So here it is, the final chapter of this story! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing the whole series! Again, thank you so much for all the support, it's amazing! Please let me know what you think of this chapter as well!

The song to this chapter is 'Warm' by Moncrieff.

I don't own the characters or places!

The wind was blowing cold in the mountains. Together with the snow, it looked like everything was covered in white. Except for the big castle, which stood out from the weather like a dark warning sign. Above the entrance, a few words were carved in the stone. For the Greater Good.

A man was walking towards the castle slowly, clad in a long coat. He had his hands buried in his pockets and refused to look at the building in front of him. He only stopped when he reached the door, where someone was already waiting for him.

"I'm glad that you could make it, Albus." Leonard Spencer-Moon, the Minister for Magic, said with a smile.

Albus didn't smile back. "I didn't have a choice, did I?"

Spencer-Moon sighed at this and gestured for Albus to follow him inside. "You are the only person who can talk to him." Inside the castle, it felt even colder than outside. Only a few lamps made everything shine in a faint light and Albus wondered how anyone could ever live in a place like this. He was sure that it had looked different back then, but the atmosphere was suffocating anyway. Or was it because of what was waiting in the highest tower? He wasn't so sure.

Spencer-Moon led him through many long hallways and up some stairs. He didn't talk and Albus was glad about it. He wasn't in the mood to hear his voice again, still too shaken from the last longer conversation he had with the Minister.

After climbing the last stairs, they met two more people standing in front of a big door. One of them tried to smile when he saw Albus, but it rather looked like a grimace.

"Theseus." Albus greeted him simply, not trying to hide the cold tone of his voice.

"Albus." Theseus shifted from one feet to another, a sign that he was clearly uncomfortable. Good, Albus thought. He then glanced at the person next to the older Scamander, but he hadn't met him yet.

"You have five minutes and not a second longer." Spencer-Moon interrupted them. "We've placed charms on the room so you won't be able to use magic. It's a security measure."

"Did you also put him in chains?" Albus raised his eyebrows.

"For this meeting, yes." The Minister nodded. "It is necessary. The risk that he might attack you is too high."

"He would never attack me." He replied simply.

The Minister only raised an eyebrow. Is that so?, the gesture said. However, he didn't argue. Instead, he waved at Theseus to open the door.

After breathing in deeply once more, Albus stepped inside the small room. What he saw there made his heart ache. Gellert was sitting on the floor, paler and skinnier than Albus had ever seen him. His hair was a mess and his love was wearing something that must have been a suit once. Only that it was so torn now, he doubted that it would do anything against the cold. Only his coat looked a little better. When Albus saw the hole in it, right above his chest, it felt like his heart was breaking all over again. However, it was nothing next to the horror he felt when he saw the chains around Gellert's wrists, making it impossible for him to move from his sitting position.

"You shouldn't be here." Gellert said without opening his eyes. His voice sounded rough, a sign he didn't use it in a while.

"I should have been here earlier." Albus argued softly and sat down opposite from him, leaning against the wall and ignoring how cold the stones felt. "I'm sorry that it took me so long to come."

"We both know that it wasn't your decision." Finally, Gellert opened his eyes and looked at him. They both knew that Albus hadn't been allowed to see him until now. "And besides, I don't want you here, Albus."

He tried to ignore the stab of pain in his heart at those words. "I want to be here." He said simply.

"You should be out there, living your life. Not wasting it on someone like me." Gellert sounded distant now and Albus was tempted to stand up and go to him, despite the order that he should keep his distance.

"A very important part of my life is here." Albus whispered.

"Then you're a fool. So why did they send you? What do they want from me now?"

"Gellert..." He felt that his love was pulling away from him.

"No, Albus. Stop it. Let's just get over with it so you can leave again. And never come back."

He was about to open his mouth to protest, but the look on Gellert's face made him stop. It wasn't just distant and cold. It was filled with so much hurt and betrayal that it made Albus' heart race. Gellert was blaming him for everything that happened, that was for sure...

"Albus!" A faint voice whispered urgently, one that sounded very familiar. And concerned. "You have to wake up, Liebling. It's just a nightmare." Someone was shaking his shoulder softly and Albus knew immediately that it was Gellert, the familiar touch having a soothing effect on him.

When he opened his eyes with a gasp, the first thing he saw was Gellert's face, his mismatched eyes filled with worry. "Gellert." Albus whispered and without thinking about it, he wrapped his arms around the other man, pulling him closer. Gellert made a surprised noise and had just enough time to roll them around so he wouldn't crash Albus with his weight. Then, he began to move his hands over Albus' back slowly.

"I'm here." Gellert whispered while Albus buried his face on his neck, breathing in deeply. The nightmare was still on his mind and it all felt far too real. "I love you, Albus." Only now he realized that he was shaking.

"I love you too, Gel." He whispered and leaned in to kiss him softly.

When they parted again, Gellert raised his eyebrows. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked carefully, knowing fully well that it wasn't always easy to talk about nightmares. He also had them at times. Then, Albus would always wait patiently until Gellert was ready.

"There's not much to tell." He whispered and tightened his grip around Gellert's waist. "I just..." He shook his head, realizing that he couldn't say it.

"It's alright, Liebling." Gellert's voice was warm. "You don't have to say anything." He pressed a kiss on Albus' lips. "Everything's alright."

He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, pressing his head against Gellert's chest so he could listen to his steady heartbeat. "I know that." After a while, Albus felt his nerves calm down a little. "I just saw what might have happened if we lost. If they wouldn't have believed us that you changed."

"I dream of it too." Gellert whispered softly. "Of you visiting me in that cell. It will get better with time." He made it sound like a promise and Albus believed him. "Do you think you can sleep some more? We'll have to get up early."

Albus knew that if he tried to sleep now, those horrible images would come back. He shook his head and Gellert nodded, as if he'd already expected it. "I think I know a way to make you think of something else." He leaned in to kiss Albus once more, his hands beginning to wander from his back to his chest. At the same time, Gellert moved so he was on top of him.

"Sounds good." Albus muttered breathlessly when Gellert already began to cover his skin with kisses.

Loud chattering filled the hallways of Hogwarts that morning. Christmas was only a few days away and some of the students already prepared their departure over the holidays. However, most of them wouldn't leave this year. A big celebration was planned and no one wanted to miss that. Because in contrast to the previous year, when everything was already planned and cancelled in the last moment, it would definitely take place now. All the teachers promised that, even Professor Dumbledore, and when he promised something, it would come true. He always kept his promises.

So it was no surprise that, when said Professor walked through the castle that morning, he was always greeted even more enthusiastically than usual,which meant a lot, considering that he was already everyone's favourite teacher. Albus always smiled back at the students then and a few words were exchanged. He looked so happy, it made everyone who saw him smile.

In fact, it had been like this for quite a while. About a year, to be exact.

Back then, two things happened. The long planned Christmas ball was postponed to the next year. And it was announced that a new teacher would start at Hogwarts in the future. Both things led to protests, the first one from the students and the second one from many teachers and parents. Because the new teacher wasn't some unknown man who would be a new part of the team.

No, the name of that man was well-known. His face could even be seen in the papers for months, if not even years.

The younger students never understood this outcry. Professor Grindelwald was a very charming and nice man. He could always be seen together with Professor Dumbledore because those two were inseparable. Just like right now, when Professor Grindelwald always kept smiling when Professor Dumbledore stopped again to talk to someone. Sometimes, he also participated in those conversations, but very often he just watched silently, his eyes always fixed on Albus Dumbledore. It wasn't hard to miss how close those two were.

What most of the students didn't know was the story behind the new teacher at Hogwarts. Those who had followed the papers had of course been wondering how the most dangerous dark wizard of all time could just be freed from all his crimes by the Ministry of Magic. However, as soon as Professor Grindelwald arrived and the first awkward weeks were over, he was accepted by the students and even most teachers. Only a few were still mistrustful, like Hendrik Abbott. However, some said that it was for completely different reasons than Grindelwald's past.

Instead of going to the Great Hall for breakfast, Albus and Gellert left the castle and walked towards the lake slowly. It was their routine to go outside as often as possible. First, they'd done that so Gellert could escape all those judging looks which had been directed at him. Now, however, they did it simply because they enjoyed the time together.

As soon as they were far away from the castle, Albus reached for Gellert's hand. "It's been one year today that Professor Dippet announced you'd be teaching at Hogwarts."

"Don't forget that it's also been one year since he cancelled the Christmas ball." Gellert added with a slight smile.

Albus rolled his eyes at that. "I think the only one who'd been very disappointed at that time was Hendrik. And only because he didn't get the chance to ask me."

"Which he wouldn't dare anymore." Gellert grinned at this and Albus knew he remembered how much the cold looks he'd thrown at him had scared Hendrik at that time. Deep inside, Albus had felt satisfied that Hendrik left him alone after this. Even if he could also understand how scared he must have been, considering Gellert's past.

"It's strange how much has changed in one year." Albus said, getting serious again.

"Everything." Gellert agreed. "You've changed everything, Albus."

He chuckled. "It's been hardly all my doing."

"It is." Gellert argued. "Don't try to deny it. You convinced Spencer-Moon and Madame Picquery to let me do this. Not to mention Headmaster Dippet." At this, they both smiled, remembering the events from a little over a year now.

After sitting down on that clearing, Albus began to explain his plan. He knew that most probably, it would sound ridiculous to all the Aurors, but he had faith that it would work. While he was talking, Gellert reached for his hand and didn't let go anymore. He talked for quite a while, no one daring to interrupt him. Every time he looked around, he could either see incredulous stares or people nodding thoughtfully. It was more than he'd hoped for. Actually, he'd feared that many people would freak out once he'd mentioned his main idea.

When he finished his explanations, everyone was silent for a long time.

In the end, it was Spencer-Moon who spoke first. "Albus... I don't know what to say." He cleared his throat. "You can't expect us to just free him from all his crimes and let him be a teacher after that."

"The Qilin has decided that he has a good heart." Newt threw in without looking at the Minister.

Spencer-Moon glanced at him, but then he turned back to Albus and Gellert. "The people will go mad when they hear this. Forgiving a dark wizard all his crimes is one thing. Letting him close to their children, however..."

"I think we all agree that even if Gellert is forgiven, you still want someone to watch over him." Albus stated. "This is the easiest way."

"I'm sure someone else would be willing to do this." Madame Picquery said slowly.

"I won't let anyone follow all my steps." Gellert argued. "Then you can just lock me up somewhere."

"But you would be willing to go to Hogwarts with Albus to teach there?" The confusion on Spencer-Moon's face couldn't be missed.

"I am." Gellert answered without hesitation. "And I would never harm anyone there." He glared at everyone around him, making it clear that anyone who didn't believe his words would have to face the consequences. Albus squeezed his hand quickly.

"It is the best solution." He said. "In the first year, he would help me with my lessons instead of having a class on his own. I would be with him all the time. So no one would have to fear that he's alone with the children. And I can assure you that Gellert would be a good teacher. His understanding of magical theory is unique."

"Just like yours." Gellert muttered so quietly that only Albus could hear his words.

"Did you already talk to Headmaster Dippet about this?" The Minister asked curiously.

"No, but I'm sure that he would agree with this solution." Albus said it with more confidence than he felt.

"It is well-known that he listens to your word..." Spencer-Moon looked at Albus thoughtfully. "There are even people who think that you'll be his successor, Albus." This was new to him and he raised his eyebrows in surprise. The Minister just laughed. "Don't give too much thought to that, only time can show what will happen." Then he turned to Gellert and his eyes narrowed. "So you promise not to cause any trouble at school?"

Gellert nodded seriously. "I do."

"No more plans to conquer the world and start a war?"

Again, Gellert nodded. "Wouldn't work anyway." While saying that, he glanced at Albus with a slight smile.

Albus watched Spencer-Moon's reaction to that closely. If he was right, the Minister tried to stop himself from smiling. "The articles about you helping people were real?"

This seemed to surprise Gellert, because when he nodded again, the look on his face was a little confused. "They were."

Spencer-Moon turned to Albus. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?" Then he looked around thoughtfully. After a while, the Minister sighed. "Alright, but I think one person to watch over Grindelwald wouldn't be enough."

"Would two be better?" Albus asked, having already suspected that this would come.

The Minister stared at him. "What is your idea?"

Albus smiled. "I think Headmaster Dippet would be thrilled to have a new class at Hogwarts."

"Which would be?"

"Care of Magical Creatures." Newt answered the question, making everyone look at him in surprise. Except for Albus and Gellert, of course.

"You want to teach at Hogwarts, Mr. Scamander?" Spencer-Moon asked.

Newt smiled shyly. "I've just finished my book and now I think that it would be a good time to show young witches and wizards more about all the magical creatures. It would create a deeper understanding. Because they are misunderstood most of the time." He ran a hand through his hair. "It would only be for a few years."

"But long enough to prove that Gellert doesn't need someone to watch over him." Albus added with a smile.

Spencer-Moon looked at them in silence for a long moment. Then he sighed. "It seems like we've been outsmarted." He muttered and glanced at Madame Picquery, whose eyes were fixed on Gellert.

"You should better not cause any trouble, Mr. Grindelwald." She said slowly. "Otherwise, I am sure that we will see each other again."

"I am sure that your brother will visit you regularly once you start teaching at Hogwarts, Mr. Scamander." The Minister said to Newt and the meaning behind those words was clear. This would be their tactic to have an eye on Gellert without anyone noticing it.

"I'm sure Theseus would love to come and visit me once in a while. We don't see each other often enough." Newt replied simply.

"I'm sure we can have tea together then." Albus nodded, also having expected this move. To be honest, he wouldn't mind Theseus stopping by regularly. He liked both Scamander brothers.

Spencer-Moon stood up then. "Your freedom will be announced within the next week, Mr. Grindelwald. Until then, you should keep things quiet around you. We will send an owl once we have the details about the announcement."

Albus and Gellert copied the movement and stood up as well. "Thank you, Minister." Albus smiled at him.

Spencer-Moon only nodded. "Now tell me where the fifteen missing Aurors are, please."

"I didn't believe that I would ever fit in at this school." Gellert said thoughtfully. "Or that they would let me teach in the first place."

"The decision of the Qilin convinced many people." Albus threw in. They also dealt with all those who couldn't be convinced so easily. The first few weeks had been very hard. Many parents had threatened to take their children away from Hogwarts if Grindelwald would be there. Only long conversations between Dippet, Albus and those parents could convince them otherwise. Gellert had never been present during those. They'd all agreed that it would be better not to provoke the worried parents by his mere presence.

"I'm still amazed that you managed all this, Liebling." Gellert stopped and pulled Albus closer, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"You told me this about one thousand times in the past year." Albus noted with a smile before he leaned in to kiss Gellert softly.

"And I'll do it again many more times." Gellert muttered. "I love you, Albus."

"I love you too." It still felt strange at times. Being able to go outside with Gellert. Not having to fear that he might get locked up again. Simply being able to be with him openly. "I always told you that it would work out in the end."

"In ways I would have never expected." He smiled slightly. "It still sounds strange at times when someone calls me Professor Grindelwald."

"It suits you." Albus threw in.

Gellert chuckled. "Who would have thought that I'd be a teacher one day? And that I enjoy it?"

"I'm glad." When he first had this idea, he wasn't sure if Gellert would like it. To his surprise, it hadn't taken many discussions to convince him that it was their best chance. Knowing that Gellert felt good in this role made the last bit of worry Albus had felt vanish. "I didn't want to pressure you into anything with this idea."

"I can be with you all the time. It makes me happy to see that I can actually teach the children something. And I can go outside without anyone starting to scream or a group of Aurors on my heels after five minutes." Gellert touched Albus' cheek softly. "I'm happier than I've ever been."

"Me too." Albus whispered and kissed Gellert once more. Suddenly, another thought came to his mind. "But do you know what would make me even happier?"

"What would that be?" Gellert raised his eyebrows curiously.

"Being able to dance with you at the Christmas ball." Albus said and felt his cheeks heat up.

Gellert's wide smile made his heart beat faster. "I think that can be arranged, Liebling." He whispered into his ear and placed a kiss on his cheek.

Slowly, they continued their walk. They were just discussing if they would visit Newt – or Professor Scamander – before the first lesson when Albus suddenly stopped. "Look at this, Gellert!"

"It's snowing." Gellert muttered and wrapped his arms around Albus' waist.

They stood there for quite some time and Albus knew that they were both thinking the same. In his mind, he saw another cold day. It had been snowing in the mountains and everything was covered in white when he'd stepped onto the courtyard in front of Nurmengard castle, not knowing if he was making a big mistake or doing the right thing.

I definitely did the right thing, he thought now and leaned against Gellert, enjoying the feeling of his arms around him.

"I love you." He whispered and closed his eyes, thinking of everything that happened ever since they met on that day.

"I love you too, Liebling." Gellert muttered. "Always have, always will."

The cry of a Phoenix echoed over the grounds of Hogwarts then and they both had to smile.

I've been thinking about a new story with Albus and Gellert. Maybe a sequel to this? Or a completely new story? Both possibilities are tempting. What do you think? Any preferences? I already have ideas for both.