Fesselstadt
Grey's arms stung.
Two miserable days had passed since the incident in the library and Grey had not seen Richard. The anxiety was almost debilitating. Of course, he blamed himself entirely. So when his wand was returned, he busied himself with the old practice of burning patches on his arms.
From morning till night, Grey stayed in the sitting room. He hardly ate anything, unable to stomach Queenie's food on top of the constant worry that had settled inside. Despite his frequent questions, no one would tell him how Richard was.
Grindelwald hadn't called for him yet, instead, he'd left Grey a stack of books to study 'in preparation'. Due to the constant supervision presided over by Abernathy, he daren't disobey. He was more than a little confused when the first thing he was ordered to read was an extract from a children's book - The Tales of Beedle The Bard. Grey knew The Story of The Three Brothers well enough, having read it in his youth.
Yet, every other book he was given seemed to expand upon the fictional Deathly Hallows from the story. All the authors spoke of them as if they were real and Grey found himself wondering if Grindelwald fed into their delusions.
However, staying focused on his studies was becoming increasingly difficult. His separation from Richard was unbearable and on top of it, Grey's thoughts would often wander to Dumbledore. How a man as wise as him, could love someone like Grindelwald was confusing. But then he'd remind himself just how complicated love was. Grey was sure that heartbreak and betrayal had birthed Grindelwald's hatred for Dumbledore but, he could not see what caused it. By the dark wizard's words, it was due to the violence that his professor had displayed that fatal night when he murdered his sister. But Grey was still struggling to believe such a thing had happened. But, Grindelwald had been right. Though he'd skirted the truth, Grey was confident he hadn't lied.
It was like his mind was at war. And in the space between the madness, Grey just thought of Derric. He missed the quiet days of friendship when none of this mattered. Sometimes, he'd even imagine that the boy sat across from him, alive and smiling, to spare him from the loneliness. Sure, it hurt, but when had he ever cared about pain? Besides, it was better than acknowledging the reptile man.
Sometime after lunch on that second day, Grey felt a headache coming on. He'd already mentally prepared himself for the next time this happened and accepted that complying with Grindelwald was the only way to keep Richard safe. Looking up from his book, Grey made eye contact with the staring form of the reptile man.
"I'm about to have a vision." He stated emotionlessly.
An expression of excitement overtook the reptile man's features.
"I'll summon your father," He hissed.
Repulsion radiated through Grey as he watched the reptile man scrawl a note and enchant it to fly to its intended recipient. Not two minutes later, Grindelwald apparated into the room.
"How are you enjoying your reading?" He inquired, taking a seat beside him.
Grey resisted the urge to respond sarcastically or shy away from the man.
"It's fine." He blankly replied.
His headache intensified.
"Good," Grindelwald stated, "Because today, I want you to focus on The Hallows, understand?"
"Yes, Far."
Grindelwald smiled.
"Specifically, picture the resurrection stone and the cloak of invisibility."
He complied, filling his mind with those things alone.
"Imagine seeking them," Continued Grindelwald, "Picture locating the bearer of the cloak and the stone. Think-"
The dark wizard's voice faded suddenly, and Grey winced as he was plunged into a vision.
The shady interior of a bar is filled with smoke and laughter.
An old man sits at a table, a half-drunk pint in front of him. Though he is old, the circular glasses on his nose, magnify his bright blue eyes. A hand constantly clutches the folded piece of fabric on his lap.
The door bangs open.
A greeting is shouted in German. The man sips his pint.
The image zooms out.
A pub exterior in a small town, surrounded by pine forest. It's called 'Merlin's Zauberstab'.
The scene changes.
The thestrals are flying. The sore above the clouds.
Death is behind them now, he is sure of it.
They've left death in the courtyard, and it is done.
Grey gasped for breath, leaning heavily on the table. He felt the tip of a wand press to his temple and shivered as the memory was extracted. His hands were trembling and every wound on his body seemed to ache tenfold.
A few moments of silence passed as he took the opportunity to calm himself. He presumed Grindelwald was viewing what he'd just seen. The low chuckle informed him that the man had finished and the strong hand that clasped his shoulder, galvanised him to look up.
"Well done, Grey," Grindelwald exclaimed in a much warmer tone, "Very well done. Merlin's Zauberstab is a bar in the wizarding settlement of Kesselstadt in the Black Forest."
Grey nodded, trying to mask his despair and guilt.
"The newspaper on the adjacent table said tomorrow's date, we must move quickly."
He hadn't even noticed that detail. Grey felt awful as Grindelwald rose to his feet - had he condemned that old man to death? Meanwhile, Grindelwald had paused in his exit, turning slowly to Grey.
"As you have behaved so well, you deserve a reward." He exclaimed.
Hope sparked in Grey, would he be able to see Richard?
"You will come with me tomorrow."
And with one last smirk, Grindelwald disaparated. Grey wanted to cry, but he didn't. The reptile man was watching him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, Grey couldn't sleep. He barely had over the last few nights. He was desperate for a way to save Richard, but his mind was frustratingly blank. Every hour, he would alternate between pacing and lying in bed. However, at roughly four in the morning, one desperate idea came to mind.
He would risk one more patronus.
Muttering the spell, Grey paused his plan for a moment and took comfort in the ethereal presence of the thestral. But he knew he couldn't linger so he quickly whispered:
"We'll be at Merlin's Zauberstab, Kesselstadt, tomorrow. They have Richard in the castle. Save him."
Then he watched the mote of light cascade across the sky, praying that no one saw it. Climbing into bed, he tried to look asleep in case anyone came in, but in his pretence, exhaustion claimed him and his lie became truth. Grey dreamt of the courtyard and the flash of green. He still couldn't see the victim.
The next morning, he was awoken by the sun pouring threw his window. Donning his clothes, Grey tried to formulate a plan to save the gentleman owning the cloak. However, he couldn't move past the fear that in doing anything, he would jeopardise Richard's safety.
Just as he was about to exit his room for breakfast, a knock sounded at the door. he opened it to reveal a smiling Grindelwald already in his grey trenchcoat.
"Are you ready?" He inquired.
Grey dared not question the early departure, simply replying, "Yes, Far."
At his words, Grindelwald stepped inside.
"We will eat at the inn while we wait," He remarked.
The thought of breakfast out with the dark wizard was not appealing.
"Won't people recognise you?" Grey ventured to ask.
Grindelwald smirked.
"Most likely, but the residents of Fesselstadt support my campaign. If you would take my arm," He finished, offering his elbow to Grey.
The boy took it but his hands were trembling - he had never apparated before.
"Hold on," Chuckled Grindelwald.
And suddenly, Grey was being twisted in all directions, his limbs and organs knotting, his eyes and mouth unravelling like a fleshy yoyo. Then his feet slammed into solid ground and it was all he could do not to vomit.
Many brightly clothed passersby nodded politely at the dark wizard and his companion.
"Follow me," Grindelwald instructed.
Grey obeyed, albeit slightly unsteadily.
The village of Fesselstadt looked as if it had been plucked from one of Grimm's fairytales. Every house, though picturesque, leaked far more shadows than Grey thought was usual and the rort iron streetlamps cruelly held fire-breathing salamanders on beds of embers. Even the cobbled streets had strange spindly plants oozing out from between the paving stones. Their tentacular appendages seemed to trail after passing ankles. Coupled with the pine-smothered hills on every side, Grey decided that the looming village was incredibly creepy. Yet, a perfect home for anyone mad enough to follow Grindelwald.
The dark wizard strolled through the streets like he owned them, unbothered by the atmosphere. Several shady roads later, they arrived at the only inn in the village, Merlin's Zauberstab. Grey recognised the crooked sign, dangling by only one of its chains. Pausing before entering, Grindelwald turned abruptly to Grey.
"You will not speak unless answering a direct question from me and you will do exactly as I tell you." He muttered sternly.
Grey nodded. Grasping his shoulder, Grindelwald began to steer him inside.
The interior of the inn was far worse than Grey remembered from his vision. It smelt like raw onions and smoke and the floor felt sticky under his shoes. Contrasting these foul discoveries, it was lit almost ironically by hovering jars of trapped live fairies.
They approached the bar to be greeted by a gruff-looking woman, missing an eye and several teeth. Despite this, her deep mahogany hair was pinned flawlessly to her scalp.
"Wilkomen, Herr Grindelwald." She greeted, in a sharp yet friendly tone, "Was hann ich dir bringen?"
Grey knew that remaining silent would be easy because he had no idea what she was saying.
"Zwei kaffee und zwei schüsseln haferbrei, danka Layla," Grindelwald replied flawlessly.
"Und wer ist dieser junge mann bei dir?"
The smile didn't falter on Grindelwald's face at her question so Grey presumed it was unimportant.
"Das wird alles sien." He replied, but there was a cold edge to his tone.
Grindelwald led Grey to a secluded table in the corner of the inn. It was perfectly situated to be out of sight of the door but with a good view of the table, the cloak bearer would sit at.
"Now we wait," Grindelwald remarked calmly.
And wait they did. An hour passed during which, Layla brought them each a cup of coffee and a bowl of what Grey hoped was porridge. Thankfully, despite its questionable appearance, it tasted alright.
To Grey's surprise, they sat in silence. He had been expecting a barrage of questions and uncomfortable conversation however Grindelwald was completely occupied with his own thoughts.
It was fairly busy in the inn, so Grey busied himself with people watching. A few tables across from them was a rather tired-looking, grey-bearded wizard in fading blue robes and a wand stuffed behind his ear. He was deeply engrossed in a small book and had a battered suitcase by his side. Grey assumed he was worn out from travel. At the bar, was a mother with her infant son. While she nursed a drink, the toddler scrambled about her feet, playing with a little stuffed phoenix.
The tavern door swung open and Grey's heart gave a jolt. The man from his vision had entered, clutching a folded cloak and carpet bag. Rounded glasses jiggled precariously on his nose as he scurried up to the bar to get a drink. Grindelwald shifted beside him, having noticed too. They both watched as the wizard, balancing a pint in his hand, teetered over to the predicted table, collapsing hunched into his chair.
"Stay here," Grindelwald whispered sternly.
Grey's breath was caught in his throat as the dark wizard approached, exclaiming a loud greeting in German. He took the seat opposite the cloak bearer, with his back to Grey. The boy watched anxiously as the conversation was initiated between them.
So distracted by the events unfolding before him, Grey failed to notice the seat beside him being claimed. Only when the occupant hissed his name in an extremely familiar voice, did he register it. Turning abruptly, he came face to face with the bearded, blue-robed wizard.
"Newt?" He whispered in shock.
The unfamiliar man beamed.
"Polyjuice potion," He muttered.
A sickening combination of joy and terror exploded inside Grey.
"What are you doing here?" He whispered.
"Hopefully rescuing you, Dumbledore got your message, nice patronus by the way."
Grey glanced anxiously at the back of Grindelwald.
"You were supposed to help Richard." He muttered frantically.
"Dumbledore insisted that I got you first."
"Of course he did," Grey seethed quietly, digging his nails into his hands.
"You have to go. If he sees you, Richard-"
"Not without you." Newt muttered hastily, "Bugger!"
His features were beginning to bubble.
"What's happening?"
"Er, polyjuice only lasts an hour."
"What!?"
"It's alright, I have another."
He began rummaging hurriedly in his pockets as his features moulded back to his own.
Then the stunning spell collided with Newt's chest.