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Each step Ariadne took brought her closer to her chance at death. The streets were littered with people as she weaved through the crowd. The sky was covered in grey, threatening to downpour at any moment. Brown leaves flowed through the air and Ariadne tilted her head to the side. Eyes connected with hers as she looked away. Unlike yesterday, her intimidator wanted her to know, find the eyes on her, making sure she played by the rules.
When she lost one of her stalkers, someone else replaced them. A pair of eyes forever following her journey. She had left the unease of her home a couple of hours ago, her morning consisted of an awkward breakfast with Theseus and the whole auror office wishing her well. Although, she didn't want luck. She wanted answers. She wanted Grindelwald locked away. She wanted his chaos to stop.
Her steps were lighter as she approached the destination. It was a small courtyard. One terrifyingly identical to the scenery in her dream. Grey bricks paved the floor while a small fountain stood in the middle. To the side, a figure, staring into the waters. His coat covered his body while grey stubble covered his chin. There in all his glory, stood the man that petrified others.
"I was afraid you'd lead me on a cat and mouse chase," she began, walking slowly around the courtyard. She was examining the exterior for any little details. Something to ground her while putting distance between them.
"I'm a man of my words, Ariadne," Grindelwald spoke smoothly and casually. There was nothing in his tone to insinuate anything and Ariadne wouldn't dare read his mind.
"Is that why you sent everyone to keep an eye on me?" she questioned boldly.
"A careful precaution. You would understand," he articulated.
"Would I?"
"I think you and I both know the ministry is failing," he mused as if his words didn't carry weight. If Ariadne didn't know any better, she would have assumed he was bored, but he was calculated and precise. If he wanted to act disinterested, she would play his game.
"Maybe, but at least their ways aren't as monstrous as yours."
"Mine? There is power in violence," unlike her, there was no malice in his voice. He acted like a patient teacher with his students, turning everything into a lesson.
"Violence is not the way to solve everything. Makes you a tyrant," she argued.
"Violence is the way I get them to listen," he chided, strength now in his voice.
"And what do you want? What is it that you need everyone listening for?"
"Peace, between muggles and the magic world," Grindelwald replied steadily and Ariadne hid her surprise. Lies, she wanted to scream out but his words were so compelling. "If we want peace, we must prepare for a war."
"Your followers don't think the same," she shot back. She was fighting herself. She had one foot over the edge. He could see it. His words were silky and glowed like honey. Peace between the magic and non was everything she stood for. She had been surrounded by muggle prejudice throughout her younger years. Peace would mean more unbroken families. More wizards who didn't end up like Edwin. It would stop the whisper between muggles of evil magic and would let those who possessed magic to live safely amongst them. Grindelwald had the power to bring peace. Question was, how would he do it?
"Their anger is useful," he answered.
"Is that what my father knows?" she challenged.
"Silas Nott knows of our goal."
"Then, I think you and I have very different definitions of peace," Ariadne declared. "Why did you want to meet me? Why did you send Flint to find me?"
"I have heard of your exceptional skill, especially in your workplace," Grindelwald took a step forward, "I would rather your great potential not be wasted in a cause so pathetic."
"Here to recruit me?" she responded, hoping to buy time. Her thoughts were haywire. She concealed her emotions, planting an apathetic look on her features.
"If you would make it so," he affirmed, "What do you say?" There was a slight pull in her heart. His appeal was alluring. He would do so much more than she could do in the Ministry. In the corner of her eyes, she could see shadows moving within the courtyard. There were wands pointing at him.
"I think-" she hoped he couldn't tell she was stalling, but before she could finish her sentence, a charm was sent her way and she fell to the floor. Unconscious.
[769 words]