By the time the weekend had ended and classes started back up on Monday, I was feeling like my old self again. I had decided not to dwell on Sirius Black anymore than I had to. When he was caught, I'd allow myself to relish in justice for my parents. Until then, I had enough on my plate.

Monday passed regularly. I used the time turner to make all my classes, turned in all my first batch of homework, ignored the glares from across the Great Hall by the now bitter Zacharias Smith, the usual.

At six pm I bid farewell to my friends, and began my trek down to the dungeons to serve my first detention with Professor Snape. For most students Snape's detentions were a nightmare, I'd heard the stories of endless cauldron cleanings, sorting of potions ingredients, and the like.

But I wasn't worried. For starters even if I did those things, I doubted Snape would berate me as he usually did other students. And besides, even if I didn't really regret hurting Smith, I had broke the rules. And after all the times I'd scolded Harry to follow the rules, I couldn't complain about being punished for doing that exact thing, it would just be hypocritical.

Speaking of Harry, I hadn't told him I was serving detention with Snape and had asked my friends not to mention it to him. I loved Harry dearly, but I really didn't want him asking me what had happened. I knew if he figured out about Smith and our feud, he'd go after him instantly. And though seeing Harry beat up Zacharias Smith would be the most amazing thing, I also didn't want Harry to get in trouble on my account.

So I'd kept the detentions hidden from him, and by extension Ron and Hermione. If he asked where I was during the evenings, I'd simply tell him the Ravenclaw common room.

I made the last turn and approached Professor Snape's office. I took one last final breath, then knocked on the door.

The door flew open.

"Enter." The monotone voice of Professor Snape called, and I did.

Snape looked up at me, his expression unreadable. After I had totally entered the office Snape waved his hand, and the door closed. And my eyes widened...

"How did you do that?" I asked in amazement.

Snape, for a brief moment, looked amused. Then his faced returned to it's usual neutral look he reserved for me. "Wandless magic. Very complex magic you won't learn until your sixth year. Now sit." Snape ordered, motioning to a seat right next to his desk.

I did, I looked around and noticed there really wasn't any cauldrons or plants out. So I waited for Snape to tell me what he wanted.

"Now, for your detention, you are to work on your school work." Snape said.

And with those word, I became totally lost and confused.

"But, sir, isn't there something you wanted me to do? Clean Cauldrons? Sort potions ingredients? Anything other than work I already have to do anyways?"

Snape gave a very low, amused chuckle. "Miss Potter, the only reason I gave you detention in the first place is because I had no other choise. If you had gotten away with making Mr. Smith's potion explode in another less traceable way, I'd have let you avoid detention all together."

At this, I was totally confused. "What?"

"Don't overthink it Miss Potter. I despise Zacharias Smith just as much as you. He's arrogant, full of himself, and horrible at potions. I only wish the other students weren't around when you attacked him, then I could have claimed the boy was hallucinating and had got the potion on himself due to his own incompetence. As it is, I will simply allow you to finish your school work in peace and quiet. Let you, reflect on your actions as it were."

I took this all in. Snape wasn't punishing me in the slightest, he was simply using these "detentions" as a excuse so I avoided actual detentions and punishment. Part of me was really thankful and relieved, while another part was confused on why he was

still being so understanding towards me, and again I wondered why he hated my brother and not me.

"If...you're sure sir." I eventually replied, reaching inside my book bag.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." Snape replied, and again I noticed a amused look on his face.

I simply nodded, took one of my essays out, and got to work. I noticed Snape beginning to grade some sixth years essays. So for the next hour we both sat in silence, me getting caught up on my school work. Snape grading, and mostly failing, the sixth year's essays on Everlasting Elixirs.

Finally, after a hour, Snape looked at me. "You may go, return tomorrow night." Snape said.

I nodded, gathered my things, stood, and made for the door.

"One last thing." Snape said, and I turned.

"Yes Professor?"

"Five points to Ravenclaw for...learning from your mistake." Snape said, a soft amused sneer on his face.

I lit up, not only was he basically letting me off, he was giving me points for no reason at all. "Thank you sir." I couldn't help but smile.

Snape looked at me for a long moment, and for a moment there was something in his eyes that I couldn't understand. Guilt? But he quickly turned away. "You're dismissed."

And with that I turned and left the potions classroom, in a much better mood than I assumed I'd be when I entered.

The detentions with Snape followed a similar pattern as the first. He had me sit down, let me do school work, then as I was leaving he'd give me points. All because I was. "Learning from the past." Or "Making amends for what I'd done."

Of course, whenever Lisa, Anthony, or any of my fellow Ravenclaw's would ask me about them, I'd simply say I was learning my lesson.

After all I didn't want it to get back to Smith that I'd gotten away with basically attacking him with hardly any punishment.

It still confused me to no end why Snape was being so nice to me. I knew Snape hated Harry, and Harry had made it clear the feeling was mutual. Snape said horrible things to the Gryffindor's as a whole, as well as the Hufflepuff's. Even my fellow Ravenclaw's weren't spared, as he continued to be a very strict and at times cruel Professor to everyone outside of Slytherin.

Except for me of course, and despite several instances during my detentions where I'd been tempted to ask the man why he liked me and loathed Harry, I knew not to test my luck, and decided to just go with it.

Eventually the week of detentions ended, and with that I really got into the groove of another year at Hogwarts.

I had gotten used to using the time turner by now. And so far I'd been able to conceal my use of it well from my classmates. I'd always find a hidden corner, or empty corridor when I went back in time, and made sure to naturally join Anthony, Lisa, and my fellow Ravenclaw's as we walked to whatever class was next.

If someone did ask where I had been, I would simply tell them I had been in the library. I was in there a ton anyways, so no one ever questioned it. And I never brought up my home work unless I shared the class with said person. For example I would do Study of Ancient Runes homework with Anthony, Muggle Studies with Terry and Michael, and so on and so forth.

I had noticed Hermione wasn't doing as nearly a good job of keeping her usage of the Time Turner hidden. She'd keep suddenly disappearing and then reappearing amongst the Gryffindor's, leaving Ron and Harry both confused and suspicious. Hermione would simply not talk about it, ignoring the boy's questions and changing the subject.

I did wonder how long her strategy would work, but for now all I could do was hope the boys didn't catch on.

Meanwhile all my classes were going well. Muggle Studies really was a cakewalk given my muggle upbringing, while Arithmancy and Ancient Runes were both intensely difficult but fascinating courses.

Unfortunately Care of Magical Creatures had really slowed down after the amazing first lesson. Because of what happened to Draco, Hagrid had basically lost all his confidence. In turn he'd started teaching the class unenthusiastic lessons about flobberworms and how to care for them.

It broke my heart to see Hagrid in such a state, and I had tried several times to cheer him up, so far to no avail.

There was one class that me, and everyone else in my social circle couldn't seem to agree on.

Divination with Professor Trelawney.

It was the third weekend of term. Divination was continuing as it had the first two weeks,

Something that had become abundantly clear after the first few lessons, is that many of the students didn't take Divination nor Professor Trelawney seriously. Harry always had a headache and was annoyed at how Professor Trelawney looked at him as if he was on deaths door, Ron followed Harry's lead of not caring, Hermione hated the class with a passion, while Lisa and Anthony both kind of just went with the flow of the class.

But I was different. Despite what Professor Flitwick had told me about Professor Trelawney's always predicting a students death and it never coming to pass, I still wanted to receive all twelve O.W.L's, and was taking the class seriously.

"Come on Lisa, at least try." I told her as we sat at our usual table, as we attempted to read tea leaves to tell the future.

Lisa slightly rolled her eyes. Unlike Hermione she didn't totally hate the class, but she was also clearly a little skeptical.

"Come on Sarah, you're taking this to seriously. Don't be like Lavender and Parvati over there." Lisa motioned to the two girls. Like me they seemed to take the class very seriously, so much so I'd heard Harry complain about them skipping meals to come up here to converse with Professor Trelawny, listening to her like she was a prophet.

I wasn't that devoted, but at the same time still didn't like when someone insinuated the whole class was a joke, like Hermione often did.

"Hey." I scolded gently, just as Professor Trelawney was passing by our table in her rounds around the room. "You should be taking this seriously. I already told you, that Divination is a real and valid branch of magic.

Lisa held back a scoff, but Professor Trelawney had clearly heard me tell Lisa this. As she stopped, and turned to me, a eager and pleased look in her eyes.

"Yes dear, yes!" Professor Trelawney said to me, loud enough for the whole class to hear. "I see you are another of the true believers, much more open minded than some!" Trelawney gave Hermione a quick glance, which only made Hermione face scrunch in a annoyed frown, while now everyone's eyes were on my and Professor Trelawney.

"Uh, thank you Professor." I replied trying not to offend Hermione, while also trying to accept the praise. "I'll always take all my studies seriously."

Professor Trelawney perked up even more. "A very wise girl, no wonder you're in my own wise house or Ravenclaw. Yes, I see potential in you dear. Much potential." And with that Professor Trelawney walked over, taking my tea leaf from Lisa. "As I read your twins future." Trelawney gave Harry a quick, sad glance which only seemed to annoy Harry. "It is only fair I read yours as well."

Most everyone in the class was now looking at me eagerly. Neville looked nervous, Parvati and Lavender were both hugging as if I was about to be told I was going to die too, while Harry, and Ron watched with both bored and slightly curious expressions, Anthony looked intrigued, while Lisa's annoyed expression had faded and was a mix of the worry and curiosity. Hermione for her part simply looked annoyed and miffed.

Professor Trelawney turned my leaf several times while I held my breath, then her eyes widened.

"I see your future!" Professor Trelawney had declared in her mystic voice. "I see glory, and power, and knowledge." For a moment I was taken aback, then smiled.

"R...really?" I asked, my nervous expression turning to a smile.

"Yes. You shall live a glorious, rich, and long life. Marry a handsome and rich man, have a large family, and so much more." Professor Trelawny declared. I was now beaming, and Professor Trelawney wasn't done yet.

"And I see something else." Professor Trelawney declared to the class. "Yes, there may be one way for your brother to survive what I have foreseen. You!"

At this Harry eyes widened, as did most of the class. Hermione just rolled her eyes again, while I tilted my head.

"I...I'm going to save Harry?" I had asked in complete bewilderment.

"You yet may." Professor Trelawney said, her voice mystical. "You dear, are the only one who can."

At this, I felt even more amazing. Trelawney continued to read my tea leaf for the rest of class. Telling me many great feats I was going to supposedly perform. By the time class had ended and we were making our ways down the tower, a lot of the class was looking at me in amazement. While I had a skip in my step.

"I guess I'm going to be saving your life this year Harry." I said cheerfully as we made our way down the north tower.

"Uh...sure Sarah. I'm sure you will." Harry replied rather awkwardly.

Behind me Hermione rolled her eyes. "Come on Sarah, I had thought you had more common sense than that. Trelawney is only saying that because she likes that you take this rubbish seriously."

I frowned, but I also knew it wasn't the wisest decision to argue with Hermione. "Let's just agree to disagree Hermione."

Hermione huffed and crossed her arms, while Lisa looked at me amused. "I hope you don't let all this go to your head Sarah."

"Of course not." I replied, waving off her worries as we made our way to the Great Hall for lunch.

As the days passed, Professor Trelawney continued with her predictions every Divination class. Of Harry being in mortal danger and having the grim, but also that I may, and was the only one who could save him from his fate. She constantly gave me praise, and after a few weeks Divination had become one of my personal favorite classes, despite what Harry, or Hermione may think of it.

Outside of my personal love of Divination, everyone's favorite class was Professor Lupin's Defense Against the Dark Arts class. While last year with Lockhart had been a pretty good despite Lockhart being under the Imperious. Professor Lupin was on a whole different level.

After the first lesson on Boggart's the class hadn't slowed down at all. Straight after we'd jumped into Red Caps, then Kappas. Professor Lupin's class were a constant barrage of new information, and constant, practical spell use. The only students who didn't seem to like Lupin was Draco and his friends.

"Look at the state of his robes," Draco would say in a barely concealed whisper whenever Lupin would pass him in the corridor. "He dresses like our old house-elf."

Of course, none of the rest of us cared. Lupin was clearly a favorite of most of the student body. And that's not even considering the close, personal relationship I'd started to develop with Professor Lupin.

After comforting me over what I'd found out about Sirius Black, Lupin had become a regular presence. Always stopping me in the corridors to ask how I was doing, and anytime Smith tried something, Lupin would suddenly appear and intervene.

"Is something wrong Mr. Smith?" Lupin would ask him, and Zacharias would have no choise but put on a normal face.

"Nothing Professor." He'd reply, then scurry off. Lupin would shake his head, give me a smile, the stride off.

I didn't know why, but he seemed to have taken a special interest in me. Harry was one of his other favorites of course, but like Snape, and now Trelawney, Lupin seemed to favor me for being me. Not because I was Harry's twin sister.

And it felt nice.

"First Hagrid and Snape, now Lupin and Trelawney. What's next? Tea with Filch?" Lisa teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Maybe I'm just that amazing." I had replied playfully.

Speaking of Snape, outside of his treatment of me, he'd been on a rage lately. Supposedly the fact that Neville had seen him as his Boggart had gotten out, and now he was supposedly using the fact to make Harry's, Neville's, and basically everyone but my and the Slytherin's life's a living hell.

And that didn't even take into account the deep hatred he clearly had for Professor Lupin. Anytime they passed in the corridor Snape would glare at Lupin, not even hiding the hate on his face. Lupin of course, would simply nod and be respectful to Snape in return.

So overall everything seemed to be going smoothly. And as October dawned something I had been looking forward to finally began again.

Quidditch.

"Come on." Cho said in a excited tone as we made our way out of the locker room and onto the Pitch.

It was our first practice of the year. It was a cloudy evening in early October, and ever since school had started again I'd been eager to get back into the flow of a Quidditch season, especially after the anticlimactic end to last year with the season being cancelled.

The rest of the team had also gathered. And It seemed we were running it back with the same group.

Roger, of course, was still the Ravenclaw team captain, with Jeremy Stretton being the other Chaser. Grant Page was the Keeper. Duncan Inglebee, and Jason Samuels rounded out the team as the Beaters.

And of course, Cho was still Seeker.

"Is everyone here?" Roger asked, looking around to make sure. "Good."

"Are you about to give another rousing pre practice prep speech Roger?" Duncan asked in amusement.

"Yeah. Last years was all about our secret weapon if I remember correctly" Jason chuckled, giving me a quick glance.

"Are you two quite done?" Roger replied, raising an eyebrow.

Jason and Duncan both snickered, then composed themselves.

"Good." Roger turned to face the team as a whole. "Now this year's team has a real chance to bring Ravenclaw the Quidditch cup for the first time since Sixty Nine. We return all our players from last year for the first time in forever. We have three good chasers. Two good, when they're not being overconfident and goofing off," Roger gives both Jason and Duncan another pointed look, which makes them only snicker again. "Keepers. Grant is a heck of a Keeper, Me, Sarah, and Jeremy are the best damn chasers Ravenclaw has had since I got here. And Cho." Roger looks at Cho. "Is one heck of a Seeker."

"Aw Roger, you're too sweet." Cho replies.

"He always is." I added, as me and Cho shared a giggle.

"As I was saying." Roger said. "We have a real chance this year. Slytherin may still have there fancy brooms, but they also have a injured seeker from what I heard..."

"Yeah, Draco Malfoy got hurt in Care of Magical Creatures." I confirmed, still inwardly wincing at the Memory, and Roger nodded.

"Yes, so hopefully they'll be off there game early this year. Hufflepuff has a whole new captain and Seeker this year...what's his name..."

"Cedric Diggory." Cho answered for him.

"Yes Diggory." Roger again nodded, his feet making tracks on the pitch as he paced. "So that only leaves Gryffindor, and like us they've brought there whole team back. But we all know Oliver Wood. He's obsessed with Quidditch, and this is his final year, his final chance, to win the cup. He'll be putting a lot of pressure onto his team to win. And." Roger's face suddenly lights up with a smirk. "Let's just say I already have a strategy lined up for when we play Gryffindor." And I noticed Roger looking at me.

"What? Do you expect me to try and spy or get information out of Harry or the Weasley twins?" I asked, not really liking the thought.

"No of course not. I have a plan, not a way to cheat as Slytherin would. Now, any questions?" Roger looked around at the team again and no one did. "Good. Like last year I've booked the pitch for Tuesday's, Thursday's, and Sunday's like last year. Now let's get practicing."

And with that we all mounted out brooms, and took to the skies, all determined to get the Quidditch Cup back to Ravenclaw for the first time in decades.

As the Quidditch training got underway, I felt myself even more busy than before. With twelve classes, and now training three nights a week, the time began to fly by. Before long it was already a week into October.

Luckily today was going to be one of the easier days in terms of classes. I only had to use the time turner once today, to get to both my morning Transfiguration, and Arithmancy classes. After which we'd have Charms, then lunch, and finally another History of Magic lesson to round out the day.

I took Transfiguration, then used my time turner to go back and time to make Arithmancy. During said class I noticed Hermione was clearly tired.

"You okay?" I asked gently, and she nodded.

"Absolutely." She replied.

I bit my bottom lip, but nodded. "Well if you ever need anyone to vent to about all you're going through, just know I am too." I smiled.

At that Hermione's face softened slightly, and she nodded.

"I know."

After Arithmancy, the pair of us headed to the Great Hall for lunch, splitting to sit at our respective tables.

"Merlin." I heard Terry mutter as I sat down. "Another History of Magic class is next."

"It's going to be so boring." Michael whined.

"Don't both of you sleep through it most of the time anyways?" Padma asked raising an amused eyebrow.

"Yeah, but every time we wake up our backs hurt." Michael said with a frown.

"Oh poor babies." Padma said.

Meanwhile I turned to Anthony and Lisa.

"How's Quidditch practice?" Lisa asked me.

"Good so far. Roger really think's we got a shot this year. Obviously were excited to see how Gryffindor and Slytherin do in there first match of the year coming up in a couple weeks." I said.

"I do wonder if Malfoy will actually be paying attention and trying to find the snitch this time?" Anthony asked, which only made Lisa snicker.

"Hopefully it goes down his windpipe and he..."

"Lisa." I scolded.

"Hmph." Lisa pouted. "Come on, you know it would be funny."

Soon enough lunch ended and the three of us made our way to Binns History of Magic class. Lately, I'd been one of the few to stay awake through the lessons. Not because they were actually bearable to listen to, no Binns lectures were still as horrible as ever.

But I wanted to prove to everyone I wasn't crazy for taking all twelve classes, that I could get all twelve O.W.L's...

So as most slept through the lecture, I paid attention to the ghosts ramblings. It was boring even for the most bookish of us Ravenclaw's. And I had just about fallen asleep, when Binns actually stopped the lecture, and began to talk about something different.

A project.

"Now." Binns spoke in his usual monotone voice. "During my third years History of Magic courses, I've always given students a year long project to complete." He continued. I had perked up, while most around me were still asleep. "This project is simple really. One will do some self learning outside of class. It can be a essay on a topic I don't cover." (Meaning a topic that happened after he died and couldn't comprehend.) "It can be a book report, essay, or even letters to anyone still living who's had a significant impact on Wizarding History."

Letter? How would that work?

"How letters would work." Binns continued, and I'm glad he thought to answer this. "Is simple, as long as you can point to said person in a textbook to me on Magical History, and said person is still living, I will give you credit for contacting them and writing to them. Whether they reply is up to them of course, but your letters would have official Hogwarts seals from me. Which for those of you who don't know, means they would be officially endorsed by the school so whomever receives them would be more likely to respond."

I heard a few stretches and yawns as Terry and Michael started to wake up from the back of the class room.

"You need to begin your project by the end of this week. Please come to me for approval. You are dismissed."

"What the heck am I supposed to do this stupid project on?" Lisa grumbled as she rubbed her eyes.

"I'm just going to do the essay." Anthony shrugged. "Heck, if you want the honest truth, most student probably don't even bother doing it. Do you know the drop out rates after fifth year for History of Magic? Like two kids a year take it after fifth year."

"Yeah." Lisa shrugged. "What are you thinking of doing Sarah?"

Both Lisa and Anthony turned to me, and I bit my bottom lip.

"I honestly don't know yet." I replied, stroking my chin in thought.

"Well you best get on it." Lisa teased lightly.

"If you wanna get all twelve O.W.L's, then you have to take this seriously." Anthony added.

I nodded. "I know. I think I'm going to head to the library to see if I can find anything interesting. You two want to come?"

Anthony looked like he wanted to say sure, but Lisa shook her head. "We don't. I am going back to the common room to do my Charm's homework. And someone." Lisa looked at Anthony. "Is going to do it with me."

"Uh...of course." Anthony said.

"Well, see you." I smiled, as Lisa practically pulled Anthony down the corridors in the general direction of the Ravenclaw common room. While I arrived at the library and just sat in a secluded corner.

And once I was alone, I mentally argued with myself.

It's insane, clearly insane. No one would let you do this.

Binns would have no idea who he even is, seeing as the ghost died well before his time.

But people would think you're crazy.

But it'd be so interesting.

"I can't really be considering this can I?" I asked myself as I got out one of the books from my bag, though this one wasn't about any class.

I looked at the cover and read the title. How Grindelwald Effected Wizarding History.

I wasn't about to ask Professor Binns if I could attempt to write to Gellert Grindelwald...was I?

About a half a hour later I slowly and carefully entered the History of Magic Classroom, the book in my hand. I looked around and made sure I was alone, I didn't want anyone at all seeing what I was about to do.

Luckily the classroom was empty, except for Professor Binns just floating there.

"Professor." I said, shutting the door behind me.

"Uh, yes, Miss..."

"Potter." I replied.

"Well Miss Potter?" Professor Binns asked as he floated over to the chair behind his desk. "What can I do for you?"

"I...uh...thought I found someone in wizarding history I...wanted to write...with your approval of course?"

Professor Binns honestly look surprised anyone had been listening, or that I had returned on the day he'd assigned it to ask permission. "Oh yes. Well if you have a book with said person's name in it, simply show me and I'll approve it."

I nodded, feeling my throat become dry as I approaching with the book. I opened to a page, and pointed at this name. This was the moment of truth. If what I'd heard of ghosts was true, then Binns wouldn't be able to really comprehend who Gellert Grindelwald was, only that he was someone who effected Wizarding History after he died.

And after a moment of looking at the name, then the front of the book cover, he nodded.

"Everything seems in order. To be frank, I don't really know who this is, but given he's in an official source, I'll approve it."

My heart was racing. Binns had just given me permission to write Gellert Grindelwald. Whom, from what all the books I'd read, was currently locked atop his own prison in Nurmengard.

I couldn't help but wonder, How would this work?

"Sir, If I may, I have just a few questions about sending said letters?"

"Of course." Binns replied.

"Well for starters would I be needing to provide by own owl for the letters?" I asked.

Binns shook his head. "As I said, I've done this assignment for years now. The school owls will be used to deliver letters."

"And they can go anywhere in the world?" I asked, biting my lip.

"Correct."

"And, if said person were in... a secure area...and the Owls couldn't reach them?" I asked, biting my lip and hoping Binns didn't ask any questions.

"The Owls have been well trained I assure you. If they can be delivered in any form, whether through another being or through some sort of system then they can. The worst case scenario is the Owl's will return with the Letter unopened and unread. Of course the recipient of the letter may not choose to respond, in which case you'd simply never get a reply."

I slowly nodded, taking this all in. If there was any system at all that Nurmengard had a way for Grindelwald to receive letters, then the Hogwarts Owls would be able to find it. I wouldn't be making my dear Uric do the long journey, though I knew he could handle it, I didn't want him flying to the infamous prison. And the worst thing that could happen is either Grindelwald somehow getting it and simply throwing my letter away, which to be frank may happen and I wouldn't be surprised. Or the letters would be returned unopened and I'd just have to shrug and move on.

"And I just give these letters to you and you'll send them off right away? No questions asked?" I asked.

"Correct. Your letters will remain between you and the person you are writing. As long as you're fine turning them into me at the end of the year, and even then I'll simply confirm you wrote said person and they wrote back, then return the letters to you."

I smiled. "Really? That's...great! How soon would you be willing to receive a letter?" I asked, shaking with both nerves and excitement.

"As soon as you finish said letter." Binns replied.

I nodded, took out a roll of parchment and a quill. then started to shakily write, doing my best to make the letter professional and formal.

Dear Mr. Grindelwald.

My name is Sarah Potter, I am a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Britain. For the longest time I've developed an academic curiosity in you and your exploits during the first half of the century. And at the time of this writing, my History of Magic Professor, has assigned us a project. A option of which is to write to a historical figure.

I would like that to be you. Obviously, I don't even know if this will reach you in your cell in Nurmengard. But if it does, I would be most thankful if you'd reply. Of course I'm sure someone of your infamy and reputation would think me silly for even attempting this, and maybe I am. But I had to try.

I do hope you at least consider my request, and if so would be willing to answer some questions I'd have for you in future letters. In any case I thank you for at least reading if you made it this far, and hope for a reply.

Yours Sincerely,

Sarah L Potter

Student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I looked over the letter several times, my hands shaking. If I was truly going to do this, I wanted to sound formal. I'd also tried several times not to offend him despite what he was. After all I wanted answers more than anything.

And to be frank, writing to and receiving letters from Gellert Grindelwald did seem mad, but also absolutely fascinating if I could get away with it.

After giving the letter one final run down, I nodded to myself. Neatly folded it up, then strode over to Professor Binns desk.

"Do I need a envelope or?"

"The school provides magical envelopes that can detect where the letter is intended to go, much like the Hogwarts letters." Binns said, motioning to a stack of envelope on his desk.

I quickly put my letter inside, and watched in fascination as the envelope started to seemingly write on itself. And to my amazement on the side appeared

Gellert Grindelwald

Top Cell

Nurmengard Prison

Austria

Alongside said writing the official Hogwarts seal appeared. Then one of the School's Owl's flew into the room, picked up the Envelope with it's talons, then flew off.

"Well its off." Binns said neutrally. "I do hope your choise for project is something that interests you Miss Potter."

I slowly nod, making hands slightly trembling in both nervousness and eagerness.

"Of course Professor, thank you for you assistance. If I may, how long will it take if I do get a reply?."

"Around a week or so." He replied, and I nodded, then strode out of Binns office.

As I slowly walked the corridors of Hogwarts, then ascended up the spiral staircase and up Ravenclaw Tower, I couldn't help but think I'd either made the best or worst decision of my life.

As I answered the riddle and entered the common room, my thoughts were interrupted when I noticed everyone gathered around the common room notice board.

"What's going on?" I asked Lisa and Anthony as I walked over.

"The first Hogsmeade visit of the year is coming up." Anthony replied.

"Yeah, Professor Flitwick put it up on the notice board this afternoon." Lisa added. "It's at the end of October, Halloween."

I bit my bottom lip, then nodded. "Ah. Well I'll be sure to give you two a list and some of my galleons so you can buy me a few things."

"Oh year." Anthony looked disappointed. "You can't go."

"I can't nor do I want to go until Black is caught." I replied shrugging. "I know Harry will be begging to go though, So I'll probably be spending the day trailing him and making sure he doesn't try and sneak out."

Lisa snickered, while Anthony sighed. "I just hope that Black is caught soon so you can go."

"So do I." I slowly nodded, a brief moment of internal pain flowing through me as I thought of the traitors face. "So do I."

The next day at breakfast I was still slightly nervous, but doing my best to hide it. After all this was one thing I didn't want getting out.

Luckily, after how clearly bad the Sirius Black situation had made me so obviously destressed, hiding my nerves about the letter to Grindelwald was much easier to manage. And no one had noticed a thing.

As we left the Great Hall, Harry, Ron, and Hermione came over to us. I noticed Ron was glaring at Hermione angerly, while Hermione looked timid.

Behind me Lisa and Anthony glanced at each other in curiosity, while I spoke to Harry.

"Ah, brother dearest, what can I do for you?" I asked, giving the other two Gryffindor's a worried glance.

"Oh nothing, I was just wondering if you'd all heard about the up coming Hogsmeade visit?" Harry asked.

Anthony nodded. "Of course we have."

"Well I...I'm going to try and ask Professor McGonagall if I can go when we have her for Transfiguration this afternoon." Harry admitted softly

I bit my bottom lip. Obviously I didn't think McGonagall would. She was far too strict and by the rules, and with Sirius Black still on the lose I didn't really blame her. Still, I didn't want to dour Harry's mood.

"I hope it works out for you Harry." I replied.

"You're not thinking of asking Flitwick?" Harry asked softly, and I shook my head.

"Maybe after Black's caught."

Harry shook his head, clearly not understanding my view. However he didn't voice his thoughts, knowing I wouldn't budge.

"Um, if we may ask, what happened to you two?" Lisa spoke up, looking at Ron and Hermione.

"That monster Crookshanks tried to get Scabbers last night." Ron grumbled, while Hermione swallowed.

"All cats chase rats Ron." Hermione replied.

"I told you not to buy it." Ron said in a annoyed tone, while Hermione did look slightly guilty.

"Come on Ron, he's just going off instinct." Hermione tried to say.

"Um, well." I turned to Harry as Ron and Hermione went back and forth. And I for one had no desire to get involved of the internal pet dynamics of the Gryffindor common room. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah. See you."

Me, Lisa, and Anthony along with the other Ravenclaw's made our way into the final class of the day before lunch, Charms. Mandy was trying to convince Morag to put on some eyeliner, Padma was scolding Michael and Terry whom had once again needed her last minute help to finish a essay we'd be turning in today. While Lisa was trying to convince me to ask Flitwick to sign my Hogsmeade form, despite my apprehension.

"Come on Sarah." Lisa said in a drawl. "At least ask him to sign it so that after Black is caught, you can go."

"We both know McGonagall isn't going to sign Harry's." I replied softly as we took our seats.

"He doesn't need to know." Lisa said. "Come on, ask after class."

"Why do you care so much about Sarah's form?" Anthony asked, a sly smile on his face.

"Because if she gets it signed then maybe I could convince her to come with us." Lisa replied

A part of me was touched at Lisa's persistence, while another part of me simply inwardly sighed. "I already told you, until Black is caught..."

"Yeah, yeah. Mass murder after you and Harry I know." Lisa interjects.

Before we could banter any more, Flitwick entered the classroom and class began. It was another standard Charms class, today's lesson being on the Banishing Charm. After another fairly successful lesson, Lisa didn't make to leave like the others did, and before I could stop her...

"Professor Flitwick, you should sign Sarah's Hogsmeade form for her." Lisa said, flashing her eyelashes.

Professor Flitwick was for a moment taken aback. Anthony eyes simply widened, while I groaned. "Merlin Lisa..."

"Come of." Lisa continued. "Lets be blunt Professor. Her and Harry's relatives are gits, massive ones. She shouldn't be excluded because of that." Lisa said, ignoring my looks.

Finally Professor Flitwick spoke in a calm, professional tone. "I don't think its my right to comment on Miss Potter's home life. But the rules clearly state only a parent or a guardian can sign."

Lisa frowned. "Professor. come on. If Black wasn't after her and Harry would you sign?"

Flitwick's eyes widened, as he scanned over Anthony and Lisa. "So you two know as well?"

Anthony nodded grimly. "Yes sir. Though it's only us, along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione of the students who know."

Professor Flitwick sighs, then turns to me. "Miss Potter. If I did sign your form, you wouldn't use it until Black is caught?"

My eyes widened as I realized Professor Flitwick was seriously considering signing the form. "I wouldn't sir, I've made it clear I wouldn't go to Hogsmeade until Black is caught even if my form was signed." I replied.

And Flitwick slowly nodded. "Get out your form then." He said, grabbing a quill himself.

For a moment I was stunned, then got my form out of my book bag and handed it over, as Flitwick began to sign. As soon as he was done, he placed it in his desk.

Professor Flitwick just looked at the three of us silently for a long moment. Then he sighed. "You three know Professor McGonagall isn't going to entertain signing Mr. Potter's form until Black is caught right?"

We all nodded, we all knew how strict the head of Gryffindor house was.

"So please don't mention I signed your form to anyone Miss Potter. It would be unfair to Harry, and the only reason I'm signing is because I know you won't put yourself in needless danger by going to Hogsmeade until Black is caught."

"I understand sir. None of us will say a word to anyone. And I promise I won't go until Black is caught." I replied.

"Good, now if there isn't anything else." Professor Flitwick looked at all three of us, we all shook our heads. "Good, dismissed."

And with that the three of us walked out. "There, your form is signed." Lisa said with a smile.

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go." I replied with a raised eyebrow. And Lisa shrugged.

"This just makes it easier for when Black is caught." She replied, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her relentlessness

"I guess you're right Lisa. I guess you're right."

We ran into Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the courtyard later that afternoon. Harry had a gloomy expression, while Ron just looked miffed.

"McGonagall wouldn't sign my form." Harry told us in a bitter yet resigned tone.

"Stupid old Hag." Ron muttered under his breath.

"Ronald!" Hermione firmly scolded, which only seemed to make Ron only more angry.

Me, Anthony, and Lisa all shared a quick, glance of understanding. All of us could see Flitwick's order not to tell Harry that he'd signed my form was the right one, even if I had no intention of using it until Black was caught.

"I'm sorry to hear that." I finally spoke in a gentle tone, sitting down on the bench next to him, doing my best to ignore Ron and Hermione's clear annoyance at one another.

"I just...it's so unfair! We both know the Dursley's are horrible, yet McGonagall wouldn't listen to a word I said." Harry vented.

"I know." I replied gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But that just means me and you will get to spend some quality time together." I said, trying to cheer him up.

Harry took a deep breath. "I guess but..."

"What? Am I alone not worth all the entertainment as the stores in Hogsmeade?" I asked with faux offense, and Harry did finally chuckle a little.

"Oh you're the most entertaining person I know Sarah." He said with a chuckle, then looked me in the eye. "What about you, did you even attempt to ask Flitwick?" Harry asked me curiously.

For a moment there was silence, until Lisa quickly spoke up. "Nope." She lied easily with a shrug. "I tried to get her to ask, but she didn't want to because of Black."

"Yeah." Anthony added. "She said it was too dangerous."

For a moment we held our breath, hoping Harry didn't see through our lies. Luckily he seemed none the wiser.

"Well aren't you responsible." Harry sighed, now back to moping.

There was a awkward moment of silence, as finally Ron spoke again.

"There's always the feast," Ron said, clearly trying to cheer Harry up. "You know, the Halloween feast, in the evening."

"Yeah," said Harry gloomily, "great."

There was another moment of awkward silence. Harry moping, Ron still pretty miffed, and Hermione annoyed at Ron's comments about Professor McGonagall. I didn't really know what to say, neither did Anthony or Lisa, so I cleared my throat.

"I'm sure Black will be caught soon Harry. Then you just have to ask McGonagall again and I'm sure she'll sign the form and let." I tried to assure him.

"It always comes back to Black." Harry rolls his eyes.

Seeing as Harry was in a mood, I simply nodded. "Yeah, anyways." I stood. "See you guys later." I said, giving Harry's arm one last comforting squeeze.

"Yeah." Harry sighed. "See you."

With that me, Lisa, and Anthony left the moping Harry, and angry Ron and Hermione to themselves.

"Well that was fun." Lisa said sarcastically.

"Loads." Anthony added.

I shrugged. "Harry isn't scared of Black, so he doesn't see the reason to not go to Hogsmeade. And clearly Ron and Hermione are just annoyed with each other right now."

"You don't say?" Lisa asked raising a eyebrow. "Was it the death glares, or the rolling of the eyes that gave it away?"

I just gave Lisa a look, which only made her smirk. "What am I going to do with you?"

Lisa laughed. "What. Don't like my wonderful personality?"

"Oh we just love it Lisa, absolutely love it." Anthony chuckled.

We arrived at dinner around an hour later. We sat down at the Ravenclaw table with the rest of the third years and Luna. As soon as we did, Padma turned to us, an alarmed look on her face.

"Trelawney's prediction was right." She'd told me, Lisa, and Anthony in a whisper.

For a moment I went pale, thinking Harry had somehow died in the last hour, but Padma quickly shook her head in assurance. "Not that one. The one about Lavender Brown, and dreading something horrible."

We all shared a look, then turned back to Lisa.

"What happened?" Lisa asked with a frown.

"Today is the sixteenth of October." Padma said. "And today Parvati told me, that Lavender's parents had sent her a letter this morning. Telling her that her pet rabbit Binky had been killed by a fox."

"Professor Trelawney." I said catching on. "Said that the thing Lavender was dreading would happen on the sixteenth of October."

Padma nodded, as we all glanced at the crying Lavender being held by Parvati at the Gryffindor table. Harry still looked depressed at not being able to go to Hogsmeade. While Hermione and Ron were clearly still annoyed with one another.

"That table doesn't look fun." Terry commented.

"Not at all." Michael added.

"Well." I said softly, slight worry in my tone. "Hopefully Professor Trelawny's prediction about me saving Harry from the Grim turns out to be true too." I commented softly.

With nothing else to really say, we all turned back to our meals. As I listened to the usual conversations of dinner, I could only hope that the Trelawny's prediction of Harry's death was incorrect, or that her other prediction that I somehow would save him was.

Gellert Grindelwald slumped against the wall within his cell atop Nurmengard. He was practically a frail skeleton at this point. His face sunk in, his head badly balding, and almost all his teeth gone. The young man who had charmed Dumbledore all those years ago in Godric's Hallow, the man who had nearly dominated all of mainland Europe. Was gone, replaced by this empty husk.

It had been nearly fifty years since Albus had bested him, had taken the Elder Wand, nearly fifty years just rotting here. He hadn't spoken to another human since that famed duel in Forty Five, no. Albus hadn't killed him of course, said it was a mercy. What his former lover had done is assigned a House Elf, Beesy, to tend to him.

Beesy checked on him three times a day. Gave him enough food to live on, cleaned his cell every month or so, and would every once in while throw in a copy of the latest Austrian wizarding news paper.

Of course Beesy never spoke to him, Dumbledore had ordered her not to, after all couldn't have Gellert using his silver tongue on the creature.

And that was the once feared Gellert Grindelwald's existence now. He sat in this small cell, on this hard bed, and did the only thing he could do.

Think.

He thought of his actions. Of Dumbledore, Aberforth, and poor little Ariana. He hadn't meant for her to die, she was a witch after all, she had a rare soul like all of magical kind. He thought of his followers, of Vinda, of Abernathy, all of them. He never did know what happened to them. Were they dead? Had they served there sentences? Or were they rotting somewhere too?

Grindelwald couldn't say.

But the thing he thought most about was his own actions, his own fate. Everything he'd done, had been for the Greater Good. It was his motto, the phrase he always told himself to keep pushing, to dive deeper into the dark arts, to keep fighting and killing. To seek out the Elder Wand and the other Hallows in the first place.

Did he regret it? He supposed parts. The muggles, he still didn't like them, but he also could admit his actions were extreme. And of course he regretted his actions against Dumbledore everyday.

If only thing's could have been different.

It was then that Beesy appeared again. As always right at nine am. He conjured a small plate of food for Gellert that appeared on the small table inside the cell. And something else? Then the house elf had left without another word.

Gellert slowly stood, making his way over to the plate of food as he so often did.

But this time there was something else. Not a month old newspaper no. But a letter with Albus's school's symbol?

The Symbol of Hogwarts.

It did make sense he guessed for this to get through. After all, Dumbledore was Beesy's master. The house elf most likely assumed it was a letter from Dumbledore and let it through to him.

And the thought made Gellert's old heart race, as he quickly opened the envelope and the letter. Eager to see what Albus wanted from him.

But it wasn't Albus, instead it was a girl from his school. A student? A Sarah Potter?

Grindelwald had of course heard of the Surname Potter before. It was a old Pureblood family in Britain. There was that Fleamont whom had invented a hair potion, Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and Scalp Treatment. Not that Grindelwald had cared about the potion, but Vinda had loved the stuff.

Grindelwald read the letter, then read it again, and then a third time. And for the first time in years he gave a amused smirk. One of Albus's students was writing him, and it had somehow got through?! This was too good, too amusing.

"Well, well Albus. Not paying as close attention to your charges it seems." Grindelwald laughed softly, speaking in a thick, south German accent.

For a moment he debated the request. Part of him wanted to throw the letter in the waste bin and call it a day. But another part, the stronger part, looked a the letter as a chance. This was the first time he'd been communicated with in years. And though this child was far, far too young to even understand the magnitude of his powers...

Well, she was the free one. She was the one who'd chosen to write him for some mundane school project.

And he was bored.

So Gellert Grindelwald got a small piece of parchment and Quill, some of the few items he was permitted this dark cell. And began to write.

"Well, well Sarah Potter. If you want answers from Gellert Grindelwald. You shall have them."