Deception
October 23, 1989
The boy lay unconscious on the bed in front of him, his small frame and pale skin highlighted further in his patient robes. Grindelwald stood back, observing as his best team of mediwizards looked over the child. When they had arrived at Dumstrang, he had knocked the boy out immediately. There was something off about the boy and he would find out. The preliminary tests alone showed that he had great, great potential. However, his lack of nourishment and clear signs of abuse were disturbing. If the muggles were good at one thing, it was undoubtedly violence.
"Lord Grindelwald," said Master Pierce, the lead doctor. "The boy is in relatively decent health and I have personally approved a supplement regime for him. It also appears that your suspicions are correct, there is indeed a high concentration of dark magic in the boy. Perhaps a partial possession? But I digress, that is outside of my field of experience."
This was not a surprise, especially after the sudden change in character when the Potter boy had attacked him. However, where could the boy have come into contact with such magic? He would have to investigate.
"Tell your team to clear out. Thank you for your work as always Master Pierce."
"It is my honor."
Grindelwald watched passively as the team filed out of the room, leaving just him and the boy. It was time to get to the bottom of this.
With careful aim, he pointed the wand at Harry Potter.
"Legilimens!"
Memories flashed by rapidly, a small boy being chased up a tree by a dog, the same boy having rocks tossed at him by a particularly large boy.
Grindelwald concentrated as the memories flew by even faster. The magical signature indicated a far greater age. The moving images around him stopped as he suddenly raised his hands.
"No, not Harry!"
Grindelwald watched from Harry Potter's eyes, as the boy's mother was struck down by the self-proclaimed Dark Lord. Truly a waste of magic.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The curse rebounded and Gellert Grindelwald realized what had happened. The boy's mother had undertaken some ancient ritual, allowing her love to protect him, which in turn forced the curse back on Voldemort. He allowed the memory to flow watching as the lightning bolt scar formed on Harry's head. He pondered the consequences of a piece of Voldemort's soul being trapped in one Harry Potter. Then just as he was about to end the spell, he paused and watched as a small rat scurried across the floor and transform into a short crooked man. The man's face shined brightly as the moon's light reflected off of the sheen of sweat covering his face. The rat man then collapsed in front of the smoking black robe, and picked up Voldemort's wand, before disapparating.
This puzzled Grindelwald. This was the man who had been slain by the Black heir, in the 45th issue of the 1981 Daily Prophet. He remembered Albus's distraught face when he handed him this particular issue. Peter Pettigrew. Why had the man gone for Voldemort instead of the boy?
As Grindelwald rose out of the memory experience, it dawned on him.
Sirius Black was innocent.
October 30, 1989
Dumstrang Infirmary
Harry woke with a start. It had been a week, by his count, since he had been saved from the Dursleys by Grindelwald. Since they arrived at what he assumed was a castle, he had scarcely seen Gellert or the woman who was with him. Instead, a greasy man with a ragged goatee had taken him under his care and had confined him to a bed, feeding him supplements and conducting odd treatments. But through this, all his questions were ignored, not a word spoken to him, and even more concerningly Tom had gone mute.
Harry heard a click and looked up to see the door open and Grindelwald enter the room.
"I apologize for my absence, I have been rather busy setting some plans into motion," said Grindelwald as he conjured a stiff-backed leather chair in front of the bed, sitting down. "How are you feeling Harry?"
"Where am I?" asked Harry with a frown ignoring the question entirely.
Grindelwald drew his wand and waved it across Harry's face. "You dear boy, are at my current residence of Dumstrang, the premier school of magical learning in the world."
This meant nothing to him, but once again he heard the word magic. Harry had thought long and hard, of their first encounter. Magic was real. He had thought at first that perhaps it had all been a hallucination, but his own reasoning prevailed. He would play along and see where this led.
"Why have you been ignoring me?" Harry demanded as he leaned up in his bed straining against the magical restraints. He tried to keep his tone respectful, but between being imprisoned and alone he was growing rather impatient. "You said you would guide me!"
Grindelwald glanced over Harry. "Harry, I apologize, I have been extremely busy and have been investigating something. During your time in the infirmary, I have found something quite unusual about you.
Harry shifted nervously on the bed, "What's wrong with me sir?"
Grindelwald stared at Harry, "Have you noticed that your friend Tom has been quiet for some time?"
"What have you done to him?" said Harry angrily as medical supplies began to float into the air.
Grindelwald didn't bat an eye. "Harry, did you know you have been hosting the soul fragment of a serial killer who happened to also have murdered your parents?"
Harry froze and gaped in shock at Grindelwald.
"You see Harry, the person who killed your parents was a mad man by the name of Lord Voldemort or formerly known as Tom Riddle. I noticed you would pause at odd spots when we first met and while you were asleep, I'm afraid I took a peek into your head."
Seeing Harry about to protest at that, Grindelwald held up a hand and continued, "Do not worry Harry. It was a one-time thing, and I assure you that I will respect your privacy in the future and will teach you how to protect yourself as well."
Harry stopped and sat back down on the bed.
Grindelwald continued, "After some research on my part, I figured out that you had the soul fragment of Lord Voldemort in your head. To remove it I had to either kill you or place you in a very specific ritual that can be very beneficial on your part. For now, I have merely placed a spell on "Tom", so that he cannot interfere while I talk to you."
Harry still looked appalled at the fact that his best friend was a madman, and that somebody had looked through his mind while he had been unconscious.
"How can I trust you?" asked Harry as he slowly realized he had essentially been kidnapped by a stranger. "I don't even know you."
Grindelwald looked at Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I am Gellert Grindelwald as you already know. I am one of the most powerful wizards of all time. I lead a group of people who believe that wizards should be ruling the world and not hiding from muggles. They have called me evil for what I have done and believe, but I do not murder for the sake of killing, nor do I terrorize innocents like your "friend" Tom did. I believe in a cause and do everything for the Greater Good. You may wonder why I have such an interest in you, and that is simple. I saw a like-minded wizard who was being victimized by muggles and wished to help. I know that if we work together no one could stop us. I haven't seen magical potential like yours in years. Truly, I only wish to help you."
Harry looked at Grindelwald, still slightly angry. He took a few deep breaths and decided that he would go along with the man for now.
"What is this ritual?"
Grindelwald smiled and said, "Come this way and I will show you."
The two walked through the silent halls of Dumstrang and arrived at a closed door.
Grindelwald stopped Harry and said, "Now Harry, the ritual that I am about to show you will allow you to control the magic that is within you. As I said earlier, all witches and wizards have magic within them. When you are younger that magic is wild and very difficult to control. As you grow older the magic matures and becomes more susceptible to use. The ritual will cause the magic within in you to mature now, allowing you to use magic as if you were an adult. Although it will not be instantaneous, the process will be much faster for you, allowing you to be far ahead of your peers."
Harry's eyes narrowed and he asked, "What's the catch?"
Grindelwald smiled and nodded in approval. "Very good Harry. It is wise to learn now that everything comes with a price. The reason this ritual is not used and is banned by the ICW is that you must destroy part of your soul to do it."
Harry looked appalled and exclaimed, "Why the bloody hell would I want to do that?"
Grindelwald said, "Lucky for you, you don't have to do that. If you proceed with the ritual, you will be destroying the soul fragment that is currently lodged in your scar. Lord Voldemort will be losing a part of his soul, not you."
Harry looked at Grindelwald with concern, "What will happen to Tom?"
Grindelwald frowned slightly and replied, "I am not entirely sure. Most likely, the fragment would be destroyed, similar to what would happen if a Horcrux was destroyed. It is also possible that the soul fragment will join the original soul. The exact magic behind this is unknown."
Harry looked contemplative. "Tom had been a good friend and even taught me magic," thought Harry. "But if what Gellert says is true, he is a madman and is possibly using me."
The irony of this remained lost on him.
Harry looked up to Grindelwald and said, "Let's do it."
The two entered the ritual room. It was a large circular room with a high ceiling. Harry looked at the ground and saw many foreign runes scattered across the floor in a circular pattern. Grindelwald led him to the center of the room and sat him upon a large rock.
Grindelwald looked Harry in the eye and said, "Harry, this ritual will make you more sensitive to magic and will mature the magic within you. This will allow you to use it and feel for it far better than the average wizard. However, the process of the soul fragment being removed will likely be quite painful, are you sure you wish to do this?"
Harry put on a brave face and nodded. Grindelwald gave him a reassuring nod and went to the edge of the rune circle.
Grindelwald waved his wand once and the runes glowed as they were activated. The charm that had silenced Tom fell off.
Tom immediately began pleading to Harry, "Harry! This is a trick! You must not do this! If I die, you'll die too!"
Harry's features went blank as he began to converse with Tom, "Tom you betrayed me and killed my parents! I want nothing to do with you!"
Tom snarled reverting back to old mannerisms. "Harry if you choose this path you will make an enemy out of Lord Voldemort!"
Harry looked ahead impassively. "So be it."
Grindelwald began chanting and the runes around the room grew brighter and brighter. Harry felt pain starting to come from his scar. The pain intensified as
Grindelwald's chants grew louder and louder. Harry screamed as his body began to convulse and change. He felt a hot liquid begin to pour from his scar. Harry felt pain rack his body and then the world turned black once more.
November 6, 1989
Dumstrang Infirmary
Harry awoke to the sound of metal clattering against the floor. He opened his eyes and saw that he was in the infirmary. He rubbed his eyes and put on his glasses when he saw another boy. The boy was tall and thin with very thick eyebrows. He saw the boy scowl as he began to pick up a bucket off the floor.
"Who are you?" asked Harry curiously.
"I am Viktor Krum," replied the boy shortly. The boy picked up the bucket and left the room without another word. Harry sat there confused when he saw Grindelwald stride into the room.
"Harry, how are you feeling?"
"I feel amazing!" said Harry with a smile.
"You grew several inches and all your previous injuries have been completely healed. I noticed there were quite a few of those," added Grindelwald darkly.
Harry's face flushed for a second. He felt his face heat up as he remembered all the things the Dursleys had done to him. He didn't notice that the various items in the room began to float.
Grindelwald watched this all with an air of satisfaction. He laughed. "Harry, why don't you calm down and make sure nothing gets broken."
Harry looked up, saw the floating items, and felt sheepish.
"Sorry about that," Harry said as the items returned to their original places. Harry then remembered the surly boy who had been cleaning the infirmary when he had woken up.
"Sir, who was the boy that was cleaning the room when I woke up?" asked Harry curiously eager to make new friends.
Grindelwald frowned and said, "That was Viktor Krum, he is a fine young man who comes from an unfortunate past. Luckily for him, I do not hold the sins of his family against him and have decided to allow him to remain as a ward of the school."
Harry nodded and was going to ask another question when Grindelwald suddenly cut him off.
"Now is not the time Harry. We have a very busy schedule today and there will be a time for questions later."
Harry perked up in curiosity and asked, "What are we doing today sir?"
"Today is the day you will get your first wand."
Gregorovitch's Wands
Harry and Grindelwald apparated in front of the old man's shop.
"Wow that was uncomfortable!" exclaimed Harry.
"You'll get used to it," replied Grindelwald, waving open the door.
They walked in and Harry was in awe at the sheer number of wands that were in the store.
Gregorovitch walked up to Grindelwald and bowed. "Lord Grindelwald, I am at your service. As you have requested, I have opened my store one last time for Mr. Potter over here."
Grindelwald nodded in acceptance and handed Gregorovitch a small bag. "A reward for your loyalty, may it never waver."
Gregorvitch bowed low. "Never, sir, never."
Harry watched all this curiously, wondering what was in the bag.
Gregorovitch stashed the small bag away and looked at Harry. "What's your wand hand, Mr. Potter?"
Harry looked at him in confusion and replied, "I guess I am right-handed sir."
Then Gregorovitch handed him a wand and told him to try it. Harry waved it and nothing happened. The process was repeated for quite some time. "Do not fret Mr. Potter," said Gregorovitch. "You must always remember; the wand chooses the wizard. Some crafters make personalized wands for their customers. They are idiots. It may save time, but the wand chooses the wizard. Mr. Potter you will do good to remember that."
After trying what seemed to be every wand in the store, he found a match.
Gregorovitch looked at Harry curiously as golden sparks erupted from the tip of the ebony wand in his hand.
"That wand is the closest replica I could make of the Elder Wand. It is made of Elder wood, with the hair of a thestral for its core. It is quite powerful, and I doubt it will serve anyone other than you. I expect great things from you, Mr. Potter," said Gregorovitch.
Harry looked at the old man unsure of what to say. Harry opted to thank Gregorovitch for the wand, and taking Grindelwald's hand, the two returned to Dumstrang.
"Very interesting wand, you received Harry," said Grindelwald as they walked up the steps of Dumstrang.
Harry smiled and said, "I hope I can live up to these expectations sir."
Grindelwald looked down at Harry. "Of that, I have no doubt. But let us see what you can do with that wand of yours right now."
The two continued their walk through the winding halls of Dumstrang until Grindelwald led Harry into a large room with an oddly soft floor. A woman that looked vaguely familiar stood at the center of the room.
"Harry this is Vinda Rosier, and she is my chief lieutenant. You may recognize her for she was there when we rescued you from those horrid muggles. She will be instructing you in your dueling. I, of course, will supplement your learning, but she will be your primary tutor."
Harry waved at Vinda and Vinda smiled back.
Grindelwald began walking out of the room and said, "I will be back in an hour or two. Vinda, do not go easy on the boy."
Vinda looked at Harry and without warning shot a curse at him. Harry barely got out of the way and looked at Vinda in anger. "Hey! What was that!"
"The first thing you must learn young one is that you must always be prepared," Vinda said as she smiled predatorily. "Now Harry, how many curses has Lord Voldemort taught you?"
Harry stepped back and concentrated as he thought of the countless hours he had spent memorizing wand motions with sticks in the yard.
"Stupefy!" yelled Harry.
Vinda batted away the feeble jet of red with ease and laughed. "Come on Harry, I know you know more powerful spells than that!"
"Impedimenta!" yelled Harry. Vinda merely stepped aside allowing the slow-moving spell to splash harmlessly against the wall.
Harry's irritation grew. Every non-lethal spell that Harry cast was either dodged or redirected.
Vinda continued to taunt Harry. "Is that all you've got?"
"Diffindo!" screamed Harry. The spell rocketed towards the laughing Vinda Rosier and her shield stopped it just in time.
"That's more like it, Harry!"
Harry looked on with frustration. Harry then steadied himself and yelled, "Sectumsempra!"
Vinda looked pleased as the dark spell soared towards her. It was undoubtedly weak but impressive for a child. She flicked it away and retaliated for the first time.
Harry fell to the ground as Vinda cast her non-verbal stunning spell.
"Well Harry, I believe there is quite a bit of room for improvement," said Vinda Rosier with a smile. "Luckily for us, we have about a year to get you good."
Harry groaned and rolled over on the floor.
Later that night
Dumstrang Headmaster's Office
Gellert Grindelwald sat at the head of a beautifully crafted table, with an engraving of the Deathly Hallows at the center. He had built it personally at the height of the second war. It had seated many powerful wizards and witches.
Shaking the nostalgia away, he stood and addressed the members at the table. "Greetings my brothers and sisters. I have gathered you all here to make sure our goals and loyalties are on the same page. Grimmson, how are our preparations going?"
Grimmson replied, "The entire school is under our control. Karakoff has renounced ties to Voldemort and is firmly on our side. Every student and faculty member has sworn a basic loyalty oath to our cause. There were a few rebels, but they were quickly dealt with. But sir if I may, why did we come to Dumstrang first? Was it not a risk to go after such a large school?"
Grindelwald looked coldly at Grimmson before responding. "A valid concern, but do not doubt me again Grimmson. I spent almost half a century in that godforsaken prison planning my return. I do not do anything in rash conscience."
Grimmson bowed deeply, apologizing fervently.
"As for why I decided to secure Dumstrang first, there was something very important to me here. As you may or may not know my friends, I was once the wielder of the Elder Wand, and once a man wields the Deathstick, all other wands become essentially useless. Their allegiance is half-hearted at best, knowing that its own magic pales in comparison. I was fortunate to escape Nurmengard with the twig I took from the guard. The only other wand that I could use properly was my first wand. My first wand was taken from me when I was expelled from Dumstrang. Fortunately, here at Dumstrang, the wands that are confiscated are not snapped but merely stored away. So, to make it clear for you Grimmson, I came here foremost for my wand. The fact that the school came so easily to me was an unexpected blessing."
Gunnar Grimmson nodded nervously and silence fell on the room.
Grindelwald broke the silence and resumed the meeting. "Now, Kjellberg give me your report on our current allies in the ICW."
The meeting went on through the night. At the meeting's end, Grindelwald called out, "Vinda, stay back please."
The rest of the inner circle of Grindelwald exited the room and the three remained.
Gellert addressed Vinda first, "What was your impression of young Harry?"
Vinda responded, "He is most talented. At first, he held back and used weak spells as if he were afraid to hurt me. Then as the day went on, he showed a curious arsenal of spells. Voldemort obviously taught him a few things. He shows great promise."
He smiled at this.
"Make sure to teach the boy well. If he continues to show promise, he may end up as my protégé. Do not forget that he plays a vital role in both the upcoming wars and in that of securing a power base in Great Britain."
He then glanced at the door and beckoned her closer.
"Use your contacts in Britain to find me the plans for Azkaban."
Rosier's eyebrows rose, showing her surprise.
"May I ask why my-"
"Do not worry about it, my friend. All will be revealed in due time."
Same Day
Hogwarts
Albus Dumbledore had been inconsolable for the past couple of weeks. He was unsure of what to do. He mourned for James and Lily's child. "I have failed you," he whispered softly as he looked at the broken instrument that remained on his desk.
He looked around at the mounting paperwork that surrounded his desk. He hadn't told anyone what had happened other than Severus. He still remembered the look on Severus's face when he heard that Harry Potter was dead. He hadn't come out of the dungeons since then. He would have to tell the people of Magical Britain that Harry Potter was dead and he did not look forward to doing that.
He then heard a noise as he saw the Quill of Admittance begin to scribble into the large book that recorded the names of every student that was to be admitted into Hogwarts every year. With a stroke of inspiration, he summoned the book and began searching for the name of Harry Potter. When he saw that the name was not crossed out, he rejoiced, Harry Potter was not dead. Years seem to fall off Albus Dumbledore's face as he saw that the boy who lived was not dead! The twinkle that had been missing from his eye the past couple of weeks returned.
Fawkes began to sing as he saw happiness in his companion again.
However, a cold pass struck his heart as Albus then began to think. If Harry wasn't dead, where was he?
Albus hurried over to the floo and called for Snape. The two had some searching to do.