*Slightly darker scenes. Nothing too crazy, but several important story arcs are now in play
September 12, 1991
Great Hall (7:00 AM)
Harry read the newspaper headline, "AZKABAN BREAKOUT! MASS-MURDERER SIRIUS BLACK SLAUGHTERS GUARDS AND ESCAPES!"
He remained emotionless then opened the letter that had been delivered moments before.
Dear Harry,
As you have undoubtedly seen in the Daily Prophet, Sirius Black is free. If you have not figured out by now, I took the opportunity to free him last week. By freeing him earlier, it will give him time to mentally heal from the trauma of being in Azkaban for the past decade. I expect he will be a free man by the end of your first year at Hogwarts.
Although you know that he is innocent, you must remember that everyone believes he betrayed your family. Play your part accordingly.
I know this accelerates our plans, but I find it necessary, especially with your update that Voldemort is inhabiting your DADA teacher. The fact that Dumbledore is allowing this is very alarming. Do not worry, we are making appropriate adjustments. I apologize for not alerting you earlier, but a series of unfortunate events has kept me quite busy.
I shall see you over the winter break.
GG
Harry sighed and burned the letter with a wave of his hand.
Daphne's eyes widened at the sight of that. "What's got you in a mood Harry?"
He sighed and just gave the newspaper to her.
Daphne winced, "I'm very sorry about that Harry."
Harry shrugged. "It's alright Daphne. I'm going to take the day off today."
Daphne smiled, "Yeah, at least it's a Saturday. Do you need company?"
Harry shook his head. "No, it's okay. Blaise and Draco already asked. I'm just going to take a walk and clear my head."
Daphne looked at him concerned before replying, "Alright, I'll see you later then."
Harry waved goodbye and walked out of the Great Hall. As he walked out, he made eye contact with Professor Quirrell, and began thinking about the meeting he had with him last week.
Flashback
"TOM?", exclaimed Harry incredulously.
"Yes and no Harry. Did you really believe that a pathetic ritual could destroy a part of the great Lord Voldemort?", said Quirrell.
"How are you "alive"?", asked Harry.
"Well Harry, your ritual did not kill me, but banished the soul piece, to the original soul. Imagine my surprise when I was possessing poor Quirrell here, then suddenly I am filled with memories that I have definitely not experienced. After some time, I was able to understand everything that was given to me. I must thank you Harry, you gifting me a part of my soul was a blessing I did not expect."
Harry stood there in slight confusion.
"So, are you Tom, Voldemort, or Quirrell?"
"The "Tom" you knew is gone. His memories have been absorbed by me. Quirrell died during the memory exchange process. Only I Lord Voldemort remain."
Harry stepped back and pulled out his wand.
Voldemort laughed. "You may be training with Grindelwald, but do you truly think you can defeat me? Even in this weakened form, I could take you easily."
Harry felt cold sweat trickle down his back.
"I originally planned on killing you the moment the chance arrived. However, having part of my soul back and those memories have, made me rethink things a little.", said Voldemort.
Harry looked at Voldemort surprised.
Voldemort continued, "That discussion in class was for you Harry Potter. Do you truly think that Gellert Grindelwald keeps you around out of emotional attachment? The man is using you like a pawn Harry. Once your usefulness runs out, you will be sacrificed one way or another. I can offer you more."
Harry recoiled at this. "No. Gellert is not like that. He has made me his heir!"
Voldemort sneered. "Look at you. Already brainwashed. However, all hope is not lost for you. Harry Potter, I offer you a choice. You can continue to be played by Grindelwald. Or, you can become my spy and join me. Harry, I will overlook all of your transgressions against me. I will even make you my heir and my right hand if you so desire. You would be honored beyond your wildest imagination. Your power would be limitless, and together nothing could stop us."
Harry looked shocked at the offer and could only stare.
Voldemort continued, "At the end of this semester, I will be leaving Hogwarts. By that time, I will have completed the task I have given myself. You have until then, to swear your allegiance to me. Think very carefully. Do not forget who your first teacher was. I have only shown you a sliver of what I can do. Be wise in your decision, Harry Potter."
With that Voldemort waved his hand, and Harry found himself suddenly outside the classroom.
End of Flashback
The conversation had been jarring to say the least. Harry thought over what Voldemort had said. It was true that Voldemort was very powerful. However, Harry was hesitant to betray the man who had taught him, and given him so much. Immediately after the conversation, Harry had borrowed Draco's owl and had sent a letter telling Grindelwald that Voldemort was indeed back. However, he had conveniently forgotten to mention the offer Voldemort had given him.
Harry continued walking. He was walking when he felt a spell fly by his head.
He spun around to see Terrence Higgs with his wand pointed at him.
"Come back for more Higgs?", said Harry maliciously.
Higgs shrugged. "No, I'm here to teach you a lesson Potter."
Harry laughed and spread his arms in invitation. "Come and try me."
Higgs smiled broadly. "Oh, I with pleasure." He snapped his fingers and five more upper year Slytherins revealed themselves.
Harry quickly snapped out his wand and took a defensive stance.
"What do you want Higgs?", asked Harry.
"I want my spot back as a Serpent. I also want you to pay for humiliating me in front of everyone. See these scars Potter?" asked Higgs as he show Harry his bare chest. Ugly scorch marks ran up and down his torso.
Harry snarled and took the advantage of surprise, "Ignis Flagellum!".
A whip of fire shot out of his wand and brandished itself threateningly.
"You don't know who you are dealing with Higgs.", threatened Harry.
"Get him boys!", yelled Higgs.
Various curses and jinxes shot towards Harry.
Harry ducked and conjured the strongest shield charm he knew. "Contego!"
The shield reflected the spells and Harry began advancing on his attackers. Harry took down the five older students that Higgs had brought with darker stunning and binding spells. Higgs started to step back his eyes wide with fear.
"Hey Potter, it was just a joke man. I didn't want to actually hurt you!", said Higgs frantically as he stepped back.
"I think you have forgotten what I can do. Let me refresh your memory.", whispered Harry.
"Aguamenti!"
Higgs had flinched when Harry had pointed his wand at him, but looked up in surprised to found himself completely soaked.
"Don't worry, that's just to help the lightning flow better.", said Harry as he smiled viciously.
"Fulgur Percutiens!", yelled Harry.
Lightning flew from his wand. Harry looked on at the screaming Higgs pleased with the results. He smiled to himself as he cast weaker versions of the spell (so as not to kill Higgs). Years ago, Harry would never had dreamed about torturing another person. His time with Grindelwald had shown him that some were just meant to be beneath him and be treated as vermin. He frowned to himself as he thought about the change. "Am I losing my humanity?", he thought to himself.
Then he felt a stunner crash into his back and everything went black.
Harry awoke soon after and found himself tied to a chair. His hands were bounds and his wand was on the floor in front of him. Harry struggled for a bit and then stopped when he heard the gloating voice of Terrence Higgs.
"So, Potter, how are you feeling?", asked Higgs with a dark glint in his eyes. He twitched uncontrollably before speaking again.
"You were so busy torturing me, you didn't see Pucey over there stun you in the back! I do hope you will be okay.", said Higgs with mock concern.
"Release me Higgs.", ordered Harry.
"Or what Potter?"
"Or when I get out of here, I am going to kill you and all of your friends."
The older Slytherins began laughing at Harry.
"You don't understand do you Potter?", spat out Higgs. "You're not going to get out of here. We're going to give you a taste of your own medicine, and then obliviate the mess out of you."
Harry gritted his teeth. "You'll pay for this".
"I doubt that very much.", whispered Higgs. "You have humiliated me in front of the entire house, so allow me to return the favor."
"Imperio!", cast Higgs.
Harry felt the spell wash over him and fought the spell with all his might.
Harry then felt the bindings that were on him fall off.
"Pick up your wand and curse yourself.", whispered an ethereal voice in his mind.
He felt himself slowly move down and he stopped himself.
"PICK UP YOUR WAND AND CURSE YOURSELF!", ordered the voice loudly in his head.
Harry screamed and shook off the curse.
"Impressive Potter.", said Higgs. "I guess I'll just have to curse you myself."
Higgs raised his wand when suddenly the door burst open and Blaise and Draco burst in.
"Stupefy!", cast the two boys.
The twin stunners crashed into the two older boys standing by the door.
Harry got up and summoned his wand into his hand. "I should've thought of that before!"
He pointed his wand in the direction of Higgs and cried, "DEPULSO!"
The spell knocked Higgs into the three older Slytherins.
"Expelliarmus!", cried Pucey from underneath Higgs.
The spell caused Draco's wand to fly out of his hand. Blaise raised his wand to curse him back when a stunner came from the other boy next to Pucey.
Harry raised his wand when a deep voice called out, "Drop the wand Potter, or your lapdogs get it."
Harry slowly turned and saw that the boy Draco had stunned earlier had gotten up and had his wand pointed at Draco's head.
Harry slowly put his wand down, then without warning cast the knockback jinx wandlessly. The sudden action surprised the boy and he flew out of the room. A purple curse that flew by Harry's head alerted him that Higgs, Pucey, and the other boy had recovered.
Harry summoned Blaise and Draco behind him, and began dueling the trio furiously.
He had to pull Blaise out of harm's way again when a reductor curse got too close for comfort.
"INCARCEROUS", casted Harry. Heavy chains flew out and wrapped itself around the other boy leaving just Pucey and Higgs.
"REDUCTO!", casted Pucey.
Harry reflected the spell downwards. "Sectumsempra!", "Serpensortia!"
The cutting curse stuck Pucey and blood flowed from his torso. A large python materialized and Harry was about to order it to bind Higgs when Draco cried out from behind him, "EVISCERO!"
Harry watched as the curse flew out and decapitated Higgs entirely.
Harry whirled around in shock. "What have you done Draco?"
Draco looked just as surprised. "That was the first curse in the book you bought me. I didn't know it would kill him! And what have you done? You killed Pucey!" He began hyperventilating.
Blaise just slumped against the wall and looked at the mess that was in the room.
Harry thought quickly. "We're going to have to get rid of the bodies. Didn't Dumbledore say that the right-hand corridor on the third floor would have death or something?"
Blaise nodded, still incapable of words.
Harry looked around the room and took charge. "Drag those 3 idiots over here. We're going to obliviate them and make sure this doesn't get out. As for Pucey and Higgs here, we'll take them to the third floor. We'll make it look like they died on their own accord"
Harry obliviated the three boys. He then transfigured Pucey and Higgs into two mouses.
"Take them!", hissed Harry as he thrust the now mice bodies of Pucey and Higgs towards Draco.
Draco moaned aloud, "What have I done?"
"Worry about that later, right now you two go ahead to the third floor. I'll clean this place up."
Blaise and Draco rushed off ahead to the third floor, while Harry began vanishing the blood and removing his magical aura from the area. As for the three boys, he tossed them into the nearest broom cupboard and hoped for the best. He headed down to the third floor and saw Draco and Blaise looking mighty suspicious.
Harry groaned. "This day was going terribly."
"Harry, the door is locked.", whispered Draco nervously.
Harry rolled his eyes and cast "Alohomora". The lock clicked open.
Harry tentatively opened the door and his eyes widened at the sight of a sleeping Cerberus.
"Bloody Hell!", exclaimed Harry at the sight. "Draco give me the bodies."
Draco quickly handed the mice to Harry.
Harry transfigured the mice back to human and threw them at the Cerberus. He hastily shut the door at the sound of the three heads barking madly and the resulting sound of the three-headed dog eating.
"Quickly, let's get back to the Common Room."
The three boys rushed down to the dungeons and tried to calmly walk inside the common room.
"Hey Harry, Draco, Blaise!", greeted Tracy excitedly.
Daphne followed her friend and walked up to the boys when she said, "Harry is that blood on your face?"
Harry waved his hand across his face and vanished it. "Nope!"
Daphne narrowed her eyes. "Why do you lot look so fidgety?"
Harry smiled nervously. "No reason. We just uh got away from Filch."
Daphne eyed him skeptically. "Really? And why was Filch chasing you?"
Draco piped up, "We were exploring when we accidentally went to the third floor!"
Harry nudged Draco in the ribs. "And now we're all really tired and are going to head to bed. Goodnight ladies!"
Blaise and Draco followed suit and followed Harry into their dorm.
Tracy asked Daphne, "Hey Daph, was it just me or were they acting really weird?"
Daphne replied while still looking at the boys as they rushed up the stairs into their room. "Yes, they were acting very weird. Don't worry, I'm going to get to the bottom of this."
Harry berated Draco in their room. "Why on earth would you tell Daphne that we were on the third floor. We're going to be connected to the crime you fool!"
Blaise who was still unnaturally unnerved, grabbed Harry's arm. "It's okay Harry, we'll be fine. I doubt that people will find out about it anyways."
Harry fell over onto his bed. "Oh no, Gellert is going to be so mad if I get expelled."
Draco who was even paler than usual gasped at this. "Father is going to kill me. We're going to be sent to Azkaban."
Harry gathered his wits and did several breathing exercises. "Okay guys, we are going to make an alibi. We were all practicing our dueling in a random classroom. We did NOT go near the third floor. Anyways if this all plays out right, the teachers will think that Pucey and Higgs died on their own accord."
Draco and Blaise began calming down.
Draco looked at his hands before looking at his two friends. "Guys I'm a murderer now. Am I evil now?"
Harry took another deep breath. "Draco you are not alone. Tonight, we have both ended the life of another. I have no doubt that this will weigh deeply on us. But you must remember, it was not your fault. It was him or you."
Draco nodded and smiled weakly.
Harry addressed then addressed the two of them, "I want to thank you guys for helping me out back there. What were you doing down there anyways?"
Draco answered, "Blaise and I heard from Daphne that you were brooding around the castle, so we went looking for you. We then heard a scream while we were looking so went to investigate. Then we found you and the rest, well you already know the rest."
Blaise nodded in agreement. "You saved my life today Harry."
Draco chimed in, "Me too. Who knows what Higgs would've done to us?"
Harry nodded solemnly at the two other boys. "You two have proved to be worthy of my inner circle in the future. Will you two be there with me?"
Blaise answered first, "You showed magic that I have not seen before. You have proved to be a worthy person to follow."
Draco agreed, "Harry I already knew I would join you when you and Grindelwald came to my house this summer."
The boys shared a laugh at this.
Harry nodded at the two of them. "I do not expect oaths tonight. However, today we have created an unbreakable brotherhood."
Blaise and Draco both nodded in agreement. "Brothers for life."
September 14
Great Hall
It had taken two days for the professors to notice that Terrence Higgs and William Pucey were missing.
Albus Dumbledore stood in front of the of Hogwarts and spoke. "Tonight, I bring the sad news that we have lost two of our own students. Terrence Higgs and William Pucey died after not heeding my warning about the third floor. They were both fine, young men with bright futures ahead of them. May they rest in peace. There will be a memorial service tomorrow evening and school will be cancelled for the next week. If any of you need emotional support during this troubling time, do not hesitate to reach out to any of your professors. That will be all."
Dumbledore sat down and gazed upon the many students.
He leaned over to Severus, "Is there any more news on the autopsy?"
Snape frowned before responding. "Both bodies responded negative to traces of the Imperious. However, Pucey's body had traces of dark magic and Higgs seemed to have been decapitated cleanly. This could be a coincidence, but I sense foul play."
Albus frowned at this. "Do we have any suspects?"
Severus hesitated then eventually responded, "No, we do not."
Albus looked over the students eating dinner. "Look into it more. Both families were most upset with the news that there was a Cerberus in the school to begin with. If there is evidence of foul play, find it quickly Severus."
Snape nodded.
"In the meanwhile, keep an eye on our friend Quirrell will you?", asked Dumbledore.
Snape hesitated once more. "Sir, there is something most definitely wrong with Quirrell. He seems to have gained a new courage and no longer has that horrific stutter. I know that these changes occurred a year ago, but still there seems to be something decidedly different about Quirrell."
Dumbledore nodded at this. "My suspicions seem to be accurate. I will inform you of them later this evening in my office."
Snape nodded and the two resumed their dinners.
~~
Daphne Greengrass had been watching Harry, Draco, and Blaise very carefully since the incident a couple of days ago. She was right that something had changed. There had definitely been a drastic change in their relationships since that night. In just a couple of days, both Draco and Blaise seemed to be much more deferential to Harry. There was also a new, camaraderie, between them. Daphne looked carefully at Harry Potter, the enigma behind all this.
"Eyeing up Potter, Greengrass?", snarked Pansy Parkinson.
Daphne blushed most slightly before composing herself and turning her attention to Pansy.
"I don't know what you're talking about. And don't act all high and mighty yourself Parkinson. I know you're upset that Draco doesn't even spare you a glance."
Pansy gasped angrily at this and turned away from Daphne.
Tracy laughed at the exchange and turned to Daphne. "So why were you looking so intently at Harry?"
Daphne frowned slightly before responding. "Something happened a couple days ago. It's obvious that something has happened. You can just tell by the way their all acting. Just a couple of days ago, Blaise would challenge Harry incessantly. Now the two act like the best of friends. Something is off and I am going to figure out what it is."
Tracy looked at the boys then shook her head. "I think you're reading too deeply into that Daphne."
Daphne shook her head and replied, "I know I'm right. Potter has many secrets and I plan on finding out what they are."
October 2, 1981
Secret Room in Dumstrang
It had been exactly one month since Sirius had been freed from Azkaban. He didn't even remember the first two week as the mysterious wizard had forced potion after potion down Sirius's throat. He remembered with disdain the horrid taste of those potions. It had been a cycle of treatment and sleep. Then the next two weeks had been spent talking to this woman named Queenie.
Sirius frowned as he remembered his first encounter with the woman.
Flashback
Sirius awoke after another round of potions. Sirius looked down at his body and noticed that his body most definitely looked better. He no longer could see his ribs and his skin looked radiant and healthy for the first time in years.
He saw a potion on his bed stand with careful instructions on its dosage. He read it carefully and took it. He felt his head hurt before everything felt clearer again. He sighed contently. These potions were something else.
A knock at the door alerted Sirius.
"Come in."
A beautiful blonde woman entered the room. Sirius looked at her, his mouth slightly ajar.
"I know what you are thinking Sirius. I am far too old for you.", she said with a laugh.
Sirius looked at her in surprise. "Did you just read my mind?"
She laughed again. "One cannot simple read the mind, honey. I merely "heard" what you were thinking. And yes, I'm sure I am too old for you. I am almost 90 now."
Sirius's jaw dropped. "There's no way. I know people with magic age differently than muggles, but you look like you're forty tops."
She laughed. "My boss, is quite innovative. His work in potions and transfiguration is quite astounding. He is quite powerful as well. After all, he did free you."
Sirius concentrated and tried to remember who had rescued him. The white-haired man had looked very familiar, but he could not remember his name.
"Oh, where are my manners. I'm Queenie."
"Nice to meet you Queenie. So, can you here to tell me where I am? Or why your "boss" saved me?"
"No, no Sirius. I'm very sorry, but he made me swear a vow that I don't tell you. It really is for your own good. You'll understand soon."
Sirius narrowed his eyes at her. "How do I know I can trust you and your boss?"
"Sirius, if we wanted you dead, you'd still be in Azkaban. We only want to help you. Trust me when I say you'll understand in the future. In fact, if you do everything right, you might even see your godson soon!"
Sirius nearly jumped out of his bed. "Harry! Have you seen him? Do you know how he is doing?"
Queenie came to his side and out him back in his bed. "Yes, I have. He has become quite a fine young man. Now Sirius, if you want to see him, we need to be sure you're healthy."
"I am healthy!", he exclaimed.
"Are you mentally okay Sirius?", asked Queenie with an arched eyebrow. "I know that physically you will be fine in a couple of days. But mentally speaking I think you need help. I think you need to talk to someone. That's why I'm here right now."
Sirius looked at her disdainfully at the idea. "I don't need a therapist, thank you very much."
Queenie gazed into his eyes. "Sirius, I think you do."
Sirius frowned. "If you promise to get me to Harry when we're done with this."
"Of course, Sirius! When I think that you'll be okay to go out, then you can see him."
Sirius slumped down into the bed. "So, what do you want to talk about, Queenie?"
Then the two fell into a long conversation about their childhoods and histories.
Sirius did not know why, but Queenie just seemed to understand him so well. He told her all about the Marauders and his amazing days at school. He mourned the loss of his brothers, both James and Regulus.
He appreciated Queenie listening so intently and giving him the consolation that he had needed. After a while Queenie checked her watch.
"Oh, look at the time. I must be heading back."
"Wait!", said Sirius as he sat back up from his bed. "Will you be back tomorrow? Can I see, Harry?"
"After a week or two I think you will be able to see Harry! And of course, I'll be back tomorrow.", smiled Queenie reassuringly.
End of Flashback
Sirius smiled as he remembered all the hours, he spent conversing with her. Though he'd never admit it, the talks did help him. His mind felt clearer then ever, and the nightmares occurred less and less frequently. He still hadn't been "cleared" to see Harry yet, but he knew that he would be soon. He had tried to escape, but he still couldn't make it out the door. The wards were far too complex.
Sirius looked up from where he was sitting, when he heard a creak at the door.
Queenie peeked her head through the door. "Sirius, I have a surprise for you!"
Sirius got up from the chair he had been reclining in. "Can I see Harry now?"
Queenie smiled softly, "No Sirius, but very soon. Right now, though, you'll have everything explained to you. In fact, you'll be meeting the person who freed you."
Sirius sat back down. Queenie opened the door completely and the white-haired man walked in.
"Hello Sirius."
Sirius looked at him closely. "Who are you? You look familiar."
The man chuckled. "I don't doubt it. After all I knew your grandfather quite well back in the day. However, you probably know me from somewhere else."
Sirius frowned. "I'm not sure where I know you from."
The man smiled. "Sirius, I am Gellert Grindelwald, it is nice to meet you."
Sirius jumped out of his chair and pointed a finger at him. "What do you want from me you monster?"
Grindelwald looked at him very carefully before releasing his magical aura.
Sirius recoiled as tendrils of magic flared and brushed against his own.
"Do not forget who you are talking to with such impudence boy.", whispered Grindelwald dangerously. "I break your sorry self out of Azkaban and nurse you back to health. And THIS, is how you treat me?"
Sirius felt an invisible force press him back down into the chair.
Grindelwald closed his eyes and the tension in the room left. "Now Sirius, I mean you no harm. You may despise me for what I did many decades ago, but you must understand that we are on the same side."
Sirius snarled at Grindelwald. "How could I be on the same side as you? I learned about the atrocities you committed at Hogwarts. I know you're a monster."
"Sirius do you love Harry Potter?", asked Grindelwald in a whisper.
"Of course, I do!", said Sirius.
"Then why would we not be on the same side? After all, he is my heir."
Sirius fell shell-shocked at this news. 'His godson. The heir of Grindelwald?'
"You're lying!", shouted Sirius.
Grindelwald arched his eyebrow. "Such a pitiful display from the Lord Black. I find myself quite disappointed."
Sirius scoffed. "Lord Black? I was disowned when I was 15!"
"You are wrong again Sirius. Can you not see that you are very behind on everything? Now I am going to ask you to be silent for the next couple of minutes while I explain everything to you. If you do not comply, I will silence you magically for the rest of my life."
Sirius crossed his arms defiantly and clenched his jaw.
"You see Sirius, I broke out of Nurmengard several years back. I then freed your godson from slavery."
Sirius interrupted, "WHAT!" He then felt his tongue stick to his roof.
"As I was saying.", continued Grindelwald, "Harry was a slave to some muggles, his aunt and uncle I believe. I freed him and offered to teach him magic…"
Grindelwald went on and gave a brief overview of the last several years.
Sirius looked at him shocked at the account that Grindelwald had told. "This is all true?", he asked feebly.
"Yes Sirius. I promise.", said Grindelwald.
Sirius fell back in his chair stunned that the innocent child he had known, was not in line to be the next Dark Lord.
"Now Sirius, is where you make an important decision. Will you join me and Harry? We have more in common than you think."
Sirius clenched his jaw. "You corrupt my godson and then tell me that we have things in common. I will never join you."
"Why Sirius? You offend me. I did not corrupt Harry, I freed him from a life of despair and hopelessness. I have saved Harry and have made him the most powerful wizard of his generation!"
Sirius looked defiantly at Grindelwald. "You are lying. Dumbledore would never allow Harry to become a slave."
"Really Sirius? That man placed Harry with the Dursleys, and when I found him, he was almost dead! I truly do not understand why you and so many others trust Dumbledore so blindly."
Sirius looked displeased at this.
Grindelwald continued, "Sirius, if Dumbledore was so great, why did he leave you rotting in Azkaban for the past decade?"
Sirius opened his mouth then closed it as he began to think.
"You a member of his coveted "Order of Phoenix", and he doesn't even visit your cell."
Sirius's head shot up at this.
"Oh yes Sirius I know all about his organization. Did you know Dumbledore visited me frequently in Nurmengard?", smirked Grindelwald.
Sirius looked at him in shock.
"Yes Sirius, the old goat came to me and not once did he think you were innocent. He cursed your name. The rest of your so-called friends? They're no better. Not one stood up for you. Even though they all knew that you were essentially a brother to James Potter, not one wizard stood up for you. They all betrayed you."
Sirius's face fell. "They wouldn't.", he said without conviction.
"Sirius, I know you were an auror. You put your life on the line everyday for all of wizarding-kind, but not even one of them came to help you when you needed help the most. The disgracefulness of this all. Your favorite man Dumbledore visited his archenemy regularly, while he spat on your name like the rest of the wizarding world."
Sirius slipped out of the chair defeated.
"Sirius, you and I are alike. We are both powerful wizards, who only wanted the best for our loved ones and the world. But we were both betrayed by those we considered friends. Do you know why I became a dark lord? It was Dumbledore's betrayal. It stung so badly I know exactly how you feel right now."
Grindelwald stretched his hand out to him. "Join me Sirius, join me and Harry. You have failed Harry once; you cannot afford to again!"
At those words Sirius felt something stir in him. He grasped Grindelwald's hand and looked him in the eye.
"I do not agree with your methods, if what they say are true. However, I will not fail Harry again."
Grindelwald smiled encouragingly at Sirius. "Indeed. Of that I have no doubt."
Later that evening
Meeting room
Grindelwald stood at the head of a table. "Vinda, Queenie, how have our tasks gone?"
Queenie spoke first. "My lord, I believe the information I extracted from Black were useful?"
Grindelwald smiled. "Yes Queenie, your information worked wonders. I have sworn Black to an oath, that he will never plot against us. In a few years, I have no doubt that he will be firmly on our side. Especially, once he meets Harry."
Queenie smiled. "The potions you gave Black made him quite susceptible. It was quite easy."
"Yes, yes, well done Queenie. Black was easy to manipulate and a large part of that is thanks to you. You will receive your reward in due time."
Grindelwald looked at the other witch in the room. "Vinda, how has your mission overseas gone?"
Vinda Rosier responded, "I have scouted the governments of the other countries. All believe you are dead. However, I find that many of the eastern European countries will be easy to control once you make your return sir. However, I have heard disturbing rumors that Rasputin is not dead."
Grindelwald paused at this. "I thought I had Grimmson assassinate him in the first world war?"
Vinda fidgeted nervously. "My lord, Grimmson swore that his piercing curse went through his skull. However, my imperioused spies returned with news that he was indeed alive."
Grindelwald looked quite angry at this. He summoned a house-elf. "Elf! Bring Gunnar Grimmson immediately." The elf bowed and disapparated.
It arrived moments later with a shaking Grimmson.
"Grimmson, did you or did you not kill Grigori Rasputin?"
He bowed very deeply to Grindelwald. "My lord, I put several curses in his body and them threw him in the Nevka river."
"Then why dear friend, are there reports of him being alive?"
Grimmson's eyes widened dramatically. "That is impossible my lord!"
Grindelwald paced around the room. "I am going to head to Russia. If he is indeed alive, he must be finished. He knows too much and is very powerful. If I find that blasted man alive, you will pay."
Grindelwald pulled out his wand. "Vinda! Where did your source see Rasputin?"
Vinda replied, "There were several reports of him in St. Petersburg."
He nodded and disapparated.
A/N: Thanks to all you wonderful reviewers. I truly appreciate the support you guys are giving me! :)