The Greater Good [GrindelwaldxDumbledore]

~Chapter One ~ Durmstrang Institute (Part 1)

Gellert tried to focus on the small box in the centre of the room, unsure what would be released when the teacher unlocked it. He saw the flash of light and moved into a defensive stance, his wand poised, ready to attack. He felt ill-prepared, having only done one mock exam before, a written test, nothing like this practical where his every move was being scrutinised by a hard-to-impress teacher with a clipboard.

He faltered as a large animal, too large to have fit inside a box so small, stepped forward. It looked like an overgrown reindeer, its dappled coat contrasting against the dark stone of the dark arts exam room, but instead of having two antlers either side of its head there was one large horn-like structure erupting from the centre of its forehead. The sight almost made Gellert lower his wand, 'Kirin are sacred creatures of good fortune' he thought, there was no reason for him to make any move against such a creature, he already had enough bad luck in his life.

Gellert was about to laugh, to call his teachers bluff, as the creature drew closer. It was then he noted the mischievous look in its eye. It was not a Kirin. Without much room between them, Gellert set off a repelling charm, which glanced off the creature as its body turned to liquid, the puddle spread across the room towards him giving off a light mist and bubbling slightly. It reminded Gellert of acid, he could see the floor lighten as the pool of liquid removed the centuries of grime from its surface.

Panicking, Gellert froze, unable to remember the creatures that had the capacity to perform such complex transfiguration let alone how to repel or constrain such a beast safely enough to pass the test. He could feel the heat of the liquid as it met the sole of his shoe.

"That's enough," said Professor Olsen, with a quick flick of his wrist the puddle was forced into a tight ball of liquid. The sphere floated back to the box, the contents swirling angrily. "Fail. I expected more from you, Gellert, I think you need to re-read chapter eighteen of Mythical Beasts of Europe."

"Hedley Kow," Gellert slapped the palm of his hand to his forehead. How could he have forgotten, they had only been talking about it two days ago.

"Correct, but you need to know how to spot one before it gets too close, they are mischievous creatures, the can cause great psychological distress in those with weak minds." He sounded tired; something that suggested to Gellert not many of his classmates had gotten the correct answer either. "On your way out you can send in the next."

Gellert risked a backward glance as he approached the door, the floor still looked bleached by the acid-like form, he shivered involuntarily. "It's your turn, Paul, good luck." He tried to sound positive, but failure never sat easily in his stomach.

"Thanks," replied Paul, his complexion a pale.

He could hear the students from the surrounding classrooms spilling out into the hallways noisily, ignoring the signs that had been put up that morning to remind them to be quiet. While Gellert's stomach rumbled, he had little appetite, his father was sure to find out how badly he had failed this test and there would be little doubt that an owl would be waiting for him at breakfast. He allowed the knot of people to guide him down through the layers of the castle to the great hall, finding himself in a queue for the meal his body wanted but his mind didn't.

The house elf asked him for the third time what he wanted, normally he would have been excited about Rinter-roulade (beef roll), but today he didn't feel like he deserved it. "Just give me whatever the last person had," Gellert asked, not sure what the seventh year girl had asked for. The elf nodded and layered up his plate with slices of beef roulade, roast potatoes, green beans and a generous ladle of thick gravy. The smell was enticing as Gellert made his way towards the elf serving the desserts, the elf didn't even have to ask, "Kanelbullar, please," he said, his mouth watering at the thought of the delicious cinnamon bun.