At first, the silence at the library was discomforting. I felt like someone could sneak up on me at any moment.
But once I started reading, I was engulfed by the story and didn't worry about anything anymore.
The last time I had read a book for fun was when I graduated Hogwarts. After that, I hadn't had the time to read anymore.
I was a fugitive and unable to stay somewhere for very long. I could never take much with me either, so books were never an option.
It felt good to be able to get my mind off everything that has happened lately.
As my eyes glided over the pages my mind slowly started to drift away. I stopped absorbing the information and fell asleep.
I was walking through the corridors of the castle, not having a particular destination in mind. I was wandering around the deserted halls and my mind was for the first time since my graduation, quiet.
The silence in the castle was quite unsettling, but I wasn't afraid of it anymore. I had faith that after the departure of Jonathan Brook, the castle was a lot safer.
I decided that it would be nice to visit Grindelwald. He was very busy lately, but he would probably like it if I'd peep by, just to say hello.
After I knocked and entered, I was surprised to find his office empty but didn't worry about it for too long.
He's probably just taking a walk, or something, I thought.
Instead of seeing him, I went to the infirmary to pay Queenie a visit.
The nurse didn't greet me as usual when I entered the room. Instead, there were hushed voices, muttering softly.
I glanced inside the room and saw several people around Queenie's bed.
Grindelwald was there too, holding his breath and watching a scene that was blocked from my view by several people.
I walked towards him and went to stand next to him.
He took my hand, which startled me a bit because there were also many other people present. Since our relationship was still a secret this was risky.
But instead of asking him why he did so, my attention was drawn to Queenie, who lay on the bed on her back, with her eyes closed.
Besides the bed, I noticed a chubby looking man with brown hair and a mustache. He looked a lot like Queenie's description of Jacob Kowalski, her Muggle boyfriend.
Behind him stood Tina, which alarmed me, and also Newt Scamander. Further, only people I didn't recognize. But I ignored them since Grindelwald was calm under their presence, I supposed it was okay for them to be there, even if it made no logical sense at all.
Jacob watched Queenie hesitantly while holding her hand. His eyes were filled with tears and his whole body was shaking.
''Queenie, honey, can you hear me?'' he softly muttered at the motionless body.
''What's going on?'' I whispered to Grindelwald who stood next to me, holding my hand firmly.
''I think we have the solution to Queenie's problem.''
He refused to say more and just watched the scene before him take place.
Jacob glanced at Tina and Newt who nodded encouragingly and waited for him to make his move.
He slowly bent over so he could place a soft kiss on Queenie's lips.
Her eyes shot open and she was watching him with a surprised expression, but once she recognized him she threw her arms around him and hugged him and sobbed loudly. ''Jacob, I've missed you so much!''
''I know, sweetheart, I know. I've missed you too.''
Queenie had returned. The real Queenie had resurrected from the dead!
I noticed even some of the color in her face return.
I glanced happily at Grindelwald next to me and jumped into an embrace, throwing my arms around his neck as he caught me chuckling.
I kissed him, which took him by surprise.
He stroked my cheek and smiled at me lovingly.
''(Y/N).''
Slowly my vision turned dark.
''(Y/N).''
''Wake up, (Y/N),'' a familiar voice said.
I slowly opened my eyes and raised my head when I noticed I was still in the library.
I looked around and saw Grindelwald watch me with a lopsided smile.
I yawned and stretched. ''Sorry. What time is it?''
''Late. You missed dinner, which is a shame. The house-elves had prepared a lovely lamb stew today.''
I should probably tell him about my dream, I thought uncertainly.
He watched me with a soft expression. ''After you didn't show up at dinner, I was growing worried and I searched for you. When I found you sleeping here, I decided to let you sleep for a while and I went to read a book myself. But I forgot the time, and now, well, here we are.''
''I'm sorry I scared you like that,'' I mumbled closing the book in front of me.
''It doesn't matter. Are you hungry? I could wake a house-elf and order them to make something quick for you,'' he proposed trying to catch my gaze.
''No, I'm fine,'' I said smiling gently.
It might sound stupid and all, but I sometimes felt really bad about the house-elves. They were also falling under the 'being' category, so I felt bad whenever someone mistreated them. And I didn't think this was important enough to take someone's night rest. Not even that of a house-elf.
He nodded and scooped me in his arms. ''Gellert?'' I said surprised, as I watched him grin down at me.
''What? I'm surely not going to let you walk all the way to our quarters. You deserve the best of care,'' he said.
''But what if someone sees us?'' I argued softly. ''Calm down, darling. No one will see us, it's after midnight, so no one will be able to even catch a glimpse of us together.''
It wasn't that I didn't like it if he carried me bridal style, but I was just really anxious people would find out so soon.
''What about the librarian?''
''She's already gone to her chambers. I promise it's safe. And if people do find out, and you still think it's as bad as you think it is now, I'll obliviate them.''
He waited for a reaction, but when that didn't come he smiled and placed a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.
I giggled quietly. ''Let's go.''
I leaned against his chest while we were on our way. I listened to the soft beating of his heart and almost found myself drifting off again, but I managed to stay awake this time.
It was still a bit nerve wracking to be in his arms like this while we're so exposed. At first, I was really cautious, but that slowly wore off after several calming whisperings of Grindelwald.
To my relief, we didn't run into anyone and we made it without anyone ever knowing we had been there in the middle of the night.
When we finally arrived in front of the door I couldn't help but sigh in relief. Grindelwald smirked at me before he opened the door.
When I entered I quickly greeted Owyn, from who I received a reply in my mind.
It had been some time ago since we had talked, but Owyn had been recovering really well, so we decided it was okay for him to get his own spot in the room since he was no more hurting.
Soon, he would be able to fly again and have time to explore the air again and feel the wind ruffle his feathers.
I didn't want to put him in a cage since I was able to communicate with him. It would feel like I was locking a human being away.
I fell down on the bed, not even bothering to light the candles. The moon had provided me with enough light to make my way towards the bed.
I closed my eyes, and I had to fight the drowsiness that was about to take over.
I shouldn't fall asleep yet. I still needed to tell him about my dream and I needed to change.
I couldn't sleep in my current dress. It was way too tight and uncomfortable.
I heard the wardrobe doors creak open and fabric fall to the floor.
I waited for him to join me in the bed, but it took some time and I suddenly felt the pressure of my dress be relieved and replaced by an oversized shirt and a pair trousers.
I knew he had magically changed my clothes so I wouldn't have to get up.
He laid down and pulled the covers up so they'd also cover me, and made sure I was lying comfortably. He placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
''I've got to tell you something,'' I said softly. ''Can't it wait for tomorrow? You're devastated.''
I slowly shook my head. ''I know how to cure Queenie.''
He kept silent and I knew he was thinking. ''How?''
''Jacob. Kowalski.''
Then everything went dark again and I was sleeping once more.
Grindelwald sighed beside me.
He slipped his arms around me and buried his face in the crook of my neck, until he, too, fell asleep.
A/N: Chapter 21 is done. I hope you all liked it, and if you did, then leave a comment and a vote. Thank you so incredibly much for reading!