Grey Wings|| A Hogwarts Story

Two more weeks passed in the dark castle. Grey settled into his routine, never fully lowering his guard, but still trying to make the most of his captivity. 

The benefit he found in learning dark magic, was understanding how to counter it. Rosier was a much more competent teacher compared to the reptile man and always made sure to teach them the countercurses. Granted, it was only because she liked to make them duel and didn't want to clean up the accidents. But both Richard and Grey were putting more practice into the defensive magic behind her back and had actually picked up some useful tricks. If they ever sat there OWLs, Grey was certain they would both get Os in Defense against the dark arts. 

Grey had not received a reply or sent any more patronus messages. He didn't want to push his luck, besides, he was sure he hadn't got an answer from Hogwarts because they thought it too risky. 

Over the last fortnight, Grey had endured three more visions too. However, once again he directed them to useless things, twice to random public transport incidents and most recently to the creepy yet odd discovery that the Hogwarts thestrals had had foals. But Grey knew that Grindelwald was growing more frustrated and suspicious at the lack of results. He'd noticed the man's cold glances and snide remarks towards Richard were increasing and by the fourth Friday at Numengard, he was positive if he didn't give Grindelwald something in his next vision, Richard would suffer the consequences. 

Of course, he'd voiced these fears to the Slytherin but Richard was far too consumed with his research to be concerned. Nearly three weeks on from their conversation with Aurelias, Grey was losing hope that they'd ever find anything in the tiny library. 

Nevertheless, Richard persisted. They had learnt a new spell, Discoperiet, which could translate languages into your native tongue depending on the second word of the spell. To translate things into English, the incantation was Discoperiet Anglicus. Even with the ability to read all the books, they had still found nothing. Granted there were hundreds of texts but after reading several dozen over the last few weeks, Grey was feeling thoroughly discouraged. 

That fourth Friday at Numengard, after a particularly uncomfortable lunch, Grey was pacing anxiously around the small library, while Richard poured over a Danish novel about binding magic. 

"There's a lot on unbreakable vows," He muttered absentmindedly. 

"Do you think unbreakable vows are worse than blood pacts?" Grey pondered while tracing his fingers along the wooden shelves. 

"I don't know, they both sound as bad as each other."

Grey made a noise of agreement. 

"I wonder if blood pacts are as lethal to break, I wouldn't be surprised-"

But Grey paused mid-ramble, staring at the shelf he'd been tracing. He was positive he had just touched what felt suspiciously like a small button. After a moment's searching, he found the anomaly. It was practically unnoticeable to the passing eye but sure enough, a little round lump, no bigger than a counter, stuck out from the low shelf. 

"What wouldn't you be surprised about?" Richard queried, still consumed in his book.

Grey didn't respond. With a heavy beating heart, he attempted to press the piece of wood. It sunk into the shelf. A quiet click sounded across the room and Grey swivelled to see a panel by the door had flipped open. 

"What did you do?" Richard moaned as Grey scurried over to inspect the compartment. 

To his excitement, he found a book inside and when he pulled it into the dim light, the familiar silver embossed vial glimmered in 2D on the leather cover. 

"This is it," He spluttered in disbelief, shutting the compartment and hurrying to Richard. 

"This is the book, that's the blood pact!" He frantically tapped the cover. 

Richard released an apprehensive breath, taking the book from Grey.

"It's in Greek, I think," He observed.

Grey didn't hesitate to pull out his wand, muttering "Discoperiet Anglicus". With a silvery flourish, the words twisted into English, displaying the title"

"The Binding of The Blood. By Godelot."

Turning to the contents page, Grey leaned over Richard's shoulder and scanned the chapter names. It was a fairly small text and only had four chapters: Introduction, The Ritual, The Results, and The Risks. 

"Might as well starts from the beginning, shouldn't take too long," He glanced up at Grey, "I'll read out anything important."

"Ok," Grey agreed and waited tensely as Richard started to rapidly skim read. In the meantime, he went over everything they already knew in his head, reminding himself of all their clues. 

"Here's something," Richard muttered suddenly, and Grey snapped to attention. 

"Much like the unbreakable vow, a blood pact acts as a magically binding contract. But its uses, though much deadlier, have many more possibilities. For example, the witches or wizards creating it could base it on a promise or agreement, a task to be completed or simply a shared state of mind. Additionally, more than two participants can partake in the making of the pact which makes it a much more versatile option compared to the unbreakable vow. The act of then combining one's blood is far more personal than the aforementioned vow and any violation of the pact, even doubt can have painful consequences."

Both boys exchanged concerned glances.

"Sounds dangerous," Mumbled Richard.

"Go to Risks."

Richard complied, beginning to scan the final chapter. Looking over his shoulder, Grey also speed-read the pages. There were all sorts of warnings about violating or breaking the pact, but what caught his eye was the subsection listing possible malfunctions. 

The passage that drew his attention was a paragraph labelled: 'The Càraid Child '. His mind was instantly flagged to what Aurelias had said - Grindelwald immediately began searching for a magical youth. Nothing else in the book had so far mentioned anyone outside of those making the blood pact. If he was somehow linked - 

Mid-thought, he pulled a chair up beside Richard. 

"Do you mind if I have a quick look?" He asked quietly. 

Richard nodded, handing him the book and Grey began to read in silence. 

"The Càraid Child (pronounced Cah-reach) is a phenomenon, or rather, malfunction of the blood pacts magic. It only occurs when the participants in the ritual share genuine romantic feelings for one another, and even in those conditions it is incredibly rare. What occurs, is the combined blood and magic produce an infant, usually unbeknownst to the participants. This child, a perfect mix of the 'parents', will appear not far from the ritual site. Only two instances of this malfunction have ever been recorded. The first was Farveld Drechslerg, The Càraid Child of Gaufrid Drechslerg and Fridumar Boycee in Europe 1065. The second was Ríona Macdougalls, The Càriad Child of Sìleas and Tréasa Macdougalls in 1347. Both cases grew up healthy and with magic and with no differences from other magical youth aside from more unusual appearances. Eg: strange hair or eye colour, large birthmarks...

Grey shakily passed the book back to Richard, tapping the section he'd just read. Could this be what he was? Some magical malfunction. It would explain why Grindelwald sought him and why he was found seemingly abandoned on a road in a wizard settlement. But if it were true, who-

He was ripped from his frantic thoughts by the approaching sound of heavy footsteps. His chair scraped loudly as he leapt to his feet, snatching the book from Richard and desperately trying to locate the tiny button. 

"Grey!?" Richard exclaimed loudly, just as the door opened. 

Backing into the far wall, Grey held the book behind his back, breathing heavily. Grindelwald stood framed imposingly in the doorway. He surveyed them both closely. 

"Afternoon," He greeted.

There was an unmistakable sharpness in his voice. 

"I thought I might find you here Grey, Queenie informed me that the two of you spend an awful lot of time, shut up in this room."

Grindelwald smirked as his eyes flickered over the bookshelves. Grey's hands were starting to sweat. Meanwhile, Richard had risen to his feet, strolling over to Grey. 

"Yes," He smiled politely, "Grey and I enjoy reading more than most."

The dark wizard took a step into the room.

"And what is your subject of study today?" He inquired, scanning the volume on the table, "Binding magic? A bit advanced don't you think?" 

He knows Grey thought hopelessly as unparalleled dread filled him. 

"We like to challenge ourselves." Richard retorted smoothly. 

For once, Grey wished he would stop talking. Grindelwald's unmatching eyes were cold. 

"What about you Grey, what is your book of choice?" Grindelwald continued, as he pushed the door closed. 

"We were both reading that book." He stated blankly. 

Grindelwald pursed his lips. 

"Then what do you have behind your back?"

"My notebook," He answered carefully. 

"And where did you get said notebook?"

Grey cursed internally. 

"Queenie gave it to me."

The expression on Grindelwalds face darkened. Grey's heart seemed to freeze in his chest. 

"I am growing very tired of your lies, Grey." Sighed Grindelwald. 

Richard shifted nervously beside him.

"Show me the book."

A pang of courage flared in grey.

"Why?" He demanded stoically. 

Grindelwald seemed surprised and frustrated at his sudden nerve. 

"I will not ask again."

The calmness of his words was frightening. But Grey gripped the book tighter. 

In an instant, Grindelwald's hand was raised and instinctually, Grey responded. He pulled out his wand and threw up a shield charm. 

Grindelwald's face turned sound and Grey's hand tremebeld. 

Before he had a chance to process, the dark wizard had flown across the room, grabbing Richard's neck and forcing him into the wall beside Grey. Instantly, he brandished his wand at the man. 

"Let him go."

Grindelwald smirked as Richard gasped frantically for breath. 

"Are you going to fight me, Grey?" 

There was amusement in his tone.

"I said let him go."

But the tremble in his voice betrayed him.

"Go on child, do it," Grindelwald murmured. 

Grey couldn't bring himself to meet Richard's panicked eyes. Grindelwald sighed. 

"I didn't think so."

But the taunting words sparked something in the boy and the gasps of his friend ignited it. 

"Now, give me the book -"

"STUPEFY!"

The flash of red left Grey's wand before he could process what he had done.

The spell didn't hit.

In a flash of movement, Grindelwald had deflected the curse, sending it crashing into a bookshelf. He snatched Grey's wand from his hand and tossed it across the room. Outside, footsteps could be heard approaching. 

"You are foolish. Now give me the book." He commanded. 

Seeing no alternative, Grey relented and held out the small volume. A tense look of angered realisation washed across the dark wizard's face. He took the book, simultaneously releasing Richard. Red-faced and wheezing, the Slytherin collapsed into a sheep on the floor, clutching at his throat. Grey moved towards him, but a firm grip on his arm prevented reaching him. Pleadingly, he looked up at Grindelwald.

"Please," He begged, trying to reach for Richard.

Grindelwald just raised his eyebrows. 

"No."

With that, he began to drag Grey by the arm from the room. 

Grey cursed and yelled. He scratched and clawed at the hand holding him. But Grindelwald's grip and stride never faltered. They passed a steel-faced Rosier in the hallway and Grindelwald turned to her.

"Deal with the other," He ordered, "You know what to do."

Sheer panic filled Grey and he fought even harder. Grindelwald was too strong. His efforts had little to no effect. 

Three torturous corridors later, Grey was being forced inside the dark wizard's office. As soon as they were through the door, Grindelwald locked it with magic, still holding Grey. The young wizard was hardly bothered that he didn't have his wand as his nails tore at the man's hand. Finally, he was released and Grindelwald placed the book on his desk.

"I'm disappointed in you Grey," The man sighed. 

Grey scoffed, "You think I care?"

He was ignored. 

"After all my warnings, you go behind my back, manipulating Aurelias for information and lying," Grindelwald continued, "And now, Richard has suffered for your choices."

Grey scanned the room for anything that could be used as a weapon. 

"I'd tell you that your actions have consequences, but I would have thought you'd have learnt that by now."

"Your actions will have consequences in a minute," Grey seethed.

The lunascope across the room could be a good bludgeoning tool. Yet, Grindelwald just laughed coldly. 

"Did you really think I wouldn't uncover your deceptions?"

"And what deceptions would those be?" Grey answered in the most obnoxiously innocent tone he could manage. 

The dark wizard was not amused. 

"Besides, what about your deception?" Grey added bitterly. 

"I have never lied to you."

"No, but you have consistently dodged truths."

Grindelwald's jaw visibly clenched. 

"And what truths would you be referring to?"

"Am I a Càraid Child?" Grey asked strongly. 

Grindelwald's eyes flickered to the volume on the desk. 

"Yes." He answered plainly. 

At his confirmation, with perfect fluidity, every clue slotted into place in Grey's mind. The visions, the theories, everything suddenly made sense. And it forced nausea to rave in his stomach. 

"Is Dumbledore my father?" Grey nearly choked on his words. 

Surveying him closely, Grindelwald's face suddenly seemed expressionless. 

"Yes."

One word. One word was enough to send his world spiralling. The clarity was overwhelming but one desperate question still screamed in his head.

"Who did he make the blood pact with?"

But Grindelwald was silent. Grey's heart was beating so rapidly, he worried it might break his ribs. He couldn't take it. 

"JUST TELL ME!"

Somehow, sadness glimmered in Grindelwald's eyes. The man sighed.

"Me."

No. NO!

He wouldn't believe it.

He couldn't.

Gellert Grindelwald was not his father. 

Tears were falling from Grey's eyes as he backed up against the door. He despised how much his life made sense.

"I hate you."

The quivering words passed so quietly through his lips. 

Grindelwald was unaffected by the sentence. He slowly walked up to Grey, reaching forward to brush the tears away with his thumb. His hand remained against Grey's face.

"Do you hate Dumbledore?" He asked calmly. 

"I don't know," Whimpered Grey.

"We are the same, him and I. If you hate me, you hate him too."

Grey didn't know what else to do but nod. 

With such juxtaposing gentleness, Grindelwald pulled Grey into a soft embrace. The distraught boy wanted to push away but he was trapped by the door. 

"You may hate me now," Grindelwald murmured, "But you will learn to love me."

"I will never love you." Grey hissed against his shoulder.

He felt Grindelwald chuckle.

"You will learn."

Finally, Grey mustered enough strength to force himself from the dark wizard's arms. Unperturbed, Grindelwald strode to his desk, taking a seat. A small, almost smug smile rested on his lips.

"On reflection," He began in a disconcertingly calm tone, "I realised, I have given you too many liberties here."

Grey watched him silently.

"From now on, you will remain in the main room between breakfast and dinner. You will only leave if accompanied by me or one of my friends." He continued. 

Full of rage, Grey forced his nails into his palms. 

"You will only return to your room to sleep and you will not see Richard."

"What have you done to him?" Grey spat viscously. 

"Nothing else, yet. He's being kept elsewhere for now. He will remain alive if you behave."

Grey felt his nails break the skin so he let the pain ground him. 

"Yes, sir." He growled.

Grindelwald observed him stoically. 

"Additionally you will no longer call me sir. Instead, you will address me as Far."

"Far?"

"Yes, it's the Danish term for father. You are my son, after all."

Disgust mingled with the nausea and melancholy in Grey's stomach.

"Any failure to follow these rules and Richard will suffer, understand?"

"Yes."

Grindelwald raised an expectant eyebrow.

"Yes, Far." 

The words felt bitter on his tongue.