Change
The next morning at breakfast, there seemed to be a great deal of unrest among the students. Thoroughly confused, Grey slouched over his cereal, trying unsuccessfully to eavesdrop on nearby students. He was so focused, that he jumped in surprise when Richard sat down next to him, accidentally sloshing the contents of his bowl all down his robes. He grumbled a greeting as he endeavoured to clean his jumper.
Drawing his wand, Richard muttered 'scourgify' instantly solving his predicament.
"Have you heard the news?" His friend muttered, buttering himself some toast.
"Not yet," Mumbled Grey, eyeing a group of loud-talking Gryffindors.
But there was too much background noise to hear what they were saying.
"The Daily Prophet says Grindelwald is in England, there was an attack in a muggle town, Carlisle. They think he's moving north." Richard's tone was dark and filled with foreboding.
"Shit." Whispered Grey.
They could assume what he was doing and the possibilities filled him with dread.
"He wouldn't come to Hogwarts though," He tried to reassure himself.
"It's certainly well protected, but he's powerful," Richard mused.
Grey pushed away his cornflakes, suddenly not hungry anymore. He was hardly shocked that Grindelwald had found him so quickly, considering families like the Malfoys, who had children at Hogwarts, showed him allegiance. There was a chance the dark wizard wasn't here for him or that the rumours were false, but Grey wasn't particularly hopeful.
"What do you want to do today?" Grey asked, changing the subject.
"The library will be packed until this evening so there's no point trying to study until after five. The weather's decent for April, so I could finally show you how to fly?" Richard suggested.
The Ravenclaw scoffed, "I know how to fly."
"Sorry, let me rephrase, I could show you how to fly well."
If only he knew, Grey thought. But they had been talking about flying together with Derric so obviously, he wasn't going to decline.
Once they'd finished their breakfast, Richard hurried off to retrieve his broom and the two wandered down to the deserted Quidditch pitch. It really was a glorious day. The sun was shining and it was almost warm. Birdsong filled the air and the grass was no longer dewy thanks to the warmer sun.
Arriving at the pitch, Richard was quick to mount his broom and do a lap of the goals. An idea struck Grey seeing his friend so distracted. He glanced around and when he was certain the coast was clear, transformed into his raven form.
There was something truly magical about flying up to his friend and watching the confusion as a peculiarly marked raven soared alongside him. Richard did a couple of sudden turns to see if he was actually being mirrored by a bird. Grey made sure to copy his movements nearly perfectly. He heard Richard mutter to himself before glancing to where he'd left Grey. Even more perplexion muddled his features seeing the Ravenclaw's disappearance. Grey could have laughed if it were possible.
Richard descended back to the pitch, peering in every direction. Following, Grey made sure to remain flapping above his head.
"Grey? Where are you?" Richard called, glancing disdainfully at the bird above him.
"GREY?! Grey? Seriously what is your deal?" He flapped his arms in animagus Grey's direction.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Grey changed back, holding his stomach with laughter. Richard practically jumped out of his skin.
"Grey, what the fuck?" He yelled, "You're an animagus?"
Immediately, the Ravenclaw shushed him.
"Sorry," He said, lowering his voice back to normal, "But seriously when the hell did you become an animagus?"
"Over summer." Grey shrugged.
The Slytherin gaped at him.
"How did you not get caught?" He demanded in disbelief.
"The matrons are inattentive?"
"Merlins beard Grey." Richard sighed.
"It's amazing, right?"
"Yes, I'm just surprised."
Grey beamed proudly at his words.
"Wasn't it difficult?" Richard inquired, getting over his initial shock.
"More tedious than difficult, I got lucky with the last step, there was a lightning storm week after I made the potion." He explained.
"Didn't they sense you doing underage magic?"
Grey chuckled, "Thankfully because it's a magical orphanage, like with wizarding families, it's up to the matrons to stop us because the ministry can't sense it. I was sneaky."
Richard looked thoroughly impressed, much to Grey's delight.
"That's incredible!" He exclaimed, "I love your animal form, it's fantastic."
"Thank you." Grinned Grey, as heat rose to his cheeks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The two stayed on the grounds till lunch, taking turns on Richard's broom and also flying together. Grey much-preferred flight as a raven compared to the unsteadiness of a broom. Besides, it was more fun flying alongside Richard. After lunch, they managed to find room in the library to catch up on homework and revision. All in all, it had been a peaceful day.
But something shifted in the evening. On their way to dinner, Grey noticed Mr Duffy (the caretaker) securing the front doors hours earlier than usual. Professor Elks was with him and seemed to be enchanting the large wooden doors. Things only got stranger when they entered the hall. Every staff member bar the two they'd just seen was present, even Nurse Sullivan and Mrs Lorris, the groundskeeper who hardly ever ate in the great hall.
"Is there some feast we didn't know about?" Richard whispered to Grey as they took their seats.
Grey didn't respond, Professor Dippet was approaching the golden owl lecturn. Once everyone was seated, he cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the hall away from the food.
"I apologize for interrupting our dinner, but I have some serious news to impart to you all."
Whispers began to buffet around the room and the headmaster waved his wand for silence.
"This evening, just outside of Hogsmeade village, there was an attack on a wizarding residence, fatally wounding those living there."
A nasty feeling of dread stirred in Grey's stomach. He had a bad feeling he knew what had happened. Exploding walls flashed across his mind.
"The ministry believes the attack to be the work of an obscurial, operating with Gellert Grindelwald," Dippet continued.
More panicked murmurs filled the hall now and Grey exchanged a knowing look with Richard.
"Consequently, Hogwarts has been placed on lockdown until we are informed that the threat has passed. No one is permitted to leave the castle and additional defensive measures have been put in place. Until we are informed it is safe, students will remain in their common rooms and your head of house will escort you to meals and lessons if the lockdown has not lifted by Monday. Co-operation is expected." Dippet finished, returning to his seat at the staff table.
Frantic chatter erupted as dinner continued. Grey had no appetite. He just felt sick. The vision has already happened and it had been Grindelwald all along. That couple was dead.
"Merlin, I hope we're safe here," He mumbled over his empty plate.
Richard looked pale too. Suddenly, he grabbed Grey's hand under the table, squeezing it gently. The gesture calmed the Ravenclaw slightly.
"We are safe here," Richard whispered with a small smile.
He kept holding Grey's hand all through dinner.
Parting was after the meal had never felt so difficult for Grey and the thought of spending most of Sunday without Richard was dismal. His sulk was interrupted, however, when Professor Fallow unexpectantly joined him among the streams of Ravenclaws. The divination teacher forced an envelope into his hand and then ducked away without a single word. Confused, Grey glanced down at the letter in his palm and then tried to spot Fallow over the many heads but the man had vanished.
Before entering the common room, Elks caught him at the door and pulled him aside.
"During this lockdown, you especially I don't want to find wandering the corridors, understand?" He stated firmly.
"Yes, sir," Grey nodded, remembering how many detentions he'd gotten last year for being where he shouldn't be.
"We can all guess why Grindelwald is so close," The teacher added darkly.
Grey felt thoroughly unsettled as he entered the Ravenclaw tower. Avoiding everyone's eyes, he hastened to his room, locking his window as well as his door for good measure. Who's to say Grindelwald didn't have animagi friends too?
Slumping onto his bed beside Twyla, he pulled the letter from his pocket. On the front, in a light cursive hand was simply written his first name,
'Grey'
But it did not look like Fallow's own handwriting. Yet it must have been hand-delivered to him because there was no address. He tore open the top, hoping to quell his confusion. A neatly folded slip of parchment lay within, and opening it, Grey found a letter written in the same elegant hand. It read:
'Dear Grey,
I'm sure by now you are aware that I am looking for you. However if by small odds I am wrong, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Gellert Grindelwald. Much like you, I am a seer yet my abilities though powerful are somewhat limited when it comes to my natural foresight. Unlike you. I would very much like for you to join me, Grey. I believe that together, we could achieve such phenomenal things and you could finally live a life free of pain and oppression, a chance to prove to the world who you truly are.
Of course, as wonderful as this opportunity is, I cannot expect you to be clueless about the lies the press spreads about me. I cannot expect you to disregard the opinions you have likely formed. So to guarantee your cooperation, I have included an incentive. If Elmore has followed my instructions you will have received this letter post the announcement of the incident in the village. Poor Esme and Artagan Rhackam, they should have chosen to honour their pure blood. But no matter, I have shown you what I am capable of.
Tomorrow, you will meet your Professor, Elmore Fallow after breakfast. Bring only your wand. He will escort you out of the castle and to a portkey I have prepared in Hogsmeade which will transport you to me. Failure to do so, including alerting the authorities or staff at Hogwarts will result in thousands more deaths like Esme and Artagans. Hogwarts is not safe from obscurials. So I am sure you understand why complying is necessary.
I look forward to finally making your acquaintance.
For the greater good,
Gellert Grindelwald'
After his name, he'd drawn a small symbol, the triangle cross with a line and a circle.
Unprecedented anxiety flooded Grey causing his hand holding the letter to tremble. He had no choice, he couldn't just let people die because of him. But surely by joining Grindelwald, more people would die anyway. Yet, if Grindelwald could penetrate the castle all these innocent children would be killed, Richard among them. He wouldn't let that happen.
Placing the letter on his bedside table, he pulled Twyla onto his lap, wondering who would care for her while he was gone. One thought stuck out in his mind through the panic - He had to tell Richard. Breakfast tomorrow would be his only option.
Fallow. How long had he been working for Grindelwald? Had he been passing him information all this time? Rage surged in him towards his divination professor. But what could he do? If he did anything to give himself away, then he jeopardized too many lives. It was all so complicated and Grey was terrified. The only comfort he could find was crawling beneath his covers and holding his cat close as scenarios of life with the dark wizard flashed through his head, each more horrible than the last.
Grey did not sleep at all that night. Once he had gotten over his initial horror and fear, he began to plan. This was not something he could face unprepared.
Possesions wise, he'd been instructed to only bring his wand but he couldn't be sure if there would be clothes for him there. He decided it would be best to layer up just in case he didn't get any spares. That and in his visions, it looked like Grindelwald's castle was in the mountains so it would be cold. Next came Twyla. After much thought he theorized that he could ask another Ravenclaw student to look after her, maybe someone younger so they hadn't had years to form a grudge against him.
Once he'd gone missing, he was sure the teachers would search his room for any indication of his whereabouts. By then, he'd already be with Grindelwald and could easily lie because, of course, everyone would suspect the dark wizard anyway. Thinking this reassured Grey about his next idea. He was going to make a copy of the letter and leave it in his room. That way, if his captors asked to see the real letter as proof he hadn't snitched, he could show it to them with no issue.
So, Grey spent just over an hour painstakingly tracing the letter so the handwriting looked identical. All these preparations kept him mostly distracted from the terror he felt. He also planned carefully what he was going to tell Richard. When all his tasks were completed, still wide awake, Grey got back into bed and spent his last hours closely studying his textbooks and trying his best at memorizing any useful-looking spells.
Yet, dawn still came too quickly. As the deep red light began to leak into his little dorm, Grey tried his best to calm his thumping heart. He wanted to be brave. Dressing silently, he watched as morning broke over the castle. Grey tried to memorize every detail, wondering if he'd ever return here. Finally, he pulled a blazer somewhat uncomfortably over one of Richard's thick jumpers. He already had a waistcoat and a long-sleeved shirt beneath, then he laced up his sturdiest pair of shoes.
Stuffing his wand and the letter into his pocket, he took one last look at his dorm. The copy letter lay on the bedside table and Twyla was curled up asleep on the cushioned window seat. His heart gave a painful twinge. He hoped he'd see her again. With a melancholy sigh, he quickly left the room, shutting, but not locking the door behind him.
As it was about six am, the common room was empty. Breakfast wasn't for another two hours but Grey had a plan. He settled himself on a window seat and waited patiently for the early bird students to rise. While he waited, like with the castle, he did his best to preserve the peaceful picture of the Ravenclaw common room in his mind. And every minute, his anxiety continued to grow.
About forty-five minutes later, the first few students began to wake, trailing into the common room to await their escort. Grey studied each of them closely as they entered. He finally settled on a second-year girl who just so happened to have her own tabby cat beside her. She looked rather startled when Grey approached so he did his best to put on a friendly smile.
"I'm so sorry to bother you," He started politely, "But I was wondering if I might ask a favour of you."
Her expression faltered with unease.
"What is it?" She asked quietly.
Grey moved back slightly so as not to encroach on her personal space.
"After last night's news, my parents have decided to bring me home," He lied with ease, "The only problem is, my cousin is staying and he's deathly allergic to cats so my parents told me I can't bring my cat, Twyla, home with me. So, I wondered, after seeing how well cared for your cat is,"
Her face softened at his words.
"If you wouldn't mind feeding and looking after my cat while I'm gone. I shouldn't be away long, just until this all blows over." He finished with another kind smile.
"Alright, just until you're back." The girl said hesitantly.
Relief briefly flooded Grey.
"Thank you so much. She's in my room. Don't worry, she's very friendly."
Then he darted off before she could say another word. But he felt satisfied with his lie and knowing Twyla would be cared for eased a weight off his mind.
The common room continued to fill and Grey would have been grateful when Elks turned up if he didn't know what came next. Thankfully, the charms professor did not attempt conversation with him as Ravenclaw filed through the corridors. To keep his composure, Grey returned to his old comfort, nails in his palms. Elks didn't leave them until they were seated in the great hall and much to Grey's relief, the Slytherins were already there.
He descended into his usual seat beside Richard. Scanning the staff table, he saw Fallow wasn't present so he surmised that now was as good a time as any. He loaded his plate with food and then nudged Richard.
"Read what I pass you. Keep it under the table and don't react to what it says. When you're done just keep eating and pass it back to me." He whispered desperately trying to keep his voice steady.
He could tell Richard was confused so he just passed him the letter. Keeping an eye on the doors, Grey began to eat as Richard read. He didn't have any appetite but he had no idea when his next meal would be.
The only indication Grey got from his friend about his reaction was the subtle sound of Richard's breaths speeding up and the whites of his knuckles around his fork. After several minutes, he felt the Slytherin pass back the letter which he rapidly shoved back in his pocket.
"What are you going to do?" Richard muttered tensely.
Grey refused to look at him, fearing they were being watched.
"Do as it says," He whispered. His tone was void of emotion because he didn't trust himself.
A painful silence lapsed between them. As the Hufflepuffs were led into the hall, Richard finally spoke.
"I'm coming with you." He stated firmly.
Grey couldn't contain himself, he swivelled to look at his friend as panic surged inside him.
"You can't!" He hissed.
But Richard looked strangely calm. his features were blank bar a flicker of some unrecognizable emotion behind his brown eyes.
"I'm coming. We're not leaving each other," He murmured, returning to his breakfast.
Grey had no idea what to say as a mixture of gratitude, anxiety, and despair churned unpleasantly in his stomach. So instead of responding, he grabbed Richard's free hand under the table, holding it tightly. Richard grasped his back. They didn't let go all through the meal.
Professor Fallow entered the hall after the Gryffindors, immediately locking eyes with Grey. The man held a stoic expression as he passed toward the teacher's table but he continued to watch Grey throughout the breakfast. No-one noticed.
When the meal ended, Richard subtly joined the huddle of Ravenclaws leaving the hall, unnoticed as everyone was not in robes. No longer holding hands, both boys kept their heads down as they exited. When they were certain that nobody was looking, they ducked into a side passage behind a false wall and waited tensely.
"Will he find us here?" Richard asked in a hushed tone.
"You shouldn't have come with me," Grey muttered.
So many awful scenarios were flooding his head. What if they hurt Richard for knowing, or worse? His hands were trembling.
"I'm not losing you too," Richard responded.
There was an edge to his voice like he was on the cusp of tears. Turning, Grey surveyed his friend. Richard was staring at him with a panicked expression that Grey had never seen before. It made his heart ache with despair.
He wasn't sure what prompted him to do it. But as he did, he wondered why he hadn't done it sooner. Reaching up, he gently cupped Richard's face and standing on his tiptoes, softly pressed his lips against his.
For a moment, Richard stood rigid and Grey was worried he'd made a mistake. But then, the boy's arms encircled his waist and he deepened the kiss. In the dark corridor, their hearts beat strongly with both fear and their newfound emotions. Yet it didn't scare Grey, it just felt right.
Eventually, they pulled apart, faces flushed, but both smiling.
"That-" Grey began but Richard cut him off with a small chuckle.
"-was late."
Grey felt his cheeks redden even more.
"Sorry," He snorted, laughing slightly.
Richard just wrapped an arm around his shoulders, slumping back against the wall.
"You shouldn't be laughing, we're about to be kidnapped." He scolded playfully.
Leaning into him, Grey felt his anxiety spike again. It still felt dangerous to bring Richard, even more so now. Yet, he was selfishly glad that he wasn't alone.
Seconds later, the form of Professor Fallow appeared through the false wall. The boys separated and Grey, glaring, gripped his wand in his pocket. Almost immediately, Fallow noticed Richard and his face hardened.
"Why is he here, Grey?" He asked sternly, drawing his wand.
Instantly, Grey raised his but Richard interrupted them with deadly confidence.
"I'm going too. And if you try and stop me I will yell so loud, everyone in the castle will hear." He stated.
Fallow glared coldly at the Slytherin.
"I could just kill you," He hissed.
Richard didn't flinch but Grey did as he shakily moved in front of Richard.
"If you hurt him, I will hurt you. You've taught me, professor," He spat the last word with venom, "You should know I don't back down from a fight."
Fallow's expression was deathly cold as he twirled his wand.
"Fine," He sneered at Grey, "But on your head be it. Follow me,"
He began to lead them down the passageways of the castle. Grey followed silently, the adrenaline quickly fading from his system. He had long since accepted that this was happening but he couldn't shake the dread in the pit of his stomach. Richard remained a sentinel at his side.
They merged on the fourth floor, opposite a mirror. The divination professor checked thoroughly that the coast was clear before ushering them across the hallway.
"This will take us to Hogsmeade," He muttered, pulling back the mirror to reveal another secret passage.
As they entered, Grey noticed Richard tap the wall with his wand, marking it with a scorched arrow before darting inside. thankfully, Fallow was too preoccupied checking his watch to notice. When Grey sent his friend a questioning glance, he simply held his finger to his lips and continued wordlessly on.
Once inside, the three lit their wands. The passageway smelt of wet earth and was wide enough to hold dozens of people. It curved downwards at first then leveled out into what appeared to be a large tunnel, partially carved from an existent cave system. The path was consequentially rocky and uneven and it was extremely cold. Grey saw Richard shivering, so having plenty of layers, he shrugged off his blazer and handed it over. Richard accepted it with a grateful smile.
As they trekked onwards, Grey felt no desire to converse with the divination teacher. Indeed, there were a great many things he'd like to say to him, but he worried that Richard would suffer if he overstepped his bounds. Now they were away from the castle, it felt like a very possible threat. So instead, grey walked diligently between Fallow and Richard, ready to act if anything happened.
After half an hour of tense walking, the tunnel began to narrow and slope upwards. Roots started to become visible, trailed in spiderwebs that the three had to duck to avoid. Eventually, they reached what looked like a circular trapdoor, barely a meter in diameter set into the ceiling. Fallow stopped in his tracks, lowering his wand toward the two boys.
"When we exit, you will remain silent. One word and I will kill Mr Myers, understand?" He ordered.
Grey nodded silently, terrified by the prospect.
Reaching up, Fallow pushed open the trapdoor and sunlight flooded the tunnel. He helped Grey through the hole first. The Ravenclaw found himself emerging from an upturned barrel in a back alley of Hogsmeade. With a funny jolt, he realized it was the same alleyway that Dumbledore had pulled Newt into behind the Hog's Head.
He could hear Richard clambering out behind him but his attention was drawn to the figure standing hunched in the shadows of the alley. His dark hair was longer now, falling to his shoulders but his eyes were still sunken into his pale face. Credence was dressed smartly in a teal shirt and a long dark overcoat. A wand was held tightly in his hand.
"Who's the second?" He asked hoarsely as Fallow climbed from the barrel.
"An unexpected addition." The professor stated disdainfully.
Credence surveyed the two. It struck Grey that he didn't look much older than twenty, yet he was still alive. Grey was sure obscurials never lived past childhood. Sympathy stirred in him for Credence, but then he remembered Esme and Artagan. They hadn't deserved to die.
Suddenly, Fallow shoved him forward.
"Two minutes, you better grab the tankard." He commanded.
The teenagers exchanged anxious glances as they hesitantly took hold of the dented tankard that Credence produced. Grey took one last look at the rooftops of Hogsmeade as hopelessness filled him. This was it.
Richard's hand slipped into his unexpectantly, caressing the back of his knuckles with his thumb. It brought Grey little comfort. He half expected Fallow to accompany them but the professor hung back near the barrel, just watching.
A loud CRACK resounded in the alleyway. A sensation Grey could only describe as a hook behind his navel overcame him as he was suddenly jammed into a swirl of twisting shapes.
Yet, Richard's hand never left his.