carla, my little Sister."

 

Adrian: "Nice to meet you, Carla."

 

Carla: "Likewise. bother, I have more things to show to you come in come in"

 

Valerius: "Adrian will be staying with us for a while. Gramps and I thought it would be a good idea."

 

Gellert: "Indeed, saving wizard-kind is our duty"

 

Carla "Brother I am waiting to see the Mansion in London, and getting my letter"

 

Valerius "You will soon have one Carla"

 

Gellert: "Let's get you settled in and then we can start discussing what you'll be learning here. Carla, why don't you show Adrian to guest room?"

 

Carla: "Of course. Follow me, Adrian."

 

Valerius: "I'll catch up with you both later. I need to speak with Gramps."

 

Adrian: "Alright. See you later, Valerius."

Carla "Yeah, Yeah, speak with that old man"

Carla led Adrian down a long corridor, chatting excitedly about the castle and its many secrets. Meanwhile, Valerius stayed behind with Gellert, ready to discuss the next steps in their plan.

 

Valerius: "Grandfather, I have some important business to discuss with you."

 

Gellert: "Go on, Valerius. I'm listening."

 

Valerius: "I've been working on a new invention, a device that allows for instant communication over long distances. It's called a fax machine, and I believe it has the potential to revolutionize how we exchange information."

 

Gellert: "A bold move. How do you intend to integrate this technology into the wizarding world?"

 

Valerius: "That's where the German Ministry of Magic comes in. I want to discuss the details with Minister Vogel. If we can get the Ministry's backing, we can ensure the machines are distributed securely and used appropriately within the wizarding community."

 

Gellert: "It sounds like you've thought this through. Do you have a meeting arranged with Anton Vogel?"

 

Valerius: "Yes."

 

Gellert: "You have it, Valerius. This is a brilliant idea, and I believe it could benefit our world greatly. I'll make sure Minister Vogel understands the importance of your invention."

 

Valerius: "Thank you, Grandfather."

 

Gellert: "Of course. Now, let's prepare for your meeting with Minister Vogel. We'll need to present this in the best possible light."

 

Valerius: "Agreed. Placing the manufacturing unit in Germany makes things in our control."

 

Gellert: "Indeed. Let's make sure it succeeds."

 

Valerius felt more confident than ever about his plan. Together, they began preparing for the upcoming meeting with Minister Vogel, determined to bring the fax machine to the wizarding world and usher in a new era of communication.