The next chapter! I hope you like it, please let me know! I have used a few lines of Crimes of Grindelwald here, I hope you don't mind. I just love that movie so much!
I don't own the characters or places!
The young man with the suitcase walked through he streets slowly, not aware that he was being watched, even if he was looking around from time to time. It was dark in Paris and the stars were shining above the city. Not many people were on the streets, but that wasn't unusual in this area. Not many people came here and if they did, they had a good reason.
The two other people were following the man, careful not to be noticed. They didn't want to show themselves yet, it was too early for it. When the young man stopped and another figure stepped out of the shadows, the two others exchanged knowing glances.
The people they were watching talked softly to each other and the woman looked around. Even from the distance, the mistrust in her eyes could be seen. Her posture was tense and her wand was ready in her hand. However, she also didn't seem to notice that they were being watched. In the end, she waved at someone else.
Another young woman, accompanied by a man. From all of them, the smaller man seemed to feel the most uncomfortable. He was always turning around nervously and remained close to his companions. He didn't belong into this world, that was hard to miss.
Together, they headed towards the more crowded parts of the city. The two men followed them silently. This time, they weren't this careful. It took the others about five minutes until they noticed that they were being followed. They turned into a narrow alleyway which was a dead end without hesitation. Apparently, they wanted to let them walk into a trap.
The two men exchanged looks and followed them.
"If I were you, I wouldn't move now." The quiet voice of a woman whispered behind him as soon as they'd taken a few steps into the alleyway.
"Why are you following us?" The man with the suitcase added.
"You should be more careful. We've been following you for quite some time now, Newt. And you didn't notice it." Gellert said in a calm voice.
"There were others following you, by the way." Albus added. "We made sure that they forgot about their orders." Albus added. The wand which had been pointing at his back vanished suddenly and he could hear someone whisper "Lumos!".
"What are you doing here?" Newt Scamander asked incredulously and looked at Albus and Gellert wide-eyed. His companions, Tina and Queenie Goldstein as well as Jacob Kowalski, a Muggle from New York, also stared at them.
"I can't believe it." Queenie muttered. "Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald." Albus knew that she tried to read their thoughts, but her unhappy frown told him that it didn't work. The advantages of being good at Occlumency.
"I thought you wanted to arrive in Paris tomorrow." Newt added when they didn't answer his question immediately.
"That was the actual plan." Gellert confirmed. "But we changed it."
"We've been here for a few days now." Albus explained. "But maybe we should discuss this somewhere else? Dimitri's followers are still close by."
The others all looked at Newt, who nodded. "Of course. We've got a small room close by."
Albus shook his head. "We know a safe place." He held out his hand. "There's someone else who would like to meet you. Good to see you, by the way." He added towards the others, realising that he'd forgotten to introduce himself. "I'm Albus and this is Gellert."
"I assume you already know our names?" Tina asked.
He nodded.
"We should leave." Gellert muttered darkly. "They're getting closer."
Gellert and Newt took Albus' hand without hesitation and after a few more moments, the others did it as well. Then he disapparated.
It didn't surprise Albus that Nicolas had already prepared tea when they entered his house. He looked up from the book he was reading with a smile. "You're late." He noted. "You said you'd be back before midnight."
"Something came in between." Gellert explained. "Apparently, Dimitri knows that Aurors are in the city." He glanced at their companions, who were still hesitating in the doorway to the dining room.
"May I introduce Nicolas Flamel to you?" Albus said to lessen the tension. "He's a friend of ours. You can trust him."
Nicolas stood up slowly. He was looking at Newt. "You must be Mr. Scamander. Albus and Gellert have told me so much about you!" He exclaimed. "I assume that it your famous suitcase?"
Newt chuckled uncomfortably. "I wouldn't call it famous, sir."
"Call me Nicolas, please." Flamel threw in. "And sit down, you must be tired."
They all did as he asked and soon, they were all drinking their tea. "Why did you follow us tonight, Albus?" Newt asked in the end.
"I would like to know that as well. And how you know that Aurors are in the city." Tina added and narrowed her eyes at them.
"We have our contacts." Gellert said simply.
"When you know them for as long as I do, it doesn't surprise you anymore that they just know things, Tina." Newt whispered to her. Then he turned to the others again. "So you've been doing research on your own already. What did you find out?"
"Not much." Albus explained. "We tried to find their hiding place, but it's not that easy. Dimitri is really good."
"He's the most dangerous wizard of our time, of course he's good." Tina muttered.
"Tell us something we don't know." Gellert ran a hand through his hair. "Did Newt tell you why we're so interested in Dimitri?"
"Except for the fact that he has to be stopped? No." Tina replied. Queenie and Jacob were just following the conversation silently. Albus didn't truly understand why they were also in the city yet. He would have to ask them later.
"It's something personal." Gellert explained.
"I also don't know more than that." Newt threw in and cleared his throat when Tina eyed him curiously.
"Normally, I wouldn't tell you all this." Gellert continued. "But since you're all involved in it now, I don't have a choice." In short words, he explained his youth at Durmstrang and everything that happened with Dimitri ever since. While he told his story, Albus squeezed his hand under the table. He knew that Gellert hated filling them in on all the details.
"So you think that he wants to rule over the No-Majs?" It was the first time Queenie spoke since they'd entered the house. Next to her, Jacob shifted uncomfortably. They were holding hands on the table and Albus felt a stab of jealousy. He would have loved to show his feelings for Gellert openly as well.
"Muggles." Newt muttered, but they just ignored his comment.
"We know it." Gellert said seriously. "And he has to be stopped."
"I totally agree with that." Jacob whispered.
"You want to confront him when the Aurors go to that meeting." Tina concluded, looking thoughtful. Somehow, Albus thought that she already tried to figure out a way to make it possible.
"That's right." Albus confirmed.
"My brother will be there." Newt muttered, looking uncomfortable. Albus and Gellert had also noticed that next to the Aurors from New York, a team from London was also in the city now. "I don't think Theseus will be thrilled when he gets to know that you're here."
"Let that be our concern, Newt." Albus said with a smile. "I can deal with the Aurors."
"We need a plan. From what we heard so far, the meeting will be within the next days. But we don't know when and where." Tina sounded frustrated.
"I could ask a few people if they know something." Nicolas threw in. "So many strangers in the city will be noticed."
"That would be great." Albus smiled at him.
"We also have to do more research." Gellert explained. "Albus and I know a few people here in Paris as well. We already talked to some of them, but a few others are left."
"I have to join my team again tomorrow." Tina said. "Otherwise, they'll get suspicious."
"And what should we do?" Newt asked, meaning Queenie, Jacob and himself.
"You can accompany us, Newt." Albus offered. "And the two of you could use a day in the city on your own." He added with a look at Queenie and Jacob. It was obvious that they both didn't like the situation they were in at all. Again, he wondered why they were in Paris at all.
"So we all have something to do, but we don't have a real plan?" Tina asked, not trying to hide her frustration.
Albus exchanged a look with Gellert. They were also unhappy with the situation, but they could hide their feelings well after years of doing that. "Looks like it." Gellert said in the end.
A series of lucky coincidences made it possible for them to find out more about the meeting of Dimitri and his followers. In the course of that, both the Aurors from America as well as the ones from England got to know about the presence of Albus, Gellert and Newt in Paris. Of course Theseus Scamander was furious, but he held himself back and didn't say much about it. They also didn't comment on Queenie and Jacob being with them, even if it was obvious that Jacob was a Muggle. Secretly, Albus suspected that they had too much respect for him and Gellert to say anything about it.
The meeting would take place in an old amphitheatre, hidden under one of the biggest graveyards in Paris. Apparently, the Aurors from England had managed to capture one of Dimitri's followers, who told them about it in the end. It was only good for them, now they could make a plan how to get in.
First, Theseus and the other Aurors refused to let Albus, Gellert and the others help, but they won that argument after telling them how many things Gellert knew about Dimitri. It was also an advantage that Nicolas knew Paris and the graveyard so well. With his help, they got to know a secret passage to get into the theatre.
With all the Aurors, they were far too many people. In the end, it was decided that only a small group of people should go to see the meeting. Among them Albus, Gellert, Newt and Tina. Queenie and Jacob would stay with Nicolas. They'd all agreed that it was better this way.
Right before they wanted to enter the passageway, Gellert took Albus aside. "Please be careful, love." He whispered when they were alone. Albus could see the worry in his eyes and he remembered that Gellert had many nightmares about him and Dimitri.
"Of course, Gel." He replied softly and took his hands. "And you don't do anything stupid."
Gellert nodded seriously. "Promise." He leaned in to kiss Albus softly, though the kiss didn't last long enough. Far too soon, they returned to the others and Albus breathed in deeply, preparing for a fight.
The corridor was long and he knew that their footsteps would have been far too loud without the silencing charms. Theseus Scamander was leading their group together with two other Aurors from London. Right behind them walked Albus and Gellert, wands in their hands. It was risky, just going in there like this. However, they didn't have enough Invisibility Cloaks and Dimitri would be able to detect charms for that easily.
After what felt like ages, they could hear voices. Theseus held up his hand to make the group stop and gestured for them to wait there. He continued to walk alone. Behind Albus, he saw the concern on Newt's face when his brother vanished around the next corner alone. Even if they didn't get along too well at the moment, the brothers still loved each other and cared for their safety.
Only a minute later, Theseus came back, a stern look on his face. "You have to see this." He whispered to Albus and Gellert. "But be quiet." They followed him carefully and soon, the voices got louder. Albus shivered when he recognized the voice which was speaking. Suddenly, he was back at Godric's Hollow, Ariana's cat in his arms.
A hand brushed his own, which took Albus back to reality. There was concern in Gellert's eyes, though he could hide it pretty well. Albus smiled slightly to let him know that he was alright.
"You came today because of a craving and a knowledge that the old ways serve us no longer. You come today because you crave something new. Something different. It is said that I hate les Non-Magiques, the Muggles. The No-Majs. The Can't-Spells. I do not hate them. I do not. For I do not fight out of hatred. I say the Muggles are not lesser, but other. Not worthless, but of other value. Not disposable, but of a different disposition. Magic blooms only in rare souls. Oh, and what a world we could make, for all of humanity... We who live for freedom, for truth. And for love. The moment has come to share my vision of the future. That awaits if we do not rise up and take our rightful place in the world."
Dimitri's voice was calm while he was speaking to the crowd. From what Albus could see from their hiding place, he was standing in the middle of the amphitheatre and there were far too many people listening to him. They had smiles on their faces and were eager to hear more. Next to him, Gellert shook his head in disgust.
What happened next surprised all of them. Dimitri showed the people a vision of war. A war between Muggles, not wizards. He said that they had to be stopped before it could come true because it would also influence their lives. Those wars would change the world, for the worse and not the better. His followers seemed to believe him because they started to cheer when he presented them all this. It made Albus feel sick. Even if a war might come, they couldn't just enslave all the Muggles to stop it.
Many people in the theatre were shouting now, insults against the Muggles and what was going to come. Dimitri listened to all of this silently, a smile on his face. After a while, he held up his hands. "We will act when the time is right, my brothers and sisters." He announced. "Now I will tell you something and you have to remain calm. Do not act unless I say so." Suddenly, he turned right into the direction of their hiding place. "There are Aurors among us. Aurors and old friends. Come closer, join us!"
Albus didn't like the way he said old friends at all. Next to him, Gellert's eyes narrowed. After a few moments of hesitation, Theseus breathed in deeply and stepped into the amphitheatre, followed by the other Aurors.
Now the shouting of all the people sounded different. Not directed against the Muggles, but the Ministries and everyone who worked for them. When Albus and Gellert could be seen, there were also words like 'traitor' and 'kill him'. He knew that those were directed against Gellert.
Albus was already expecting the crowd to turn against them, but they didn't move. They seemed to trust Dimitri and his decisions.
Dimitri was smiling widely now, still looking completely calm. He held out his hands in an inviting gesture. "Welcome to our meeting, my friends!" He greeted them loudly. "Do you want to join us?"
They all watched him in silence and Albus could feel the tension in their group rising. He knew that a fight was to come, though he didn't see any way to prevent that. He exchanged a short glance with Gellert. Then he saw an image in his mind and Albus knew what they had to do. Of course Gellert knew how Dimitri would act now. Behind his back, Albus gestured for Newt, Tina and the others to wait for their sign to act.
"We are not here to join you, Dimitri!" Gellert was the first who spoke and his voice filled the entire theatre. "This is madness!"
Dimitri's expression darkened when his former friend spoke to him like that. "Then I assume that you are here to stop me?" He sounded amused. "The great Gellert Grindelwald, who could have been in my position now. Instead, he chose to teach students at Hogwarts, of all places!" All around them, people started to laugh at this.
"I have found the right path for my life." Gellert replied calmly. "Someone saved me before I could turn into what you are now."
Before, Dimitri's attention had been on Gellert, but now he turned to Albus. "Ah yes, Albus Dumbledore." When he emphasized his name slowly, Gellert tensed next to him. "I've heard many stories about you. Which of them are true? They call you brilliant. Compassionate. A good man." Dimitri laughed dryly. "Everyone has a dark side. What do you think how much longer you can tame him?" He pointed at Gellert. "He's not a good man. I know what I'm talking about."
"You're wrong." Albus cut him off. "You have no idea what you're talking about." He wasn't sure where he found to courage to talk to Dimitri like this. "He chose the right path, in contrast to you."
"You're talking about your previous ideas for the greater good, aren't you?" Dimitri grinned. "You made them possible in the first place, Dumbledore. Never forget that." Without waiting for a reply, he turned to his followers again. "Go now! Leave this place and wait for more instructions!"
In an instant, chaos broke out. People were screaming and started to run towards the doors that would lead them outside. Other's just disapparated. Theseus shouted at his Aurors to stop them, but Albus didn't pay attention to that. He remained by Gellert's side, just like Newt and Tina. "What now?" Newt asked.
"We have to stop him." Gellert pointed at the object in Dimitri's hands. Albus knew from the image Gellert had shown him before that it could summon magical fire. "Otherwise, this whole place will be blown up!"
"Doesn't sound good." Newt muttered and looked around. "Theseus!" He shouted and ran to his brother to inform him about this.
In the meantime, Gellert and Albus started to run towards Dimitri, but it was already too late. The fire was blue and so hot that Albus couldn't hold back a gasp. It formed a circle between Dimitri and them, making it impossible to reach him. They tried a few spells, but nothing would work.
"We would have made a good team, Albus." Dimitri said loudly. "You chose the wrong side here. Together, we could have ruled the world."
Gellert shouted at him. "You bastard, don't talk to him like that!" He tried to run towards the fire, but Albus grabbed his arm quickly and forced him back. They stumbled and fell to the ground together.
"Gellert, stop it!" Albus said loudly and wrapped his arms around his partner to calm him down. "He's trying to provoke you!"
"We have to get out of here!" Tina Goldstein, who appeared next to them now, shouted. "Otherwise, we'll all die! Come on, Dimitri is gone! There's nothing left for us here anyway!"
It was true. The circle in the middle of the flames was gone and there was no sign of Dimitri and his followers. Albus stood up and held out his hand to Gellert. "Come on, let's go!"
"We have to stop it! Otherwise, it will get bigger and bigger!" Gellert shouted, but he followed Albus anyway.
"We can do that from the outside!" He argued. Just before they could reach the passageway through which they got in, they were joined by Newt, Theseus and a few more Aurors. It were less than those who'd entered the amphitheatre, but Albus had no time to think about it. They had to get out of there first.
"Once we're outside, we have to form a circle around the building!" Albus said loudly while they were running as fast as possible. "It's the only way to stop it!"
"Do you think we're enough people for that?" There was doubt in Tina's voice.
"We can do that!" Gellert replied and reached for Albus' hand. They didn't let go when they left the passageway and the cold air outside hit them. "Now go and do it! Wands into the earth!"
"Finite!" Albus and Gellert shouted when they knelt down and cast the spell. They were still holding hands while they did that. All around them, they could hear the others shouting the same spell. It sounded like everything around them was exploding, but it only lasted a few seconds. After that, the graveyard was silent again.
For a few moments, neither of them moved. Albus and Gellert were still kneeling on the floor, their wands in the ground and hands clasped together tightly. Very slowly, Albus opened his eyes and had to blink against the sudden darkness surrounding them.
"That was close." He whispered and glanced at Gellert. There was a grim expression on his face.
"Dimitri escaped." He muttered darkly. "And nearly destroyed the city."
They both stood up and looked around. From nearly ten Aurors who'd accompanied them into the building, only three were left. Albus felt a stab of pain in his chest. Next to him, Gellert seemed to realize the same. He took Albus' hand and squeezed it, not caring if anyone saw them.
When Newt walked towards them slowly, followed by Tina, he eyed their entwined hands, but there was a smile on his lips. Tina didn't even seem to notice it. "That was a total disaster." She muttered.
"I agree." Another voice behind them said. It was Theseus. He looked tired. "You were right when you said that we shouldn't underestimate him." The last words were directed at Albus and Gellert. "I'm sorry that I didn't believe you first."
"It's alright." Albus replied. "We all didn't know what would happen today." Until now, Theseus didn't notice that Albus and Gellert were holding hands. He knew that they should stop, but from the way Gellert was holding onto him like his life depended on it, Albus knew that there was no way that would happen now.
"We have to find out what he's planning next." One of the Aurors muttered, sounding sad. Albus wasn't surprised. After all, they just lost more than half of their team.
"First, we need sleep." Theseus muttered. "And we have to go back to London." He looked at Albus, Gellert and Newt. "You should accompany us. I bet they want to hear your part of this story as well."
Albus sighed. He'd already feared that. "We can do that." He agreed reluctantly.
Later that night, Albus and Gellert were lying in bed in the small room they shared in Nicolas Flamel's house. They'd told him, Queenie and Jacob the whole story before going to bed. The sun would rise soon, but they didn't care. After the events of the day, they needed sleep. Especially after stopping Dimitri's spell together.
Gellert was still tensed in Albus' arms. "What are you thinking, love?" He whispered and ran a hand through Gellert's hair softly.
"What he said to you..." Gellert muttered. He'd given up to pretend that everything was fine in front of Albus a long time ago. "That you chose the wrong side... That you can't hold me back forever..."
"You can't possibly consider that he was telling the truth." Albus muttered and shook his head. "You're the best man I know, Gellert. And I told you many times that you're not evil. You've been on the wrong path when we first met, but that's it. You've changed so much ever since, love. Dimitri doesn't know anything about you. About us." He leaned in to kiss him softly.
Gellert sighed. "I'm being stupid, right?" He smiled weakly and pulled Albus closer.
"Very much." He placed a hand on Gellert's chest, right above his heart. "I love you, Gellert. Never doubt that."
"I love you too, Albus." Gellert whispered. "More than life itself." They kissed again. "We really have to stop him soon." He muttered when they pulled back again. "His plans would cause so much damage."
"I know." Albus nodded. "We'll find a way. Together."
"I like the sound of that." Gellert smiled and ran his hands down Albus' back, making him shiver. "So you really think that I'm a good person?" There was still a last hint of doubt in his voice.
"I don't think it, I know it." Albus emphasized. "All you've been doing for the past years has been to stop Dimitri. He's got the greater good all wrong. It's -"
"Helping people, not destroying their lives." Gellert finished his sentence with a smile. "I know."
"He just wanted to provoke you when he spoke to me." Albus said. "You know that?"
"It worked damn well." Gellert sighed. "Even the thought of him close to you makes me sick."
Albus smiled. "Well, then it's good that you're here with me now." He whispered and rolled around so he was on top of Gellert. "Isn't it?"
"Whatever you're thinking, I like the mischievous gleam in your eyes, love." Gellert chuckled softly when Albus kissed him again.