96. Abernathy's Secret

"Where are you going?" Abernathy stopped and turned his head. Krall was looking down on him and opposing him.

"I don't think I need to tell you where I'm going," Abernathy said coldly.

"What is it, Abernathy? What gives you the audacity to talk to me like this?" Krall retorted.

"Saving Grindelwald makes you think you can act superior? You think you can treat us like shit?"

"You're a bastard! Know your place!" Krall's finger poked Abernathy's heart, causing a subtle sting.

Compared to the tall and handsome Krall, Abernathy was short, small, and unremarkable in appearance. Krall looked down on him, treating him like a lucky boy.

Ever since Grindelwald was released from prison, Krall noticed a decline in his trust. It was a warning sign. As a wizard belonging to a MACUSA, Abernathy's involvement with Grindelwald and the events in Europe shouldn't concern him. Yet, here he was, standing next to Grindelwald.

The composition of Grindelwald's followers was complex. Most were ordinary wizards bewitched by his ideology of "wizards ruling the world." Surprisingly, there were also many Muggle-born wizards among them. Grindelwald's philosophy was peculiar. He ignored pure blood and mixed blood distinctions, only seeing wizards, squibs, and Muggles. He showed kindness and patience to every wizard, attracting Muggle-born wizards who felt discriminated against in the wizarding world.

However, there were also a significant number of opportunists. Krall was one of them. That was why he traveled from Japan's magical world to Europe to follow Grindelwald.

Differences in motives, identities, and fighting abilities existed among Grindelwald's followers. Historically, pure-blood wizards possessed greater magical knowledge and resources, leading to higher achievements compared to Muggle-born and mixed-blood wizards. This was one of the foundations of the pure-blood theory. Although Grindelwald didn't categorize wizards into different hierarchies, he believed in the theory of strength. Consequently, the majority of high-ranking members in the Witch Cult Party were pure-blood wizards and nobles.

In the past, Grindelwald had always trusted Krall and others. However, since escaping from prison, Krall had sensed Grindelwald growing distant. It was subtle, but Krall noticed. He couldn't understand it. Suddenly, Abernathy, whom Krall disdained as a nobody with no surname, appeared, and Grindelwald began taking him everywhere.

That used to be Krall treatment.

This sense of crisis, combined with Krall's disdain for Abernathy, a lowly bastard, intensified his hostility towards him. Abernathy observed Krall proudly displaying his power, as he usually did.

Krall was dissatisfied with Abernathy's performance, expecting him to be trembling with fear by now!

"Krall," Abernathy said. Krall immediately understood why Abernathy, typically timid, showed no fear at all.

"Sir-" Abernathy didn't see any trembling from Krall, so he decided to give it a try himself.

Grindelwald's figure appeared behind them. He glanced at Krall coldly. "Abernathy is our companion and comrade-in-arms. You shouldn't behave like this."

The calmness in Grindelwald's tone scared Krall even more.

"Let's all focus on our work," Grindelwald said, indicating his lack of interest in pursuing the matter. Krall couldn't believe it.

However, he didn't notice Abernathy spitting out the snake letter or the illusion-like flash of his cold vertical pupils.

"Where were you planning to go just now?" Abernathy stood behind Grindelwald.

"I was going to find my family," Abernathy replied without expression.

"You have changed a lot," Grindelwald said, patting Abernathy's shoulder with satisfaction.

Although Grindelwald had persuaded Abernathy and was now willing to fight for the "greater good," Grindelwald knew that Abernathy was not truly willing. In other words, from a certain perspective, Abernathy and Krall were the same. They were both Greedy and wanted to gain something for themselves by serving others.

There was nothing wrong with this. The hustle and bustle in the world is all for personal benefit.

Abernathy possessed a unique talent that Grindelwald recently discovered. His sense of smell was comparable to magic, making him indispensable in the search for Aurelius.

As soon as they arrived in Portugal, Abernathy was certain that Credence had been there. He then discovered that Albus Dumbledore had also visited, allowing them to trace his steps to France.

Aurelius had been in Portugal three months prior. What an extraordinary sense of smell Abernathy had!

This talent of Abernathy's was the reason why Grindelwald valued him, despite being dissatisfied with his character.

Perhaps Abernathy had become one of those old fools who wasted time and fooled around due to his long stay in the Magical Society.

However, Grindelwald noticed a change in Abernathy today. He had begun to take care of his appearance. His greasy hair was now neat, and his old-fashioned clothes were replaced with a clean three-piece windbreaker suit. The only thing that remained incongruous was his habit of wearing a top hat pulled low. These objects are still foreign. What surprised Grindelwald even more was how he gradually became more comfortable. He grew taciturn and started taking his work more seriously. This brought Grindelwald great satisfaction. Followers continuously improved by following him, which gave Grindelwald a different sense of accomplishment.

"Any progress?" Grindelwald asked with concern.

Abernathy shook his head, his eyes filled with confusion. "No."

"I have news," Grindelwald said softly.

Abernathy looked at Grindelwald in surprise. He had received Grindelwald's promise to help him find his family, but he didn't hold much hope after 20 years of searching with no results. 

"We found the shipwreck from that year. There were 462 people on board, and only 47 survivors. Your family is part of those 462 people."

"Over 400 people? Only 47 survived?" Abernathy's voice trembled.

Grindelwald patted him on the shoulder. "Honestly, it's unlikely that your family is still alive."

Abernathy's nostrils flared as he inhaled and exhaled. He lowered his head and spoke with unprecedented determination. "I... I still have to find them, even if it's just a name, a body, a tombstone."