The young wizard, slightly taller than a cigarette box, stood on the vast bedsheet, pondering how his magic's power had become akin to a toy trick, when he suddenly heard the faint purring of a feline.
The cat prowled around, waiting for the right moment, and suddenly pounced forward like a thunderstorm, swift as a whirlwind, its fluffy fur flying wildly. It spread its front paws wide, its open mouth seemingly emitting a silent roar.
The young wizard ahead abruptly turned around, pointing with his toothpick-like magic wand—
"Aguamenti!"
"Poosh!"
A stream of water with undeniable force directly hit the cat's nose, startling it, causing a miserable "meow" as it jumped twice in the air, then fell onto the bed, rolling and pawing at its nose.
Fortunately, the small magic wand didn't produce much water, and the cat cleaned itself up after a few attempts. The cat looked at the tiny human in shock and fear, its pupils widened in terror.
—How annoying!
Though this human had shrunk, they had mastered its greatest weakness!
The cat stared straight at its opponent, yet saw that the human showed no sign of relaxation or fear, but instead raised that "toothpick" again.
"Meow—"
The cat screamed, assumed a pouncing posture, leaped forward, then quickly retreated like a gust of wind, hiding in a narrow gap behind the cabinet, its hind legs pushing against the ground, squeezing its plump and round body inside.
This scene was clearly reflected on a silver-white liquid surface, seeing the cat twist and curl, Grindelwald couldn't help but laugh.
"Let's go, it seems Ursula can only do this much."
The young man behind bowed his head as if embarrassed for his leader.
…
Intimidating a water-fearing cat didn't give Vid much cause for pride.
He was about to test if the Unlocking Charm could unlock the door, when the latch turned by itself, followed by two strangers walking in from outside.
One old, one young.
One looking weak and weary, the other robust and burly, even clad in a wizard robe, his muscular contours were apparent.
Vid glanced around, then focused on the elderly man who was terrifyingly thin.
His hair was almost entirely white, his blue eyes exceedingly sharp, though thin to the bones, even as just a skeleton, he exuded an extraordinary handsomeness.
He gave the impression that even at two hundred years old, he could effortlessly strut down a runway.
Vid fell silent.
—Impossible… just out of jail, and already capable of accurately kidnapping in London?
Then Vid remembered, the prison housing this man—Nimongard—was seemingly constructed by him personally.
He remained within that prison not because he couldn't leave, but because he refused to.
Knowing Nimongard's management were all Grindelwald's people, Vid wasn't at all surprised, whether actively or passively aiding in concealing the escape news for a few days seemed… quite reasonable.
Vid didn't speak, but the other party didn't maintain silence.
Grindelwald entered the room, calmly sat in the only chair, the other blond man stood with hands behind him slightly behind Grindelwald.
"Please sit, my young guest." Grindelwald gestured, smiling: "I hope Ursula didn't scare you."
"Apologies, seems I scared it instead." Vid said: "Moreover, where I'm from, there's no custom for guests to speak while standing on beds."
"Hahaha…"
Grindelwald laughed aloud, his throat seemingly injured, making his laughter somewhat hoarse.
"Apologies, this indeed was our mistake."
He laughed while gesturing to the wizard beside him.
The blond wizard stepped forward, took out a small bottle, used his magic wand to draw a few drops of potion, landing upon Vid.
His body quickly rose in height, the blond wizard simultaneously undid the Shrinking Spell on his clothes, moments later, Vid had returned to his original size.
Unable to resist, Vid stretched his arms, feeling the familiar sensation of his own strength and magic power again, feeling much more at ease.
Then he took out his magic wand, promptly dumbfounded.
The magic wand remained at toothpick-like size, looking pitifully small pinched between fingers.
"Oh, right." Grindelwald laughed again, taking a wand out of his pocket, saying: "This is your magic wand, that one was merely borrowed from a little friend for a toy."
Vid: "…"
As the veins throbbed slightly at his temple, he realized Grindelwald's casual yet friendly attitude was beneficial to him.
Or rather, when he awoke on the bed, discovering he wasn't restrained or imprisoned, he knew he needn't worry for his life's safety for now.
Not knowing what the other desired from him, or how long this friendly demeanor could last.
Vid silently put down the toothpick wand, picked up his own wand, casually cast a Scouring Charm.
The magic power flowed smoothly and naturally, the cupboard instantly became spotless, clean enough it seemed to shine.
This was the familiar spell effect he knew.
As the toothpick wand was set down on the table, a fairy flew down from the chandelier, grabbing the toothpick wand with both hands, buzzing furiously at the few people, though incomprehensible, evidently cursing profusely.
After several angry insults, the fairy aggrievedly grasped its wand, flew back above the chandelier, leaving a trail of beautiful golden light.
Vid: "…"