Chapter 25: An Unbreakable Vow
Gellert Grindelwald was a mighty wizard. His magical prowess was such that a place like Azkaban would not keep him locked for a few minutes. It was the stuff of legends. In his quest for world domination, Grindelwald had gathered the expertise of several Magical Arts' Masters and brought them to England to create an absolute failproof fortress designed to keep the outside repelled and the inside protected. The resulting castle was perfection. People thought that the safest place on earth was Hogwarts. They were wrong. Hogwarts was an open jar of cookies in a children's playpen. But Nurmengard was the architectural definition of safety.
Gellert could have never guessed that his fortress would become his prison. The walls were the thickest, sturdiest ones ever made. All the metal was goblin forged. The water was guarded by vicious merpeople with a bone to pick. The skies were permanently full of dementors flying alone or on Thestrals. Centaurs circled the fortress permanently. There were always at least 7 Aurors in the only entrance at all times. It took years of studying, planning, and gathering intel with great tact, for him to be able to achieve the impossible and get out. He was exhausted at the feat. His magic had animated the dead Aurors' corpses so no one would think anything had happened until he was very far away. He wanted a proud magical race to stand and rule over the non-magicals as Magic intended. To accomplish this, he needed money and two co-conspirators. The money would be easy to get. Competent help would be trickier. Grindelwald would persevere. He needed to see him again. He was sure he would be able to lure him with pure raw magical energy. But that was months away. Gellert was weak. At the moment, all the magic he released to escape had drained him.
Grindelwald decided to stay in a small isolated town. He tortured and killed the local priest and made enough Polyjuice to last him a few months. With the torture, he got information. With the Mind Arts, he got secrets. He was able to extract all the most sordid things told to the priest in confession. The priest had been around. He was the confessor of some powerful people. Gellert began to use all the confession secrets to get what he wanted out of his congregation. Soon, the church was more of a Dark Church than a protestant church. The wizard, and his concealed wand, had parishioners cover the windows and prevent most light from coming in. This way, if his Polyjuice failed him, they would not notice. He was able to blackmail a local politician into donating a house to the church. It was a lonely gothic style structure that had seen better days, but Gellert found it ideal for his purpose. It would take a long time for him to grow stronger and more powerful, but that was the only way to see him again and he would succeed, no matter the cost. He had scores to settle, lives to ruin, and forgiveness to seek.
Albus was in a pickle. Seeing Gellert again had reawakened his feelings for the man. But he was asking once again for too much. It wasn't like in the previous war. Dumbledore did not have the holier than thou advantage anymore. He had shown everyone his true colors. He couldn't be a puppeteer anymore. Gellert would unleash hell on Earth. Albus could either be gasoline or just leave Britain and hide far away in the mundane world. But the old man knew that Gellert would never be satisfied unless he had dominion over all muggles. Time was moving slowly. He had twenty more hours to reach a decision.
He had taken one empty room and started writing a list of the advantages and disadvantages of joining Gellert. So far, the list was pretty equal on both sides. Albus didn't like that Gellert had Voldemort in the only kind of sacrificial suspension that would work for the creature. Dumbledore had done too much, pulled too many strings, changed too many lives and destinies to bow down to the man who had made his life hell. While he was aware that he had gotten even more street credibility because of his role in the war with Voldemort, he also knew that he didn't need more standing at all. He was a powerful wizard. Perhaps he had gone from loved to feared, from famous to infamous, but he was still Albus Dumbledore. He still needed no introduction. His reputation preceded him and would for years to come.
Maybe he could convince Gellert to get rid of Voldemort… Albus could see himself and Grindelwald ruling the world. However, that creature had no space in their kingdom. It was disgusting, not to mention useless. Dumbledore came to the realization that, if he agreed with Gellert, he would have to compromise. He hated compromising.
Voldemort was in a state of suspension. He was taking all his life energy from the corrupt concoction he swam in. At the moment, he was just existing. While he had looked at Dumbledore, he was not conscious yet. Gellert had created something akin to an exterior womb. While it was made of glass, its contents were positively dark. Drinking unicorn blood was an abomination against magic. Phoenix's blood was too powerful and difficult to obtain. The amount of blood in which Voldemort floated meant that Gellert had procured at least three phoenixes and one unicorn. Magic didn't like even numbers in dark rituals.
Gellert had used his priest persona and some magic to get a few villagers to get pregnant and had manipulated them to want to get an abortion. He had taken them to his home and with a bit of swish and flick got himself a few fetuses. This along with the runes and spells he created to sustain Voldemort, had taken a lot of research and work. Grindelwald wanted to groom Voldemort to be a pawn. He and Dumbledore could stay in the shadows while Voldemort became the most hated wizard. Then, once Britain was in the brink of absolute collapse and the resistance that was bound to appear was at each other's throats, he and Albus would kill Voldemort in a very public way and take his place at the top of the food chain. Then, the world would know subjugated peace.
Gellert hoped to persuade Albus easily. However, this would need for his former lover to trust him. They had asked for each other's forgiveness, but it would take a long time to rebuild their relationship. Gellert sighed while he sipped a generous glass of firewhiskey. He looked at the clock hanging from the wall. In five minutes, he would know if he was right to hope for a new beginning with the love of his life.
"Mr. Lovegood, I already told you that your daughter cannot enter a prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. She is not a registered seer," a secretary told him with a sneer. "She is a child. It is probably her wild imagination."
"No! It is not! Her mother had The Eye too. If the prophecy is not registered, it cannot be researched. Please call an unspeakable!" the man was agitated.
"No, sir. Unspeakables cannot speak to the general public. If you do not leave at once, I will have to summon security to escort you out."
"You will regret this! Oh, and do have someone spray your desk. It is covered with nargles!" the man exclaimed, turning on his heel to leave. The woman looked at him like he belonged in an asylum.
He would write to Headmistress McGonagall. Perhaps, she could help him contact the school's Divination Professor so he could show her the memory. His heart constricted. Poor Luna. No one believed her. He wanted to help her control and channel her gift, but it was her mother who could have done so. He would find a way to get her help if it was the last thing he did. Her prophecy was important, Xenophilius was certain of it.
Remus apparated in the garden of his cottage. His nose picked up homely scents. The days right before the full moon, his senses heightened further. He turned around. The cottage was closed, but there was light from candles inside. He knocked.
"You don't need to knock Remus, it is your home."
"What's that smell? It's lovely." Remus replied, walking into the kitchen. His stomach grumbled loudly.
"Sourdough bread," Martin replied, pointing at the oven.
"Not that I mind, but isn't it a bit late for baking Martin?"
"I know… I just… My aunt taught me to bake, and I have always turned to it when I am feeling… overwhelmed," Martin shrugged.
Remus frowned. "I know my place isn't a palace, but I was hoping you would find it adequate."
"What? Oh no! I love your home. The view is spectacular. The weather is perfect. I do admit I miss electricity, but… it is a nice change."
"Then what is the problem?"
"I have no idea what is happening… I have been feeling watched. I'm probably just being paranoid, but since I don't know what happened to my parish and since you told me about the attack on the Grangers, I feel like I abandoned them," Martin put his hands over his face and sighed. "And I keep feeling like people stare at me weirdly."
"You have too much time on your hands. An idle mind will conjure up the craziest things…" Remus sighed. He remembered all the horrible things he would think when he was trying to drown his demons while unemployed. He still struggled with his desire to drink, but he now had a family unit to keep him from straying and keep him accountable.
"Yes, you are right," Martin sighed. He got up to take the fragrant bread out of the oven. Remus' mouth watered. "Would you like to try it? I was able to get some butter from the village…"
"I'd love to…" Remus' eyes widened. "Wait a minute, you walked all the way there?! It's at least a four-hour walk!"
"Like you said, I have a lot of time in my hands," Martin smiled, took a knife, and cut a few slices of the bread. He got the butter from the pantry and spread it on the slices. It melted right away. Father Martin handed Remus a slice. Lupin decided that, if paradise had a taste, this was it. His face broke out in a genuine smile.
"This is way too good!"
"Thank you, I am glad you like it… My aunt taught me that the best thing about baking is the fact that fresh, warm bread makes people happy, no exceptions" Martin looked away wistfully.
"It does… Um, Martin?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't know if you've noticed, but… The full moon is coming up… I need you to stay with the Grangers and Sirius at Potter Manor… Then, when it's over, you may come back here if you wish to do so…" Remus said in an apologetic tone.
"Of course, no problem. Are you sure you don't want me to stay?" Martin volunteered.
"Yes, I am sure. It could get really dangerous for you. I will call for Neesy tomorrow to come and get you to Potter Manor," Remus smiled, eating another slice of bread.
"That will be perfect, Remus. Thank you for your hospitality. I am turning in. Sleep well," Father Martin stood up and walked to the guest room he was sleeping in.
Remus was too lost in the delicious bread to realize the man left. When Martin's door shut, it brought him back, and he said a loud Good Night to the cleric.
The following morning was glorious: the sun was shining, the skies were clear, and birds were chirping with joy. Martin was in awe at Potter Manor. It wasn't the elegant furnishings or the vast gardens that captured his attention. It was the fact that the house could speak, and even more impressive than that, it could do things. Was this what happened when people reported haunted houses? Neesy informed him that Emma and Daniel were at work. Everyone in the house was apparently still asleep. The chirpy elf informed him of the latest events. He was placed in the guest room next to Mr. Snape. He put his clothes in the dresser and decided to explore the house. It was still early, so the kids were in bed.
He took his time to admire all the art within the house. There were beautiful marble sculptures, but what makes him do a double-take was the moving portraits. The people in the portraits looked at him with interest. He walked and found a beautiful ornate double door. He knocked, and no one answered, so he tentatively pushed the door open. His jaw dropped as he saw the biggest, most beautiful and well-stocked private library he had ever seen. He tried to come in but crashed against an invisible wall. He tried a second time to no avail. This time the wall pushed him harshly, and the house whispered in his ear, "If you try once more, it will get painful, priest."
Father Martin looked around in concern, "Sorry, I just want to know more about this world. Curiosity got the better of me, but I shouldn't have."
"Put your hands where I can see them and turn around slowly!"
Martin threw his hands up right away and turned around, slowly, saying, "Please don't shoot! Neesy brought me here. I am a friend of the Grangers, Harry, Sirius, and Remus."
Narcissa narrowed her eyes in suspicion and kept pointing her wand at him. A cleric who is friends with witches and creatures? Right. Before she could say anything else, a bushy brunette-haired blur dashed past her and jumped into the man's arms.
"Father Martin! You're here!" Hermione had a wide smile.
Harry followed suit, jumping into the man's arms as well. Narcissa lowered her wand. Draco stepped in front of her in a protective stance.
"Who are you?" Draco asked, looking at the man up and down. Martin lowered both kids to the ground. They took his hands.
"Draco, this is Father Martin. The priest in my family's church. He's our friend. He won't hurt you," Hermione explained, seeing the distress in the boy.
"Father Martin, this is Narcissa Black and her son Draco. Narcissa is Sirius' cousin," Harry smiled at the priest. "They won't hurt you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm sorry if I startled you, Mrs. Black," the priest said in an apologetic tone.
"Ms. Black, and I am sorry I pointed my wand at you. I had no idea who you were, and we've had very tense days," Narcissa shrugged. She had no idea why she had corrected the man who called her Mrs. He was very handsome, but he was a priest.
"Sorry, Ms. Black, don't worry. It wasn't the first time I've had a wand pointed at me."
"Are you staying here?" Draco asked, crossing his arms, trying to stop her mom from talking to the man.
"Yes, at least for the time being."
"So, you will not stay stay?" Hermione pouted.
"Well, Remus said I could go back to his place after…" Martin realized he did not know if he should finish that sentence.
"The full moon. We all know. It's alright," Narcissa filled him in. She felt like smiling at the man. Malfoys do not smile. Fuck that name! I am Narcissa Black! She thought and smiled tentatively. The priest returned the gesture.
"Father Martin, have you had breakfast?" Harry asked when his stomach grumbled.
"I had some tea earlier," the man replied.
"Well, that will not do," said Hermione offering her hand. "Off to the kitchen!"
Harry started pulling him towards the kitchen. Perhaps Martin was imagining things, but he really felt like the air was different in the manor. He could feel… energy? He tried to grasp the sensation. Martin was in for a treat. There was magic everywhere in the spacious kitchen!
Dishes were being washed by a self-moving sponge. A broom was sweeping on its own in the corner. Two little elves were busy cooking.
"Master Harry! The house be telling us yous want breakfast. It will be served soon," Trippy bowed.
"Thank you, Trippy," Harry blushed. He was not used to being called master or having anyone bow to him. It made him feel weird. Hermione squeezed his hand, sensing his discomfort.
"How do you like your eggs, Father?" Hermione asked, motioning for everyone to sit down.
"Um… scrambled, but I can make them myself," he offered without seating down. Trippy was so shocked by this that the ramekin he was holding fell and broke in half, spilling the pancake batter inside.
Neesy gasped and almost dropped the pan she was holding. She was about to vanish the mess Trippy made, but the non-magical had immediately gotten down to his knees and was cleaning the mess with a kitchen towel. Narcissa was startled by seeing the man not even second guess for a moment before cleaning up a mess he didn't make… He was cleaning after the help. Narcissa was slowly warming up to elves, but still. Why would he grab a rag to clean up what could be vanished? She could have smacked herself. He is a muggle; he can't vanish anything. Harry and Hermione were quick to help the man, while the elves stood frozen.
"Could you point me to the laundry room so I can wash this before the batter dries?" Martin asked Narcissa.
She blushed in mortification. She had no idea where that room was.
"It's two d-doors down that p-passageway," Draco stammered. His eyes had widened comically.
"No, rosarys man. You is a guest of Potter Manor. I be sorry for Trippy. He is being clumsy," Neesy lowered her head in shame and vanished the rag. "Trippy, attend to your duties. We is speaking later."
"Neesy, don't tell Trippy off. He was surprised. It was an accident," Harry said with a pout.
"Trippy is being sorry, master Harry. Trippy has a v-vodoo. Mistress Lily cleaned up a mess I made. This be making me think back to that…"
Martin sighed. Famous Lily Potter was revered by everyone he met. Narcissa blinked rapidly, "You mean déjà vu, Trippy. A moment that felt like you lived it before… Because you did."
Trippy nodded, his eyes glistening with tears. He was a bit scared of Narcissa and her son, having tended to Dobby's injuries.
"I am so sorry Trippy. I was just trying to help. I thought I scared you, and that was why you dropped it."
"Rosarys man, we be house-elves. We is born to doing housework. It is our pleasure and duty to serve this family and this family's friends," Neesy spoke with a final tone. She turned around, dismissed Trippy and with astounding speed finished cooking breakfast.
Narcissa pulled Martin to sit down and whispered: "House-elves find it a bit insulting when humans try to help them with their work…"
The man's mouth formed a perfect 'O' in surprise, and he whispered back, "I didn't mean to insult them at all."
"They are learning about us as we learn about them," Hermione smiled at the man. He chuckled. She sounded a lot older than he remembered. He nodded.
"Just treat them like friends and say please and thank you," Harry continued, staring a bit at Draco as he did.
Draco swallowed demurely and cleaned his mouth with a napkin before replying, "I know, I know. But I am getting better at it!"
"We know," Hermione smiled. The boy had impeccable table manners, but getting him so say please and thank you -especially to elves- was hard work. Draco blushed lightly.
The kids finished eating quickly, excused themselves, and ran to their rooms to change. They almost ran over an amused Sirius in dog form. Lady Longbottom was coming to teach them about the plants in the garden in a couple of hours. They were giddy at the prospect of learning from someone so wise.
Sirius lingered outside the kitchen to hear a bit of the dynamic between his cousin and the priest.
"Ms. Black, was I hallucinating or do paintings really move here?" Martin whispered in a scared tone to amuse the woman.
She feigned shock and gasped, looking around with wide eyes, "What?! A painting moved!? Which one? Where?"
The priest blanched. The witch looked at his terrified face trying not to laugh and failed miserably. Genuine laughter bubbled up in her like it hadn't happened in years. Soon she was holding her belly and struggling to breathe.
"Merlin's beard! Your face!" she kept laughing.
"Hey! It's not funny! You really had me thinking I must have hit my head or something!" Martin crossed his arms across his chest. Narcissa couldn't help but notice that those arms looked like they could lift her up without any effort. Martin tried not to laugh; he really did, but her laugh was contagious. After a while, both adults calmed down.
She blushed, sobered up, and looked away. "Do forgive me. I never lose control of my wits. I haven't laughed like that in… I actually don't remember the last time I laughed like that."
"Well, that's unfortunate," Martin replied with a smile. "You have a wonderful laugh. And your eyes light up."
Narcissa blushed a deeper shade.
"I said that out loud, didn't I?"
"You did." You wouldn't think that if I had no glamours on, she thought. Martin covered his face with his hands. What is happening? Sirius decided now was the right time to scare the man to break the tension. He stood in his hind legs and barked into the man's left ear. Father Martin jumped and yelled, "Aaaaaaaaargh!"
As he yelled, he threw his hands up and looked around in a panic.
Sirius quickly transformed and clapped the man on his back, "Why so jumpy, my friend?"
"Sirius! I could have died!"
"What's life without some adrenaline, Martin?" Sirius laughed, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Martin was still pale. "Sorry. I will try not to scare you on the regular… Why are the kids so excited? How is Lady Greengrass doing?" he asked Narcissa, trying to dispel any remaining awkwardness at Narcissa's stern stare.
"Good… Morning," Snape's drawn-out greeting drew out more when he realized that Narcissa had company.
"Good morning," Father Martin stood up and offered his hand to this angry-looking stranger.
Snape looked at Narcissa and Sirius for any sign of distrust of the man but found none. He shook the man's hand. A priest... how quaint, he thought
"Father Martin, this is Severus Snape. Severus, this is Father Martin…" she trailed off, realizing she didn't know the man's last name.
"Martin Shaw," the priest said with a smile. This new man was probably very good at poker. Not that the priest ever played.
"Delighted, I am sure," Snape replied, sounding anything but. He saw Black sipping a steamy cup, across from Narcissa, he nodded at the man. "Sirius, morning."
Sirius lifted his cup at Snape, said a quick "Morning," and went back to buttering his toast.
"He is a friend of the Grangers. He was with them when they found Harry and helped him," Narcissa went on, hoping this would make Snape behave better. It worked.
"Oh! In that case, thank you for what you did for Harry," Snape's expression changed. "His mother was my best friend."
Martin nodded, "I know many years have passed, but I am sorry for your loss. Mrs. Potter sounds like a remarkable woman."
"She was all that is good in life," Severus said in such a low volume that Martin almost didn't hear him.
"Yes, she was," Sirius nodded with a sad smile.
"Wait, you are the man Emma was worried about. You were in a coma, right? When did you wake up?" Martin asked with seemingly true concern.
"Recently. Emma has been helping me heal. She has been, as your kind would say, a blessing," Snape thanked Neesy for his breakfast and dug in. Sirius could have choked on his toast. Snape was an entirely different person now.
Martin wanted a clearer answer but decided he could ask Emma later. He asked what Sirius didn't get an answer for "Where were the kids going, Ms. Black?"
Snape coughed up a bit of his tea. Ms. Black? Why would she say that to a stranger? He thought.
Narcissa passed Severus a napkin and palmed his back to help him. "Lady Longbottom, who is a friend of the family, is coming by later to teach them about the plants in the garden. I think she's bringing her grandson along, but that is a surprise for the kids. Oh, and cousin, Lady Greengrass, and her daughters are resting in their room. They will probably sleep through the day. Perhaps you should write Gringotts so their account manager can send their elves here through Sharptooth. It will help them to have familiar faces around... If the girls wake up before their mother, having their elves here will make them feel safer, don't you think?"
Sirius nodded. "You are right. I will write to Sharptooth today."
"Excuse the interruption but... The children... They are learning about magical plants, yes? Can I hear the lesson too?" Martin asked, excited at the prospect.
"Um, I-… I don't know. I think Augusta won't have a problem, but it's better to ask her… Neesy,"
The elf popped behind her. "Yes, Ms. Black?" the elf said this in a suspicious tone.
"What time is Augusta coming?" Narcissa asked, turning around.
"Lady Longybottoms is coming in fifteen minutes," Neesy replied.
"Are you going to get them?" Sirius asked between forkfuls.
"No, Lady Longybottoms prefers to travels from Gringotts," Neesy replied, never looking at the woman's face. "She is having business to do. Master Doggie, I is going to prepare some nests for Lady Greeny's elves."
"That is a great idea, Neesy. Thank you," Sirius replied patting her on the back.
"Neesy, when Augusta gets here, can you ask her if a muggle man can observe her lesson, please?" Narcissa tried to say this in a kind tone.
"Yes, Ms. Black. I be asking and letting yous know," Neesy replied, popping away.
"Gentlemen, I will go change while you finish. I am sure Augusta will be happy to have you in her lesson, Father Martin," Narcissa turning away briskly. She was feeling a bit self-conscious wearing a morning robe in front of them.
"Thank you, Ms. Black," both the cleric and Severus replied in unison. Snape did so in a sarcastic tone at the last name. Sirius looked at her weirdly. Narcissa shrugged at her cousin.
As she walked away, she turned over her shoulder and said, "Martin… you were not hallucinating… they can talk too…"
Martin stared after her in shock. He spluttered, but he couldn't reply. If the paintings could talk, why hadn't they talked to him?
"Who can talk?" Snape asked, opening a book he had been carrying in his robe. Sirius looked at Martin with interest.
"She says the paintings can talk, but they don't talk to me…"
"Have you tried saying hello?" Snape said slowly, hiding a smirk with his book. Sirius choked on his coffee. Snape has a sense of humor? Had hell frozen over?
"Um… No…"
"Well, this is not like a muggle TV. You can't plug it off and back on to make it work. They probably didn't speak to you because you are a muggle…"
"A non-magical person?"
"Yes," Snape answered slowly.
"Interesting," Martin took the last sip of his coffee and got up.
He took his dishes to the sink, and out of habit, he washed and dried everything. He was about to put it away when Neesy popped into the kitchen. She seemed upset but said nothing.
"Right! I'm sorry Neesy. I am not trying to offend you… It's just that I have always lived mostly alone, and I am used to cleaning up after myself."
"It is alrights rosarys man. You is kind to Neesy. Neesy knows you means no slight. Lady Longybottoms is coming in a few minutes. She is saying she may lets you stay for the lesson after she is seeing you," the elf blushed and looked mortified.
"Seeing me? Um… okay, I guess. Should I wait in the garden?" Martin was confused.
"Yes."
Sirius and Snape looked at the elf blush with amusement. They had to warn the poor priest. Augusta would not let his clerical collar stop her.
"Mr. Shaw," Snape called after him. The man turned with a puzzled expression.
"Yes?"
"Augusta Longbottom is an old woman. She is old enough to be your mother. But she acts like a shameless flirt. She is a widow, has been a widow for a while," Severus tried to explain.
Shaw looked even more confused and pointed at his collar. "Mr. Snape, with all due respect, I am a priest… and I am not looking for… anything like that."
"I know you are a priest. I know what that entails. All I am saying is that she will know you are a priest too… but she will not care," Snape smirked.
"Surely you don't mean-"
"Yes, he does," Sirius wiggled his eyebrows to drive the point home. "She is brazen."
Martin paled. "Okay. I will try to deter her?"
"You will fail," both wizards replied in an amused tone. Sirius looked at Severus, shook his head, and said, "Okay, that was so weird."
"Yup," Snape replied, popping his 'p' sound. Sirius looked at him like he grew a second head and walked away to his room to write to Remus and Gringotts. This new Snape was messing with his head.
Time was up. Albus went to the study where Gellert was waiting, reading a book and nursing an almost empty glass of liquor. The fireplace crackled slightly behind the man's chair. Grindelwald seemed absolutely calm. But Albus knew there was a storm in his mind. His silvery eye would get blueish when Gellert was anxious.
"What have you decided?" Gellert asked with a lifted brow.
"I want to join you…" Albus began slowly. Gellert remained expressionless, but his heart was pounding. "But…"
"But?" Geller lifted a questioning brow.
"I do not want to join him or rather… it…" Albus added with a sour face.
"If I tell you that it will eventually be just you and me, will you give me an unbreakable vow?" Gellert smirked.
"Do you promise?" Albus asked staring deeply into the man's eyes.
"Yes," Gellert replied resolutely.
"Give me my wand," Albus requested. Gellert narrowed his eyes in suspicion but handed him the wand. Albus and Gellert took each other's hands. "I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, swear on my life and magic that I will join Gellert Grindelwald and be faithful to him and his cause, which will be my own. I swear to work hard and do what needs to be done to take over with him. I swear we will act as an army of one with shared goals, techniques, and glory. Additionally, I accept Voldemort's role in our little enterprise provided that, eventually, he is disposed of permanently as he should be. As I have said it, so mote it be."
Gellert felt a thrill as the thin tongue of flames snaked around their joined hands. "I have always loved your prodigious memory, Albus. You worded that beautifully."
"I try to be thorough in my vows. Now, tell me everything," Albus poured himself a glass of firewhiskey and sat down across from Gellert who smiled darkly.
"Here is what I am thinking," Gellert began. It would take a few hours to walk Albus through his convoluted plan, but he would make sure to include every detail. They all mattered. There was no room for error. They would be going radio silent from magical society for around four to five years. Then, Voldemort would reappear to create mayhem that they would benefit from.
By the end of their conversation, both men were certain the plan was brilliant and would work. They were disciplined, powerful, knowledgeable, and resourceful. They were also patient. That was the trait that would be most important for their quest. Glory and success would come, but they would have to walk a long road to get there.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you are all well and staying home. I will try to post another chapter in the coming days. I apologize for the delay but the switch from regular courses to e-learning due to the pandemic has taken a lot of time. -Lux-
