After the game of chess, Roxanne had been dismissed and had spent the majority of her time in her room.

She kept herself busy, going over the potions she carried with her and the ingredients as well. Making potions always calmed her down but she was not sure how much approved such actions would be at the current time.

So instead, she focused on writing in her little journal her observations of the plants she carried along and potential uses or combinations for creating new or perfecting existing potions.

That activity helped occupy her mind from the constant questions and worries she had after her little talk and chess game with Gellert.

A part of her kept asking herself what reason did Gellert have to take her in. He kept saying she played an important role and that she would eventually learn, but that was not enough for her.

She did have patience and she could wait but that didn't mean she liked it. Especially because right now, the more she knew the more she would be able to handle him. If he planned to manipulate her or use her in any way, she would be more prepared.

However, no matter how much she thought about it; she could not get an answer. She could not truly talk to Albus about it either.

For starters, she would not see him that night. They had made a deal to meet every few days unless it was very urgent, in order to minimise the risk of getting exposed or ruining her cover.

While the information she got about Credence was important, it was not enough for her to take such a risk. Not to mention, she suspected that Albus might have a suspicion about it already.

Gellert Grindelwald was a powerful man and he didn't need an Obscurus to do his bidding...unless it was to take down someone that he personally couldn't.

In other words, the one and only, Albus Dumbledore.

A part of her felt stupid for not realizing it earlier but she knew that blaming herself never led to anything. Instead, she chose to focus on her potions until the time for dinner arrived.


The very next morning, Roxann was surprised to find all of his acolytes and some extra individuals all gathered in the living room.

Not wanting to bother or interrupt, she remained by the doorframe and watched in silence as Gellert started to talk to them; everyone having their eyes glued at him like obedient puppies waiting for their master to give his next command.

If one heard him talk, one would understand why he had such a large number of supporters. The way he talked and used his charm and rich vocabulary, made him stand out compared to any other speaker.

He knew how to rile up everyone and keep their attention on him, no matter what.

In her eyes, it was an incredible but also terrifying talent. For it proved, plain and simple, that the person having the most power was the one that could use their words better than their fists.

A smooth-talked politician could get away with anything as long as they knew how to charm their way through. People feared someone who wielded pure and raw power while in reality, they should be scared of the one that had mastery over the power of words.


Gellert Grindelwald used a special glass-made and human skull-shaped hookah to enhance his sheer abilities and show visions of the Credence Barebone; their primary target.

The instructions were clear and simple.

Find the Obscurus, learn where he is and what he does and when the time is right; hand him a special paper with much-needed information that apparently the boy was after.

After that, the Acolytes started to leave the room and Roxanne had taken a step to the side to allow them passage.

She watched them go, memorising each of their faces and learning the new ones she had not yet been introduced to. However, she stopped what she was doing when she felt a pair of eyes on her form.

Turning her head towards the source, she watched Grindelwald watching her from afar; a smirk evident on his face and one could swear that they would be able to see the gears running in his head with a plan already in motion.

Roxanne then noticed that not everyone had left, for Abernethy had stayed behind and was in the same room as them: while Vinda was not.

"Ah, Roxanne. You are just in time" Gellert said and started to walk towards her, his loyal acolyte following him. "Please, join me and Abernethy at my office. I have a mission just for you" he said and continued walking.

She obediently followed him, walking side by side with the American wizard. Something about the way Gellert briefly mentioned a plan just for her, made her guts turn in a nasty direction.

It just felt wrong and she could not help but feel some worry. No matter how high regard he had for her, he was capable of asking her to do things she would never agree to if she had the choice.

A part of her, the most naive part that somehow had survived all those tragedies; disagreed with that idea. It genuinely believed that he would never force her to do something against her morals or her oath as a healer.

She truly wished that to be true, for it would be clear proof that there was still some light in his soul and that there was still a chance to stop him; without killing him.

They entered his office and Abernethy closed the door behind them as the two of them ended up standing from one side of the desk.

Gellert took his time and with elegant long strides, took his seat at the other side of the desk before mentioning for the two of them to sit down as well.

Roxanne kept her back straight and her attention fully on him, although she avoided looking him directly in the eyes. No matter how many thoughts and doubts she had currently crowding her mind, her face remained a perfect mask that no one would be able to see through.

"This mission will be carried mostly by you, Roxanne " he started, making sure to keep their attention on him. "Abernethy will be with you, to ensure everything goes smoothly and defend you if things take a wrong turn"

Roxanne did not say anything but it was clear from the faint micro-expressions of her face that she did not like how he chose his words.

Mostly because it made her feel as if she could not defend herself in a duel. Perhaps when she was a teenager, she would be an easy target but years both in the war and on the run had taught her plenty and have improved her skills significantly.

She then glanced at the acolyte that she would partner with. Other than the basic greetings in the mornings and the previous day when he brought her into Grindelwald's office, the two of them hadn't truly talked much.

It made her wonder why he chose him specifically and how much he had in him. A part of her truly expected him to choose Vinda instead since she was one of his closest acolytes.

As if reading her mind once again, Gellert chose to speak and ease some of her worries. "I trust Abernethy and you should too. My escape from the MACUSA would have been far bloodier if he hadn't played his role" he explained, making her look from him to the Acolyte.

In the end, she gave the smallest of head nods. "Understood" was her one-word reply, realizing that he wanted to explain the plan and now it was not truly a moment for discussion.

Pleased with how fast she read the room, he chose to continue. "I have been informed that Aurors are closing in, searching for me" he started. "Our plans in Paris are not done yet and we cannot risk leaving like that. This is where you play an important role Roxanne" There was silence in the room but the metamorphmagus could feel the faintest of tension on her shoulders. "With your skills, I want you to impersonate me. Go across the country and draw just enough appearance to remind our loyal followers that we are still here while forcing the Aurors to spread thin and follow fake paths"

Roxanne did not say anything at first as she thought the plan, rather thoroughly. Now she understood why he had asked someone to help defend her if the situation ever chose to arise.

She could portray Geller with ease, even talk like him but in a duel; it would immediately expose her because they had very two different dueling styles.

The plan, in addition, helped shed some light on her role in everything. Gellert needed her shape-shifting abilities, which so few actually possessed.

She could transform into anyone, without needing spells or polyjuice potions. And unlike the primer, she would never be exposed when someone would cast the Revealing Charm against her.

She could be the perfect spy or decoy and no one would ever know, for simply no one knew of her abilities. It was so rare that even across her years both as a healer and also in the war, Roxanne never met anyone like herself and she had travelled more than half of Europe.

Her eyes quickly noticed a small item that Gellert passed towards Abernethy. It looked like a simple ring but she could feel the faint magic coming from it.

"This should allow you to transport the long distances fast and undetected. There are a specific number of uses, so I advise you both not to overspend them" Gellert continued as the acolyte took the object and placed it in his pocket. By the way, his lips twitched ever so faintly, it was clear that he wanted to say something but he held himself. "Yes, Abernethy?" Grindelwald asked him, having noticed and read him easily.

The American wizard took a deep breath. "Forgive me, Lord Grindelwald. If you need someone with transformation skills, I can do this mission alone" he explained, mustering up his courage.

Gellert was not angry at his request and neither was he annoyed. On the contrary, he seemed amused by his words and that was the most terrifying thing at that moment.