A Marauder's Cub

by Starian NightZz

Dumbledore should have learnt that you can't keep a wolf's cub away from him. An angry Remus Lupin learned about the manipulations that have almost destroyed his life and his best friends, and decided that enough is enough. He soon became what he had been all along. A wolf. A guardian. A protector. A Marauder.

21. Hush, Little Baby

Chapter Twenty-One: Hush, Little Baby

At least three times a year, Nikolai Kostov made the trip out to the Austrian Alps where the infamous Nurmengard Prison was built and watched over closely by a specialised squad of witches and wizards by the International Confederation of Wizards' (ICW) Protectorate of Magic since the end of the Grindelwald war decades ago.

Originally a prison built by Gellert Grindelwald and his people at the rise of his power, the ICW has taken it over after the end of the war and his defeat and used it to house particularly dangerous witches and wizards that have committed international crimes.

While the outside world sees Gellert Grindelwald as nothing more than a power-hungry maniac, the truth is that the upper echelons of the international community and the ICW knew the truth behind Grindelwald's descent into madness and why he had started the war that had killed thousands.

But like what one of them had told Nikolai Kostov years ago when he had first taken on the post as Durmstrang's headmaster, and had to make the visit to the ICW headquarters to present himself as is customary for new headmasters and headmistresses of ICW certified schools; it isn't that they didn'twant to tell the truth – that Gellert Grindelwald had Trauma, and hence, isn't in his right frame of mind when he started the war.

It's just that Gellert Grindelwald's rapist is so well-known internationally and well-loved, that by the time that the Mind Healers and Trauma Healers of the ICW Healing Division had realised the truth, there is no possible way to get it out in the world without making it sound like they support a maniac over the 'well-loved hero who had defeated Grindelwald'.

As far as Nikolai is aware of, the upper echelons of the ICW had assembled a secret unit to keep an eye on things in Britain, and quietly gathering evidence and information against the man and his supporters, even as his influence and power grew to alarming levels.

At this point, Nikolai honestly wouldn't be surprised if the Shadowcloaks were roped into this mission too, since the Downworlders are no fan of Albus Dumbledore themselves.

Nikolai's father is long dead by this point; having passed away not long after Nikolai had graduated from Durmstrang with honours; and as far as he knew, his mother had died in childbirth. But Nikolai's father had told Nikolai the truth of his family bloodline as he knew it, even if they don't take the name. And he had taken Nikolai to visit his grandmother those few times each year; a tradition that Nikolai had kept up even as he grew into an adult.

No matter how busy Nikolai is, he always made sure to make time in his busy schedule as Durmstrang's headmaster to visit his grandmother, knowing that he would have no other visitors if he doesn't.

One of the Hit-Wizards at the guard outpost at the front of Nurmengard Prison nodded to Nikolai even as he approached, with his international Portkey dropping him at the only designated Portkey area several feet away from the prison.

Nikolai wordlessly handed over his permit and the papers he was issued by the ICW to permit his entrance and visit into Nurmengard Prison to visit one of the most infamous prisoners they ever had, that had an around the clock watcher and even healer—being kept in one of the deepest cells in the prison, and also one of the most well-guarded.

Even as Nikolai looked around as the guard checked his papers, he could see members of the ICW's International Protectorate of Magic's Hit-Wizards patrolling the premises—all with the distinct ICW logo visible on their black cloaks and even the Protectorate of Magic badges that they were wearing.

Those badges were the exact proof that they are the best of the best of the entire world—international Hit-Wizards and Hit-Witches specifically trained to deal with threats to the magical world.

It is one of several reasons why Nurmengard Prison is one of the most well-guarded prisons in the entire world, with not just the ICW's Hit-Squad being assigned as guards here. But also, because there are layers upon layers of runes, wards and barriers around the prison to not just hide it from the eyes of mundanes, but also to prevent the prisoners within from escaping.

It is why every guard and visitor that enter the premises of the prison need a special badge or permit, or they'll just be forced right out of the premises.

Even the magicals have heard of the atrocities that Adolf Hitler had done during the world war, at around the same time that Grindelwald had started his war in the magical side of things. It is why magical prisons were surveyed and watched so closely by the ICW, so as to prevent any unethical experiments or going-ons.

From what is said, it seems like the mundane side of things are still fixing the damage caused by Adolf Hitler and World War II, despite it being decades since the war had ended.

Back before the entire hoo-ha in Britain, it seems like Dumbledore had used his influence as the Supreme Mugwump to prevent the ICW from surveying Azkaban Prison that could quite easily break about a dozen human rights laws.

But after the old man had lost most of his positions of power and influence in the international community thanks to what he had tried to pull with Sirius Black and even Hadrian Potter, the new head of the ICW had quickly taken the chance to put Britain under the same laws and inspections that every other country on the continent is subjected to. Nikolai knew for one too that the new ICW head had assembled a team and is slowly identifying and ousting every single one of Dumbledore's supporters in the ICW as well as the guilds.

For the first time in decades, Nikolai is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That it might just be possible to charge the man who is responsible for the plight that had befallen his family, starting from the time of his grandmother, or his father's bearer. Even after that, Nikolai had no doubts it's going to take years of work to clean up the mess that Dumbledore had left in his wake, and to fix the damage he had caused.

Almost on auto-pilot, Nikolai followed the Hit-Wizard that was summoned to take him to the prisoner Nikolai came to visit every single year. Once on his grandfather's death anniversary, another on his grandmother's birthday, and on the date of what would be his grandparents' wedding if only Albus Dumbledore didn't fuck everything up.

Nurmengard Prison was designed with many confusing passageways and turns, with several runes and wards layered into the very walls itself by the ICW when they took it over. All in a bid to confuse any possible breakouts. Even the ones who worked within the prison itself sometimes find themselves getting lost at times.

The prisoner that Nikolai came to visit every single year is held in the most secure wing of the prison which is also the same wing where the prisoners that were mentally compromised were held. Like every single time he came, the Hit-Wizard led Nikolai to the end of the passageway where a familiar Hit-Wizard was standing guard outside the door, nodding to them both.

"I'll come back in another two hours." The Hit-Wizard told Nikolai who nodded, and with a swish of his robes, he then turned and left.

The Hit-Wizard guarding the cell gave Nikolai a smile. Over the years, Nikolai had gradually gotten to know the team assigned to protect and even care for the prisoner currently behind the door. This particular guard, Pavel Ludmilov, Nikolai knew, is actually a grandchild of one of Gellert Grindelwald's lesser-known followers. As is the Healer assigned to his care, Andrey Mladenov, an omega.

When the war ended, many of Gellert Grindelwald's followers and supporters were rounded up and executed. But there were also several that have managed to escape, with several of them changing their names. But none of them forgot their allegiance to Gellert Grindelwald, and have stayed loyal to him—with several of their family members even taking on various important positions to put them in place to assist Grindelwald in any way possible.

Nikolai had suspected for years that several of those that have followed and supported Grindelwald during the war might have known or even suspected what happened to him to cause his mind to snap.

It definitely makes sense why Pavel, who is actually one of the ICW's best Hit-Wizards would actually volunteer to be a guard at Nurmengard when he can serve as better use out in the field, hunting down criminals. Whereas Andrey Mladenov is actually one of the best Healers under the ICW's employ, specialising in not just Trauma Care, but also Mental Health Healing.

From what Nikolai knew, Andrey had trained under the father of Emil Michaelis before the former had passed his Healer certification and had joined the ICW when he was scouted.

"Today is one of his better days." Pavel told Nikolai who nodded.

The guard then gave three raps on the door to alert the occupants inside, before he then pressed his ICW badge against a rune carved on the surface of the door. A large red runic symbol appeared over the door momentarily before there was the sound of a loud click, before the door opened, allowing Nikolai to enter.

This room likely isn't what most would expect when the word 'prison' came up, considering the reputation of Nurmengard Prison. The room is bright and cheery, with pale blue walls and cloud decals. It also looks lived in, with the various drawings plastered on the wall.

On the bed in a corner, an elderly man was seated on it, magic restraining bangles on his wrists, clutching a stuffed teddy bear to his chest. He is dressed in a pale green robe that is standard of all prisoners within Nurmengard Prison. His now silver hair reaches down to his shoulders but was clean and even combed back neatly. Despite the wrinkles, Nikolai knew that once upon a time, Gellert Grindelwald is a great beauty.

His biological grandfather, Ivan Krum, had loved Gellert dearly. And even until his death, he had never married or mated another, but had died cursing Dumbledore with his last breath.

"Hush little baby, don't say a word. Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring…"

It is like Gellert doesn't even realise that Nikolai or even the Healer that was assigned to his care is in his room, even as he rocked back and forth, clutching the teddy bear, singing to himself, his eyes blank.

"Today's one of the better days." Andrey smiled at Nikolai almost sadly, seeing the expression on his face.

"I know." Nikolai nodded, pulling his usual chair over to the bedside so that he is facing Gellert Grindelwald, taking the latter's hands into his own.

The magic restraining bangles prevents Gellert Grindelwald from doing any magic for as long as he lived. But the truth is that even without it, Nikolai doubts he is of any danger to anyone any longer. The person who was once Gellert Grindelwald died decades ago, after what Albus Dumbledore did to him. The person in front of him now is just a shell of the brilliant and bright boy that was once Gellert Grindelwald.

"Баба (bába) (grandmother)." Nikolai spoke in his native tongue, taking Gellert's hands into his own. Wordlessly, Andrey handed a washcloth and a basin of water that he placed on the side table next to Nikolai. "I'm here." He cleaned Gellert's hands carefully. Andrey took good care of Gellert ever since he was assigned to the omega's care some seven to eight years ago – about a year or so after Pavel was assigned as his guard. But every single time Nikolai comes here, he likes to at least tend to Gellert in some way. "I'm here."

Gellert continued singing to himself, his eyes looking like he's a thousand miles away.

"The new school term would be commencing soon in another month or so. The school that you and Дядо (dyádo) (grandfather) loved so much and have met. The ICW also told me last year that this year, they want to bring back the Triwizard Tournament again." Nikolai ignored the hitches of breath from Andrey in a corner. "It seems like it's Hogwarts who wanted it's return, due to the drop of reputation of the British Isles amongst the wizarding communities. Doesn't take a genius to realise who's fighting for it." He gave a bitter chuckle. "Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons and I only agreed, with much convincing from our respective Ministries and our professors, may I add, that we be included in the discussion of the protections to make it safer for the students. Because it's Britain that is the one fighting for it, the tournament will be held on British soil. This means Hogwarts." Nikolai was careful, cleaning Gellert's hands gently—in the manner that he heard his deceased grandfather, Ivan Krum had done for his mate. "That man is steadily losing his positions and power—one after the other. Not hard to figure out that this tournament is a way to help him regain some of that influence. It's taken decades. Years even. But I swear. I will bring him down. Now, it seemed like that man had his sights on another omega. A young boy. Hadrian Potter. I will protect him. I will not let him fall into the hands of that man. I will not allow him to destroy another person's life the way he did you."

"And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass…"

"Nikolai."

Nikolai half-turned in his chair only to see Andrey gesturing for him to approach, taking a folder of some sort from the cabinet that he knew is designated as the Healer's cabinet—and thus, only able to be unlocked and opened by Andrey and the other Healer that takes over his duties during those days when Andrey had the day off or is sick.

Gellert didn't seem to have heard Nikolai at all, still rocking back and forth with that teddy bear in his arms, singing to himself.

Nikolai swallowed that lump in his throat, patting Gellert on the hand gently before getting to his feet, walking towards the Healer.

"I was waiting for your visit for quite awhile now. I didn't trust any messages sent to you not to be intercepted, considering what I wanted to tell you. That…man might have lost much of his influence and power amongst the ICW, but the head of the ICW is still trying to smoke out his supporters. We don't know if we got all of them yet." Andrey begun, much to Nikolai's confusion. "You know that…Lord Grindelwald draws, right?"

Nikolai nodded slowly. It might be an omega trait or something, but most omegas that Nikolai knew of seems very artsy or creative—with majority drawing, dancing or even playing some kind of music instrument. Hadrian Potter for instance is quite the talented artist, judging by the singing of his praises from Durmstrang's Art professor. The young omega had even won various international art competitions over the years in Durmstrang's name, much to the school's pride.

Nikolai knew that Sirius Black had been encouraging Hadrian to draw for years; even though in the beginning, it was a way to help Hadrian with his therapy. At this point, Nikolai honestly wouldn't be surprised if Hadrian pursued a career in art, or even become some kind of restorative artist.

There aren't many that pursued that line of career in the magical communities; and unlike contrary belief, they are very in-demand, considering that magical portraits do need regular maintenance. Durmstrang has one that they engaged every single year to check on the magical portraits that they have, though the man is getting up there in years, and had been talking about retiring for awhile now.

If marketed properly, magical artists can really earn thousands of Galleons a year, as magical portraits aren't cheap to make, and the technique and spells to create one is passed down from master to apprentice—with the number gradually dwindling in recent years.

Nikolai knew that the Art Guild had been getting concerned with their dwindling numbers in recent years.

And like Hadrian Potter, it seems like Gellert Grindelwald is quite the artist in his youth too. Nikolai still had those few sketchbooks that Ivan Krum had that was done by Gellert Grindelwald that was later passed down to Nikolai's father when the latter was given up for adoption; and later on, those sketchbooks were passed into Nikolai's hands.

The Kostov family had been good people; raising Nikolai's father like he is one of theirs, but also making sure to educate him on his true family history so he doesn't forget his roots. They're also one of the lesser-known followers of Gellert Grindelwald. Even today, Nikolai still receive gifts from the Kostov family on his birthdays and was always welcome at Sunday dinners, always being treated as one of the family. They were there to help and comfort him too when his father had passed several years ago not long after Nikolai had graduated.

Nikolai too was even the best man of his adoptive cousin a couple of years ago when the man had married. He had even named his adoptive cousin's first-born, and was named godfather.

"Lord Grindelwald started drawing a lot more frequently starting about six months ago." Andrey begun, passing the folder full of what Nikolai realised were sketches very clearly done by Gellert. If Nikolai didn't know it's a drawing, he will honestly think it's a still photograph – it's so lifelike. "Gradually, I start to realise those pictures tell a story of some sort. I don't know what it means, but I believe you do. So, I kept them all for until you come for your next visit." Andrey looked over at Gellert Grindelwald. "He lost his mind and, in some ways, his sense of self. There is no helping him anymore. I can't restore his mind anymore; thanks to the terrible trauma he's gone through. But I still believe that some part deep down inside him, Lord Grindelwald wanted someone to know the truth of what happened to him. The truth that no one but him, and…that man knows."

"And you think…he told us that with his drawings?" Nikolai realised, looking down at the folder in his hands.

Andrey nodded. "Legally, we might not be able to charge him in a court of law. But there are other ways to ensure that man gets punished," he said cryptically.

There was a sharp knock on the door just then, startling Nikolai and Andrey. But Gellert continued rocking back and forth like he hadn't heard anything.

"Nikolai, time is up." Pavel's voice echoed through the door.

"Okay." Nikolai tightened his grip on the folder, before nodding to Andrey. Before opening the door, he looked over his shoulder at Gellert once more, feeling a lump form in his throat.

"And if that looking glass gets broke, Mama's gonna buy you a winter cloak. And if that winter cloak's too cold, Mama's gonna buy you a pile of gold…"

Nikolai left the cell, closing the door behind him. The same Hit-Wizard who had taken him to the cell is waiting, nodding to Nikolai politely before walking down the passageway—walking back the way they have come, gesturing for Nikolai to follow.

Gellert's soft, if albeit broken voice followed Nikolai even as he walked, echoing around the walls and passageways of Nurmengard Prison like a haunting lullaby.

"And if that gold was stolen, too, Mama's gonna go to jail for you. So hush little baby, don't say a word. Mama's gonna kill for you the whole damn world."

XXXXXX

Sirius Black had been in a particularly good mood for about a week now since Emil Michaelis and even Healer Milan have both finally given him the all-clear. He had only been in Azkaban for three years or so. But coupled physical abuse with Dementor exposure, it is honestly a miracle he had managed to survive long enough for Lord Crow and Rean to get him out with Andromeda's help.

Most Azkaban prisoners in the high security wing lose their minds less than six months in, let alone three years. Sirius is just lucky that he had his Animagus form to fall back on.

As for Hadrian, like what Healer Milan had told him all those years ago; with him being heavily malnourished during the very important years of a child's life, he would likely always stay small with not the best immune system. His biology as an omega definitely doesn't help any matters, so he'll likely be reliant on nutrient potions for as long as he lived.

One good outcome about what happened with Sirius and Hadrian is that Dumbledore had lost many of his positions of power and influence, and it also gave Sirius the chance to reconnect with his cousins—particularly Narcissa.

Without her parents dictating every single thing she does, and without Lucius trying to control and mould her into the 'perfect wife', Narcissa is showing more of her actual personality that Sirius remembered from when they were children. And now with her pursuing a career that she truly loved and enjoyed, Narcissa is gradually coming out of her shell and managing to earn her own money with her own hands.

The first thing that Sirius had assisted Narcissa with when they'd first moved to Bulgaria is to help her open her own Gringotts account with the branch at the Alinea District. Sirius had just about hit the roof when he later found out that Lucius had controlled Narcissa to such an extent that she didn't even have control over her own vault—even the trust vault that Grandfather Arcturus had set up for every Black child, was turned over to Lucius' control when Narcissa married him, as was stated in their marriage contract—the contract that her parents had created with the Malfoy family.

If the man wasn't already in Azkaban, Sirius would really strangle him for tormenting his cousin. More so when he realised that originally, the contract was for Andromeda. Lucius had been obsessed with the beautiful girl since their time in Hogwarts, with Lucius being in Andromeda's year, and being in the same House furthermore.

Andromeda however, had never given him the time of day, being in love with Ted since her Third Year. With Ted being both a Hufflepuff and Muggleborn, the pair have dated in secret—being helped with some of Ted's friends to sneak around. It got easier for them when they were named Head Boy and Girl in their Seventh Year, and had their own rooms.

Thus, when Andromeda found out that her parents wanted to force her to marry Lucius Malfoy—a man whom she can barely stand, it pushed her over the edge. Sirius was still the Black Heir at that time—never officially disinherited even though he had already run away from home. And with Sirius' help, Andromeda ran away from her parents' house and eloped with Ted, with Charlus Potter standing as witness together with Sirius, Remus, and James when they married secretly, along with a few of their mutual friends.

After that, Sirius won't put it past his Uncle Cygnus and Aunt Druella to put stricter clauses to the original marriage contract, forcing Narcissa to marry Lucius in Andromeda's place. For some reason, those two really wanted to join together with the Malfoy family, despite the fact that in terms of hierarchy, the Malfoy House is actually beneath the Blacks.

Though knowing what he does now about his family, Sirius suspected that if Cygnus and Druella weren't killed by Bellatrix less than a year after Narcissa's marriage, they might have tried using their influence together with the influence of the Malfoy family to forcibly have Arcturus Black transfer the Headship to their branch of the Black family. Because now that Sirius think about it, the circumstances revolving around his father's death is very suspicious.

And less than three months after his father passed away, his grandfather fell ill, and his grandmother passed.

The Blacks were once large in number, with several of their members in Hogwarts in every single generation. But thanks to the war, and the family's insane blood policies, the once powerful family that could count several amongst their number is now down to a few—just Sirius, Narcissa, Andromeda and even Hadrian. Draco is technically one too. He just doesn't carry the name.

"Starting his Fourth Year soon, huh?" Liese Pearce mused even as she busied herself behind her counter, ticking the items off a clipboard that she had with her—readying some order that she had received. Her two assistants were busy dusting the merchandise on display. "And I remember Hadrian telling us that the headmaster informed all of Durmstrang at the end of last year that they would be participating in the Triwizard Tournament this year?" She looked at Sirius who looked concerned.

Sirius nodded. "Thankfully, the heads of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons would have major input and control over the protections of the tournament—a condition that they set in exchange for it being brought back, or they would never have agreed," he stated, hearing as much from Lyuben who had been best friends with Durmstrang's headmaster. "It would have an age limit though. Only those of age would be permitted to put their name in. There would be some kind of test for the younger years to decide which of them would be going along with the group for the tournament. They can't bring the entire school with them after all. The younger years and even those not chosen for the tournament would be the research teams, I heard. Only Fourth Years and up would be permitted to follow."

"Mr Kostov—Durmstrang's headmaster was here himself about two weeks ago, with Lyuben." Liese pointed out, much to Sirius' surprise. "He made a bulk order for heat and rut products—probably for when they head to Hogwarts. Apparently, it is on his insistence too that the three schools participating in the Triwizard Tournament won't just have said tournament to occupy the entire year. There will be various other competitions for the other students to partake in and enjoy. Like the ones they have for the Inter-School Tournament. If not for that, I doubt the younger students would even volunteer to join them for the tournament. Hogwarts doesn't have any clubs and activities like Durmstrang had to fill their students' time with. It's been that case since our time in school." Liese winced as she rubbed at her leg. "I sincerely hope that the security is better now though."

Sirius tried not to let a dark look pass his face when he saw the way Liese rubbed at her leg—the same leg that was hurt by Dark Magic during her time in school and was never able to heal properly. And to this day, Sirius is relatively certain that Severus Snape had gotten a bastardised version of a Black spell from Regulus and had used it on Liese. Best friends or not, Regulus would never have given Snape a Black spell.

That is the only way how even a renowned Parselmouth Healer like Emil Michaelis couldn't heal the damage on Liese's leg.

"Bulgaria and France would be sending their own security detail." Sirius volunteered the information. "I wasn't part of the ICW meeting, but Emil is a certified ICW Healer, so he told me what he could about that meeting." Sirius' lips quirked. From what he knew from his account manager, the goblins were literally throwing a party when Emil Michaelis had finally claimed the Gaunt and Slytherin Lordships a little before he had returned from France last year when Dudley had expressed a wish to see Hadrian. This news hadn't gotten out to Britain yet, but it'll only be a matter of time, especially if Lucas Michaelis would be amongst the younger contingent accompanying the Seventh Years to Hogwarts. "Bulgaria and France would only agree to have the Triwizard Tournament go ahead if they could have their own teams put their own protections on the tournament, and also have their own security and healing teams. And to be honest, I don't really trust Britain when it comes to Healing." He added.

After all, if Britain really does all they could when it comes to saving people, Liese would not have been crippled permanently. Emil was rightfully furious when he had examined Liese's leg. Black spell or not, like what he'd told Sirius and Liese later on; if Liese had seen a proper Healer, they would have been able to help her and heal her before any permanent damage could take place. Considering how long it has been, the damage is permanent now, and no Healer would be able to heal Liese. Not even Parselmagic could at this point.

The best that Emil could do is commission an independent runemaster that he knew from his time when he was in Healing college, to create a magical leg brace for Liese that she can use.

And while Sirius had every respect for Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts, with the woman having been the one to heal him and his friends when they were at school, Sirius was startled to learn from Emil that the woman is a mere Medi-Witch and not a certified Healer. This is another international law that Albus had flouted, if not broken for years. No magical school can stay open without a certified Healer in their employment.

Durmstrang for instance had three Healers in their employ, with each Healer having their own apprentice. Considering the number of students they have, it only makes sense, considering that like every ICW-certified magical school, Durmstrang too is obliged by international law to perform health checks on every student the first month of school. It is how magical schools detect abuse and would step in to remove a child from their family if they deem it necessary. For while abuse amongst magical families is rare, it still does happen from time to time.

No Medi-Witch is allowed to work at a school unless they're accompanied by a certified Healer.

A Medi-Witch is only allowed to heal scrapes and injuries and the like. She is not allowed to administer Potions and do the deep depths scan and Healing that only a certified Healer could. And if Madam Pomfrey did that, it means that even her license as a Medi-Witch could easily be revoked should the International Healer Association find out about it. As unlike a Healer who is under strict oaths and vows the moment they took up their profession, a Medi-Witch isn't bound by the same oaths. Medi-Witches and Medi-Wizards are at best, assistants to certified Healers.

With Dumbledore's insistence on having the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts, Sirius is starting to suspect that things might not play out the way the old man wants, knowing how much the old man hates it when people meddle in things he wanted. Like the tournament for instance. If Dumbledore had it his way, Sirius knew that he would only have minimal protections on the tournament, and likely only Madam Pomfrey as the only 'Healer' on site, with no Hit-Wizards as protection for the international students.

This also might just be the only chance the ICW has to perform a school wide audit, if things within Hogwarts are as bad as they suspected. Once Nikolai Kostov and Olympe Maxime gets back to them on the situation within Hogwarts, it'll give them just cause and reason to perform an audit and sweep of the school.

Despite Dumbledore no longer having any positions of power within the international community, he does still have his own supporters within the ICW and even some of the guilds. Sirius knew from his contacts within the ICW that the new ICW head and Supreme Mugwump, Adrick Morozov, is a neutral and never the biggest fan of Dumbledore even prior to his appointment—having formerly been Russia's ICW representative.

This is likely the reason why he is even voted in; with the man being extremely pragmatic, and has no issues with giving out orders that could be cruel as long as it safeguards the magical world. Unlike Dumbledore who likes to give out second and third and even fourth or fifth chances, no matter what damage it'll cause.

The whole thing with Severus Snape and his Death Eater buddies is one prime example. If Dumbledore had actually disciplined them when they were in school, they likely would never have become Death Eaters at all.

As far as Sirius is aware of, Adrick is still fixing the damage Dumbledore had caused internationally, with the assistance and help of a few teams.

While Britain is proclaiming far and wide (within the British Isles only), that it is a travesty to the world, in Sirius' opinion, Adrick Morozov is just what the magical world needed. The magical world has never been safer, especially when Adrick had ordered protections of all kinds to be placed around the magical enclaves, particularly the schools and the residential areas.

Even Britain, under the ICW's orders, were forced to comply, and allow the ICW's wardmasters and runemasters to place the protections around the magical areas like the Ministry of Magic, and the few magical areas they have like Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley, Grim Avenue, and Hogsmeade. Britain had kicked up quite the fuss, as half of those protections were blood-based wards. Which in accordance to Britain law, is considered 'Dark Magic' and thus, illegal.

Honestly at this point, Sirius is honestly wondering how Britain had yet to lose their position amongst the ICW. He knew from Marko that at this point, it is only Magical Britain that had magicals living amongst the mundanes. The other countries with magical communities have their own towns and villages that have magicals and Downworlders living together so that they never have to hide. It also helps to protect the Statute of Secrecy, as mundanes wouldn't see children performing accidental magic.

"…Will Hadrian be going to Hogwarts?" Liese asked Sirius at last.

Sirius hesitated. He didn't ask Hadrian, wanting to allow his little Bambi to make his own decisions as he grew. Sirius however knew that Viktor wanted to put his name in for the tournament, even though none of them knew how the Triwizard Tournament picked the participants yet. From what Sirius heard from Viktor however, he knew that one of the reasons why Viktor wanted to participate is because he wanted to be known as more than an international Quidditch star.

For some reason, people are still of the mindset that athletes aren't good at studying, despite the fact that Viktor is the top of his year, and was able to maintain his grades despite playing for the Bulgarian team since he was fifteen. Natasha Michaelis too was recruited alongside Viktor, and like how Viktor is the Bulgarian team's Seeker, she is one of their Chasers.

And if Viktor had a chance to be chosen as a Champion, there is no way Hadrian would stay behind, despite the fact that it means he'll be at Hogwarts under Dumbledore's eye. So far, Sirius had managed to protect Hadrian. In a way, he is almost amazed that the fact that he is an omega had never gotten out to Britain. Andromeda too is very vicious when it comes to papers and magazines printing lies about her family.

After one too many lawsuits made by Andromeda to some random paper and magazine since the Black family's departure to Bulgaria, most of the press in Britain had wizened up. Last that Sirius heard, Andromeda is currently on the warpath against Rita Skeeter.

With the Black and Potters owning the Daily Prophet, and Rita Skeeter's lack of ability to write the truth, she was sacked by the paper less than a month in. Apparently, she had joined Witch Weekly after that. And the woman is cunning enough to not name any of them by name, but slip in hints that while everyone that read her articles knew who she's talking about; because she didn't mention anyone by name, Andromeda couldn't charge her.

"He wanted to at least go and support Viktor. And even if Viktor isn't chosen to be a Champion, Hadrian says that he at least wanted to see Hogwarts once." Sirius revealed at last. "He wanted to see the school that his parents attended. That his ancestors have attended. I can't deny him that."

"Mr Kostov is fanatic when it comes to his students' safety, Sirius, like any head should be." Liese tried to reassure Sirius. "Hadrian will be fine."

"I know."

The tinkle of a bell caught their attention just then, and both Sirius and Liese turned only to see a solemn looking Lyuben Vasilev entering the shop. His eyes landed on Sirius the minute he walked in, and he made a beeline towards the Black lord.

"Lyuben?" Sirius was confused with the appearance of the DMLE head. "If you're looking for Cissy, I think she had an appointment with a client in one of the other districts today."

While Narcissa said nothing, Sirius knew that Lyuben is trying to court her.

"I was looking for you." Lyuben said solemnly with a shake of his head, much to Sirius' confusion. "I received word from my counterpart in Britain. A Madam Amelia Bones, I think?" Sirius nodded slowly. "From what she told me, Minister Fudge didn't want it known internationally, but considering who we have living in Bulgaria, she deems it necessary to alert me and Minister Oblansk."

"Okay?" Sirius said slowly, getting more confused.

Lyuben took a deep breath, looking at Liese, and then at her two assistants, before turning back towards Sirius. All of Bulgaria will know in a day or two anyway, so there's no point in casting a privacy ward.

"There was a mishap at Azkaban Prison two days ago." Lyuben revealed. "One of the guards apparently forgot to use the magic restraining restraints on a particular prisoner when taking them for the showers, and he was quickly subdued, with his neck snapped, and the prisoner escaped. The Ministry of Magic at Britain only realised it when it is time for a shift change, and one of the wardens found his colleague, and an empty jail cell." Lyuben met with Sirius' eyes. "Lucius Malfoy escaped from Azkaban."

XXXXXX

It is one of the few days when Viktor Krum had the day free from Quidditch training, and he is rather enjoying sleeping in. Unlike popular belief, national Quidditch teams don't train day in and day out majority of the day. They do schedule breaks for their players, especially the regulars, so that they don't burn out.

As much as it is important to maintain their skills and improve on it, it is also equally important to rest and allow their bodies and muscles to heal. This is particularly important for young athletes so that they don't overtax their bodies—which is a common mistake lots of young athletes made.

Even as Viktor slowly roused from a particularly interesting dream involving him and Hadrian and whipped cream, his ears pricked up as he heard a light giggle that he recognised immediately. Viktor tried his best to pretend that he's still asleep, even as he recognised Hadrian's voice and even his scent.

His mother must have let Hadrian in his room.

Normally, betrothed couples aren't allowed to be alone without a chaperone, let alone be in each other's rooms alone by themselves. But as what Sirius and even Marko Krum have told them both sternly not long after they had the betrothal agreement drawn up; they are trusting that the couple would be smart and not do anything too early that the other didn't want, or would regret. This is particularly more for Viktor who is older; and thus, would have his hormones earlier. And also why Viktor and Hadrian are kept away from each other during their ruts or heats.

Viktor pretended to be asleep for several moments more, his sharp hearing picking up the easily identifiable sounds of pencil against paper. With his fast Seeker reflexes, he is then quick to grab a surprised Hadrian by the waist, and pin him against the bed, with Viktor above him, grinning impishly at the younger boy.

His dark eyes flickered towards the sketchbook that had fallen over the side of the bed and onto the wooden floor; and Viktor quickly realised it seemed to be a halfway done sketch of Viktor sleeping.

"Viktor!" Hadrian protested, before breaking into giggles as Viktor tickled his sides, knowing that the little omega is ticklish. "I give! I give!"

"You cheeky little thing." Viktor was grinning, pressing his lips against Hadrian's gently before drawing back again, but still pinning Hadrian to the bed. And from the look on Hadrian's face, the younger boy seemed to realise the kind of position that they are in, with the way his eyes kept darting around. "I'm not going to go any further." Viktor said quietly. "Not without your consent."

Marko was very firm with Viktor on that when the man first had The Talk with Viktor. Viktor was raised knowing respect, boundaries and permission at his father's knee, and would never dream of forcing anyone. And that 'no' means 'no'; unlike some of the alphas at school.

And while like any healthy alpha, Viktor would like nothing more than to bed his chosen omega, he had held back for years, knowing how young Hadrian is, and also because he didn't want to do anything that Hadrian didn't consent to.

The door to Viktor's room opened just then without warning, and Anastasia Krum had an eyebrow raised as she took in the rather compromising positions that her son and future son-in-law are in, even as Viktor scrambled to get off Hadrian as quickly as he could.

"Well now, this isn't quite what I had in mind when I told you to wake Viktor up, Hadrian." Anastasia teased, and Hadrian let out a mortified squeak, burying his already red face into his hands.

"M-Mother! This isn't what it looks like!"

"Oh, then what does it looks like?" Anastasia teased both boys, delighting in the way they grew even more embarrassed. Ah, kids these days. They grow so fast. "Do lock the door if you have to, Viktor. It is there for a reason. And also use protection. I'm too young to be a grandmother." If Hadrian's face grew any redder, he's going to combust. Anastasia finally decided to take pity on the pair. "Come down to breakfast soon, both of you."

"WE WEREN'T DOING THAT!"

Viktor's loud howls followed her out of the room.

XXXXXX

It had been one of the worst weeks of Lucius Malfoy's life.

Though if he had pick between being a fugitive to having to live in close proximity with the Dementors, then Lucius will pick being a fugitive every single time.

Nearly ten years or so he had been in that hellhole. Ten years he had been in Azkaban Prison. Not only having all his assets and money seized and given to that whore whom he had married and that spineless spawn he had, but he had to endure being beaten up if he so much as looked at a prisoner wrong.

Like what one snarled at one time when he had dunked Lucius' head into the excrement bucket one time, they don't take kindly to child abusers, especially one who hurt their own kids.

Even Malfoy Manor, when Lucius had tried to enter his ancestral home, was blocked to him. Even the wand that he had stolen from the guard whom he had killed wouldn't work to allow the wards to let him pass. He is Lord Malfoy! The wards shouldn't deny him!

But he bounced off the wards each time. Until one of the Malfoy house elves had appeared outside the manor and informed Lucius sternly that because he was sentenced to Azkaban for hurting his child and spouse; in accordance to Old Magic and the very laws set by his first ancestors, he had lost his birth right. Only the next Malfoy lord, once he comes of age, can unseal the property. Even the house elves won't answer to Lucius any longer. They're just maintaining the house until the next Malfoy lord comes of age.

And considering there is only one child that Lucius had, it is rather obvious who it is.

Lucius had been stealing from muggle shops for food for the past week—never striking the same place twice. And had even used the stolen wand to Confound a small inn owner to use the facilities and get a place to at least sleep, also using a few mind altering spells to get the owner to buy him a change of clothes, after he had spent hours in the bath scrubbing and washing everywhere he could.

For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, Lucius could finally get a proper shave. And considering how dirty and grimy his once long blonde hair is, the wizard had elected to cut it short to just below his ears.

The Muggle he had controlled had bought a few sets of cheap clothing from a nearby store that had Lucius' lip curling, but he decided that beggars couldn't be choosers. Muggle clothing they might be, but he could easily transfigure them into proper robes.

Lucius had also managed to steal a copy of the Daily Prophet by sneaking into the Leaky Cauldron late at night to get caught up with the times. It seems like his escape was broadcast in the Daily Prophet, as did his murdering the guard.

And with the article that explains his escape, with a hefty reward for his capture, the article too explained that the whore whom he married and that spawn of his have renounced the Malfoy name and have moved to Bulgaria not long after he was sentenced. Narcissa Malfoy is once more Narcissa Black.

And while her son still retains the Malfoy name, it is only so that he can choose whether or not he wants to continue using the Malfoy name or take on the Black name once he comes of age.

Lucius found his hands shaking with anger too when the article explained how Lady Narcissa Black is now a world renowned interior designer and decorator, with her son being one of Durmstrang Institute's best students. And with the Malfoy gold that was given to them years ago as part of the reparations, the mother and son have created a charity organisation years ago, with the assistance of Lord Sirius Black and Lord Marko Krum and Lady Anastasia Krum, whose sole purpose is to protect and help omegas and women and men alike from domestic abuse or violence.

Once a small organisation, it had now expanded worldwide, especially with the assistance and backing of the World Council and even the ICW, now being an internationally certified organisation that had rights afforded to the Hit-Wizards and Witches that worked for them to subdue abusers and to take away omegas or women that are suffering from abuse—whether it be verbal or even physical.

There was even a small statement from Narcissa Black, stating that she wants no part of the Malfoy's blood money—majority of which was gained from bribery or extortion over the generations—particularly during the times of the last war in Britain. And while Draco Malfoy was underage, with permission from Narcissa, the Daily Prophet was allowed to print his short statement. It basically sums up how Draco doesn't see Lucius Malfoy as his father, and he is glad that the money from his sire's side of the family could be used to do something good.

All his money… His ancestors' fortune… The money that the Malfoy family have spent generations accumulating… All gone on a worthless cause like this?

If his Master ever comes back, Lucius is going to be useless to him.

Lucius was so engrossed in the article that he's reading, his anger slowly consuming him, that he didn't even pay attention to his surroundings—despite how he is currently in a Muggle bed-and-breakfast inn, and wasn't expecting any trouble.

BANG!

Lucius gave a start, reaching for the stolen wand by his side even as the room he is in had the door blown off the hinges. But either his reflexes are too slow, or he is still suffering from Dementor exposure; as he was quickly met with a wand in between his eyes.

A wand he is familiar with.

His pale blue eyes then trailed upwards only to meet with the familiar visage of a certain man.

Severus Snape's face was cold and unsmiling even as he pointed his wand at Lucius Malfoy. "You know, I thought that you'll be smarter than this, Lucius." Severus almost drawled, not lowering his wand at all. "Despite the Leaky Cauldron being quiet, especially in the dead of night, do you think they would not have any patrons at all? Someone saw you, you fool. I Obliviated them before they could alert the Aurors."

"Severus." Lucius snarled.

Despite both men being in the same House, and even serving the Dark Lord after that, Lucius can never determine where Severus' loyalties lie. Those of them who have escaped Azkaban by crying Imperius have heard of how Dumbledore had vouched for Snape, claiming that the man had been his spy.

"You here to take me in?" Lucius questioned coolly, his pureblood mask appearing on his face. There is after all quite the hefty reward for his capture.

"No. I can use with your help." Severus said, lowering his wand. "We're both in the same position after all—losing everything that we ever had. Both our money and property. And it is all thanks to one person in particular." His dark eyes glinted with rage and madness; having lost not only what little money he had and his hated childhood home, but also getting his Potion Mastery revoked by the Potions Guild. "I want to find our Master. He's the only one that can help us. If we can restore him, we will be given places by his side. I don't have the connections you do. And I can brew the proper Potions to restore the Dark Lord once we find him. Will you help?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"Not really, no." Severus sneered. "But I have a clue as to where the Dark Lord is. And I have information that you might be interested in too. In regards to your former wife and son."

XXXXXX

In his personal home, Nikolai Kostov is looking through the drawings that Andrey had given to him. He could easily recognise the drawing style of Gellert Grindelwald, having been given a few drawings over the years by the man whose mind had long been broken by a man that Britain hailed as a hero, or even the next coming of Merlin.

Deep within Nikolai, some part of him had hoped that Gellert actually knew who he is, though he is unsure if it is better for Gellert if he knew or not. As that would be admitting that he is a by-product of the child that Gellert had carried and given up due to rape.

The first drawing was of two boys, dressed in what Nikolai recognised as Durmstrang's uniform used back during the early 1900s. One of them, Nikolai recognised as his grandfather, Ivan Krum, when the latter was a teenager. In the drawing, Ivan Krum had one knee on the ground, proposing to the other whom Nikolai later realised is a young Gellert Grindelwald.

And his adoptive grandparents were right. Gellert Grindelwald in his youth is really beautiful.

The next drawing is of a young Gellert hugging an elderly woman. Nikolai recognised the woman as a renowned historian by the name of Bathilda Bagshot. And while not something widely known, Nikolai also know that the woman is Gellert Grindelwald's maternal aunt.

The next drawing is of a young Gellert speaking with an unknown young man who looked a little younger than he is. There was also a young girl in the drawing with them, and in the drawing, Gellert seemed to be trying to teach the young girl how to read.

Drawing after drawing, Nikolai went through, realising that Andrey had it spot on. This is Gellert Grindelwald's story. What happened to him in Britain that no one knows.

The young man, Nikolai soon realised, had a name scrawled thinly in the first drawing that featured him. 'Aberforth'. And the girl in the drawing had the name 'Arianna' scrawled thinly beneath.

Aberforth and Arianna. Wizarding names, Nikolai realised. And from how the names are, probably English magicals.

The next drawing had Gellert looking very uncomfortable, with a boy a few years older than him. With his similarities to 'Aberforth', Nikolai can only assume that this unknown boy is of some relation to 'Aberforth'. Probably even a brother or cousin.

The next drawing is of Gellert and 'Aberforth' in the sitting room of what must be Bathilda's sitting room, with how the woman is in her rocking chair, knitting, with a black kitten curled up in her lap, looking fondly over at Gellert and 'Aberforth' who seems to be talking about some books. And Nikolai found his heart freeze when he saw the visage of the boy from the previous drawing just visible at the window, looking lovingly at Gellert.

The next few drawings were of a similar nature. With Gellert either spending time with 'Aberforth' or 'Arianna'—whether it be at Bathilda's house, at what must be 'Aberforth's' house, or even at some shops. But in the visage, that unknown boy is always visible, staring at Gellert.

The next drawing caused Nikolai's heart to run cold.

There, pinned on the floor of Aberforth's house is Gellert Grindelwald, beneath that unknown boy who is tearing his clothes off him. And in the background, a screaming Arianna.

The next drawing, the same scene. But the unknown boy pointed his wand at Arianna.

The next drawing, Gellert is crying in the arms of Bathilda Bagshot. Whereas in the background, a figure vaguely recognisable as Aberforth stood in front of a gravestone.

The next drawing is of a close-up image of a gravestone, with the words 'Arianna' etched into it. In the background, Aberforth punched the unknown boy in the nose, fury etched in his features.

The next drawing is of the unknown boy once more, with one hand over a terrified Gellert's mouth as he laid in his bed, a wand pointed at him.

The next drawing is just of black scribbles.

The story is coming to an end, Nikolai realised, his hands shaking as he went to the next drawing. The last one, he realised.

His eyes went wide when he took in the final drawing. Nikolai slumped back into his chair.

"I see. So that's what happened. That's what you're trying to tell the world for years…" Nikolai whispered. "I'll get justice for you. I promise, grandmother." He swore.

He could almost hear Gellert's voice singing in his head—like it did when he went to visit him at Nurmengard Prison.

"And if that gold was stolen, too, Mama's gonna go to jail for you. So hush little baby, don't say a word. Mama's gonna kill for you the whole damn world."

Nikolai's gaze went once more to the final drawing lying on his desk, with the flame of his candle flickering, and causing shadows to dance across the desk and the paper.

Unlike the previous drawings, there isn't any specific scene in this one. The unknown boy was drawn as a portrait, his face unsmiling, and with a hint of madness and hunger within those eyes. And beneath that portrait, a name was scribbled.

'Albus Dumbledore.'