I had made a promise to Grindelwald to return immediately after my visit to Queenie, so we could prevent anything from happening.

I was walking slowly, my mind hazy and my body trembling. Tears had come to my eyes as the realization hit me of what I was supposed to do. 

I should help Queenie. That was the least I could do. Friends are supposed to help each other in hard times, so I guessed this was also part of that.

Queenie deserved a good life. And I do not wish many people a good life.

Queenie was a good person. A positive person. Always trying to help wherever and whenever she could.

It made me really sad to think that she may not be able to live like that anymore. That she could no longer live like herself.

''(Y/N),'' Grindelwald exclaimed relieved, as I slowly closed the door behind me. ''I was already worrying something might've happened to you on the way.''

It warmed my heart to know he cared about me, but right now, there were things on my mind that couldn't be exceeded by this.

He had probably noticed my gloomy expression because he regained his composure and watched me, his hands folded on the desk.

''How was Queenie? Has her transformation been completed?'' he asked formally.

I nodded silently, as I managed to keep in my tears and worries.

''Was she alright? Did something happen to her?'' he guessed.

I sighed and looked up at him. ''She's fine, except for her new life.''

Now she was a vampire, people wouldn't act normal around her anymore. People would look down at her in disdain while praising themselves for being human. She would never have the life she had before, nor the life she dreamt of having. The muggle, Jacob would never accept her as a vampire.

Grindelwald frowned at me. He probably knew what I was trying to say. ''I know how you must feel right now. Guilt, probably most of all. But don't feel that way.''

I opened my mouth to argue. But he interrupted me,

''I know you feel guilty, I can see it in your eyes and the way you look whenever we talk about her.''

He smiled sadly, and continued,

''But she won't have to live a life like that. She's with us. And we won't behave like she's lesser than we are. We know who she is, and what she is from the inside. And we will do anything to help her, and make her life as a vampire easier.''

As I thought about it, I found out he did have a point. It wasn't like she was all alone in this. She had us. And we would treat her all the same as before.

''You're right, sir,'' I said drearily as I continued to watch the floor with a gloomy expression.

He ducked and tried to catch my gaze.

''If that's really what was bothering you than you wouldn't still be standing here like a zombie. Now tell me what's wrong.''

He stood up, approached me and took my hands in his.

I couldn't help but look up into his eyes.

His gaze calmed me a little, enough to allow me to heave a deep sigh, and tell him what had happened at the infirmary.

''So? She talked to you. Why does this upset you? Isn't it a good thing she spoke?'' he asked softly.

I could feel the anger from before bubbling up again.

''It isn't a good thing because she told me to save her!''

But the anger was quickly followed by a wave of powerlessness.

''I have no choice. I just don't know how.''

A tear leaked from my eye, but I quickly wiped it away.

He sighed and slowly put his arms around me.

''I told you before, we are going to save her.''

He looked into my eyes, tucked my hair behind my ear, and slowly leaned forward, as he softly whispered into my ear,

''I promise.''

Then he placed his lips against mine and calmed me down.

After several more days of waiting, dreading and feeling, I finally decided I needed some distraction from everything. I needed to get away from reality for some time, so I decided it was time to, for the first time in years, read a book again.

I had been in love with books and stories ever since I was young. I found it a very useful method to cut myself off reality and enter the worlds hidden between those beautiful leather cases, waiting to be explored.

The only problem was Grindelwald. I wasn't sure if he'd let me go. He would only be fearing for my safety. I didn't blame him for that. But I believed it was time I could go and be on my own for some time again, and hoped I could manage to help him realize the same.

It wasn't just because I wanted to read, but I felt watched if I was being with him continually. It would be good for me to have some time on my own. I felt like I needed to be alone.

Grindelwald sat bowed over his desk, scribbling on a piece of parchment with his black feather.

I watched my hands uncertainly as I focused on the scribbling sound coming from his direction.

''Uhm, Gellert?'' I started softly.

He didn't look up, but the scribbling stopped. I was convinced he'd heard me. Then, the scribbling continued.

''Hm? What is it, darling?'' he asked slowly.

''Uhm, I was just thinking. It has been some time since I've read a good book. For fun I mean. And right now, I could use some distraction. Uhm, is it alright if I go to the library?''

I wanted to slap myself in the face. As I said it, it sounded so stupid. I should've come with better arguments than, 'I could use some distraction'.

The scribbling halted again and I could feel his eyes on me.

He opened his mouth to say something, but I quickly interrupted him.

''I promise I'll be careful and make sure nothing will happen to me. I can call for you if something does happen, which I doubt because I don't believe there are more people among those who reside here at Nurmengard who like me. I mean, I don't even like myself, which reduces the chance others will. And I promise to return immediately if it doesn't feel right and safe, and I'll have my wand ready to strike, so I can make sure...''

''Stop.''

He chuckled softly and grinned broadly at me.

''You didn't even know what I was going to say.''

I blushed and I couldn't help but smile a little.

''If you feel comfortable with being alone, that's fine. If you feel safe enough to go out there alone, then you may. I have no intentions to keep you by my side against your will.''

Excitement exploded inside of me and I felt my face glow.

''But promise me not to do anything stupid and call for me when something does happen.''

I nodded excitedly.

He was allowing me to roam the castle on my own again! That was not what I was expecting from him. He must've felt betrayed once he caught one of his most trusted followers trying to accomplish a vile thing. How is he supposed to know who he can trust now?

I would've understood if he wouldn't let me go. It would make sense.

I jumped up excitement and ran towards him and threw my arms around him. What I didn't notice, was that I had accidentally knocked over his bottle of ink, and it all dripped down onto his trousers.

Once I saw the ink dripping down the desk I quickly retreated and watched the dark blue liquid being absorbed by the fabric.

''Sorry,'' I mumbled, as he was examining the damage the ink had done to his trousers.

He shook his head. ''It's fine. I'll clean it up later.'' He looked up at me.

''(Y/N), I've got something to tell you. After that, you may go to the library.''

I nodded and sat back down.

''I've been thinking. Ever since Brook assaulted you, I've been feeling like people should know that you're mine.''

''They'll never dare to touch you again. Not if they're aware of what I can do once someone takes something that's mine,'' he continued.

Whenever he said I was his, I felt like an object. Something of little value. But I was convinced he didn't mean it that way, so I ignored the feeling and turned to him instead.

''If, of course, you agree.''

I felt quite uncomfortable as we were talking. Multiple fears had grown that might be a consequence if people found out about us.

''But won't you be ashamed of me? I mean, I'm just a normal girl. There's nothing special about me. And you're the greatest wizard of all times, wouldn't you be ashamed of me?''

That was one of my most urging fears.

''I have had many relationships, but none of them were like this. They never were like this. You don't have to worry, because you are the most beautiful, smart and special person I have ever met.''

Was he telling me the truth? Had it never been like this for him before?

''Why do I always have to make you believe me?'' He stood up and roughly caught my lips as he lifted me in his arms and carried me bridal style.

''You are the most beautiful, special and strongest woman I have ever had the opportunity to get to know. And I promise to protect you until the end of my days.''

I blushed as he placed his lips against mine and slowly carried me towards the door.

''I think it's time for your distraction now, my beautiful lady,'' he said, slowly placing me back down on the floor.

I smiled and hugged him. ''Careful for the ink!'' he warned. ''We do not want your clothes to get filthy, now do we?''

I quickly kissed his lips as I grabbed the doorknob. ''Thank you,'' I said gratefully as I slowly left the room.

He nodded and bowed to me.