Chapter 50
AN: Thank you so much for the support. I really hope you like this chapter.
Five days have passed since Mie talked to her dad and Gellert about her idea to make it so Voldemort's followers don't trust him and ever since Mie has spent every waking moment studying for her NEWTS and so they haven't figured out the instinct details of their plan or put it into action. It is Sunday night the night before exams begins and the night before Albus has to defend to the Warden and other representatives from various ministries why Gellert should stay out of jail, and everyone is at dinner.
For once the group of seventh years at the Gryffindor table are silent while other students talk around them, it being more than clear that they are worried about what is going to happen.
"They're here," Lily says and all the seventh years turn to the doors into the hall where Albus is greeting people who all the seventh years know to be the examiners.
"It's real, this is really happening," Mie says, and those who know where she comes from know why this is even more serial to her.
"Yeah, it's real," Remus says to her with a reassuring smile.
"I don't think I can eat anymore," Mary says, putting her knife and fork down.
"How about we go to the classroom and study," Severus suggests, as he looks around at his friends he realises that none of them look like they are going to be able to eat anymore.
"That's a really good idea," Amelia says and once she does, they all drop their knife and forks, picks up their bags, and head out of the hall.
Hours later, while Mie spent most of the night studying with her friends, Gellert and Albus have spent their time talking about what is to come for them. Even though it is very late Gellert and Albus are both awake and lying in their bed.
"Albus, it will be okay," Gellert tells him. "Whatever happens tomorrow, it will be okay," Gellert tells him.
"Even if you go back into custody?" Albus asks, as he doesn't think so.
"Even then," Gellert responds, kissing his cheek, and as the two of them drift into silence they both hear noise coming from the living area. "That's Annemie," Gellert realises.
"It is," Albus responds, and the two of them get up and head out of their room and when they open their door, they see Mie.
"And that is how you perform a cheering charm," Mie, who is pacing back and forth feeling anxiety about her exams, says to herself once she finishes reciting it. "No, that's not right," Mie mutters. "Damn it," Mie says annoyed.
"Annemie," Albus's voice says, and Mie turns to see both her father and Gellert standing in the doorway to their room, having not realised that they were there.
"Dad, Gellert, sorry did I wake you?" Mie asks her father, feeling bad about that.
"It's okay," Albus assures her, as he walks towards her. "What are you doing?" Albus asks.
"Studying, I'm trying to get more study done," Mie tells her father.
"You've been studying for weeks, more study at the moment won't help, what will help is sleep," Albus tells his daughter.
"I can't sleep Dad," Mie tells him. "I need to keep studying… after everything that has happened, this is it. I finally get to do my final exams," Mie says to her father. "And I know that in the grand scheme of everything else we're doing they don't matter, but they matter to me, and I want to do my best," Mie tells her father. "I need to do well," Mie explains and Albus isn't sure if Mie's determination to do well is because of her biological father or because of the pressure she puts on herself.
"Then we'll quiz you," Gellert says, volunteering himself and Albus partly because he wants to help Mie and partly because he knows that with what is going on with them tomorrow chances are they aren't going to get much sleep anyway so a distraction that also helps Mie is a good idea. "What exam do you have first?" Gellert asks as he isn't sure.
"Charms," Mie answers.
"Ah, okay," Gellert says with a grin. "Not my best subject, but If I remember correctly, I did do well on my last exam before I was expelled," Gellert says.
"That was a Durmstrang exam, it is likely easier," Albus tells him, not being able to resist, and Gellert rolls his eyes as which is better Hogwarts or Durmstrang is a debate they have had many, many times.
"Let's get started," Gellert says, ignoring Albus's comment. "What can't the impervious charm be used on, and demonstrate the wand movement?" Gellert asks.
"Gellert, thanks," Mie tells him, feeling grateful for his help.
"You're welcome," Gellert says. "Now, what's the answer?" Gellert asks curious.
"Solid objects," Mie answers, and she proceeds to demonstrate the wand movement, when she does that Albus asks the next question and together he and Gellert continue to quiz Mie, helping her to feel more prepared for the exams
Hours after Albus and Gellert started to help Mie with her studying by quizzing her, it is breakfast time and all the seventh years are sitting at the table together. Just like the night before all of the students who are sitting at the Gryffindor table aren't talking and are picking at their food.
"Look," Sirius says, and everyone looks at him. "We've all done everything we can, this is it, we can't change anything else, we've just got to go in and do our best," Sirius tells his friends. "We're all prepared as possible, we've got this," Sirius tells his friend.
"You know, that actually helps," Remus tells his boyfriend.
"Yeah, it does," Lily admits. "We can do this," Lily says, looking between her friends.
"We can do this," Mie confirms, and while there is still a tense feeling it is clear that Sirius's words have helped the others feel a little comforted.
Less than half an hour after Sirius did his best to reassure his friends the seventh years who took charms, as well as all fifth years, are waiting outside the hall, waiting to be called into their first exam of the year.
While Mie and her fellow students are starting their exams Albus and Gellert have travelled to Austria and are approaching Nurmengard Castle together, as he can tell that Gellert is worried Albus reaches out and takes his hand, offering him silent support. Once Albus and Gellert are close enough to the castle they see that Warden Karma is waiting for them.
"Professor Dumbledore, Grindelwald," Warden Karma greats.
"Warden," Albus greats.
"The Ministry officials are here, one form the British Ministry, one from the Austrian, one from the German, one from the Hungarian, one from the French, and one from the Norwegian," Warden Karma explains, and Albus and Gellert both realising that that means including Warden Karma there are seven representatives that they have to convince. "They all know why they are here," Warden Karma explains.
"Okay," Albus says, glancing at Gellert, as while they have been preparing for this just as much as Mie has been preparing for her exams it's different now that the time has come.
"If you have a wand, you will not be able to have it in the room," Warden Karma tells Grindelwald.
"I understand," Gellert, says, pulling his wand and handing it to Albus for safe keeping.
"Follow me," Warden Karma says once Gellert has handed his wand over and both Albus and Gellert follow her inside.
As they follow Warden Karma into the castle Albus and Gellert are lead not to Lori's office but to a meeting room that Gellert knows well. In the room there is a bench where there are the six representatives from the various ministry, Albus recognizing all of them including Crouch, are sitting and as they walk in Lori walks over and joins them by sitting in the empty chair allowing Albus and Gellert to sit at the table across from them.
"Dumbledore," Crouch greats.
"Mr Crouch," Albus responds, with a nod.
"I understand you want to speak first," Crouch says to Albus.
"Yes," Albus says, standing up. "In nineteen forty-five I brought Gellert Grindelwald to this castle. I hoped that he would feel remorse for what he did and that is exactly what has happened," Albus explains, as he moves so that he is standing in front of the table. "For the last thirty-three years Gellert Grindelwald has been reflecting on the events that lead him here and he does feel remorse; I know that for a fact," Albus explains, and as he does, he notices the members of the panel exchange looks. "A month ago, I was desperate for help, I needed someone as skilled as me who could understand how Voldemort thinks to help me rescue my daughter and one of my students," Albus explains. "My student couldn't be saved, but Grindelwald saved my daughter, risking his own life to do so, in fact," Albus explains. "He could have disappeared after that, but he didn't, he returned to Hogwarts and stayed," Albus reveals. "He has spent the last month giving as much insight as he could into what Voldemort could be thinking, insight which has already saved lives," Albus reveals. "He has been giving me help and support, he has been fighting against Voldemort, and has expressed his intention to continue doing that," Albus explains. "Gellert has admitted to me that knows he can never completely make up for what he has done, but he does want to try," Albus explains. "Voldemort has the potential to destroy the entire world, both magical and muggle, and I believe that Gellert's help, and insight can help prevent death and destruction," Albus tells the members of the panel, looking between them. "I believe that Gellert feels remorse for his actions, I know he can be a huge help going forward, he has my trust, and I am willing to stake my representation on that," Albus tells the panel. "Any questions?" Albus asks, looking between the panel members.
At Hogwarts Mie, and her fellow seventh years, have completed the theory part of their charms exam, and are having lunch before they complete their practical exams. Just like breakfast lunch for the seventh years is a pretty quiet affair as they feel nervous about their practical exam.
As she eats her lunch Mie looks to the teachers table and the first thing she realises is that Albus and Gellert aren't sitting in their seats. For a few seconds Mie is confused about where they could be but then the answer comes to her.
"Oh no," Mie mutters, realising that she was so worried about her exams that she forgot what today was for her dad and Gellert.
"Mie? Everything okay?" Amelia asks curious.
"Yeah," Mie responds, feeling guilty about the fact that she was so concerned about herself that she completely forgot what her dad and Gellert were going through.
In Austria Albus has been calmy, and articulately, answering questions from the panel for over an hour. As it is clear that no one has any more questions for him Albus once again takes his seat next to Gellert.
"Mr Grindelwald, you have heard what Professor Dumbledore has to say, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Crouch asks, not giving away what he is thinking about what Albus has spent the last hour saying.
"I do," Gellert says, glancing at Albus, taking strength from the man he loves, before standing up. "I am not going to defend what I have done in the past as the truth is there is no defence," Gellert admits. "Albus is right I do feel remorse for what I have done, and while I know there is no making up for everything, I have done I do want to do what good I can," Gellert admits. "Over the last thirty-three years I have felt anger, and pain, and righteous fury, but now what I feel most is remorse," Gellert admits. "Albus asked me to help save his daughter and student because he was desperate, and I agreed, not to escape my confinement but because It was finally a chance to do something, something good," Gellert admits. "Who Voldemort is now and who I was when Albus defeated me aren't that different, and I have been, and if you allow me, will continue to, use that insight to help fight against him," Gellert tells everyone. "You can elect to return me to confinement, after all It is what I deserve, but if you decide not to do that I vowel I will do everything I can to use my knowledge and experience to fight against Voldemort, to save lives," Gellert tells the panel.
"Mr Grindelwald, I appreciate your words, but they are just that, words, how do we know that you don't want to defeat You-Know-Who so that you can take the power for yourself?" The French representative asks.
"That's not what I want, but as my words aren't good enough, I know that that won't be enough to satisfy you," Gellert admits. "I am willing to subject myself to any monitoring and conditions that this panel sees fit," Gellert reveals, and he knows that there is one more thing he has to say. "Thirty-three years ago, Albus Dumbledore defeated me because he knew my weaknesses," Gellert says, and he can practically feel the look Albus is giving him as this isn't something they talked about. "Weaknesses I still possess and knowledge of which he has passed on to his equally powerful daughter," Gellert reveals. "If I deviate from the path of good, if I try to return to who I once was I know they will stop me, and I am very glad about that fact," Gellert admits, telling the complete truth as he doesn't want to be who he once was and he knows that if he were to go down that path then Mie would stop him, and as painful as it would be for him, Albus would as well.
"Professor Dumbledore, what do you have to say about that?" The German representative asks and Albus stands up.
"He's right," Albus admits, and only Gellert can hear the pain in his voice. "I truly believe that Gellert Grindelwald is on a different path now, but if I am wrong, if he goes back to who he once was I will stop him, as will my daughter, Annemie," Albus says, fighting not to give away how that makes him feel, and as he looks between the members of the panel it is clear that some of the panel members are convinced by his words while others are not and because of that Albus isn't sure what way this is going to go.
At Hogwarts Mie is waiting to be called into the hall to perform her Charms Practical, while also feeling extremely worried about her father and Gellert.
"Annemie Dumbledore," A voice says, and it takes a few seconds for that to register with Mie before she realises what was said and so she walks to the door.
"Professor Marchbanks is free," Professor Flitwick tells Mie, who nods, and heads to the examiner who she recognizes from where she came from.
"Annemie Dumbledore," Griselda Marchbanks greats. "This is a pleasure," she tells Mie, causing her to feel even more nervous.
"Thank you, professor," Mie responds, honestly having no idea what else to say.
"You may use verbal or nonverbal spells," Griselda tells Mie, even though a person tends to get more marks if nonverbal spells are used either is accepted, who nods. "Let's start with something simple, turn this vinegar into wine," Griselda tells Mie, and once she does that spell with ease, she feels more comfortable, and she is able to easily continue with her exam.
For the next ten minutes Mie completes her charm practical, as she completes her spells she can't help but notice that as well as being asked to complete all the charms the people either side of her are being asked to do Professor Marchbanks also asks her to perform different high level charms, all of which she is able to complete.
"Well done, very well done," Professor Marchbanks tells Mie as she performs the last of her spells. "I see you have inherited your father's talent," Professor Marchbanks tells Mie.
"I like to think so," Mie responds, feeling touched by the compliment.
"I look forward to seeing what else you can do," Professor Marchbanks says, causing Mie to once again feel nervous about the expectations people have for her. "You may go," she says and once she does Mie nods and heads out of the room.
After Mie leaves the great hall, unlike her friends, Mie doesn't head towards their empty classroom, but rather heads straight to her family quarters. As she is so nervous about what could have happened Mie practically runs there.
As she hurries into their family quarters Mie finds her father sitting on the couch but sees no sign of Gellert.
"No, they didn't…" Mie says horrified.
"They didn't," Gellert says, walking out from the kitchen, holding two cups of tea.
"Oh, thank god," Mie says, hurrying over to him and surprising herself, Gellert and Albus by hugging him, though it does feel Albus's heart with joy to see Mie's reaction.
"I'm glad you're happy to see me," Gellert says as he awkwardly returns the hug, not sure how to react, but he knows that this is a huge deal.
"What happened?" Mie asks, as she and Gellert break apart. "What did the Warden say?" Mie asks.
"It wasn't just the Warden, it was also six representatives from different Ministries," Albus explains as Mie and Gellert walk over to him.
"Okay, that doesn't sound good," Mie says concerned. "What did you have to do?" Mie asks her father and Gellert as both she and Gellert sit down.
"We each said our piece and the panel members asked their questions," Albus explains. "Ultimately it was decided, by a majority of four to three, that Gellert would continue to be in my custody for a year, during which time the ministry will monitor him, and us, and we'll go from there," Albus explains, Crouch having been one of the three who voted against the proposal.
"Okay, okay, that's not great, but at least your free for a little while longer," Mie says, looking at Gellert.
"Considering everything it is the best outcome I could have hoped for," Gellert admits, as the truth is it is more than he hoped for, he assumed that he would be going back into custody.
"So, this is good?" Mie asks, looking between her father and Gellert.
"This is very good," Albus answers.
"Oh, okay then," Mie says, realising that if her father and Gellert are happy then she should be too.
"How did your exam go?" Gellert asks curious.
"I think I did okay with the theory," Mie admits. "I had Professor Marchbanks for the practical, and I feel like she asked a lot, more than others were being asked," Mie says, looking at her father.
"It's possible she did," Albus admits.
"Well, if she did, I think I did well, I'm not certain of course, but I think I maybe did okay," Mie tells her father and Gellert.
"That's good, Annemie, I am sure that you did better than you thought," Albus assures her.
"Thanks Dad," Mie responds, feeling thankful for him.
"What's your next exam?" Gellert asks.
"I have Arithmancy tomorrow, which is just a theory exam, some of my friends have history of magic, but we all have nothing tomorrow afternoon," Mie explains.
"Would you like to go over a few concepts or would you like to go meet your friends?" Albus asks.
"Most of my friends would still be doing their practical, so let's go over a few concepts then I'll go meet them," Mie tells her father, he nods, and together he and Gellert start to quiz Mie on different Arithmancy concepts.