AN: Small time skip. Although I do want to do more flashbacks. I do not want to focus into everyone's actions and times they spend with each other. Major scenes will of course be mentioned and discussed, but day to day time will more then likely be basic flashbacks. 1 more chapter to follow today more then likely.

June 29 Wednesday

"So nothing else Professor Babbling?" Sheda and Dumbledore were having their end of year meeting in his office. A meeting Dumbledore had with each teacher to discuss students, issues, and overall how the year went with each professor.

It had been over three weeks since Sheda had helped Harry with his magic and created his robe. In that time he had been able to get used to his robe and was able to keep a low profile. He had also opened up to her even more and had told her about every adventure and even his childhood to her surprise. They had tense lunches and even emotional conversations. Harry had opened about the mistreatment of being called a 'freak.' That day was the day she felt he fully gave in to trusting her as more than just an

(Flashback) 3 days after the wandless magic accident.

Sheda was eating a salad as she looked at Harry. Sheda had taken to tutoring Harry during lunch hours, but also talked to him while they took a break and ate. Pleasant conversations so far, but it was clear Harry still found it difficult to fully talk. Understandable and not something she expected to be rushed. "Harry. You are picking up on runes quite easily. I know the affinity helps, but you're really pushing yourself it seems. Proud that you are. Runes is a great knowledge to have and opens up many doors. Remember to think outside the box. No idea is too stupid."

Harry had trouble accepting the compliment, but kept quiet as he munched on his fish and chips. "Thanks Sheda. I enjoy it. It's easy, but I think it's more about having a good teacher and Daphne has been helping outside of our detentions."

Sheda was surprised by the fact. "Ohhhh? Is she helping you?" Harry nodded. " I asked her and she agreed. It's been fun so far. We spend time in the library." Sheda nodded. "It's always great to have people who push you to do better; in a way that works for you of course. It's important to figure out what works best for you. It's clear your way of learning is different, unique some would say."

Harry had some wayward memories of being a freak surface and for some reason his brain grabbed onto it. Freak. He hated it. It's why he leaned so much into being lazy and "normal". He didn't want to be seen as different. He just wanted to be like everyone else. Although in the past it was his magic that made him different. Now, here in the magical world, it was his fame and his own family name according to Daphne. Daphne taught him, in the few days she spent with him, that there was a different way of being smart. Critically smart as he had come to call it. You didn't know everything, you questioned everything. In his case, he wanted to break it and test the limits.

Sheda looked at Harry and realized he was getting emotional. Something she said had triggered him, the robe's runes were slightly glowing. "Sorry if I said something you didn't like Harry. Everything was said as a compliment." Harry was startled and noticed the robe was glowing.

Sheda commented. "Unintended side effect, it seems. The robe I guess glows when you get emotional. It pulls in magic as it supercharges the runes."

Harry sighed and nodded. "I.I.I." Harry struggled; he wasn't sure if he should trust her to that degree.

Remembering her comment on her door being open. He decided to give in. At least this once. "I was called a Freak by my muggle family. It was a way to hate on my magic I think. Although I didn't know it. I hated it. I hated wondering why I am different and unique. Then the letters came. Magic. I was a wizard." Harry's voice quivered. " I was so excited to come to Hogwarts, but almost immediately I realized I was different here as well. Unfortunately in a new way. I had fame and now even my name is important. I wanted to be normal. I was always lazy because of it. Quidditch and just relaxing. This year changed that. I hated being different around the dementors compared to everyone else. I somehow always fainted. My boggart was even a dementor to the surprise of many thinking it would be Voldemort. I tried to learn the patronus spell and did so." Harry chuckled and wiped a single tear away. The emotions getting the best of him. "To my surprise I was able to cast a corporal when not even adults could do it. I was different once again."

Harry sighed and was trying to control his emotions when Sheda spoke up. "James was different and so was Lily. Lord Charlus, your grandfather. He commanded a room. Lady Dorea, your grandmother was a fierce witch. She scared me when I first met her." Harry was surprised to hear about his family. He thought he would get some explanation of him not being different and life is what you make it.

Sheda continued. "Potters are unique individuals, Harry. Even without your own fame some cultivated it by themselves. Your Grandfather was a war hero. Your Grandmother was a Black and proficient in the dark arts. Your father was extremely gifted in Transfiguration. Your mother was called the 'smartest witch of her age.' Every Potter is an expert in what they do and how they do it, Harry. I won't say being different is a good thing. I will say that being different is a Potter thing and that is what you should care about. Be a Potter to the best of your abilities and I can tell you those feelings you have will go away in time." Harry was surprised by so many revelations.

He was related to the Blacks? His own grandmother? And his grandfather was a war hero? All those questions took a backseat for a later time as he felt himself come to accept a new idea. He wasn't different. He was just a Potter. The Potters were different, but as a family they weren't. Maybe he would have learned that if his parents were alive. "I guess in that case I am not different am I?"

Sheda smiled at him. "Nope. I think you are growing to be a Potter through and through."

Break break break (end of flashback)

From that point on Harry trusted Sheda greatly. He was receptive to her questions and although he struggled on some issues, he was able to talk them through. Sheda in turn had begun to care for Harry. Harry opening up to her, had made her start seeing him as more than just a student. Thoughts of what if filled her head at night. A past with different outcomes plagued her every time she looked at him. A dream of him as a child running around her apartment. A certain Black coming home and smiling at her. She didn't fully understand how or what she meant by those dreams, thoughts and ideas. The other memories pained her, the reason why she ran.

Furthermore, she had begun to research his possible condition and solution for it. She had sent out letters to many of her colleagues around the world and was hoping for responses soon. She had done it slowly trying to not raise suspicion.

One pesky issue she had come across was Dumbledore. It seemed the man was either chasing the same ideas as her or was monitoring her. She had taken to no longer asking about Harry's past to anyone they both knew. All of them seemingly feel the same way. "Dumbledore must have a great reason or he would never." The most worrisome issue being about Harry's adventures his first two years. Both included Voldemort or at least shadows or echoes as Harry told her Dumbledore put it. It didn't make sense to her but it was clear the madman was still out there. Harry was at the center of something and it was clear Dumbledore had his hand in all of it.

On a positive note Harry had also advanced quickly in ancient runes and in many ways she felt she had two prodigies in her class now. Daphne and Harry.

She responded. "Yes Professor Dumbledore that should be everything regarding the owl students and who I recommend for Newts. The last thing is Harry Potter." Sheda stated as she shuffled through her notes and gave them to him. "Mister Potter has done exceptional work in Runes during his time tutoring with Miss Greengrass and I. He has done many tutoring sessions with me personally. Although he was hesitant to attempt the exam, not believing that he had grabbed the concepts well enough. I believe he is prepared to take the exam with the 3rd year students tomorrow, Thursday, before school ends on Friday. He has passed every quiz with respectable results and has even scored higher than some of my current students who have been in the class the whole year."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he read the grades and looked at the quizzes she had given him. "Hmmmm. Young Harry has taken to your tutoring well. All the exams were written? Do you not have a physical exam test? Where they identify runes carved by different individuals? I do not see his results here."

Sheda shuffled in her seat. So he isn't spying to the degree he would know Harry has a new ability? "I believe it would be a waste of time due to his ability to sense the magic of the runes and identify them that way. As a result, I had him do an exam in which he had to compare two different runes and identify the differences in each and how that would affect the outcome of the rune."

Dumbledore's eyes further twinkled it seemed. "Harry has the ability to sense the magic of runes and uses that to identify what the rune will be?"

Sheda nodded. "Correct. His ability seemingly goes outside the Nordic language as well. He just knows what the purpose of the rune will be based on the magic it emits. Although he is unable to read the rune if it's in a language he doesn't know. He can only identify the magic and magic inferences based on other observations. "

Dumbledore nodded. "Then I believe it would be a fool's errand to keep him behind and have to start from 3rd year. I believe he will pass the final exam based on this and support your recommendation to start him in 4th Ancient Runes although it may further hold him back with such an ability do you think? "

Sheda was surprised the man would recognize the ability and its potential. The man was gifted but she didn't think he explored runes that much. "I agree with you Professor Dumbledore and I believe Daphne Greengrass is in the same area of talent. Both have benefitted from each other and both clearly have strong potential. I believe both could take the OWLs under high study next year. As you know, the 4th year is dedicated more to the hazards of runes. I believe they can independently study that with me and take the rune exam for it in December. Both their characters are of the highest at such a young age. They critique and look to question what they learn rather than restating what is already predetermined by previous academics. A skill I try to look for from my students in 5th year."

Dumbledore wasn't surprised but was curious. "Miss Greengrass clearly has helped a lot regarding Harry's quick development. Was this volunteer help?"

Sheda shook her, but looked conflicted. "Yes and no. I know she has continued to study with Mister Potter every day and including the weekends. Yet, it started because she actually defended Mister Potter from a possible physical altercation. A student was going to hit Mister Potter's legs off a table. Greengrass made it known she does not like physical violence and was given 6 detentions as a result. I was able to stop it from being a serious injury but she used a Depulso on a student."

Dumbledore nodded with a serious expression. "It sounds like she admitted to the spell usage. Have there been any other issues?"

Sheda sighed but looked conflicted. "Yes and no once again. Not ones I can involve myself in. The student Miss Greengrass used a spell on was Miss Granger. It seems out of character for the bright witch. Almost as if she is under high stress as well. Overall, what I can tell is that she has been pestering him not only about his performance in class, but also the cold shoulder he has given her and Mister Weasley. Mister Potter shuts them down quickly or just ignores and leaves them alone."

Dumbledore nodded. "I have heard the same thing from other professors. How is Miss Granger doing in class?"

Sheda looked through her notes and pulled Hermione's grades. "She does exceptional work. Her weakness is in creativity, identification and carving work. Furthermore, she regurgitates and rewrites texts. She does not build on theory nor questions it. Not a problem for a third year, but a problem for owls and newts. My recommendation was continued development and testing of her skills for 4th year."

Dumbledore nodded. A tad disappointed he had hoped she could push herself this year after being given a time turner to further succeed, but it's clear she was holding herself back by only memorizing and not building upon. Maybe the expectation had been too great or something else entirely. Minerva had already discussed that she would be losing the time turner the coming year. Youth never understood their limits. At least until it became very apparent what they were. "Thank you. I believe the same sentiment has been echoed by her other professors. Please continue on the issues between Harry and his friends. It seems an argument occurred and Harry is standing his ground on not wanting to get involved between the two. Correct?"

Sheda nodded, although curious that he cared. "Yes. I believe so. I have also caught Miss Greengrass telling him that he should build himself a moral code of how he wants to be treated. Knowing Miss Greengrass, she probably drilled into him that disrespect and belittling are not to be taken lightly. So I believe there are more than just problems between Mister Weasley and Miss Granger. I believe there is something going on between all three and animosity is building."

Dumbledore had heard as much and decided to move the conversation along. "Regarding the two sitting there Owl for Ancient Runes next year. As you know the Triwizard Tournament will be hosted. Do you think the festivities will hurt their chances?"

Sheda looked to think. "No. Miss Greengrass I believe has been a great influence on Mister Potter and he will surely look to keep this up as long as he has her in his corner."

Dumbledore's smile beamed at the news. "Ahhhhh young love do you believe?"

Sheda smiled but shook her head, Dumbledore was a sucker for romance, especially enemies to lovers. She had caught him reading sappy muggle romance novels before and during teacher meetings. "Actually I don't think so. It's almost sibling energy they give off. I could be wrong. But it's nothing like how James and Lily acted. The Potter men are all very similar; they fall hard and they try with all their heart to get the one they want."

Dumbledore nodded, remembering Charlus' pursuit of Dorea black also. "Hmmmm. I will speak with the other professors about pairing them up for partner work next year. I want Harry to push himself and Miss Greengrass is clearly a good influence, and these grades show it, I think it will be best."

Sheda nodded. She agreed both of them pushed each other; that was no doubt. Dumbledore continued. "As for the Owls I agree, Harry will drop divination and prepare to take his Owl in Ancient Runes along with Miss Greengrass in March of next year, but I want to know if there are any issues going into December. I will also like you to stress to them the honor of being given the opportunity to take the test so early and please emphasize that if they do well in other classes they could see similar treatment. I will tell the other professors to keep an eye on them and report any significant progress by December as well." Sheda smiled happily that her students would continue to be able to push themselves.

Yet another part of her was extremely proud of Harry. A deep knot in her throat formed; one she understood fully and caught her by surprise. She was more than proud, she was emotionally proud, a pride only certain people have. Her musing and struggle was brought out by Dumbledore continuing. A surprise as she was expecting the meeting to end there.

"On another note Professor Babbling regarding Harry. I wanted to ask you some questions. I think many would consider them personal so please let me know if there are any issues." Sheda raised an eyebrow. Not knowing where this was going. "Have you seen anything out of the ordinary regarding Harry? I have reports that he often is seen without his wand. He took his practicals in wand intensive classes and passed without issue. Some professors commented he looked like he was forcing his wand. Furthermore, although he has shown up for classes again. He is rarely seen anywhere besides in his dorm, the library, your classroom, and the Great Hall. I understand you have been helping him, but I am just hoping to shed some light on what has happened since his accidental magic incident. It's clear he has isolated himself somewhat beside communicating with you, now I learn Miss Greengrass, and a letter to family." Sheda raised an eyebrow at the family?

Dumbledore catching her eyes on the word family sighed. "He has a magical family that he recently came into contact with. That is all I can say. As it is his confidence-." Sheda smiled but it was almost a bitter smile. "I know about Sirius. Harry told me a few days after his magical accident. I have also kept his confidence."

Dumbledore was surprised at the show of trust Harry had given Professor Babbling and noted her smile. Bitter. Bitter at Sirius perhaps? He did know that Professor Babbling had history with James and Lily. Sirius was much more. To feel bitter? He would expect disbelief or anger. He listened as she spoke. He would review the meeting in his pensive.

"As for your question I don't think there is anything out of the ordinary with Harry. I believe his emotions have been getting the best of him and he wants to keep a low profile. Although I am worried about his emotions to a degree. I believe we should be aware that it is a blessing that a teenager is even willing to talk about their issues. In that he has been reaching out to me and talking about his past. He has been very trusting. I of course try to keep it within professional student teacher boundaries but I have taken on a hat of counselor for the boy. I personally don't mind. He is very much like his mother as much as I hate to say that. As I myself hate being compared to my dead mother, father and Uncle. Nothing like his father though as others say. " Sheda finished hoping the man didn't dig more. In reality she had told Harry to keep a low profile. Avoid suspicion and avoid large crowds. Push lies and don't confirm anything. Keep the robe on and everyone else off balance, especially when he went home in the summer.

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling but inside he was overjoyed that Harry had found an adult to trust. "Well Professor babbling, I am happy to hear you have Harry's trust. I will say in the case of your professional conduct I want to make sure no one sees favoritism, as a result I will have Professor Vector grade Harry's work as she has a Mastery in Runes as well." Sheda nodded, understanding that Dumbledore was signaling to her to continue talking to the boy and helping him. Sheda did not worry about his grades. He would pass regardless.

"So overall nothing out of the ordinary? Just a 13 year old boy going through some issues emotionally." Sheda nodded. At this point she felt something was up. Dumbledore was once again fishing for something. Could he have seen something or caught on to Harry's robe? Dumbledore hummed. "Well my next part is easier. Sirius wanted to ask if you were willing to take Harry to Austria for the World Wizarding Dueling championship and take him to the Quidditch World Cup. Everything will be paid for including room and food. It is to be a vacation for young Harry. Sirius and I have been worried about him and his emotional state. Your ability to help him has eased my worry and Sirius will be glad to hear you have reached out to him. He will not be going to his muggle relatives anymore. Some circumstances have changed that. Currently, we are not sure where he will go for the few weeks in between the event, but we will deal with the issue when it arrives."

Sheda shrugged but nodded. "I will join him but in the capacity of Bathsheda Babbling, not as Professor." Dumbledore once again had his eyes twinkling. She essentially had told him she was going as a friend of the family and beholden to no authority besides Harry and somewhat Sirius.

Most importantly it showed she cared for the boy as she did not want the boy to think she was going out of obligation to Hogwarts. Interesting Dumbledore thought. "Then I thank you for coming, Professor Babbling. I hope you have an enjoyable summer. I shall see you back in August." Dumbledore finished as he handed her the 4 tickets. Sheda nodded as she grabbed the tickets and left his office.

Break break break

"Interesting. Nothing out of the ordinary." Dumbledore stated as he left his pensive. He had decided to look at the memory of his meeting with Professor Babbling after she left and found himself stumped. "Why do you think she distrusts me regarding young Harry, Fawkes?"

Fawkes' song filled the room. "Hmmm. So it's not distrust, it's parental guarding you think?"

Fawkes chirped again. "Ahhh yes. Yes yes. You were right and did pick that up when it happened. I only just saw it. She choked up with Pride like a parent would on young Harry's accomplishment."

Fawkes chirped again "You over caring bird. Yes. I know you're proud of him too. I am also."

Dumbledore sat thinking. "What do you make of the bitter smile Professor Babbling had in regards to Sirius? Hatred? Anger even?"

Fawkes chirped. "Hmmm history and a sense of hatred you think? I do remember Sirius and Babbling being close. Lily and Babbling were close also. I remember she forfeited her mastery here at Hogwarts to study at Ilvermorny after Lily went into hiding. Do you think that ties to this?"

Fawkes chirped again. "Hmmmm. Regret is a curious one, Fawkes. Regret could explain it."

Dumbledore sat in silence for a while. Everyone thought he was all knowing, but in his opinion he was only exceptional at having answers. Yes he was magically gifted, but he also acted quickly and had networked himself as best he could to try and have answers at any time. Yet, today and these past weeks he had been stumped. Something else was wrong with Harry and something else was at play here.

Obscurial. He could never shake that word out of his head. He attempted to study them in a few weeks but nothing helped ease his fear. All his contacts told him the same thing. Its nature and the kill on site order haunted him even in his dreams. This was Compounded with the fact that he was stuck on not understanding the diary. He knew he was stuck. For the first time in 12 years, he was truly stuck. Stuck on two things and only one person could help him like they did last time. He would not go if it was only the diary. It had taken a while to approve the visit, but he knew he needed help. "Do you think I am doing the right thing, Fawkes? It feels like it worked last time to at least calm my nerves." Dumbledore stated as he grabbed the diary from his desk and walked to his phoenix.

Fawkes sang again. "I know you always stated Grindelwald heard your song at least faintly. Let's hope he is willing to help." He grabbed a feather and in a column of fire they were gone.

Break break break.

The air was chilled, unnaturally as he appeared at the designated portkey area for Nurmengard Castle. "Albus Dumbledore, it's interesting for you to arrive." Warden Werner Luitwin said with a smile and a slight German accent. Two other guards flanked him. "He gets his visitors but none as popular as you. You last came when I was just a lowly guard back in the winter of 81."

Dumbledore smiled. "Hello Warden Luitwin how is the family?"

Luitwin was a relatively tall German with blonde hair and brown eyes. Handsome one could say. Part of the ICW in charge of guarding the Castle he took pride in his work and ran a tight ship. "The family is okay. Muller, my youngest, will be starting school at Durmstrang this year."

Dumbledore beamed. "Happy to hear. How children grow so fast." Luitwin smiled sadly and pointed for him to continue as they walked up to the castle.

Dumbledore feeling the cold. "Any explanation on the winter enchantment?"

Luitwin smiled. "Finally feel the cold? Lethifolds. A whole group, totaling 50, migrated from the Sicilian region. A heat wave pushed their hunting grounds higher. We charmed the whole castle and the valley to be cold. We removed the last ones earlier this week. Enchantment is actually ending already, with the valley to follow just before they host the World Wizarding Duel tournament on Saturday." Luitwin sneered. "The muggles and their ability to change the climate. To think we would have to enchant a mountain valley to be colder."

Dumbledore made no comment as they reached the main doorway. Luitwin spoke. "Here we are. As you know you won't be able to use any magic while inside." Dumbledore looked at the front doors as they were opened by the guards and made his way in.

Each step felt heavy on Dumbledore, but after what seemed like forever he finally made it to the top. Two more guards stood in front of a door. They opened it and he walked in. "Well well well. Would you look at who it is? If it's not twinkle eyes Dumbledore. To what do I owe the pleasure. It's been years since you have come." Grindelwald stated as he moved forward reaching the bars of the cell that divided the visitors section from the rest of the room.

His part of the room only had a bed. A carpet and a desk with a well and quill. Books lined everything. Although old, much like Dumbledore, he clearly was well fed and very much alive. No beard, he had gray hair slicked to one side and wearing a basic black and blue male gown with a collared shirt and loafers.

Dumbledore stayed close to the entrance as he looked at the room. "Your cell is bigger than I remember Gellert and you look healthier."

Grindelwald smiled, cool blue eyes showing similar intelligence to the man in front of him. "Not a proper hello. You act as if we don't know each other."

Dumbledore stepped up in slight anger. "Stop it."

Grindelwald smiled, but then it was replaced with slight anger and annoyance. "Fine. What do you want, Albus? 13 years since you last came. What do you need from me now that you can not answer? Still looking to interpret the prophecy of the boy? Justify yourself for leaving the boy with roaches? Speak before I decide you are not worth my time."

Dumbledore looked at him. No twinkle in his eyes. "What are you doing? What are you planning? You look healthier than ever and you have better accommodation than ever."

Grindelwald looked at him, one of his eyes becoming foggy. "I plan. I prepare like I always have Albus. I was shown an uncertainty by magic when you left me in 1981. A uncertainty that was further proved to me in 1984. You know me, unfortunately, better than anyone. I do not take fate's warnings so lightly. And the future is very uncertain"

Dumbledore looked horrified. " A vision. Another one. Gellert what do you mean? I thought you called me a fool for believing in the boy's prophecy. That I had played into it by my own action like you admitted yourself about yours."

Grindelwald looked at him, his one eye staying foggy. "This vision showed what I had to do. It did not show me what I wanted or I didn't want. It showed me a duty. I am not trying to fight it. I am trying to make it come to pass."

Dumbledore looked in horror. "Gellert that is what you said when we were starting our journey into the world. Mere adults looking to discover the world. You marched on a continent for the vision you felt duty-."

Grindelwald screamed, cutting him off. "WHAT WE HAD A DUTY FOR! ALBUS! Or do you care to forget that."

Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "I was never a part of the vision and you knew that and continued down the path. Even after everything that happened."

Grindelwald looked away. "Regardless, I follow a new path. I think you will be happy that it includes my death at the very end of it."

Dumbledore looked at him in shock. "Gellert I have never wanted your death. You are here because of that. Are you certain that your vision led you to your death?"

Grindelwald sneered, as he looked at Dumbledore. " Yes, Albus, it was clear as day. Not many have my eyes and not many have my wand. So why did you come here? To reminisce on the past or what?"

Dumbledore looked at his wand knowing what Grindelwald meant. "So I was dead." Grindelwald once again looked at him, this time with a tad bit of sadness. "Based on what I could tell, yes."

Dumbledore smiled after some time. "Ahhhh. Let us stop talking about visions that may not come to pass. I have two questions." Grindelwald knew Albus well. Two questions meant he was lost and he could not figure out what to do next or had no answer. Three meant he could not choose what to focus on. One question he would never ask for help on. Pride, ego, a lack of trust, and maybe even just general belief the answer would come to him stopped him from asking for help.

Dumbledore began his question as he pulled out the diary. "My first question is what can you tell me about this?"

Grindelwald reached out and took the item through the bars of the cell. Dumbledore noted the brief worry on his face. "Fascinating. It was stabbed with a Basilisk fang. I can feel the magic of the snake on it. I came across a young one in the black markets of Russia. I can also feel a rune. A single rune. A soul rune, but I cannot translate it. It's in." Dumbledore finished the sentence. "Another language."

Grindelwald smiled amused. "Since when could you understand the magic of language and Runes? You were never good enough to study other rune languages."

Dumbledore smiled. "I have been researching this piece for a year now. I also remember when we were young Gellart. I remember how easy it came to you. Young Harry shares the same gift you have it seems. He can read the magic in the runes. Not the language if he doesn't know it."

Grindelwald smiled. "A Potter being good at runes. I believe it when I see it."

Dumbledore chuckled. " I believe he got it from his mother who was very gifted in charms and runes."

Grindelwald nodded. "The boy is gifted then. He will be formidable. His half blood lineage shows it. An affinity to 4 major branches of magic and a parselmouth as well? He will be greater than both of us it seems."

Dumbledore nodded but then realized with a shock. "How much do you know about Harry?"

Grindelwald smiled, a cruel intellect showing underneath. "I keep eyes and ears outside of these walls, Albus. You surely know that. Anyway, why? How did this come to be destroyed with a fang from one of the deadliest beasts known in the magical world?"

Dumbledore sighed knowing he would leave it alone for now on his knowledge of the outside world. It could be Grindelwald was playing with him. "Nothing could destroy it and in a desperate attempt a fang was used. With its destruction a shadow, ghost or echo was also destroyed."

Grindelwald nodded. "An echo? Why an echo."

Dumbledore looked lost in thought. "It had possessed a student and through the possession manifested a 5th year from 1943."

Grindelwald looked at it again. "So its destruction was not possible by any other means but the fang of a Basilisk. Interesting."

Grindelwald looked at it as he sat down at his desk as he began looking through the books next to him. "Can you tell me anything else or do you still keep secrets close to your chest?"

Dumbledore smiled. "The book belonged to Tom riddle and that is what he called himself when he emerged as an echo."

Grindelwald stopped his search at the name. "Tom?"

Dumbledore stopped Grindelwald before he could say it out loud not wanting the guards to hear. "Correct a certain Lord. The 5th year called himself Tom and also a Lord."

Grindelwald turned around realizing the implication of what the item could do. "How many times?"

Dumbledore looked down sadly with his arms crossed. " Twice now the boy has faced him."

Grindelwald hissed. "Twice."

Dumbledore nodded. "He has won both times. By the magic of his mother and by using the fang of the snake he slayed. All by himself."

Grindelwald got up and marched to the bars. "Albus, are you mad? Why do you hide this? Who else knows? Twice already?"

Dumbledore once again looked his age. "The whole story? Only I. Important details and assumptions? Harry, Severus Snape, and I. Although I believe one relatively young professor named Bathsheda Babbling has been informed by Harry. Interesting history and true family, but it's not important. Bits and pieces and rumors? Not many. I have been able to hide everything but now I am lost on what the diary could be and its possible meaning in all of this. I hide it because I believe no one would believe it. The Wizarding world should not know of this magic if even I fear what it is. A magic that you or I do not know is not a magic the masses should know."

Grindelwald cut him off. "So it's for the greater good that you seek no help? Not even from the people who know? Still as foolish as ever. The people around you are tools at worst and trusted confidants at best. Something you never learned. The boy speaks of it to others? At least he has some semblance of respect for what others can give him. Babbling? A name of some regard. Irish House, with a dark and sad history."

Dumbledore sighed and pulled over the visitors chair as he sat down. Ignoring his comments. "Do you have a clue on what it could be? You seem to have familiarity and worry."

Grindelwald knew he would not get a response. And went back to look through the books. "You are an old fool Albus. I do not have much on this unfortunately. In 1984, I was brought an item by someone looking for answers. He confirmed my worry and vision. Having found nothing he left with the item. Two things connect these items. The 1st being the rune. A singular soul magic rune with the same magic signature as this one. The second being that they both belonged to Tom."

Dumbledore was not surprised by the statement, it was clear the man was planning something. Although the vision relating to Tom peaked his interest slightly. "Your vision relates to Tom?"

Grindelwald nodded as he seemed to find what he was looking for and stood up and walked over to Dumbledore who stayed seated. "The one who came on that day made me swear to secrecy. They were desperate and their hatred for you outweighed their hatred for me. As they put it I had nothing to gain from lying. Not wanting to leave the item here he allowed me to sketch a picture." Grindelwald showed him the piece of parchment.

"Are you certain? They still have it? " Dumbledore asked, shocked at what he saw.

Grindelwald nodded. "I believe they are the same thing, both the items. I have researched this item since that day and I finally have admitted defeat in Europe and will begin exploring elsewhere. Europe was picked clean by Tom. He wiped the continent clean of what he did it seems. Fortunately many dark teachings associated with soul magic are now gone. Unfortunately I have been unable to find anything on what these items are exactly. I will look abroad now. Will you allow me to keep the diary and review it further? I want to confirm it's the same items and explore my notes again?" I have too many questions and no answers currently. In time we should look to meet again, hopefully with better answers"

Dumbledore after some thinking. "Do not lose it. It is our only chance to get an answer and I suppose the vow of secrecy holds you bonded so we cannot have the other one?."

Grindelwald nodded "I cannot say anything until the head of house or heir returns to my tower."

Dumbledore looked frustrated but relented. Two items that possibly shared the same properties, but why? Who came to Gellert? What had Tom done or created that could leave echos? And how many times? It had to be destroyed with a Fang from one of the most dangerous creatures in the magical world.

"So what is your next question?" Grindelwald asked after he put the diary on his desk and walked back to the bars. "You are too proud to come for my help with only one question." Dumbledore smiled remembering how he would get teased by Gellert back when they met each other over his question philosophy.

"Obscurial. What did you learn in your time searching for one and the time spent with Clarence?" Grindelwald again looked briefly concerned and raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you care about creatures and their potential? As you put it when I wrote to you. Chasing a creature of magic is like chasing the meaning in a prophecy, both are fools errands as magic hides their true purpose. What has changed now? You seem to thread similar paths as I Albus."

Dumbledore, who had stayed seated, looked forward. "A worry." His voice shook just slightly but enough for Grindelwald to know the man wasn't just worried.

He was afraid of what he would hear. "A worry Albus? A worry? In Magical Britain there is no worry. There is only kill. The magic of the obscurial is uncontrollable. I lost years attempting to keep credence in good health. You know this."

Dumbledore nodded and grasped onto any point he remembered from the years before the global wizard war. "You were never able to find him a cure besides the tears Fawkes gave him."

Grindelwald laughed darkly. "A cure Albus? What are you saying? If an obscurial was running around Magical Britain right now not even you could hide it. It took Scamander using a thunderbird to wipe the minds clean of New York. Even now Magical America reportedly does not admit what happened or what I did there. A state secret."

Dumbledore kept his breath at a slow pace. "I asked. I was pushed away. They were frustrated that I knew about the one they had in their department of mystery."

Grindelwald perked at this as he pulled his desk chair and sat across from Albus. Realizing that Albus was truly worried if he used his secrets to get answers. A worry that grew in him. He needed to pull it out of Albus. He needed to know if they could work together like so many years ago. Did they still trust each other? If Albus did trust him to tell him, maybe they could once again. "Albus, what aren't you telling me?"

Dumbledore looked down. A tear falling to the black stone. "The boy."

Grindelwald's eyes widened in horror and confirmation of his own worry. They could work together. It was possible, once more. One last time. The way it should have always been. Together. "The boy. It's true. Are you certain? No you aren't, it's why you're here. He IS showing signs, but does he have the history-"Grindelwald stopped.

He got up and quickly got to his desk and pulled out a book that had pages bound manually. Shuffling through the pages he came across what he was looking for. "Here. So is this accurate?" Grindelwald asked as he ripped out what looked to be a letter from the book. Dumbledore caught all his statements and was going to question them when he looked at the paper in surprise, realizing it was a spy report on Magical Britain.

Nothing of real value except for the one detail. "Accidental magic by the boy reported. Unsure if worthwhile exploration is needed but noted because he is reportedly able to do a patronus. Odd. Waiting to hear orders."

Dumbledore looked at Grindelwald in surprise. "So it's true. I found it odd but my curiosity got the better of me so I requested everything about the boy. I also had whispers of an obscurial crawling in my head and used it to leverage an individual that I had been unsuccessful in re recruiting. The report is expected today from them. Tell me then what else has been happening."

Dumbledore went on to give a long lecture ranging from Harry's family history with the muggles, the failures of the adults, issues of being a teen, his emotional state, the blood wards failing, and finally the case of the accidental magic.

Grindelwald stayed seated through it all. "So he has the history and current life predicament to support it. He also has you as a shadow of a failure in all his life. Yet, he does not know the full extent and if he did. It could get worse. My My Albus. You have truly fucked this one up."

Grindelwald smiled at the angry look Dumbledore was giving him. "Don't get mad at me. I told you years ago putting him with muggle relatives was an idiocy of yours. They are roaches, all the muggles, Albus. An abomination and I will have no remorse for what I did to them. I bitterly admit they have matched us now finally. I hear they finally have some peace after what I did. So maybe it wasn't all that bad."

Grindelwald smiled cruelly as he looked away but the smile began to falter. "Tell me. What doesn't make sense in your equation and seeds doubt? You wouldn't be here without the other. The problem."

Dumbledore looked to think before responding and he continued to stare at the floor. "No erratic magic and Patronus. He can cast a corporeal Patronus. "

Grindelwald sat up. "Erratic magic is a non issue in my experience, credence could control it somewhat. Even under emotional stress, but he was older so that could be a factor. High emotional stress and the magic collapsed in on itself and became unstable. How is his wand usage?"

Dumbledore sighed. "He is having issues with his wand, it appears."

Grindelwald looked at him curiously. " Can he no longer use his wand?"

Dumbledore nodded. "He can still use it but professors report he seems to struggle."

Grindelwald raised an eyebrow. "Professors report? What? Can't you ask him?"

Dumbledore raised his head. "He has been avoiding almost everyone. I assume he has been enthralled by runes and has thrown himself into studying it."

Grindelwald smirked. "That or he is avoiding you and everyone on purpose. If he is, I give the boy credit. You put your nose into too many things and act rash as a result. I would try avoiding you if something was wrong. I would especially try avoiding everyone after they have failed me."

Dumbledore sighed. "Grindelwald this is not a time to muse on my failures. I will have the next adventure for that."

Grindelwald laughed. "You truly think you will be allowed to rest. You and I both won't be allowed to rest. On your point of the wand it's Interesting. Credence could use it but by the end of my time with him he began to limit the usage. Maybe something he didn't tell me? Either way, we have a boy who has emotional outbursts, has every adult in his life be incompetent, accidental magic at age 13 close to 14, his wand does not work. All in less than three weeks. I would say it's circumstantial, but we both know uncontrolled magic is taken very seriously after someone turns 13. Yet, his Patronus comes to question this and I agree it does make me pause."

Dumbledore breathed in a sigh of relief. "So I am not wrong to have faith in the spell."

Grindelwald nodded. "You are not wrong. In my observation of Credence he was able to use any magic he pleased. Yet, his abilities were limited, of which I did not tell him. Almost an unyieldingly large amount of magic that his body could not contain. It poisoned him as you know, but I quickly realized it was not poison to his body but of the soul. It's why the tears could not do much in the end and why it did not heal him."

Dumbledore took time to take in what Grindelwald said but kept his face down. "So a Patronus which is a manifestation of one soul means the soul is in fact okay and not damaged in any way."

Grindelwald nodded. "I would agree. The boy knowing the spell and being able to cast it is a continued reassurance that he is not an obscurial. Yet to what degree I am not sure."

Dumbledore looked at Grindelwald as he continued "Does the obscurus damage the soul immediately or does it take time. The latter seems correct from what I saw. The obscurus that I took from Scamander showed me many things about the beast. Probably the most interesting was how it grew. The one Scamander had was from an 8 year old girl. It was small and weak hence the ability of it to be contained. In the time I was there I realized it fed off ambient magic as well and was growing. I developed a better way to contain it so I could study it but I never was able to. Considering the MACUSA still stands I believe it worked. Credence had a large one that towered over any muggle building during New York. It had fed for years off his magic leading up to that point. His introduction into the magical world only accelerated that process though. It continued to grow and as you know it was becoming more powerful. Feeding off of his anger, but also the magic of this castle and everywhere else he went in the magical world. It towered over everything when he faced you if I remember correctly?"

Dumbledore nodded in affirmation and understood. "So the boy could still be one, but it's weak?"

Grindelwald shrugged as he pushed himself back in the chair. "Likely but why now begin growing? Another issue you mentioned now that I think about is the blood wards failing. Like I mentioned, an obscurus attacks the soul. Not the body. Meaning that it should not have an effect on the blood wards."

Dumbledore breathed in a relaxed manner, but inside he was glad. Glad he came to Grindelwald. His information had been invaluable and proved to be pivotal especially regarding the blood wards.

"The blood wards had been what I worried about and why I came here. Do you know why they could fail then?"

Grindelwald shook his head. "Blood magic is a problematic field. Rooted in ritual magic in the pursuit to create a pure magical wizard or witch; it went into corners of magic that even I did not venture into. I had looked to experiment in ritual magic as you know but even I learned that all it would do is twist the mind and magic into fanaticism not just for you, but future generations. You and your future descendants would have an obsession with blood magic and ritual magic. The obsession fueling a need to continue what their ancestors had started. Either commit more rituals and or look to solve a cure. Based on my research ritual magic would also curse your family in a similar way to drinking unicorn blood; shorter lifespan and eventual death. The effects of the curse being tied to whatever beast was used. It's only saving grace being a subfield in runes and ward magic. One thing is certain. Blood, magical blood does not change without an outside force, may that be a ritual, a magical blood transfusion, or an exposure to dark magic. For the boy's blood to change he has either been exposed to some of the foulest magic either willingly or unwillingly. On the other hand he could be dabbling into rituals that will damage his very being."

Dumbledore nodded knowing Grindelwald was right. "I know you are right, but the boy shows none of that. He is still the same. No signs of dark ritual magic usage like red eyes. His magic signature is still the same. No signs of new abilities-"

Dumbledore stopped "His new found abilities in rune magic could that be a sign?"

Grindelwald shrugged. "It could be. It could not. If it is. The boy has found a way to obtain magical affinities, something that I did not think was possible. I would give him credit then. Most ritual magic focuses on improving the body. Extra strength, beauty, better eyesight, more resilience etc. "

Grindelwald stayed seated but looked in thought. A comfortable silence between the two took hold. A half an hour passed without one word discussed. Grindelwald spoke up first. "I need to meet the boy. I need to see him in front of me."

Dumbledore had also come to the same realization in his thinking but knew he could not do that. "I can't do that Grindelwald. You know that. The magical world would have my head."

Grindelwald sneered. "Why do you care? Who cares what the world thinks? Pfft. You have changed Albus so much politics is in your blood now. For the greater good Albus."

Dumbledore looked to be having an internal debate within himself. Weighing everything but the words came back. For the greater good. "The Wizarding World Dueling Championship is being hosted in the valley below. Nurmengard village. The boy will be there. Do not do anything brash to get him here and do not let him know of my involvement."

Grindelwald smiled. One of his eyes becoming foggier and the other becoming a cold bright blue. "Viel Erfolg."