Hiding in Plain Sight (A Hinny Fanfiction)

Vainglorious

Ginny fell forward onto a cold stone floor, scraping her chin. She heard the elf scurry off before rolling herself onto her side and bringing herself back to her feet while pulling her wand in one fluid movement. From there she could look around.

The walls matched the floor, rough grey stone scored by centuries of neglect. This was a castle. Light came from a small window as well as three torches mounted to the walls. There was an ancient armchair much like those you could find around Hogwarts. Next to the chair was a small wooden table with a few books piled on top as well as a stone fireplace that wasn't being used. It should be; the room was frigid, even in the late summer. The window displayed a sharp drop, followed by a steep cliff in which Ginny couldn't begin to guess the altitude.

"Harry," she called with her breath still catching in her throat.

"I have to say: of the visitors I've been preparing for, I wasn't expecting you."

Ginny wheeled around and pointed her wand at a four-poster bed and its occupant, a gaunt man so pale that his skin rivaled the pearly sheets in which he was wrapped. Weakness exuded from him, to the point where if he and the sheet got into a fight, you would have a difficult time picking a winner. But his eyes were still the same bright blue that were pictured in Secrets of the Darkest Arts and still betrayed energy and power held within.

"W-what do I call you?" Ginny asked.

The old man laughed deeply. "Well, I'm not as vainglorious as Tom Riddle, if that's what you mean. No 'Lord' for me. No pseudonym to strike fear in the hearts of my enemies. You should let your deeds do that."

"Who are your enemies?"

"These days... just time, my dear. But to answer your question, Grindelwald is fine. If things go well, maybe we move on to Gellert. But I doubt you'll be here that long. And you are?"

"Ginevra Weasley," Ginny replied as powerfully as she could, reminding herself to widen her stance. "Where's Harry?"

"Probably where you last left him. That's usually the answer when you lose something. I'm sure we'll see the lionized Mr. Potter soon enough and he'll be eager to get to his business, whatever that may be. I am looking forward to meeting him. Meanwhile, I believe our chat can be just as fulfilling. Weasley? A fine, pure-blood family. I believe I may have encountered your grandparents once or twice. Are they still with us?"

"No, sir." She lowered her wand but kept it at her hip. Ginny wondered why she was treating him with such respect. The man was a monster! But something about him just demanded it. She could see what Matilda was saying about his personality. So much different from what she had heard from Harry about dealing with Voldemort.

"And I take it you've found Hammerschmidt as pleasing as ever?"

"Don't you mean the Ghetto?"

Grindelwald nodded. "They still carry that grudge, eh?"

"And why shouldn't they? You destroyed their country. Put them in a cage." Ginny could feel her face flush.

He nodded. "With age comes a different view of your accomplishments. But I'm sure you and Mr. Potter aren't here for apologies. Believe it or not, I never apologized to Albus. And he never asked me to. Hopefully you're just as wise."

"So you know he's dead?"

"Of course, my dear. I could feel it the second Albus's heart beat its last. We were connected like that from the moment we met. I believe there is someone like that for everyone. I can sense you've found yours. I didn't need Legilimency for that."