...

Maybe Liebling should have said beware of the damn red head. This also twice now that Scamander had gotten in his way. Not only had he gotten in the way but one of the damn creatures had stolen his and Albus's blood pact. If anyone told him that a Hogwarts drop out would cause him such issues he would have laughed them out of his office.

Still he gained two faithful followers. Credence and Queenie. Queenie had been a surprise but a welcome one. She would help him keep an eye on his Liebling. Her skill in Legilimency would be an asset if he tried something when Gellert wasn't keeping an eye on him.

Gellert was also skilled in the mind art but he required eye contact. Queenie was not limited by that. Given his Liebling's dislike for eye contact he rarely got the chance for scanning his thoughts.

When they arrived at Nurmengard Castle he let his magic search over the wards. His Liebling was in the library and his magic seemed to be agitated. What had made the young man so agitated?

Then to his horror he felt the man's presence fade briefly. He could barely feel the difference between Harrison and the magic around him. It only lasted a few seconds but it still terrified him.

Without a word to his followers he headed towards his library. It only took him a few minutes but it felt like an eternity. Gellert didn't knock instead he threw open the library door and barged in. Harrison stoof in the library and was leaning heavily against a bookshelf. His palor was as white as a sheet. Across his chest flickered the auras but not just the colors Gellert was used to seeing.

Eight colors in total ranging from silver to black went across his chest and around his arm. This time he felt and saw the way the man faded. His body was nearly consumed by the colors forcing Gellert to shield his eyes.

When it faded Harrison was barely staying upright. It wouldnt last he realized. The boy would pass out in moments. Gellert went to his side and caught him just as his legs gave out.

Gellert asked as he caught Harrison's weight easily, "What's happening go you?"

Harrison groaned, "Don't know. Need Weissman."

"Why?"

But he didn't get an answer. The green eyes rolled into the back of Harrison's head. His weight became a dead weight. Shit!

Gellert laid the man down on the floor of the library. Harrison's breathing was harsh and coming in quick gasps. That wasn't normal.

Using a silent sonorous he called out, "Healer Beck to Infirmary. Now!"

Then without any hesitation he picked up Harrison and carried him to the Infirmary. As he was leaving the library he saw Credence and Queenie. For the moment he ignored them. They would be safe in the castle. His first priority needed to be his Liebling.

...

Gellert paced by the door waiting for news on Harrison. As soon as he had brought the younger wizard in the healer had kicked him out. It was difficult for Beck to work with his hovering. Especially given how his magic was reacting to his agitation. So he was put out into the hall.

Queenie and Credence had following him their eyes curious but cautious. More than once it had seemed like Queenie was going to approach. Then she seemed to think better of the idea.

Finally after two hours of waiting a pale Beck walked out. He was paler than Gellert had ever seen him. And the man had worked as a healer during the Great War. He looked at Gellert and sighed. Not good news then

Gellert asked in a clipped tone, "What is wrong with him?"

Beck shook his head sadly, "I'm not certain, my Lord."

Gellert voice became like ice and the air was charged with his magic, "What. Do. You. Mean? How can you not know?"

The healer trembled with fear. He had never seen Gellert like this. No one had ever seen him like this. Not even when he was captured at MACUSA.

The healer tried to reason, "My Lord, its like nothing I have ever seen before. Its," here the wizard hesitated, "It's as if magic and whatever in his arm is rejecting him. Without knowing what or why I have no way of stopping it."

Gellert's mouth was dry. Magic and his aura were rejecting him? He thought the whole point of being allowed to shift was to prevent this? Or did even his Liebling not know about this? What was causing it? It had to do with whatever Harrison was hiding. The reason he was able bypass the wards and go against Gellert that day they met. A reason that he had yet been unable to discern.

Something he had learned since Harrison joined him in Nurmengard was that the man liked his secrets. Unless you gave him a damn good reason he would not tell them. So what was he to do now? He couldn't just give up. Gellert refused to give up on the man.

Then he remembered what Harrison had said before passing out. Need Weissman. If he wanted answers that man might just be his only chance at them.

He took a moment to breath and reign in his magic. There was no need to continue to scare the man. Especially when out of the corner of his eye he could see the way Credence trembled. He did not want the boy to fear him. Respect him and be loyal to him. Just not fear. Fear was a powerful motivator in some. And a reason to rebel in others. Given his abuse a kind hand towards Credence would go further than a harsh one.

To the healer he ordered, "Contact Adolf K. Weissman and appraise him of the situation. Ask him to come as soon as possible with the promise that I will pay for any expenses that he may accrue. Until he arrives keep Harrison as comfortable as possible and alert me to any changes in his condition."

Beck stared at him in surprise for several long seconds before bowing, "As you wish."

With that he headed back into the Infirmary leaving Gellert to his two curious companions. To them he asked, "Would either of you like to join me in my study? I'm in need of some firewhisky."

The two exchanged a glance before nodding and following him at a brisk pace to his office.