Part of providing companionship, was also being a playmate. Gellert Grindelwald wasn't given much to entertain himself in his cell, so Albus Dumbledore always brought a few decks of cards. He had learned many types of card games during his schooling years, mostly from the muggle-borns and half-bloods. Albus did teach Gellert a few when they were younger, but they didn't have time for all of them.

On one fine June evening, Albus and Gellert were playing WAR. For those who don't know, WAR is a card game where each player turns up a card at the same time and the player with the higher card takes both cards and puts them, face down, on the bottom of their stack. If the cards are the same rank, like two kings, then it is War, and the players must keep going until someone has the higher card. The game ends when one player has won all the cards.

"You know, I've realized something." Gellert said after losing to Albus.

"And what's that?" Albus asked while he shuffled the deck.

"The Elder Wand is useless."

"Bit too late for that." Dumbledore chuckled.

"I'm serious." Grindelwald replied, "Think about it, the wand is rumored to have been created by Death to be unbeatable, so it's gained a reputation."

"Which we've discussed at length." Albus replied, feeling slightly annoyed, yet wanting to hear what he had to say.

"And since then, I've gotten hold of it. And while I was using it, I made some more discoveries."

"Which you told me." Albus answered as he dealt the cards. "It behaved no different than any other wand, and the combination of elder wood and Thestrial tail hair make it a power-hungry wand that's not very loyal."

"Good memory."

"Thank you." Albus answered.

"Now, what I meant to say, was that the reputation of the Elder Wand is mostly rumor, and unfortunately, those rumors will be thought of as true."

"They already are." Albus, who was the current owner of the wand answered. He too, had fallen for the rumors. But, he had come to learn that the replica Elder Wand behaved no different than the actual one of legend.

"I had another Vision about Tom."

Albus looked at him with interest. The main reason he agreed to keep his ex company was to learn all he could about the future Lord Voldemort.

"He will come into possession of the Elder Wand, but unlike me, will think that the Wand resists him, when really, it's just a wand that seeks to be used by the most powerful wizard. Like the game we're playing, the Wand wants to be used by the wizard or witch who has the most power. If an 8 were to duel a 5, the wand will be loyal to the 8, no matter if it's being used by the 8 or 5. Tom will not realize that the wand has no extra powers. Even if it does, it will only reveal them to the Master of Death, which isn't him."

"And who is, the Master of Death?" Albus asked, curious as to who they might be, so that he could guide them down the road of good.

"He isn't born yet." Gellert answered, "1980, I think?"

Albus gave a nod. He carefully processed the news. "Do you know what he will look like?"

"Black hair, lightning bolt scar, glasses. You will make a fine mentor for him."

Albus nodded again. "And will you tell me about any more visions you have of him?"

Gellert gave a sly smile, "Keep coming and I will."

Albus, despite himself, gave a small chuckle. "You know I will."

Albus had finished dealing the cards, and the two started playing.

"Out of curiosity," Albus asked, "what power levels do you think we're at?"

Gellert sighed. Then they both drew a king, Albus, the King of Hearts, and Gellert, the King of Spades.

"Well, I think we both agree that you're a king." Gellert said while pointing at the King of Hearts.

Albus nodded. He knew he was powerful, but he tried his best not to let it get to his head.

"As for me, well, I like to think of myself as a king," he said pointing to the King of Spades, "but that's Voldemort." Then he pulled out another card, "I fear I might be..." He showed Albus the card, Queen of Spades.

Albus had to laugh. But for Gellert's sake, he kept it down. "Well, you certainly are more compassionate than Tom."

Gellert rolled his eyes, "And you just as much as me, if not more so."

"Are you suggesting..."

"No." Gellert deadpanned.

Albus still had a smile on his face. "Good. We were meant to be equals anyway."

"Meant to be." Gellert replied, "But, knowing me, and my skills for manipulation, I likely would've made you a consort."

Albus wanted to say that he would've fought back, would've resisted, but he knew he wouldn't. Gellert had him too much under his thumb.

"Don't worry. I'm imprisoned now." Gellert stated with the upmost gentleness, "I've learned my lesson."

Although Dumbledore was desperate to believe him, there was still doubt that the infamous wizard was simply playing the long game. But that would turn out untrue, the world had mostly forgotten Gellert Grindelwald, Lord Voldemort was the new, more dangerous threat.