Chapter 20: Christina's Surrender

An expectant hush followed Christina's authoritative command. She cast her gaze around, only to find some of her masked wizards strangely unresponsive. "What?"

Realization unfurled its wings across her face, painting a portrait of her growing comprehension. They were not her men; she had been infiltrated from the very start.

She noticed that the infiltrators had positioned themselves well. They had effectively trapped her men without any scope for retaliation. Despite the dire situation, her men were stubbornly not facing defeat, trying to look for any space to fight back, but there was none.

Cedric and Wilson's faces morphed into the faces of Carlos and Albernotch. The real Cedric and Wilson walked back into the room accompanied by Grandma Rosier. They triumphantly had a smile on their faces for the success of the plan.

As this truth unfurled, one question remained lodged in Christina's mind. "When did you switch?"

Toby answered her doubt. "From the moment you tumbled into my illusion, the Alliance members went on the offensive, launching both an attack and an attire swap."

Christina's shoulders sagged as if bowing under the weight of her realization. "But from where did they emerge?"

"Remember the suitcase that Cedric was lugging?" Alyssa posed. "It's a clever traceless extension charm in disguise. When Cedric and Prefect Wilson excused themselves to the bathroom, they were supplanted by Grandpa Albernotch and Carlos, respectively, thanks to a Polyjuice potion ."

Alyssa's voice rose with a quiet triumph, "The instant you displayed aggression, we were poised to charge in."

The truth crashed upon Christina with unyielding force, her defeat undeniable. She relinquished her wand to the floor, her posture mirroring the capitulation of her power. "If I surrender, will you ensure my men's safety?"

Alyssa's response was pragmatic, her tone balanced. "Releasing all of you unscathed is impractical. Only the masterminds behind this intricately orchestrated ambush face retribution."

A remorseful smile tugged at Christina's lips. "That'll suffice. Boys, lay down your wands."

"But miss~," said one of the wizards.

"Lay them down, NOW!" yelled Cassandra, her defeated voice left no room for discussion. Wands clattered onto the floor as the wizards dropped their wands.

An unexpected burst of emotion came from Christina, her voice strained. "Alyssa Grindelwald! Every facet of this plan was my design. They're but foot soldiers following my directives. Spare them, and I'll be at your service."

Alyssa's eyes held a genuine inquiry, her voice a blend of curiosity and apprehension. "Why target me?"

Christina's inhalation was deep as if she sought to breathe life into her forthcoming revelation. "We originate from—"

"Magical American Congress of The United States of America, I suppose," Grandma Rosier interjected.

Albernotch's pupils expanded. "MACUSA? How are you related to Percival Graves?"

"He's my grandfather," Christina acknowledged.

Toby turned to Grandma Rosier, baffled. "Who's Percival Graves?"

Grandma Rosier responded, "Percival Graves served as the Director of Aurors in the United States during our time. He also was once an Alliance member."

Toby's brow furrowed. "And the plot thickens."

The tale unfurled from Albernotch, his words punctuated with history. "When Lord Grindelwald ventured to New York, your grandfather wasn't yet aligned with the Alliance. He traced Lord Grindelwald and aimed to apprehend him. Fate played a different hand; he was vanquished. However, Lord Grindelwald didn't chastise him but instead admired him. Conversations spanning days led to your grandfather's conversion, solidifying his membership in The Alliance."

Christina sought clarity, "What happened to my grandfather? After Grindelwald's downfall, he vanished. The Congress' records points to Grindelwald's hand in his demise."

Abernathy sighed, his words bearing a weight of helplessness. "We're in the dark as well..."

Overwhelmed by an avalanche of emotions, Christina's frame found its support in a nearby chair.

Rosier weighed the scenario, her voice a mix of consideration and decision. "Her demise isn't feasible now."

Toby's input was logical, despite the chaos. "Obviously! Why would you kill the descendants of your friends."

Alyssa's voice held wisdom, tinged with pragmatism. "Grandma Rosier's implying she holds value as our eyes and ears within the U.S."

Toby's quest for clarity returned. "Wait, aren't we overlooking a key facet? How did Ms. Graves ascertain Alyssa's Grindelwald heritage?"

Christina's response was swift, a tinge of bewilderment in her words. "I wasn't privy to this knowledge. Only my team and I knew about Alyssa's Grindelwald lineage. The Congress was kept in the dark, knowing merely of a new Alliance heir through a concealed prophecy."

The revelation sparked thoughtful pondering. Rosier's contemplation held insight. "It appears a visit to America is imminent in the future."

In a decisive stride, Austin Greengrass appeared, escorting an unfamiliar man. "Lady Grindelwald, we discovered this man chained upstairs to a wall. He claims to be—"

"Father," Cassandra's silence shattered, her voice laced with both surprise and longing. She rushed to her father, tears embracing her eyes, a hug enveloping her father.

With a deft orchestration, Rosier and Albernotch tactfully guided the group away, giving Christina's group the space they needed. Cedric intended to remain, yet Wilson's intervention proved stronger. Toby also harbored reluctance, but his grandmother's firm hand prevailed.

"Grandma, why drag me out? I wished to offer them comfort," Toby inquired.

Rosier's response was clear-cut. "This is a matter Alyssa must address herself. Cassandra, despite her coercion due to hostage circumstances, still engaged in Alliance conspiracy."

Cedric reassured with hope. "Never fear, Toby. Alyssa possesses the wisdom to resolve this with serenity."

Wilson added his jest, his tone light. "Ignoring that, Toby, how many spells did you devise?"

Toby's rueful smile surfaced. "Well, there's the invisibility, the eclectic one, the mud wall one... so five in total."

"Five!" echoed in an exclamation.

...

As the spectators marveled at Toby's prolific spell creation, a different tale unfolded within the dining hall. Cassandra's sobs still found solace upon her father's shoulders.

Amidst this, Cassandra's father, Thomas Reeves, added his voice, his tone tempered by a father's concern. "Alyssa Grindelwald? I've familiarized myself with your name due to Cassandra's forced collaboration. I implore you, to forgive her. If punishment must be meted out, I'm willing to forfeit my life for my daughter's liberation."

Cassandra, her heart caught between her father and her ideals, spoke, her voice quivering. "Father..."

Alyssa's words resonated with compassion. "Cassandra, tend to your father's needs first. Help him sit and rest."

Cassandra obeyed, ushering her father to a seat, and pouring him water before rejoining Alyssa's side.

"If I truly were a Grindelwald, igniting this mansion would be my first response upon recognizing the trap," Alyssa mused, her tone contemplative. "However, I am Alyssa Grindelwald, a girl presently studying at Hogwarts. My companions are Cedric, Toby, and Wilson."

Alyssa shifted her attention to Cassandra, her tone both firm and forgiving. "Cassandra, I don't hold you accountable. Given your circumstances, your choice was understandable. Anyone would have done the same"

As Alyssa headed to the exit, she left Cassandra with a parting thought. "Remember, I value your audacity, your aspiration for greatness. I won't coerce your allegiance, but should you choose to stand by me, I pledge to treat you as family."

Christina's voice broke the momentary stillness. "Don't fall prey to her tricks, Cassandra. Distance yourself from her manipulation. She's weaving a web around you."

Cassandra, however, remained resolute, her choice clear. "Father, I discern two paths before me. One entails remaining as I am, evolving into an inconspicuous existence, wed to some arbitrary man, trapped within societal confines. The other, Alyssa's path, offers soaring freedom, extraordinary experiences, and a chance to fight for a grander cause alongside my friends. Father, I choose the latter."

Thomas's frustration surged, not yet convinced. "Then we shall witness where this road leads."