The eventful reunion between Roxanne and Albus played a key role in how their relationship continued afterwards. They kept contact, exchanging owls but not often to keep her identity a secret.
However, during holidays Albus would visit her or she would choose to visit him at Hogwarts. They would spend hours talking, drinking or even walking around the school grounds like they used to.
It was just the two of them and no one else. Their presence offered comfort to one another and a sparkle of joy in their dark lives; giving them hope that better days can still come if one was patient enough.
Almost two years passed since the day Albus found her in the Potions Classroom and Roxanne's life was about to change forever.
The former healer had a small cottage in the Irish Highlands, a place of solitude where the only company she had were the native magical creatures. Occasionally, passersby would request fresh water or even shelter; some even needing medical help.
She always opened her door and welcomed them in, being a caring host that asked nothing in return. If she didn't deal with them, she spent her days studying plants and herbs for her potions; writing a book under a false name that eventually got published.
It was late summer when she heard a knock at her door. She had been busy boiling a few plants for a salve when she heard it. Wiping her hands with a towel, she walked towards the door as her red simple dress flowed around her feet.
She opened the wooden door and she came face to face with a hunched figure. Grey wet hair stuck to their face, making it hard for her to distinguish any markings or characteristics. The age of the individual was a mystery at that moment but she did suspect that he was not a muggle.
"Are you okay, sir? Do you need any help?" she asked as she opened her door more and tried to inspect the man.
She did not see any superficial wounds that needed attention and there was no blood on the clothes either. However, she refused to let the man stay out in the scorching heat and she quickly allowed him to enter.
Closing the door behind them, she watched him as he walked rather fine towards one of the wooden chairs she had. "You should drink something, I suspect you are dehydrated" she continued and quickly went to fetch them a cup, filling it with fresh water. "There you go," she said as she handed them the cup.
The man smiled as he sat down and took a few sips of the cool and refreshing drink. "You are too kind, for helping a total stranger," the man said in a hoarse voice.
Roxanne smiled faintly as she went to check her cauldron, hanging above the low fire. "In a world that is overtaken by greed, someone should remember to remain kind" she added as she stirred up the plants, satisfied with how the potion was slowly working up.
"Yet, it can be dangerous for a young woman like you, all alone. You never know whom you allow into your house" the stranger continued.
"I am not as young as you may think," she said in small amusement as she finished stirring and cupped the cauldron. "I am capable enough, however, to defend myself if it ever comes to that. " she continued and moved on to take the mug from him, noticing it now empty.
"I have no doubt about that, my dear. You were always capable to defend whether it was against spells...or rocks..." the person said and grabbed her wrist before she could touch the mug.
Immediately, Roxanne tensed but it was not because of the sudden contact. No, she tensed because only one person had ever called her that and only two individuals knew about her scar and the incident with the muggle boys.
Since Albus was at Hogwarts, she was left with only one choice of whom the mysterious visitor was.
In seconds, she pulled her hand free and took a step back. Her wand was already in her palm and she pointed it at the mystery man. "Revelio," she said and the face of the person started to change. When they got exposed for whom they were, Roxanne felt like losing the earth beneath her feet. "Gellert" she muttered.
Despite the years passing, she had seen his face on the papers but even if she hadn't; she would recognise those eyes everywhere. Those eyes that were full of darkness and danger, which only he possessed.
He had matured and grown, no longer being the young ambitious man that had arrived at Godric's Hollow. He stood tall and based on his latest actions, considered very dangerous. After he acquired the Elder Wwand, he had recked havoc across Europe with his attacks and his supporters; before going under the radar for long.
"Hello, my dear," he said and gave his charming smile, pleased that she quickly picked up and exposed him so subtly. "I see you are sharp as ever" he continued, taking a few slow steps towards her.
"You were in jail, MACUSA had you...how are you here?" she asked as she lowered her wand, trying to fully understand what was going on.
Grindelwald had gone undercover, taking the place of an American Auror named Graves. However, his plans had been exposed by Newt Scamander, who later undid the transformation and proved to the world; who he was.
After that, the Americans had captured him and they held him in prison. According to the reports, he was imprisoned for 6 months and he was not going to be let loose anytime soon; not with all those crimes connected to him.
Gellert smirked. "You hurt me, Roxanne," he said, placing a hand on top of his heart. "You forget who I am. Those Aurors had little chance in containing me" The way he said it, sounded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
In a way, many would consider it. After all, Gellert Grindelwald was a wizard of immense power and a very sneaky mind. He was always good at planning and it had become evident that he had a lot of followers, willing to do anything for him.
"They did good enough work to hold you for 6 months" she reminded him as he came to a halt in front of her, forcing her to crane her head up to be able to look at him properly.
"So, you have been reading about me, I see," he said with a smirk, one hand gently being lifted to push a strand of black hair behind her ear. "It has been too long, Roxanne. You make it very hard for a man to find you" he continued, his finger moving gently across her cheek scar.
Her skin reacted instantly to his cold touch, faintly goosebumps forming at the sensation. His deep eyes studied her in silence while his whole stature reminded her, who was on the lead. His demeanour screamed dominance and authority but also warning; for any wrong move or word could trigger a terrifying storm capable of destroying everything.
She felt a lump in her throat and she parted her lips ever so faintly, trying to get as much air as possible. Instead, she got his scent right into her system and she had to force herself to stand and keep her ground.
"It's been years, Gellert. A lot had taken place and I needed to find my place and my goal in this world" she explained, her voice stable but her heart was beating faster now.
The man in front of her gently retracted his hand and took a step to the side. Then he continued walking, making his way around the small living room with his hands behind his back.
"So I have heard. An internship at St. Mungos under your mother's name" he started, his eyes falling on the pictures hanging by the wall. One of them was a group of healers in white robes and she was standing amongst them. "Climbing to the ranks of a head healer before volunteering to help the wounded during the war" he continued and his eyes landed on a piece of article, talking about a medical tent that was saved during a bomb drop. "Now, publishing potion books and studying rare plants in isolation" he stopped by the cauldron, lifting the lid and inspecting its content.
All the time while he talked, Roxanne had remained where she was. Not a single muscle was moved and she started to follow him with the faintest movement of her head, before letting her eyes continue.
She had been holding her breath as he studied the room and started to list all the things she had done in the past years, showing that he had researched her enough. He had searched a lot before approaching her and it made her wonder, for how long did he truly know? She started to doubt that he had found out just recently and she was becoming more and more certain about it.
"Why are you here, Gellert?" she finally found the courage to ask. "It's not that I do not enjoy your visit but I am certain that this is not a social call"
Her words amused him, once again proving just how sharp her mind was. She was no fool and he knew it, for she was capable to read others far better than the majority. She was intelligent and she knew what to look out for during a situation.
He turned casually to face her, his hands not once moving from behind his back. This time, he allowed a few feet to stand between them as their eyes were locked once again in an intense competition.
"You are as smart as I left you" he started with that smirk. "When we were younger, we made plans. Do you remember them?" he asked rhetorically. "I am moving them forward and I am getting closer. However, I still need trustworthy people by my side" he said and started to slowly walk towards her. "When I mentioned your past accomplishments, I didn't do it to show just how well I know you. I did it to remind you of how skilful and talented you are, you always had been" he continued, standing now by her side.
She was forced to turn her body to have him fully in her field of vision, their bodies now even closer than before. She kept her head up, her amber eyes studying him and if one looked carefully; they would see the gears in her mind working.
"You want me to join you in this rebellion" she concluded after a moment of silence, her breath having almost gotten caught in her throat.
His smirk, not once left his handsome face. "That I do. It was the plan ever since we were teenagers and now it is time to finally happen. With you by my side, I know the revolution will be a success and we will finally be able to save all those wizards and witches we talked about"
His words were chosen carefully, coated with just enough charm to work even on her. Despite all the years, Roxanne remained the kind-hearted witch she always was. Working as a healer was only proof that she wanted to help and save others.
However, with the unfair laws and the fear of muggles finding out; that task was becoming much harder than it should be. Over the years, the grip of the British Ministry had only grown tighter around the wizarding community and many European countries were facing the same problem.
People were tired after all that secrecy and while the muggle population grew, theirs was slowly declining. It would not be long before they would revolt against the ministries and he was ready to ignite that spark first.
If she were to join, she would have a better chance to make a difference and truly help. She had seen the hardships of war firsthand and she knew just how the Ministry could be. With him, she had her chance to truly make a difference and ensure the future of many young witches and wizards was safe.
It was a tricky decision to make, though, for it came with lots of risks. Gellert Grindelwald had made it clear that he would use force where it was needed and he was willing to fight fire with fire to ensure he would win every single battle he participated in. His true colours were shown more and more with each fight he was part of and he was also not a man to leave many choices to the others.
Her silence displeased him faintly but he did not seem to make any move or exhibit any true anger. "I will give you one week to consider, Roxanne. Your answer will let me know which side you are on, mine or his" he said and she didn't even have to think much to know for whom he was talking about.