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Chapter Text

“Who do you think will win it?”

“Albus obviously, he wins everything!”

“Nah, I reckon my chances are quite good this year, I reckon I might finally be able to knock o’l Al off his pedestal!”

“There’s more chance of you becoming a Hippogriff than that happening Eve.”

The group of students laughed. Elphias grinned as he enjoyed his moment of attention, something he was clearly not used to while Albus busied himself with packing his trunk with any necessities that they might need for their trip. The train left early the next morning so they wouldn’t have time to search for any last minute items.

“Did you say that you already got the Muggle money sorted Elphias?” Albus called over to a giggling Elphias who was throwing a golden snitch around the Gryffindor common room, much to the delight of the group of students who had gathered to watch his performance.

“Yes, it’s all sorted Albus, you really mustn’t worry about such things. We’ve been going over this for months!”
Albus sighed and closed his trunk, sitting down at the corner of his four poster bed with a thump.

“I know. I just want to be sure. I’d hate for us to get to the Leaky Cauldron and realise that we’d forgotten it, the Portkey wouldn’t be booked for long enough to return for it.”

Elphias tutted disapprovingly, catching the snitch and coming to sit beside Albus who was looking at his curtains with contempt.

“Actually, even if we did forget it then we wouldn’t be able to return for it anyway. You can’t Apparate inside Hogwarts remember? Really Albus, top of the year and you couldn’t remember that?”

Albus smiled. “You bring shame upon me Elphias.”

“Do you think you will win the award tonight Albus?” Asked Edith Creevey, the excitable Gryffindor seeker who was in the year below them but always keen to keep up with the latest gossip where Albus was concerned. Albus shrugged, pulling on his cloak and straightening his tie in preparation for the feast.

“I don’t know, it would be nice but I’m not expecting anything.”
Elphias snorted, fishing his hand in a bowl of Muggle sweets that Albus kept by his bed.

“Of course he is Edith, false modesty doesn’t become you Albus.”

Albus straightened up indignantly as Elphias crunched on his second Humbug that mother had kindly sent after he had discovered his affection for them while browsing the Muggle marketplace one Summer with Aberforth.

“I really don’t know Elphias, it could be you for all we know!”

“Elphias isn’t Head Boy though Albus.” Edith said affectionately, watching as Albus tucked his hair behind his ear in a flattering manner.

“Yes Albus, I’m not Head Boy old chap.” Added Elphias sarcastically, copying Edith’s tone causing her to stick her tounge out at him playfully.

“It’s our final feast! I’ll bet my last Galleon that Albus wins something, I don’t think a feast has passed when he hasn’t actually.”

“Alright that’s enough.” Albus said in his best annoyed tone, though truthfully he was enjoying the attention. “We should be heading down anyway, we don’t want to give Professor Black an excuse to give us detention on our last night.”
Elphias shook his head as he scorched the ends of Albus’s curtains with the end of his wand, it was alright, Albus had never liked them anyway.

“Ah, the old man’s a softie! Besides, he gets on well with you Albus. It’s our last time here anyway, so he wouldn’t want to ruin the mood.”

“Why don’t you walk down with us Albus?” Edith asked nervously, pushing her hair behind her ear and showing off her side profile. Edith was one of the prettiest girls in their whole house, practically every student in the school wanted her, including Elphias who would strongly deny it when asked. But it had been clear to everyone since First Year that she only had eyes for Albus, who seemed utterly oblivious to the fact.

“I’m still going to be a few minutes Edith.” Albus said politely, folding up his scarf and putting it on top of a pile of books. “You go ahead.”

Edith though disappointed, smiled and headed off down the stairs closely followed by the group who had been watching Elphias play with the snitch. One by one, they filed away until it was only Albus and Elphias left in the dorm.

“Not long to go now!” Elphias said excitedly, getting up from Albus’s bed and pulling a packed trunk off his own and leaning a very battered broomstick against it. “So let’s go through it again. We take the train back to London with everyone else, Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron and we’ll get to Greece from there?”

Albus nodded, folding away the latest copy of the Prophet after extracting a section on Alchemy by Nicolas, who he made a mental note to get in contact with once they had finished travelling.

“Yes, and I’ve told Aberforth that he’s just going to go home with mother as normal so he’s not to wait around for me. He grunted something rude so I assume he heard me.” Albus chuckled.

“Moody troll your brother is.” Elphias muttered. “Did you hear that he tipped a flagon of Pumpkin Juice over Professor Kirk last week?”

Albus rubbed his eyes tiredly.
“He’s.. passionate about things that he believes in. Mother always said so, he almost blew up a cauldron when she suggested selling the goats before we moved to Godric’s Hollow.”

Elphias wheezed with laughter. “Merlin, I would’ve paid to see that!”

“Albus! The feast is about to start!”

They both looked up to see a red haired 4th year sticking his nose around the entrance to their dorm, Albus smiled and pinned on his Head Boy badge, puffing out his chest slightly as he did so. “Thank you Ed. I’m just coming down now.” Ed quickly scuttled back down the staircase, leaving them alone once more, Elphias looked thoroughly amused.

“Come on then, that award isn’t going to collect itself!”

They grabbed their wands and quickly ran down the staircase, hopping out the portrait hole and they hurried towards the great hall.

“Wonderful! That’s another year finished! Now before we begin the feast, there is a matter of awards..”

“Here we go Albus.” Elphias whispered, Edith smiled at him hopefully from across the table, Albus nodded and looked down at his lap, crossing his fingers discreetly. Just one more.. it would end his Hogwarts career on a high before he went on to achieve greater things still.. he could almost picture the sour look on Aberforth’s face when his name was called..

“And the Best In The Year award goes to none other than our own Head Boy, Young Albus Dumbledore!”

The announcement was followed by a thunderous applause. Albus smiled and got up from his seat, countless hands patting his back as he passed, he shook Headmaster Black’s hand graciously and accepted the silver cup, his name now engraved upon it. “Congratulations Albus, what a marvellous way to end your time at school!” Professor Black said enthusiastically, grasping his hand in a pose for the Daily Prophet worker who had come to capture the moment.

“Thank you sir.” Albus said happily, scanning the crowd for Aberforth who he quickly found scowling into a bowl of custard at the end of the Gryffindor table. “This means a great deal, it is an honour to receive it.”

And it was.

After a feast that left him so full that he had to undo a few buttons on his shirt followed by a rowsing rendition of the school song “Hoggy Warty Hogwarts” which was requested by the seventh years as a final leaving treat, they made their way back up to the common room for the final time. It felt strange, knowing that he would never again make the journey and that this time tomorrow he would be off to Greece with Elphias.

“We can take some of these with us Albus.”

Albus looked over to Elphias beside him to see that he had filled his black hat to the brim with Chocolate Frogs, courtesy of the feast.

“Were there no Fizzing Whizzbees?” Albus asked with a yawn, his robes uncomfortably tight after his overindulgence with a delicious meat pie that had dominated his plate during the feast. Elphias shook his head disappointedly.

“No, that greedy Dawlish kid nicked them all, at least I left frogs behind!”

“You left about 3 Elphias,” a tall red haired girl chipped in, Elphias pretended to be offended, raising his hand in a Boy Scout salute.

“I left more than that Eve, Merlin as my witness-“

“Don’t disrespect Merlin like that!”

“Edith’s friend Martha managed to pinch some Firewhisky from the kitchens, you boys want in?”

Elphias looked keen on the idea while Albus looked uncomfortable.

“No thank you Eve. I think we should turn in early anyway Elphias, we’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Elphias huffed in response. “Hogging Hippogriff Albus, you’re no fun. Alright then, we’ll see you girls tomorrow, if not, good luck!”

“Bye Albus!” Edith called from the bottom of the staircase just as Albus put his foot through the portrait hole, Albus waved and quickly made his way up to the dormitory with a newfound speed.

“That could have been fun you know.” Elphias said grumpily, pulling off his robes and discarding his tie over the back of a chair.

“You could have gone,” Albus said thoughtfully, stroking the brown owl that was perched by his bed.

“Honestly Albus, we might not see any girls for the next year!” Albus chuckled in disbelief. “I’m 100% certain that Greece and the world is full of girls Elphias.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Elphias muttered, pulling on his pajamas and climbing into his own four poster two along from Albus. “I’m surprised, everyone knows that Edith likes you! Merlin, I would’ve jumped at the chance-“

“I think I’m quite tired actually Elphias.” Albus interrupted, climbing into bed and pulling over his covers. “Goodnight Elphias, I’ll wake you if you oversleep, goodnight Humbug.” The owl next to Albus’s bed hooted affectionately. After a few grumbles from Elphias the dorm soon fell silent.
Albus stared at the ceiling of his four poster through heavily lidded eyes. tomorrow they would be off on their travels, Hogwarts would become nothing but a distant happy memory as the pathway that helped to core out his future. Perhaps he would come back to visit once he was established in the Wizarding World… he soon drifted off to the soothing noise of Humbug ruffling her wings.

“Wake me up Merlin’s mother Albus! Come on! The carriages are about to leave!”

Albus sprang up with a start. How could he have slept in? “Come on Humbug,” he called to the soft brown owl which was currently resting on top of Elphias’s four poster. Humbug quickly flew down and landed in her cage, hooting in excitement at the prospect of a journey. Albus yanked off his pajamas and pulled on his robes, being in such a hurry that he didn’t even check to see if the dorm was empty. After tying his shoelaces and smoothing out his hair he grabbed a hold of Humbug’s cage, easily levitating the heavy trunk with his wand to follow him down the narrowed staircase which it did without a sound.
He had just got down to the main entrance of the common room when Elphias stuck his head around the portrait hole, the movement so sudden that Albus nearly dropped Humbug’s cage in fright.

“Really Elphias! Don’t you ever-“

“Come on Albus! I’ve already got one carriage on hold but the driver looked quite grumpy so he might not stay for long!”

Albus regained his grip on Humbug’s cage as he stepped through the portrait hole for the final time, stopping to look back for a brief moment before a tug on his arm brought him back to the task at hand.
Together they raced out the school entrance, a flying trunk following them and an owl cage still in Albus’s arms, it would have been quite a peculiar sight for any non-magical being. At long last they reached the carriage, a grumpy looking elderly man wearing a tweed cap and brown overcoat was leaning against the carriage with a displeased expression.

“I charge an extra fee for waiting.” He grunted. “That’ll be one Galleon each.”

“A Galleon?” Elphias squawked. “Surely that’s a bit-“

“A man has to make a living.” The man said loudly, holding out an expectant hand. “Haven’t got all day lads, and neither has that train.”

Elphias looked at him worriedly and he understood completely. Albus quickly fished into his robes and produced two golden Galleons and handed them over to the man who snatched them with haste.

“I’ll pay you back.” Elphias said quickly, an embarrassed flush creeping onto his face.

“You can buy us lunch at the Leaky Cauldron.” Albus said cheerily, boarding the chariot with Humbug who’s squawks had begun to sound restless. Albus wordlessly undid the clasp on the cage and allowed Humbug to fly free.

“Meet us at the Cauldron!” He called after her, she hooted in response and did a lap around the carriage before flying off over the top of the trees. After a moment, the chariot began to move, a soft clopping noise coming from where the horses should have been.

“You think that they might be invisible ghosts?” Elphias asked curiously, fishing into his pocket to produce two Chocolate Frogs from the feast the previous night and handing one over to Albus.

“They’re Thestrals,” Albus said softly, opening his Chocolate Frog to discover that he had gotten Helga Hufflepuff on his card. “They can only be seen by people who have seen someone die.”

“Well that explains why we can’t see them then.” Elphias replied with a shiver. “Merlin, imagine if we ended up on the back of one of these!” Elphias held up his own card which sported Salazar Slytherin, the corner of Albus’s lip twitched.

“It would be nice.”

The carriage abruptly pulled to a stop and they soon realised that they had arrived at the train station.
“FINAL WHISTLE!” Came the call from the conductor who was walking up and down the platform, they gulped and grabbed their belongings and practically threw themselves towards the train which was already alive with action. Albus glanced around with an air of nostalgia.

“Goodbye Hogsmeade, goodbye Hogwarts, it was nice knowing you.”

“It was nice seeing the back of you!” Elphias yelled, resulting in a burst of laughter from various compartments.

“Alright alright, find your seats boys.” Came an stern voice from the end of the narrow corridor, they moved along the aisle for what seemed like forever as all the compartments seemed to be full.

“Hang on Albus, there’s an empty one here, actually no, it’s that kid who gives you jelly legs.. there’s one down here! There’s only Edith and Eve in it.”

Not wishing to spend the entire train ride back to London trying to make polite conversation, Albus cleared his throat. “Let’s try further down.”

To his delight, there was an empty compartment right at the very end of the row, the door was a bit stiff to pull open but Albus didn’t care, they flopped down on the seats with a satisfied sigh.

“How long do you think until the trolley lady gets here?” Elphias said longingly, his stomach giving a low growl. “I didn’t go to breakfast this morning.”
“Me neither.” Said Albus, Elphias winked at him teasingly. “But considering how far down we are it could be a while.” Elphias slumped back in the seat with a defeated huff.

“Damn. Oh well, if all else fails I could always eat you.”

Albus laughed. “I’m not sure that I’d be very tasty.” Elphias rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “True, all brain and no meat, it’s a shame Humbug isn’t here..”

“You aren’t eating my owl!”

“Relax! I’d only have one wing..”

“Anything off the trolley dears?”

“Saved by the trolley.” Albus said at once, going into his robes once more to find coins. “What would you like?”

“I’d kill for a Pumpkin Pasty.”

“At least it wouldn’t be Humbug!”

The Trolley Witch handed over the pasties with a kind smile. Albus also bought two bottles of Butterbeer which made Elphias clap his hands in celebration.
“This makes up for missing out on Firewhisky last night!” Elphias grinned.

“I wasn’t stopping you from going,” Albus began, finishing the last of his Chocolate Frog and wiping his mouth with a tartan handkerchief.

“I know, I suppose I should have expected it, it’s just.. you never seem interested in that kind of stuff Albus.”

“I suppose I’m just not a big drinker.” Albus said quietly, opening the latest edition of the Prophet with the title HIPPOGRIFFS: HAPPY OR HAPLESS?

“I wasn’t just talking about the drink!” Exclaimed Elphias, swigging back a large gulp of Butterbeer leaving white foam around his lips. “Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with a girlfriend Albus, has your head been so far into books and getting prizes that you haven’t seen life’s true pleasures?”

“There are plenty of pleasures in life Elphias.” Albus replied casually as he reached for his Butterbeer while simultaneously flipping the page of the Prophet. “This paper for example is frightfully fascinating, did you know that under the right temperatures Hippogriff squawks can be heard from the North Pole?”

“Trust me Albus, there’s no greater joy in life than when your head is right between a girls-“

“This would be great with some Sherbet.”

Elphias looked up to see Albus looking at his bottle of Butterbeer and pursing his lips.

“If it was just a little bit more fizzy it really would make all the difference!”

Upon seeing the confused look on Elphias’s face, Albus quickly explained that Sherbet was a Muggle dessert-type treat that he had discovered in the sweet shop at Godric’s Hollow. Elphias stared back at him dumbfounded.

“You really are something else Albus. Merlin help whoever employs you, you’ll probably be dropping random facts during intervals.”

Albus made a humming noise in response and buried his nose back into his newspaper. The train pulled into Platform Nine And Three Quarters with all of it’s signature bustle, they watched as the usual crowd of parents slowly crept into sight, waving joyfully to welcome their kids home. Albus thought with much joy that for the first time, he would not be forced to go along with them.

“Bloody great isn’t it!” Elphias said excitedly as they hauled their trunks off the train and made their way through the sea of faces who were still waiting on their children. “This is it Albus! We’re finally off!”

“Yes it is a relief.” Albus breathed gratefully as a young boy selling copies of the Prophet helped him to pick up his trunk after he tripped over it.

“Right, here seems a good spot, on the count of three then?”

CRACK

Moments later, they reappeared in the middle of the Leaky Cauldron, a strong smell of onion soup and crusty bread filling their noses, a warm fire was lit in the centre of the room that was surrounded by tables, the occasional mutter of laughter could be heard from the customers. Albus has always loved how homely it felt. He had fond memories of coming here with Aberforth when they were children to get Butterbeers while their mother browsed her way through Diagon Alley, once father had even given them a sip of his Firewhisky which earned him a stern telling off.

“Can I help you boys?” Came a squeaky voice from behind the bar, a short, bald haired wizard with a filthy apron that was splattered in onion soup was looking at them curiously, as were several house elves who were carrying plates of sandwiches over to a table near the fire.

“Yes actually,” Albus said, walking over to the bar. “My friend and I ordered a Portkey, we were told that it would arrive after eleven thirty?”

The man’s eyes lit up. “Are you that Dumbledore boy? The one that’s always in the Prophet for winning all the awards?” Albus felt a surge of pride at that. So his achievements weren’t going unnoticed!

“Yes that’s right, it’s great to meet you.”

“And you and you!” The man said excitedly, extending his hand for Albus to shake. “I do say my boy, is your mother quite well? She used to come in here quite frequently in the old days, I do miss our little chats.. such stories she would tell!”

Albus shifted in his spot uncomfortably, the way he always did whenever people brought up his family. “Thank you for asking, my mother is quite well, she finds herself rather busy these days that’s all.”

The man nodded his head apologetically. “Of course, apologises my boy.. I keep forgetting, it must be so hard with Percival off in Azkaban.. it’s funny, I never would’ve taken him for a Muggle hater! Such a lovely man he was too, we used to have the most pleasant conversations about the Gringotts renovations.”

Suddenly getting even more uncomfortable with the direction that the conversation was going, Albus cleared his throat. “That’s lovely to hear, we were wondering about the Portkey?”

The man held his hands up as he burst into laughter.

“Oh yes! Apologises Albus my boy, I do blabber on, it’s right here-“

They watched as the man fished underneath the bar for a moment and then reappeared with a door knocker resembling a trout, Albus took it with a small smile, not wanting to strike up conversation again in case it steered back to his family. His mother had always told him and Aberforth to keep quiet on such matters, for his father, it was “We don’t speak about it,” and for his sister, the select few who even knew of her existence that was, they informed her well wishers that she was ill. It was no matter, Albus didn’t like talking about Ariana anyway.

“Thank you sir, have a good afternoon.”

“Call me Diggory my boy!”
Albus walked back over to Elphias with a look of relief, something Elphias instantly recognised.

“Got it?”

“Yes, right here, charming object isn’t it?” Albus said humourlessly, holding up the trout shaped door knocker, Elphias’s face broke out into a grin.

“Bloody brilliant! I ordered us lunch by the way, keeping my side of the deal remember?” Elphias pointed out a small house elf who was scuttling towards them carrying a tray holding two bowls which Albus assumed held onion soup, along with a small loaf of bread and and little side dish of butter with all of their cutlery on the side.
“Here you are sirs, as you requested.” Squeaked the elf, plonking the tray down on the table and bowing low. Albus smiled kindly at the elf who gave him an odd sort of head tilt before hurrying back to the kitchens.

“Bloody elves,” said Elphias disapprovingly, already dunking a crust of bread into his steaming bowl of soup. “They always hurry about everywhere with this terrified look on their faces, as if we might hurt them or something!”

“That’s probably because Wizards aren’t very kind to them Elphias.” Albus replied gently, expertly buttering a slice of bread with one of the knives provided.
“Oh come on Albus! We’ve never done anything to them! They don’t have to look so worried!”

“Yes but they don’t know that.” Albus said through a mouthful of bread. “House elves are used to being cursed if they don’t clean a chimney correctly, I don’t blame them for being cautious.”

After a few more grumbles from Elphias they tucked into the rest of their lunch in comfortable silence, enjoying the atmosphere of the Leaky Cauldron with a quiet sense of contentment. When their bowls had been scraped clean, (Albus had to stop Elphias for going back for a second helping!) they huddled around the Portkey. Humbug who had made her presence known in the middle of lunch sat on Albus’s shoulder, affectionately picking at the collar of his shirt with her beak. “Right then, are you sure we have everything?”

“Yes Albus.”

“Map?”

“Yes Albus.”

“Muggle money?”

“Yes Albus.”

“Wand?”

“No, I left it at Hogwarts.”

“What?”

“I’m kidding Albus.”

Albus breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s just under a minute boys!” Shouted Diggory from behind the bar, Albus waved his thanks before taking hold of the trout’s tail with one hand and clutching the handle of his trunk with the other.

“We have to go to the Athenian Dragon Institution first,” said Elphias, his boyish face practically radiating with excitement. “I’d love to see if I could get a vial of blood from the Athenian Angelton.. incredibly rare you know.”
Albus chuckled. “I can’t say there’s much chance of that happening Elphias, why if I didn’t know-“

There was a screech of an owl, seconds later a large tawny owl landed on top of Albus’s suitcase, a small letter clutched in it’s beak.

“Isn’t that Aberforth’s owl?” Elphias asked as Albus pulled it free, an untidy scrawl addressing him.

“Yes but it’s fine. I’ve probably just forgotten something.. I always do Elphias.”

“Alright well read it quick! The Portkey is going to leave any moment.”
Albus broke the wax seal depicting the Dumbledore family crest. It was funny.. they only normally use that colour when-

Albus,

There was an accident. Ariana is fine,
I put a silencing charm on her room before they could arrive. Mother lost consciousness about half an hour ago, Bathilda has been trying to revive her without any luck. She hasn’t made it.
Can you please come home as soon as possible.

Aberforth

Albus clutched the letter in his hand, the words replaying over and over in his head. It couldn’t be.. mother said that she was getting so much better..

“Albus? The Portkey!”

“I can’t go Elphias.”

Elphias let go of the Portkey just as it began to light up, his face a picture of concern.

“What’s happened Albus?”

Albus stared numbly, the shock not yet registering. But it would.
“My mother is dead. I have to go home.”

Chapter Text

“You got Pygmys owl then.”

Albus stood solemnly in the middle of their small kitchen, Aberforth was sitting in a wooden chair by the back door clutching their mother’s necklace in his hands, his face streaked with tears.

“How did it happen Aberforth?” Albus asked gently, pulling up another chair to sit opposite Aberforth who let out a small sob.

“Ari didn’t know what she was doing.. you know how confused she gets. Mother was trying to calm her down, I told her I would do it but she said she could handle it.. then she got too close when Ari had one of her.. oh god.” Aberforth buried his face in his hands. Albus watched helplessly. What could you possibly say that could be of comfort after your mad sister accidentally kills your mother?

“Elphias is staying in the village,” Albus said suddenly as he reached for that morning’s edition of the Prophet, hoping that something cheerful might be in it that could improve Aberforth’s mood. Aberforth snorted through his tears. “That bloody teachers pet. What is he doing here anyway? I thought he was going with you on your grand tour.” “He wanted to come for the funeral to show support.” Albus replied, scanning through the pages of the newspaper. “He’s going to leave once it’s finished.”

“Right.” Aberforth said coolly, wiping his face with a scrap of material. “Look at this Aberforth,” Albus said encouragingly, flipping round the Prophet to show a page that had caught his eye. “Chudley Cannons seeker gets caught smuggling cauldrons, who would’ve thought! You support them do you not?” Aberforth craned his head to look at the page, sure enough, the title stuck out like a Hippogriff wearing a top hat.

CANNONS SEEKER FICKLEBEY CAUGHT IN CAULDRONS SCANDAL, EXPERTS SAY IT MAY AFFECT PLACE IN CHAMPIONSHIP “Interesting.” Aberforth said emotionlessly, rubbing his bloodshot eyes which unintentionally made them look even worse. “I’m going to check on Ari, she was in a right state.. poor thing.” Albus watched as Aberforth pulled himself up from the chair with great effort. Despite only being fifteen, Aberforth looked as though he had aged 10 years since Albus had seen him at the feast scowling into his custard. Albus slumped back in his chair, ignoring the slight creaking noise it gave as he did so. The distant clicking noise from the grandfather clock in the hall was his only other sign of movement. His mother was dead, his father was in Azkaban labelled as a muggle hater, his sister was mad and unable to be left alone and his brother was hotheaded and goat obsessed. Albus covered his face with his hands. This was not how things were supposed to go! He should be out there with Elphias, proving his greatness and earning a place of respect in the Wizarding Society, instead he was stuck in a tiny village with an unstable family. Albus was pulled out of his hands by the sound of hooting, he looked up to see Humbug perched on the window’s ledge, a dead mouse hanging from her beak. “At least one of us is happy.” Albus muttered, standing up with an audible groan and grabbing Ariana’s calming potion before heading up the stairs.

“ARI IT’S ALRIGHT!”

“I WANT MUMMA! ABFORTH WHERE IS SHE?”

“ALBUS GET IN HERE!”

Albus came into Ariana’s battered room to find Aberforth cradling a screaming Ariana in his arms, she kept trying to unsuccessfully wriggle free while her skin crackled with uncontainable magic. “Shh Ariana.. Aberforth hold her still.” Albus instructed as he undid the stopper on the potion bottle, Aberforth carefully tipped her head back as Albus poured the silvery liquid down her throat. The effect was instant. Ariana’s blue eyes became hazy and distant as she slipped into a deep sleep. Albus helped Aberforth to lift her back into bed and cover her with the sheets, tucking a toy Niffler in beside her. “She’s getting worse again,” Albus said quietly, Aberforth looked at him with disbelief. “Of course she bloody is! Our mother.. our mother has just died! That was the last bottle of potion too, I don’t know how to brew it Albus.”

“I can make it.” Albus said at once, feeling useful for the first time since he had returned to Godric’s Hollow. “Speaking of which, I don’t think Ariana should attend mother’s funeral.”

“Why not?” Shot back Aberforth, his face screwing up in annoyance.
“She was Ari’s mother too! We can’t just leave her out because-“

“We can and we have to.” Albus said plainly, gathering up all of the empty potion bottles that were scattered around Ariana’s worn out room. “If she has one of her episodes, it could put her, us, and everyone attending the funeral at risk. Plus, I could be arrested and you kicked out of Hogwarts for knowingly sheltering a threat to the secrecy of the Wizarding World.”

“I don’t give a goat’s arse about what they think!” Raged Aberforth, his face wet with angry tears. “You don’t want her there anyway because you’re scared she’ll embarrass you and ruin your perfect reputation! If they knew what-“

“Aberforth.” Albus said sharply, fixing him with a hard stare that could have sent his Professors cowering.
“She’s not coming. That’s the end of it.”

Aberforth opened his mouth to speak and then closed it. Upon seeing that the battle was won, Albus collected the last of the empty potion bottles and headed for the door. “Where are you going?” Aberforth called after him as he reached the top of the stairs followed by a trail of floating potion bottles.

“To visit Elphias,” Albus called back, shrugging on his coat after discarding the potion bottles in the kitchen.

“What am I supposed to do?” Aberforth called to him over the bannister. “Keep an eye on Ariana,” Albus said simply, heading out the door without another word. What a waste! Wasted potential! What was the point of getting all those awards if he’s stuck babysitting?

“You look a fright Albus.”

Elphias leaned against a wall next to the entrance of the Churchyard in a dark blue coat that was far too extravagant to pass as Muggle wear, as several passers by gaping at his attire would prove. “I feel it.” Albus said tiredly, pulling himself up onto the wall next to Elphias with a huff.

“I’m so sorry about your mother. I’m sure she was a fine woman, I regret not meeting her.”

“Thank you Elphias, but I’m afraid to say that she wasn’t a very social woman, actually the only person she talked to on a frequent basis other than us was Bathilda.”

Elphias blinked. “Really? That chap in the Leaky Cauldron seemed to know her quite well.” Albus opened a crumpled bag of Humbugs from his pocket with a wrinkled nose. “That was before my sister got ill, I’m afraid that ever since then she’s limited herself greatly.”

“How is Ariana?” Elphias asked tentatively, noting the uncomfortable look on his face at the mention of Ariana’s name. “She has long term Spattergroit.” Albus said stiffly, twirling a fallen twig between his fingers. “It flares up so frequently it’s incredibly dangerous for anyone to get close to her, we can’t even get a healer from St Mungos in to have a look at her.”
Elphias looked extremely apologetic.

“I’m so sorry Albus, I had no idea..” “Don’t worry about it.” Albus said emptily, staring off into the distance. “Hardly anyone knows anyway, she can’t even come to our mother’s funeral, it’s too much of a risk.”

“Oh that’s awful,” Elphias groaned, declining the offer of Humbugs when Albus held out the bag to him in invitation. “So are you just going to go on once the service is over?” Albus asked, a slight trace of envy in his tone. Elphias rubbed his neck awkwardly.

“Yes, that was the plan. I’m so sorry that you can’t come Albus, I promise that I’ll write and keep you updated.” Albus sighed deeply. “No, you go on Elphias, nothing is tying you here. Of course you should. Ignore me, I think I’m still in shock from.. you know.”

Elphias nodded. He looked guilty, like a dog that had stolen a treat. They sat in silence watching the villagers pass, the odd condolence came to Albus from several neighbours, his answer was always the same. “Thank you very much, my mother would appreciate your kind words. If you can, you are welcome to attend the funeral on the third.” Only when the sun started to set did they leave their spot on the wall, a bag of Humbugs down and excruciatingly sore backsides from sitting for so long. They both winced as they stretched. “I’d better be going Albus,” Elphias said regretfully, straightening his coat. “I’m staying at the Crooks Creek, you know where that is of course.. send an owl if I can be of any help.” Albus nodded wordlessly and turned away from Elphias to begin the walk back home. They only lived round the corner from the Church so it wasn’t far to walk thankfully, in a small cottage next to Bathilda Bagshot who had proved herself to be a wonderful neighbour. Just as he was passing her cottage she stuck her head out from behind a bramble bush, one hand tightly clutching a garden tool. She wore a pale blue dress and a garden apron with her light blonde hair tied back with a flowery scarf. Albus was extremely fond of Bathilda. She had a naturally kind aura, she was the sort of person that you could know for five minutes and feel as though you had been acquaintances for years.

“Albus dear! I was hoping to catch a word with you.”

Albus paused as Bathilda hopped out from behind the bramble bush and hurried towards her garden gate, picking up a basket of blackberries as she went. “I do apologise for my disarray dear, I’m trying to get the place organised, my nephew is coming to stay in a few days would you believe it!” Albus smiled, though his heart was not in it and it didn’t reach his eyes. Bathilda hung her apron on the garden gate and pulled him into a bone cracking hug.

“I’m so terribly sorry to hear about your mother dear,” she whispered into his ear as she clung to his frame, Albus would have pulled away but he knew that doing so would have hurt Bathilda’s feelings greatly. She was only trying to help after all. “Thank you Bathilda. You’re more than welcome to come to the funeral, all the company Aberforth and myself can get is widely appreciated.” Bathilda pulled back sniffling, her eyes damp with tears.

“Such a dreadful thing to happen. And poor little Ariana.. I saw Kendra walking her around the garden one night, it must be awful for her to be so ill.” Albus shuffled his feet. Why did everyone keep asking about Ariana?

“Thank you Bathilda.” Albus repeated once again, more urgency in his voice than before. “I really must be getting back..” Bathilda stepped back at once. “Of course dear, I’m so sorry to have kept you..”

“No it’s alright,” Albus said quickly, suddenly feeling terribly guilty. “It’s just that Aberforth is quite delicate at the moment and I don’t feel right about leaving him for long.”

Bathilda smiled sadly. “Such a troubled boy he is, do send him my best Albus. Oh! And before you go-“ Albus watched as Bathilda briskly picked up the basket filled to the brim with blackberries and walked back over to offer it to him. “This is terribly kind of you Bathilda, you really don’t need to-“

“Say nothing of it dear.” Bathilda said fondly, smoothing out a strand of his hair. “It’s the least I can do, what a terrible time your family is going through.. anything I can do to help just let me know.”

With a basket of berries in hand, Albus bid farewell to Bathilda who he felt watching him long after he had turned away, only when he was on the brink of opening the front door did she finally resume her gardening. Albus put the berries on the kitchen table with a slight thud before looking around for a bowl. Once he had located one, he poured the berries into the bowl and took them to the sink where he washed them carefully, Aberforth’s warnings ringing in his ear. “You know how she doesn’t like them having any bits left on them!” After he was satisfied, Albus drained the water and got a smaller bowl still from the cupboard, he gathered up a handful of berries and put them in the bowl. After picking out a page from the Prophet with a picture of a Niffler chasing a Galleon all over an article that he was sure Ariana would like did he finally head upstairs. Albus paused briefly outside Ariana’s room, after detecting no sign of disturbance he slowly crept in, berries and newspaper page in hand. “Ariana? I thought you might enjoy.. oh, I thought she was alone.”

“I thought she needed the company,” Aberforth replied distantly from where he sat on the corner of Ariana’s bed, Albus soon realised that he was making her toy Niffler dance much to Ariana’s delight.

“I brought her some berries that’s all, oh, and I saw this in the prophet..” Albus handed over the berries followed by the newspaper piece with the Niffler chasing the Galleon, to his relief it had its desired effect. Soon enough, Ariana was munching on the berries kindly provided by Bathilda while she watched the Niffler race across the newspaper page, even Aberforth began to enjoy himself. Albus smiled as he silently shut the door. It was moments like this that he didn’t mind, it was everything else that weighed him down. Albus crept over the hallway to his room and shut the door as quietly as he could, leaving him alone with all of his achievements. Albus stared longingly at his prizes that littered the walls and shelves, countless photographs of him clutching awards with a huge smile plastered on his face, a million Daily Prophet segments where he had featured, Aberforth had attempted to throw the issues out but he had saved them all. After his mother’s funeral, Elphias would leave. Leave to have the adventures that he was supposed to share, maybe he would’ve added a few more awards to his walls had he gone.. the odd new photograph here and there.. him standing next to a pleased official while he beamed out his greatness, never to be. Only a tapping noise coming from his window was enough to pull him out of his thoughts. Albus smiled when he saw Humbug perched outside his window ledge, his cheerfulness quickly turned to a frown when he saw that she was dripping wet with rain. With slight reluctance, Albus stiffly opened the window to allow the brown owl inside. Albus peered out of the window to get a better view of Bathilda’s front garden where she had spent so many hours diligently working away, and he noticed with great sorrow that the storm had reduced it into a swamp. What was it that she said? Her nephew was visiting or something? In all the years that Albus had known Bathilda, he had never seen her welcome any relative. Merlin as his witness, he hadn’t even known that she had a nephew! Albus closed his window with a slight squeak, the hinges had certainly seen better days. No matter. He went over to his desk and swiftly picked up his wand, twirling it a few times before pointing it at the hinges. “Reparo!” Albus said in a clear voice. Instantly, the hinges straightened up and looked as if they had been installed yesterday. Satisfied, Albus stroked Humbug who had come over to inspect his work. “What do you think girl?” Albus asked the curious owl. Humbug hooted in agreement and he took it as confirmation enough that the job was done. Albus flopped back onto his bed, kicking off his shoes and socks and blowing out the candle that sat on his bedside table next to a commemorative snitch that Nicolas had sent him after he became Head Boy. In a few days it would all be over. His mother would be buried, Elphias would be gone and he’d be stuck looking after Aberforth and Ariana. And worst of all, once Aberforth was back at school that would be him permanently tied down until he graduated! How bitterly unfair it was. Humbug hooted from the corner of the room and Albus tilted his head up to look at her, the owl stared back with unblinking eyes. “You’re stuck just like I am.” Albus muttered grumpily before burying his head under his pillow, it was in that position that after nearly an hour of thinking about ways to escape his situation that he finally fell asleep.

The day of their mother’s funeral came on the 3rd of July. In the several days before, Albus had tried his best to keep the peace between him and Aberforth, who was still very distressed at Ariana not being able to attend. “It’s for the best Aberforth.” Albus said for perhaps the millionth time in two days as he ladled porridge into bowls using a levitation charm, sugar, milk, and honey poured themselves into smaller bowls surrounding their own with a spoon neatly falling into the sugar. Aberforth grunted in response as he drizzled honey over his porridge and did the same to Ariana’s, but to a much smaller degree. “It’s bloody outrageous that she can’t come today,” said Aberforth for the 15th time that morning. Albus sighed as he sprinkled sugar over his porridge and opened the latest edition of the Prophet. The hot topic of conversation on the front page being the state of mind of house elves, the title HOUSE ELVES, HEARTLESS OR HARMLESS? Was written in bold letters above a picture of an elf with lopsided ears.

“It’s too dangerous Aberforth, and I’m sure that Ariana would agree.” Said Albus warily as his attention was stolen by the house elf article. “Look at this Aberforth, they might be thinking about putting in new house elf legislation to make it harder to buy one! Oh that part is interesting too.. Merlin, I didn’t know-“

“I don’t give a damn about house elves!” Squawked Aberforth as he tried to get Ariana to eat a spoonful of porridge without much success. “This is about our mother’s funeral Albus! Ariana is her child too and deserves to be there.. oh come on Ari, it’s got honey on it! You like honey don’t you? Open up, one.. two..”

“Aberforth it’s not happening.” Albus snapped, his patience wearing thin. “She’s staying here. I’ve brewed more of her potion so we can give her that before we leave, she’ll be perfectly fine.” Aberforth opened his mouth to reply but Albus was already out of his seat. “We’re leaving soon. Make sure she’s in bed before you get changed, I’ll give her the potion before we go.” Albus picked up his newspaper from the table and headed for the kitchen door, the sounds of Ariana eating her porridge and Aberforth grumbling about how “bloody unfair it was,” soon became distant as he climbed the stairs to his room two at a time. In what universe was it unfair? Aberforth jolly well knew how unstable Ariana was! If she had one of her rages, it could injure or kill anyone who was attending the funeral. Albus had made it perfectly clear where he stood on the matter ever since he had returned, but Aberforth had been deliberately difficult at every opportunity. From scowling at him at every turn to yelling at Elphias when he had come to their door to check on how things were, Albus was getting increasingly fed up with his brother as each day passed. And now as much as Albus wished that it wouldn’t come, the day of their mother’s funeral was here. And and any chance of his escape would leave with Elphias. “I know Humbug,” Albus said bitterly under his breath as he put on his best black robes, the last time he wore them was to a party at the Ministry. “This is what is bloody unfair.” Humbug gave a loud hoot before flying out of his open window which had been open a lot more since he had fixed it. After straightening his tie, Albus regarded himself in the mirror, smoothing out his wonky curl that his mother had shifted heaven and earth to try and make lie flat.

“Aberforth! It’s time to go!”

Albus craned his ears for a response, after several moments he heard a muffled grunt and he tutted in acceptance. So that was how it was going to be.. Albus desperately hoped that Aberforth’s attitude towards him would calm down as he couldn’t bear to be stuck with him for two months in the state he was in. Albus slipped his wand neatly into his robe pocket and picked up a new bottle of potion for Ariana that he had woken up early to make. After administering it to a surprisingly cooperative Ariana and tucking her into bed with her favourite toy Niffler, Albus went down to wait by the front door for Aberforth who appeared minutes later wearing a pair of dress robes with black lace that were at least three sizes too big for him. Albus suspected that they must have once belonged to their father, but not wanting to rock the boat further he said nothing.

“Ready to go?” Albus asked politely, one hand already turning the door handle. Aberforth grunted and itched at his collar, pulling the lace out from under the neckline leaving it looking extremely lopsided. Again, Albus said nothing. They walked down to the Church in relative silence, Albus tried to initiate conversation several times to no avail, Aberforth seemed dead set on rebuffing him.

“What a lovely day it is! Mother loved weather like this Aberforth, it’s lucky especially considering that awful storm we had the other night.”

“Ngh.”

“Look at those flowers over there! Mother was fond of daisies wasn’t she? Why don’t we pick some to take along?”

“They might set off my allergies.”

“Wow, a lot more people came along than I thought. Is that Professor Kirk? I didn’t think he would show! You have him for Transfiguration don’t you Aberforth?”

“Albus?”

“Yes?”

“Stop trying.”

They gathered in front of the Church as they waited for the carriage carrying their mother’s coffin to arrive, Albus took the opportunity to thank everyone for coming, Aberforth took the opportunity to scowl at anyone who looked his way.

“Merlin, Aberforth couldn’t look any more grumpy if he tried.”

Albus turned to see Elphias standing behind him wearing a dark robe with diamonds creeping up the hem, Albus thought that the outfit gave enough funeral and just enough room left over to emit style, he was actually quite envious of it. “Elphias, thank you so much for coming.” Albus said gratefully, squeezing Elphias’s hand who held it back just as tight.

“Not at all Albus not at all, you’ve got a pretty decent turnout I must say, your mother must have been popular!”

Albus had to agree. A good portion of his Professors along with several Ministry officials had come along, several of which he didn’t remember inviting, maybe Bathilda had pulled a few strings? She was the only one that his mother spoke to after all. Albus noticed Bathilda slipping in line next to a tall wizard wearing a dark blue top hat just as the coffin arrived. She was wearing a polka dot dress along with a black lace scarf which she had draped over her head, giving her both the appearance of a Gothic Bride and a Nun. Then the Priest appeared at the door of the church, suitably dressed in black robes and a white collar, Albus thought that it made Bathilda’s polka dot dress stand out even more in contrast.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you would all please make your way in and take your seats as we welcome Kendra Dumbledore on her final journey,” The Priest announced in a soft voice which made Albus feel oddly nostalgic for the days when his mother would read him and Aberforth tales from Beedle the Bard under firelight, the scribble of his father’s quill as he worked while mother entertained them with Babbity Rabbity, remembering how she even put on voices for the different characters which even Aberforth used to find utterly hilarious in their younger years.

“If I could ask Kendra’s sons, Albus and Aberforth to come forward to lead the procession.”

Albus stepped forward before turning to beckon Aberforth forward too, soon Aberforth was following him down the aisle of the Church as they led the guests in. After they were all seated, they turned to watch their mother’s coffin making the same journey, the only difference being that she was carried by men in dark suits.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here to celebrate the life of Kendra Dumbledore, who regretfully passed on from this life on the 1st July after 48 blessed years..”

“Are you alright Albus?” Whispered Elphias from beside him, Albus clutched his arm gratefully. Aberforth had scowled at the prospect of Elphias sitting with them but Albus had insisted, along with Bathilda, who sat next to Aberforth quietly weeping into a flowery handkerchief.

“I think so,” Albus muttered back, not losing eye contact with the Priest so that it wasn’t obvious. “I’m just glad that Ariana hasn’t been dragged into it yet.” Albus ignored the huff from Aberforth’s direction and sat back straighter in his seat after declining the offer of Bathilda’s soggy handkerchief.

“Kendra is survived by her children, Albus aged 17 and Aberforth aged 15, and her only daughter Ariana..”

Albus let out a tiny groan. He didn’t look at Aberforth who he felt trying to catch his eye, no doubt to smugly prove to him that Ariana couldn’t be erased.

“.. who couldn’t attend the service today for medical reasons. I now ask you to join me in the final song requested by Kendra herself, In his arms I lie.” Albus pulled himself out of his seat for the final song just as the organ began to play, Bathilda’s sobbing could still be heard even over the screechy instrument, Albus thought that it was a testament to her lungs.

“Looks like Ariana did attend in her own way.” Aberforth muttered in a voice only intended for Albus to hear, Albus pretended not to notice and began to sing the final hymn, blocking Aberforth trying to distract him out of his mind for the duration of the song.

“What a wonderful service that was Albus,” Bathilda said in a choked up voice after the service had come to a close, Albus smiled and took her hand. “Thank you Bathilda, it means the world that you were able to come, I know that my mother is watching over us now.”

Bathilda gave another quiet sob, Albus wondered discreetly how she had any tears left in her, she hadn’t stopped crying from the moment that his mother’s coffin had set foot in the Church.

“I’m so sorry dear,” Bathilda said as she wiped her nose with her handkerchief that was well beyond saving. “I always cry at funerals! Merlin have mercy, I’m going to look a fright when Gellert arrives this evening.”

“Gellert?” Albus asked curiously, Bathilda looked puzzled for a split second before realising his cluelessness.

“Oh of course, you’ve never met him! Well truth be told neither have I dear, but he did send me a photograph along with his letter asking to come and stay, a handsome looking boy he is too.. he’s only a year younger than you Albus, maybe you two would like to be aquatinted?”

Albus saw a brief glimmer of hope. After Elphias leaves he would be all alone.. perhaps this Gellert could be company for him? “Yes of course, I’d like that,” Albus said kindly. Bathilda looked thrilled. “Oh wonderful! Now I don’t know what he is like in person so I can’t say for certain that you boys will have similar interests, of course he sounded extremely pleasant and well-mannered in his letters, but you can never read a book by its cover! It’s surprising, especially considering that he went to Durmstrang..”

Albus paused. The flame dying out no sooner than it was lit. Durmstrang, the school famed for giving birth to dark wizards and being extremely tolerant of the dark arts? “Actually I don’t know Bathilda,” Albus said uncomfortably, not liking the disappointment creeping onto Bathilda’s expression at the sight of his enthusiasm fading.
“It’s just that I’m going to need to step up a lot more now that my mother is gone, and Aberforth can’t cope all by himself and then there’s Ariana..”

Bathilda picked up her handbag and patted Albus’s arm reassuringly. “I understand completely dear. I just thought that it might be nice to have some company, it might have taken your mind away from all the awfulness with Kendra.. no matter, you know where I live if you change your mind!”

Albus watched her leave with a slight feeling of sadness. Poor Bathilda. She had only ever tried to help his family, first with his mother and now with him, was he turning his back on her just like his mother had so often when she was still alive?

“That’s me off now Albus,” Elphias said sadly, extending a hand for Albus to shake. “I promise I’ll be in touch, I might even send you some Angelton blood if I can convince them to give me some!”

Albus chuckled fondly. “We’ll see. Good luck Elphias, I mean it truly.” They shook hands and Elphias disapparated in a flash. Albus stared at the spot where Elphias had been only moments before until he felt a tapping on his shoulder, bringing him back to reality.

“Come on Albus, Ari has been alone too long.” Aberforth began to tap his foot impatiently. Albus quickly grabbed a bunch of flowers to sent by a well wisher and they left the Church, the ghost of their mother departing with them as they set foot into the warm Summer air.

No sooner had he taken three steps into his room and closed the door Albus tore off his dress robes, they had become uncomfortably hot sitting in the stuffy Church and he had no desire to be in them for a moment longer. Ariana was fine. Aberforth had charged upstairs to check on her as soon as they arrived home, Albus had half expected to hear a yell from Aberforth bringing bad news as was usually the case with their sister, fortunately and to his great relief, Ariana was soundly asleep in her bed, her toy Niffler cuddled up under her arm. After his last article of clothing from the funeral had been discarded, Albus pulled on his pajama trousers, neglecting the matching shirt as it was far too hot in recent nights.

“Well that’s it Humbug,” Albus spoke aloud to the owl who was perched on his windowsill and more interested by something happening outside than anything he had to say.

“We are all alone now. Nothing but you, me, a goat crazed brother and an unstable sister, but as is life. Why if I- are you even listening to me?” Albus said irritably, pulling himself up off the bed and dragging himself over to the window to see what had caught Humbug’s attention. No sooner after he had arrived before his window did a large carriage pulled by two black horses suddenly burst into view, circling the street once before pulling to a stop outside Bathilda’s house next door. Albus watched in awe, who could have possibly afforded such a magnificent carriage? A side door to the carriage swung open, and a young man stepped out carrying a greyish looking owl on his arm along with a black satchel. Albus drank in the sight of Bathilda’s visitor with undisguised greed. He wore a long black coat with silver buttons, smart trousers along with polished black shoes and black leather gloves which even from his distance, looked wildly expensive. He had had golden blonde hair with hints of brown which lit up his face and made his already sharp cheekbones look even more pronounced, along with an expression that radiated pure charm with just a hint of mischief.

Albus watched as Bathilda’s merry visitor knocked on her door and waited, his handsome face instantly breaking into a smile when the door opened and Bathilda pulled him into the same crushing hug that Albus himself had been dealt. Albus watched them until they eventually broke apart, his eyes never once leaving the young man until he stepped inside Bathilda’s house and disappeared from view.

Perhaps he had been hasty..

“Aberforth?” Albus called out into the hall from his door, not expecting a response but suddenly hoping for one with an urgency that he had not felt before. Then the grunt came and Albus rejoiced. “I’m going over to Bathilda’s tomorrow, she invited me over to meet her nephew who has come to stay with her, is that alright?”

Another grunt. Well that was as good as a yes. Albus closed his door gently, being careful not to wake Ariana and he lay down on his bed, Humbug hooted from the corner of his room and he chucked her an owl treat which she flew up to catch in mid-air.

“Never judge a book before you read it Humbug,” Albus said fondly to the owl who came over and landed next to him on his bed, he stroked her feathers until he began to feel drowsy, he then blew the candle out and fell back against his pillows, falling asleep just as she flew out the window leaving a warm breeze in her wake.

Chapter Text

“Where are you going?”

“Bathilda invited me over to meet her nephew who arrived yesterday.” Albus replied smoothly, tucking a copy of the Prophet under his arm as he sipped his tea. He had risen early that morning, after sleeping surprisingly well which shocked him, especially considering that they had just buried their mother. After cleaning out Humbug’s cage and writing letters of apologies to his Greek hosts that he was supposed to meet had he gone on his trip with Elphias, Albus had come downstairs to discover Aberforth and Ariana already up and making Cauldron Cakes.

“Is that really wise?” Albus asked cautiously as Ariana began to get a bit wild stirring the mixture, Aberforth smiled and put a steadying hand on her shoulder.

“I don’t see anything wrong with it. Besides, I wanted to do something with her considering that she was banned from attending her own mother’s funeral yesterday,” Aberforth said with an accusing stare. Albus ignored him, instead opting to pick up a Cauldron Cake from a batch that they had made before his arrival in the kitchen. To his delight, they were still warm.

“Can I take some of these with me?” Albus enquired, taking a bite from the corner of a cake which to his surprise, was actually rather good, Aberforth had improved greatly since his last attempt. Ariana leaped forward excitedly, sparks went flying into the air at the sudden movement which Albus quickly evaporated with a simple wave of his wand.

“Oh please! Take a bunch! Abforth doesn’t mind do you?”

Aberforth’s expression twitched for the briefest of moments but upon seeing the pleading look on Ariana’s face he softened. Albus thanked Ariana silently for her influence on Aberforth, it actually proved itself useful in instances like this.

“No Ari, it’s fine, of course it is.”

Aberforth said through a smile that looked so fake Albus was certain it must have been painful. The things Aberforth did to keep Ariana happy! Albus watched as Ariana hurried to fill a plate with the Cauldron Cakes, only stepping in when the plate got so full they began to slide off. To keep the peace, Albus promised that if he left some behind then they would all get eaten, even promising that they could have them for breakfast until they were all gone which he said through crossed fingers. Ariana clapped her hands in delight all the same, which ultimately was enough for him.

“Just don’t stay out too late,” Aberforth said loudly while Albus put a cloth over the plate holding the cakes, it didn’t really hide them but he wanted the element of surprise to be present.
“Oh and go to the Greengrocer and get some grapes for Ari, you know how much she likes them.”

“I will,” Albus replied promptly, already halfway out the kitchen door carrying the plate leaving Aberforth and Ariana in a Cauldron Cake battered kitchen, he made a mental note to clean it up when he returned.

“Are you coming to see her?”

“I beg your pardon?”

Albus stopped abruptly just as soon as he had taken the first step through Bathilda’s garden gate, the plate of Cauldron Cakes still precariously in hand. A young girl wearing a smock blue dress with a flowery pattern was blocking his path, her arms were folded in a petulant manner. She had dark hair and a beaky nose along with a ferocious expression that he had so often seen in Aberforth.

“I said are you coming to see her? Baggy I mean?” The girl repeated, her tone impatient.

“Yes that was my plan,” Albus said awkwardly, feeling increasingly annoyed that he was getting a telling off from a child. The girl huffed and stepped aside before plonking herself down on Bathilda’s lawn, she then began pulling up daisies haphazardly. Albus thought mournfully about how much Ariana would have loved them.

“If you are going in to see her, could you ask my mother to please hurry up, we’ve been here for ages!”

Albus bit his tounge. “Yes of course,” he said stiffly as he passed where she sat on the lawn, dodging her leg as she tried unsuccessfully to trip him. He had barely reached up for the door knocker when the door suddenly swung open, a stern faced woman appeared in the doorframe. Albus instantly thought about how she lacked all of Bathilda’s kind features, and most notably she shared the same beaky nose with the grumpy looking girl who was currently sitting on Bathilda’s lawn tearing up clumps of grass with her bare hands.

“MURIEL! GET OFF THAT GRASS THIS INSTANT! YOU’LL RUIN YOUR DRESS!”

The stern faced woman who Albus quickly connected as Muriel’s mother stepped out of the door with Bathilda close behind her, Albus tried not to take offence as the woman moved past him as if he was invisible, he had to clutch onto the plate for dear life as she barged past him, keen to get to a sour faced Muriel who had quickly scrabbled up from where she sat only moments before upon the sight of her mother.

“Well that was delightful Bathilda,” the woman barked to Bathilda who stood just inside the doorway, a kind smile upon her face the way it always was, Albus affectionately wondered if it was her natural resting face.

“It was lovely seeing you Ethel,” Bathilda said in a sweet voice as Ethel took Muriel by the arm and led her towards the garden gate, Albus had half considered that he might be invisible until Bathilda caught sight of him, that kind twinkle dancing in the corner of her eyes which made him feel at home.

“I hope you will come again soon!” Bathilda shouted down the garden path, Albus turned to see Ethel and an equally bitter faced Muriel giving Bathilda a final wave before disappearing behind a bush, a distant crack came and he knew that they had Disapparated. Albus then turned his attention back to Bathilda who was quick to pull him into another bone-cracking hug, the plate of Cauldron Cakes in his left hand was hanging on by a thread.

“Albus dear! I’m so glad you could come!” Bathilda exclaimed happily, stepping back to take a proper look at him. Albus smiled softly, pushing back his awkward curl before handing over the plate of Cauldron Cakes before they could risk damage yet again.

“I do apologise.. I didn’t know that you had company-“

“Think nothing of it dear, Ethel was just on her way out.. ohhh, are these Cauldron Cakes?”

“Yes,” Albus replied immediately, puffing his chest out which went unnoticed by Bathilda, who was already taking a bite into one of the cakes and making sounds of satisfaction. “I was already cooking and I thought I might make them for my sister, they are her favourite you see.”

Bathilda’s face lit up. “Oh you thoughtful boy! What a wonderful thing to do, poor Ariana.. I do wish I could meet her..”

“Who is it Aunt Bathilda?”

Albus darted his eyes past Bathilda to see the handsome boy who had been in the carriage standing in her hallway, a look of curiosity upon his face at the new visitor. He had ivory coloured skin and even sharper cheekbones in person than Albus had first glanced from his window, he wore a puff-sleeved black shirt with matching black trousers, a silver chain only just visible was hidden underneath his collar matched with what looked to be a ring on his right hand. Even from a distance, Albus thought that there was an air of mischievousness about him, almost as if he were holding back the punchline of some brilliant joke, his slight smile was daring, and his eyes which Albus suddenly realised were different colours, twinkled with thinly veiled amusement.

“Oh Gellert! This is Albus dear, the boy I was telling you about remember?”

“Of course, I remember perfectly.”

Albus watched as Gellert briskly came out into the sunlight, his blonde hair shining under the morning glow. He extended a hand which Albus took on instinct, his hand was warm and made the hairs on Albus’s neck stand up the longer he held onto it.

“My condolences on the news of your mother,” Gellert said quietly in a velvety voice that was thick like a rich chocolate with hints of a shedding accent that flowed through each word he spoke.
Albus nodded and traced his eyes over Gellert’s expression, the amusement that he had seen such a short time ago was gone and replaced by a look of concern. The sudden intensity of emotion in his eyes was of such a manner that he hadn’t seen in a long time from anyone, let alone a stranger.

“Thank you,” Albus said in a cracked voice that made him curse himself in frustration. Gellert appeared unbothered, fixing him with the same stare that shone with feeling.

“Why don’t we all go inside?” Bathilda suggested. “Albus has kindly brought along some Cauldron Cakes which would go nicely with a cup of tea!”

Albus had briefly forgotten that she was still there. He let go of Gellert’s hand and stepped back to let her past him, she bustled into the house carrying his plate leaving a trail of lavender which Albus suspected was her perfume. Gellert gestured towards the door with an open palm, that slight almost unnoticeable smile was back in the corner of his lips.

“After you.”

Albus moved past Gellert with an air of shyness, he suddenly felt very out of place. His tatty shirt with a loose button and trousers that were a half inch too small made him feel incredibly self conscious. Albus desperately hoped that Gellert hadn’t noticed, but the smile that his handsome new acquaintance had given him as he passed had gone some way to put his mind at ease.

“Do you know my aunt well?” Gellert asked as they entered Bathilda’s kitchen, Albus looked around for Bathilda who he soon found in the corner busying herself with making a pot of tea, his Cauldron Cakes were already laid out on a small table covered in a laced spread surrounded by thin wooden chairs that had flowery pillows on the seats. It was so homely. Albus relished in it, even more so now that he was alone without Aberforth to embarrass him or scowl about a lack of Ariana’s presence, the light airiness of Bathilda’s kitchen welcomed him with open arms.

“Yes, she was a good friend of my mothers.” Albus replied after a long pause that he hadn’t even realised was forming, he had been too busy looking around Bathilda’s kitchen. Gellert’s face creased with concern at the mention of his mother, Albus felt oddly touched that despite them only knowing each other for less than five minutes, it somehow felt longer due to Gellert’s immediate compassion for his family life. Albus discreetly wondered if he might have inherited Bathilda’s good graces.

“Please sit down, I didn’t mean to keep you standing,” Gellert said quietly, gesturing towards one of the seats at the lace covered table. Albus sat down just as Bathilda shuffled over to the table with a pot of tea which she soon levitated to pour in mid-air, milk came flying and deposited itself nicely into the cups along with sugar cubes which jumped out of a jar before pausing.

“One lump or two dear?” Bathilda asked kindly, holding the cubes in the air with her wand. Albus had an endless admiration for her hospitality. He made a mental note that should Ariana ever recover, the first thing he would do would be to invite her over for afternoon tea. It was the very least he could do after she had shown him such kindness.

“Two please,” moments later the cubes dropped into his cup with a splash, Albus watched as the action repeated with Gellert’s cup, a few drops landing on the lace which Albus removed instantly without even moving his lips.

“That’s very impressive,” Gellert said in a low voice as he tucked his wand back into his sleeve. Albus loved the way he talked, never loud or overbearing, yet his words were always crystal clear and expensive like high society, he found it very attractive. “Do you perform non-verbal magic often?”

Albus smiled into his teacup. Finally someone was taking an interest!

“Frequently,” Albus replied, fighting the urge to puff his chest out. Gellert nodded from where he sat opposite him, one leg over the other as he stirred his tea by circling his finger over the cup, that slight smile etched upon his face as his eyes shone with interest. Albus rubbed his neck and wondered if it was just the warm weather.

“It’s so wonderful that you two boys can get to know each other,” Bathilda said happily as she took her own seat in between them, offering the plate of Cauldron Cakes around which Albus accepted so not to be impolite.

“Poor Albus has been having such a rough time lately, I think you could be a wonderful friend for him Gellert.”

Gellert smiled at Bathilda who stroked his cheek before taking a sip of her own tea. Albus took a bite out of his Cauldron Cake to distract him from the hotness building on his neck, the sun must have been directly on his back!

“So what brings you to Godric’s Hollow?” Albus inquired after swallowing, Gellert tilted his head slightly as he observed, giving Albus a direct view of his sharp jawline, Albus quickly took another sip of tea without blowing on it.

“Oh just thought that I would visit Aunt Bathilda, I was in this part of the country and I remembered that I have family here, it’s terrible of me that I haven’t visited until now.” Bathilda made a cooing noise, quickly getting up to kiss Gellert on his forehead without putting a single golden curl out of place.

“Why don’t you boys take the rest of those Cauldron Cakes up to your room Gellert? You can show Albus around if you like, maybe show him some of those fascinating books that you brought with you!”

Gellert swiftly uncrossed his legs and stood from the table. Albus took it as a sign to join him and reached out to take the plate of Cauldron Cakes until Gellert got there first, declining his offer to carry them.

“What a wonderful idea, are you interested in Wandlore Albus?”

“I’ve dabbled in it,” Albus squeaked through a scalding tounge, he looked back at his cup on the table resentfully.

“You boys have fun, just shout if you need anything!” Bathilda laughed as she pulled on her gardening apron and disappeared out the back door, leaving Albus alone with Gellert in the kitchen.

Gellert surveyed him with a mischievousness that had not existed though the entire duration of Bathilda’s presence, it made Albus feel as if he was an insider on a private secret, any inside knowledge on anything made him feel important so he took it as a compliment.

“So,” Gellert asked casually, leading the way into the hall and up the staircase while Albus could only follow like a loyal dog. “What are you doing in a small village like this? I would’ve thought you would be out seeing the world.”

Albus sighed sadly. “I was supposed to be, but my mother died and my siblings can’t look after themselves, Elphias is off taking our trip solo I’m afraid.”

Gellert spun around with a baffled look of amusement. “Elphias Doge?”

Albus nodded and Gellert suddenly looked as though it was taking him great effort not to laugh. Albus wondered if it was something he had said.

“What’s funny?” He asked nervously, Gellert shook his head. “Nothing, I just find his articles in the prophet rather entertaining that’s all.” Albus blushed in embarrassment. Like Aberforth, Elphias had a tendency to get rather passionate about causes that he felt strongly about. In Elphias’s case, it happened to be his endless quest for dragon’s blood to be made purchasable in Diagon Alley.

Albus still remembered his first breakthrough in the prophet with much humour. It’s title NUTCASE STUDENT CLIMBS TO THE TOP OF HOGWARTS OWLERY TO PROTEST DRAGON BLOOD SALES still never failed to make Albus chuckle, the sheer absurdity of it all being that he remembered it so well, the look on Elphias’s face when he realised that his efforts had made the front page of the prophet had been priceless.

“See?” Elphias said excitedly after Albus had presented the morning Prophet to him the day after his daring climb.

“Now they will take me seriously! Maybe I can even get other people in on the cause? If I keep it up, dragon’s blood will be in Diagon Alley before Hippogriffs can tap dance!”

Albus doubted it as much now as he had then. Especially since the article in question had used a picture of Elphias hanging onto the weathervane of the Owlery while a furious Professor Smallfoot screamed at him to come down, the explanation given by the Prophet was one that Albus could never forget.

“Crazed Hogwarts student Elphias Doge, who many witnesses of the event commented to be a dimwitted extremist, took it upon himself to climb to the top of the Hogwarts Owlery this morning to protest dragon’s blood not being available for purchase in Diagon Alley. Hogwarts Headmaster Phineas Nigellus has declined to comment, other than to say that the wellbeing and care of the students is one of the schools top priorities.”

Since then Elphias had featured many more times thankfully to a less extreme degree, and Albus often pondered with great regret about how even after all of Elphias’s efforts, dragon’s blood was still not available in Diagon Alley.

“Why were you reading the Prophet anyway?” Albus asked, trailing up the stairs behind Gellert who took them in his stride. “You don’t sound native to these parts.”

Gellert huffed with laughter. Albus turned red with embarrassment and was extremely grateful that Gellert was in front of him. “I- I’m sorry, that came out wrong.. I don’t mean that you can’t read it, I just wouldn’t have thought-“

“No need to apologise.” Gellert replied instantly in a pleasant tone that put Albus’s mind at ease. “In truth, I first discovered it when I was enrolled at Durmstrang, one of my professors was an avid fan if you can believe it! Then I found out that my Aunt Bathilda was a frequent writer of course, and it all went from there.”

“You say you went to Durmstrang?” Albus said curiously, Gellert paused just as he reached for his door handle. Albus had a strange sensation that he might have misspoken.

“Yes, but no longer, we had a.. disagreement on a few matters.”

“What kind of disagreement?” Albus couldn’t help it, his curiosity had been cooped up for too long.

“They were under the impression that I had performed bouts of magic that were forbidden,” Gellert said quietly, looking into the distance and not quite meeting Albus’s eye. “So they formed trumped up charges against me and here I am.”

Albus bit his lip. What could they have possibly accused Gellert of doing that was extreme enough to expel him? Durmstrang was well regarded for its extremely high tolerance of the Dark Arts as it was, it must have been something that even they could not abide.

“No one got hurt did they?” Albus asked tentatively. Gellert’s face became unreadable for a split second before he smiled.

“No of course not, I was performing an experiment and it went.. slightly wrong. No harm was done, the student would testify to it I’m sure!”

There was something about Gellert that made him so easy to trust, Albus was shocked with how quickly he was coming to like him, it was almost rewarding to take him at his word. Gellert turned the handle to his door at long last and the door swung open with an aged squeak. Albus gaped in awe at the room that was before him. Books were everywhere, some levitating, others were spread out in a circle flipped to different pages giving Albus the image that Gellert had been sitting in the middle to easily jump to each one. A large grey owl sat in the corner of the room on top of a stack of precariously piled books, it’s orange eyes gleaming in the dimmed light. Albus also noticed with much admiration that the ceiling was bewitched to show the Northern Lights.

“Please, come on in,” Gellert said warmly, stepping aside to allow him to enter the room. It smelled of peppermint. Gellert must have noticed his expression change. “I do apologise, there was a large amount of spiders when I arrived. My aunt told me that they don’t like mint, I’m testing the theory!” Albus chuckled and held up his hands in mock defeat.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m rather fond of mint flavoured sweets.”

Gellert then cleared his bed with a wave of his wand, books flew past Albus’s ears and landed neatly on an old wooden shelf behind him, the bedsheets shook themselves to clear away old fluff before resuming their original position on the bed. Gellert sat down on top of the covers with a slight creak and then patted the spot beside him, Albus thought about how ridiculously hot it was for a dark room.

“So, why is Albus Dumbledore trapped in a small village like this?” Gellert said softly as he crossed his legs once more, Albus sighed and after a moment’s hesitation sat down next to him on the bed.

“My mother died, My siblings can’t-“

“Let’s be honest with each other my friend.” Gellert said in a way that made Albus feel both reassured and out of place. “You say that you are here out of duty, yet I could tell from our first minute together that you are not happy with your current predicament. Am I right?”

Albus opened his mouth and closed it. “I- it’s nothing really. I was just supposed to do so much with my life yet fate and circumstances have forced me to be stuck here looking after a stubborn fool for a brother and a-“

Albus caught himself before he could slip up. How could he have been so foolish?
If anyone knew about Ariana..

Albus held his breath as Gellert reached over to him and placed his hand on his knee, his handsome face a picture of concern again. Blonde strands with shades of brown fell over his eyes, one of which was an odd shade of white bordering on grey while the other was a black pit which swallowed him whole.

“It is perfectly understandable Albus,” Gellert said sympathetically. “You have been cruelly robbed of your opportunity to achieve greatness, you feel overshadowed and overburdened by a challenge thrust upon you by an uncontrollable force, it is only natural that you would look for escape.”

Albus felt a weight lift off his shoulders. It was as if he had been pinned down by an invisible hand since the moment he had returned to Godric’s Hollow to bury his mother, yet here it was, being clawed from his body by Gellert as if it had never existed.

“How do you plan to escape?” Albus muttered, staring at his hands in his lap. “There aren’t many opportunities in this village Gellert.”

Gellert’s eyes twinkled.

“You’d be surprised Albus,” Gellert said in a voice like honey that Albus couldn’t help but gravitate towards.
“You want to make your mark, well this is where I am going to make mine.”

Albus huffed in disbelief. “I don’t imagine that a few shops and a Church will change the world Gellert. If you want to do that then you’ll have to think more outside the box, the only excitement here is the Church service on Sunday.”

Gellert stared at him gobsmacked. “You tell me that you have never been curious to know more about your town’s history? About who has lived here?”

“Godric Gryffindor is about the only notable person-“

“Have you really never heard of the Peverells Albus?”

Albus blinked. Surely he didn’t believe?
“That’s just an old story Gellert. They reckon that it was invented to bring more tourism to the town, not that it has worked if that was the intention.. we’ve not so much as had a Hippogriff in all the time that I have been here!”

Gellert’s face creased. Albus instantly wanted to take back his words, disappointment didn’t suit Gellert’s handsome features.

“They are real Albus,” Gellert said quietly. “The Hallows and all of the history they hold, it’s etched in the very stitchings of our world’s creation.”

Albus shuffled his feet. Gellert was certainly very passionate. But why the Hallows?

“How do you even know they are here?” Albus asked nervously, not wanting to overstep and displace Gellert’s enthusiasm, he looked so beautiful when he was-

“The third Peverell brother lived here,” Gellert explained, getting up from the bed to fetch a book which he threw up into the air with a skip. Seconds later, a tall looking man emerged from it in a silvery vapour. Albus stared at him until the man pulled out a cloak from under his arm, nodded at them once before pulling on the cloak and disappearing into dust.

“That was- that’s the cloak!” Albus cried, jumping up from the bed to stand by a grinning Gellert who gleamed with mischief.

“Yes, the third brother was the owner. He was buried here in this town.. a graveyard not far from here, though I wonder if it might have been buried with him along with the others..”

“The Elder Wand?” Albus said puzzled. He had read about it of course, The Deathstick, The Wand of Destiny among many other titles, but he had never really considered the fact that it might actually exist. Gellert nodded, flipping open another book which depicted a rough description of the wand.

“Correct. They stopped documenting on its whereabouts nearly a century ago, some say it was destroyed, a tale to divert possible hunters no doubt, but I know that it still exists Albus!”
Gellert then fished under his collar and pulled out the silver chain which was longer than Albus had originally anticipated. Not only that, it had a Deathly Hallows symbol attached to the end of it.

“I’m a Seer Albus,” Gellert said in a passionate tone that Albus recognised in people that were about to burst into speech. “I had a vision that this town held something for me. I don’t know what it was.. but something here is going to help me find them, that I saw clearly. You see.. I want to unite the Hallows. they belong as one, and the Wizard who wields them will no longer have to fear what lies beyond.”

Albus sat in awed silence, Gellert had quite a way with words. Five minutes ago he had doubted the Hallows even existed, now he was almost as keen as Gellert seemed to unite them. Could this be his calling? His chance to show off his powers? Maybe there was hope for him in Godric’s Hollow after all.

“Do you think you can find them?” Albus whispered. Gellert stepped closer to him until they were face to face, a heat in his gut that he couldn’t control started to build the closer Gellert got to him.

“Perhaps.. we could find them. You look as if you need a distraction, are you in?”
Albus knew by the daring smile on Gellert’s face that he didn’t stand a chance. How could he possibly refuse?

“Yes,” Albus replied in a breathless voice that he didn’t recognise. Gellert’s eyes gleamed.

THUMP

They both turned to the direction of the noise. There just outside Gellert’s window sat Pygmy, a crumpled letter in his beak. Albus wanted to curse Aberforth. Why did he always get in the way?

“Your owl?” Gellert asked, walking over to the window to unhook the latch and push it up, the owl deposited the letter into Gellert’s waiting hand before flying off again.

“No,” Albus said awkwardly, “it’s my brothers.”
Gellert passed the letter over to him and walked over to sit on the bed. Albus tore open the letter roughly and pulled out the letter, he could feel Gellert watching him from behind, he cursed Aberforth yet again.

Albus,

Ari needs help. Come home now.

Aberforth

“Is everything alright?” Gellert enquired from the bed, Albus groaned.

“I have to go home. Im sorry, it’s not you, it’s just my brother-“

“Of course. You don’t have to explain.” Gellert said at once, coming over to stand beside him. Albus couldn’t remember ever feeling more resentful of his siblings than he did in that moment.

“Do visit me again. I’m sure my Aunt Bathilda won’t mind at all, she speaks most highly of you Albus.”

Albus smiled. “Thank you, I’m sorry again that I must go, if it wasn’t urgent..”

“Don’t worry yourself about it Albus,” Gellert said calmly, giving his shoulder a pat. “They are your family, of course you must go.”

They stared at each other for a few moments, Albus practically had to tear his eyes away, only eventually doing so when Pygmy returned to Gellert’s window and gave an impatient hoot.
“What bloody took you so long?”

Albus stared dumbfounded as Aberforth lay on the floor in Ariana’s bedroom, desperately trying to control a screeching Ariana who kept shooting fierce sparks of magic in all corners of the room.

“What did you do?” Albus shouted over the screaming, Aberforth looked up at him from where he lay and scowled.

“Nothing! She just set off and- Ari come on now, it’s alright! Look, Albus is going to help me make it better!”

“I WANT MUMMA BACK! ABFORTH PLEASE I WANT TO SEE HER, THEY ARE GOING TO HURT ME AGAIN! DON’T LET THEM DO IT DON’T LET THEM!”

“She’s gone love, you know that Ari- Albus bloody do something instead of standing there gawping like a trout!”

Albus quickly dashed into action, Aberforth’s command snapping him back into reality. “Accio potion!” He cried over Ariana’s screams. Seconds later, a familiar silver bottle flew into his outstretched hand.

“Albus quickly! Blimey, the oldest house elf at Hogwarts could be faster than you at this!”

He quickly pulled the stopper off the bottle and raised it to Ariana’s lips, after several hiccups she slowly began to drink.

“That was the second time since I’ve been back,” Albus said quietly as he helped Aberforth to lift her back into bed. “Maybe.. maybe it isn’t kind that we are keeping her cooped up all day.”

Aberforth’s eyes turned to slits.

“Well what the bloody hell do you suggest instead? Let her run wild? She’ll get herself killed Albus!”

“I only thought.. I just don’t want her to feel trapped that’s all.”

“What a load of bollocks,” Aberforth hissed. “You just don’t want the responsibility, or have you realised that there isn’t a prize for looking after your sister?”

Albus rubbed his eyes. “Not this rubbish again. I’m going to make a start on dinner, do you mind watching her?”

“I do it anyway,” Aberforth huffed, propping Ariana’s head up on a pillow. Albus raised his hands. There was no reasoning with Aberforth when he was in moods like this. Why did he always ruin everything? He had just had a fantastic time with Gellert, probably the first real joy he’d had since arriving at the Leaky Cauldron with Elphias, but here he was raining on his parade as usual. He walked into their small kitchen with a slight huff, carrots flew out of a basket shortly followed by onions, seconds later they were diced in mid-air before depositing themselves into a pot that had jumped out of a cupboard and after doing a cartwheel landed over the stove with a slight thud. A jar of broth shortly followed the vegetables into the pan and before long the entire kitchen was filled with the smell of soup. Albus walked over to the bread bin and pulled out a small loaf, moments later it was sliced and buttered, all with a resentful wave of his wand. “It won’t stay like this forever,” he muttered under his breath as he spooned the soup into bowls, giving Ariana the smallest as she probably wouldn’t have eaten it all anyway. After adding several of the slices to the side of their bowls he left the kitchen, grumbling under his breath all the way to Ariana’s room.

“Aberforth? I brought you both up some- oh.. I thought she might be awake by now.” Albus deposited the plates carrying the bowls on Ariana’s bedside table, Aberforth gave a head jerk that he took as a token of thanks.

“She’s getting better Albus, you just don’t see it yet but she is! She helped me to feed the goats the other day no problem, you just need to give her a chance.”

Albus bit his tounge. Was it worth quarrelling over? “I’m sure she is Aberforth,” he said tiredly. “I’ll be writing to Elphias if you need me.”

Albus shut the door to his room as quietly as he could and practically threw himself onto his bed. How on earth did it get to this? “I know Humbug,” he sighed as the owl hooted in concern. “Things will get better my friend. Some way, somehow, Merlin.. I don’t even know..”
On the one bright side, at least he had someone in the village to talk to now. Albus thought fondly on his time with Gellert, his merry disposition and charming appearance.. the way he had smiled at him with that mischievous grin the moment Bathilda was out of sight..

TAP TAP TAP

Albus perked his head up to see a grey owl with beady orange eyes sitting outside his window with a letter in its beak. The exact same owl he had seen in Gellert’s room… he could practically feel his heart skip. He scrambled up off his bed so fast that his vision momentarily went dark. The moment he recovered he opened his window with such an urgency that he was foreign to. The owl deposited the letter into his waiting hand and hopped down next to Humbug who was overjoyed at having a new friend. Albus stroked the letter in his hands with a delicacy that was usually reserved for touching something precious. The paper was so fine, remnants of mint from Gellert’s room still remained on the surface, he almost had to fight the urge to smell it. Instead he flipped over the letter to find a dark wax seal with the Deathly Hallows symbol directly in it’s centre. Albus’s hands twitched with excitement. Gellert had gone to all this trouble just for him! he was extremely touched. He carefully broke the seal and pulled out the letter, cradling it in his hands and being wary not to crease it, he sat down on his bed and began to read.

Albus,

Thank you very much for visiting me this afternoon, Aunt Bathilda hasn’t stopped singing your praises since you departed, I think that she is a fan of your cooking!
I was hoping that you might like for the both of us to get to know one another better? This town doesn’t have many of our kind in it and it would be nice to have likeminded company. I noticed today that you were taking a great interest in my plans regarding the Hallows, I dearly hope that you still hold this interest. Perhaps if you are free, you might like to accompany me to the graveyard tomorrow to try and find the third brother’s grave? Tell your siblings that you are visiting a friend. If not, then I completely understand.

With affection and kind regards,
Gellert G

P.S. The owl’s name is Dunamis, he likes it when you ruffle his feathers! Just send a reply back with him if you are interested. Take care my friend.

Albus read the letter several times over, Gellert thought of him as a friend.. And after such a short time! He must have made a good impression on him. Albus hurried over to his desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment, quickly ruffling Dunamis’s feathers before he grabbed his quill to form his reply.

Dear Gellert,

Thank you very much for your letter. Please do tell Bathilda that I send my thanks and best wishes, she has been such a wonderful help to my family in this trying time. I would love for us-

Albus paused mid-sentence. Was “love” a bit too soon? Too familiar? He deliberated for a few moments before erasing it with a flick of his wand.

I would be very happy for us to get to know one another, Merlin knows this village can be dull! The graveyard idea sounds brilliant. What time would you like to go? Though I must tell you, if we do find the cloak by some miraculous chance then I would like to lay claim to it’s possession in advance!”

Much affection-

Albus paused again. Was affection too strong of a word too? Why would it be? Gellert had used it in his, but he didn’t want him to think-

Sincerely,
Albus

P.S. I love your owl, he’s been trying to steal from my sweet jar all the way through writing this letter, my own owl Humbug has been quite content with the company so I’m not complaining!

Albus read the letter through once before settling on it. He popped it into an envelope and offered it out to Dunamis who took off out the window instantly, Humbug hooted in annoyance at losing her new friend.
“You’ll see him again Humbug,” Albus said cheerily, reaching out to stroke the discontented owl before quickly pulling his hand back when she made a swipe for his hand with her beak. Albus had barely leaned back into his chair before there was a pounding of wings and a loud hoot, followed by Dunamis flying through his window and landing slap bang in the middle of his desk, another letter gripped in his beak.

“Merlin,” he said softly, utterly astonished and in awe at Gellert’s speed.
Albus pulled the letter free and flipped it over to see that it had been sealed with the Hallows stamp yet again, not a drop of wax out of place. He couldn’t help but smile.

Albus,

What a peculiar name for an owl! Is it a British Wizarding phrase? I’m thrilled that you would like to meet! Let’s say we meet at the Church for 10am? Aunt Bathilda sends her love, she’s really quite fond of you.

With affection and kind regards,
Gellert G

P.S. Check the owl’s foot.

Albus folded the letter and placed it on his bedside table, his skin was buzzing, how long had it been since he had felt like this? Had he ever? He jumped up from his bed and reached Dunamis with a spring in his step. For a moment he was puzzled, then his eyes fell on a small leather pouch on his right leg. Albus opened it with trembling fingers, fishing inside before touching something made of metal. He quickly pulled it out to reveal a silver chain with the Deathly Hallows pendant attached to the end of it, a small folded note tumbled out after it moments later.

Albus didn’t dare to breathe. It was the same necklace that Gellert had been wearing around his own neck only hours ago, and now it lay in his hands. Albus tore open the note while still clutching the necklace tightly in his other hand, not wanting to be parted from it for a single moment.

Albus,

I hope you don’t mind, but I would very much like to give you this. You can call on me anytime by simply touching the centre of the pendant, I thought it may be useful if our friendship is to continue!

With affection and kind regards,
Gellert G

P.S. Please feel welcome to give it a try once you receive it.

Albus looked down at the silver necklace in his hand, the Hallows symbol shining up at him in the evening sunlight. It was all his. Something he didn’t have to share with Aberforth or be forced to include Ariana in, this was something that could be entirely his own. Albus unhooked the necklace and placed it around his neck before swiftly clicking it back into place again, the Hallows symbol sitting directly above his chest.

The two owls perched together watching him in interest, their shining eyes baring into him as his own personal spectators. Albus took a breath before touching the pendant with the tips of his fingers, a warmth shot through his body at the contact, it was as if the necklace was welcoming its new owner. A moment passed and another shadow joined his, he looked to his right to see Gellert standing beside him, that same mischievous expression that he had sported in Bathilda’s kitchen was back upon his face as if it had never left.

Chapter Text

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“All of this going out upsets Ari Albus, you know that. Plus we don’t want to get too familiar with the neighbours, that’s just asking for trouble!”

Albus was annoyed. The anticipation of his meeting with Gellert had kept him up for half of the night, hours spent fizzling with excitement of time to spend with his newfound friend, now entirely snuffed out with a single conversation.

“Anyway, we need groceries. There’s no time for you-“

“So there’s time to shop but me meeting up with a new acquaintance is out of the question?”

Albus barely had time to duck before an apple came flying towards his head, thrown by an increasingly angered Aberforth who’s eyes had turned to slits with dislike. And he had the cheek to talk about him setting Ariana off?

“Stop being a prat Albus,” Aberforth hissed, spooning porridge into a small bowl for Ariana before drizzling honey over it.

“Don’t tell me what to do Aberforth,” Albus replied as pleasantly as he could, knowing his calmness would get under Aberforth’s skin even more.
“I’m in charge. And I say I’m going to meet Gellert, there’s nothing you can do to change my mind and that’s final.”

“Really?” Aberforth said quietly, his lip curling. “I’m sure that you would hate to return and find all of those sainted prizes missing, maybe I’ll leave them for the goats as a present? I’m sure they would love to tear up all of those rosettes.”

Albus gritted his teeth. How long was it until Aberforth returned to Hogwarts?

Aberforth smiled and pulled out a shopping list already written in a rough scrawl and slid it over the kitchen table with an air of smugness. “Make sure you get the grapes for Ari, and don’t leave out buying the meat just because there’s a queue for it, you know how much she loves cottage pie.”

Albus chuckled. “When have I ever done that?” Aberforth rolled his eyes as he pulled a spoon out of a drawer for Ariana’s porridge. “Every bloody time you lazy twat. Off you go or you’ll meet the morning rush.”

Albus picked up the shopping list and left the kitchen with a curt nod, he shrugged on his jacket and left the house with a strong sense of annoyance.

“Always ruining everything..” he muttered as he huffed his way towards the market, a crowd already forming to get their hands on the morning’s best picks, Albus noted with even more annoyance that there was a long line for the butcher’s stall. “Oh bugger,” he groaned as he grudgingly joined the queue behind a tall man wearing a tweed cap and a beige coat.

Albus wondered what Gellert might be up to, preparing for their morning out no doubt, or perhaps he was sharing his morning breakfast with Bathilda? He tried to picture Gellert sitting in Bathilda’s tidy little kitchen, a lace cover on the table along with whatever delicacies she might have laid out for their morning meal. Would he have tea? Porridge perhaps? Thought in the short time that Albus had known him, Gellert had very much struck him as the kind of person who had been accustomed to the finer things in life, his expensive looking attire only served to further that belief.

“Ello son, what can I get you today?”

Albus opened his eyes to realise that he was now at the forefront of the queue, a bald man behind the meat stall wearing a white apron was looking at him with interest. He had a bushy moustache and a kind smile, Albus forced one onto his own face for appearance’s sake.

“Hello there, could I possibly get some mince?”

The man beamed at him. “Of course, ang on a mo.”

Albus waited in silence as the man busied himself with preparing his request, his only movement being to dig into his pocket to produce his money. Then as the man finished bagging up the meat, he tilted his head up and squinted at him in a puzzled manner.

“Wait a minute, ain’t you that Dumbledore boy? Y’know, the one who’s poor dear mum passed not that long ago?”

Albus held back a sigh. There really was no escaping it. “Yes that’s me. Thank you for your concern.” The man’s face filled with pity. It made his skin crawl. Why did everyone seem so interested? Why couldn’t they just leave him alone?

“Oh no, I am sorry to ear about that son, met your mother a couple a times, though she wasn’t the politest of customers I’ve ad I’ll admit, though maybe I just caught er on a bad day..”

“Yes well thank you again,” Albus said stiffly as he picked up the meat package and put it into one of his grocery bags. The man smiled and bid him farewell and Albus trudged onto the next stall, grumpily picking out apples and eggs among other things on Aberforth’s list, he even ended up standing in a line for 20 minutes at one point just to buy a jar of honey.

“Is this one of your regular haunts?”

Albus silently thanked Merlin that the seller still had a firm grip on the bag of oats that he was about to buy, as if he had been holding it then he likely would have dropped it. He turned to see Gellert standing behind him dapper as ever, fully dressed up in a fine black coat and his signature leather gloves, his blonde and brown streaked hair tucked neatly behind his ears, that mischievous smile upon his face that made Albus’s heart flip.

“No, just an unwilling one at present I confess.”

Gellert’s smile grew even wider.

“And there was me thinking that you might have gotten cold feet!”

Albus felt his face turning red and pretended to look down at his handful of bags filled with assorted groceries.

“No, nothing like that, just a stubborn brother unfortunately.” Gellert tutted and reached out to help with the bags, Albus deliberately offered up the lightest, not wanting to overwhelm him with the weight of Aberforth’s requests.

“Well then, would you still like to accompany me to the graveyard?” Gellert asked casually, swinging the bag back and forward in a carefree manner, Albus nodded and followed along behind him, silently wishing that he had been able to dump the bags off and sneak out again before Aberforth noticed.

“It suits you well by the way Albus.”

“What does?”

“The chain of course!”

Albus looked down at his chest to see the silver Hallows pendant sitting proudly on his chest, he had made a promise no later than five seconds after putting it on the night previously that he would never take it off. Well.. at least not unless forced, and even then they would have a fight on their hands.

“Yes, thank you again for giving it to me, there was really no need-“

Gellert stared at him in disbelief, as if the answer had been obvious.

“There was all the need in the world Albus, if our friendship is to last, we shall be needing a way to call upon each other!”

The corner of Albus’s mouth twitched at the mention of their friendship.

“Speaking of which, have you any idea where the third brother’s grave is located in the graveyard?” Gellert asked, hopping over the Church wall with ease while Albus opted for the rusty gates, the bags weighing him down snuffed out any chance of replicating Gellert’s movement.

“No, I haven’t ever looked for it I’m afraid,” Albus replied bashfully, Gellert was looking more shocked by the minute. “You baffle me Albus, why if I lived here permanently it would have been the first thing I looked for!”

Albus bit his lip, desperately hoping that Gellert didn’t think him a fool. He was right, how could he have not looked for it before? After about twenty minutes of searching through the gravestones, some crumbling, others faded with age did Albus hear a cheer of delight from the opposite side of the graveyard.

“FOUND IT! ALBUS COME AND LOOK!”

Albus hurried over as fast as the bags weighting on his arms permitted him
to find Gellert peering over a long and flat grave, his eyes immediately falling over the Deathly Hallows symbol at the top just above the name IGNOTUS PEVERELL written in letters that might have once been bold, but time had put their effectiveness to rest.

“He was the one who owned the cloak wasn’t he?”

Gellert nodded enthusiastically, his face alight with joy at their find. Albus thought fondly of how much he looked like a young excitable child who had been taken to a sweetshop.

“Yes, Ignotus owned the cloak. Legend has it that he passed it down to his son before meeting with death himself upon the bridge that he had formed with his brothers, they say that they greeted one another as old friends before his soul departed with him, I wonder what his son did with it?”

“Maybe he asked for it to be buried with his father?” Albus said softly, still looking at the Hallows mark upon the grave, Gellert hummed in interest.

“Shall we crack it open and find out?”

Albus blinked in shock. “I don’t think that’s wise Gellert.”

Gellert snorted with laughter. “You needn’t look so worried Albus, I was joking. If it was really buried here, someone else would have stolen it years ago. Besides, what would we do with it anyway?”

Albus’s first thought was that it could be used to conceal Ariana, perhaps then she could be taken out into the world under the cloak’s protection? It certainly would be a nice change from having her sit in a destroyed room all day..

Gellert rubbed his chin lost in thought. “The only perk I can think of is that it would complete the Hallows, but it is certainly not necessary, not in the way the other two are.. what do you think Albus?”

Albus had barely looked up to open his mouth before he heard his name being called again, the tone nothing like Gellerts.

“Albus Dumbledore? Thank Merlin! I’ve been looking all over the village for you! I knocked at home and received a very rude reply from a dark haired boy who practically slammed the door in my face, I do hope it wasn’t something I said!”

Albus flushed scarlet in embarrassment. Aberforth’s ability to humiliate him never ceased to amaze.

“No not at all, I’m terribly sorry.. my little brother Aberforth is a bit temperamental since the death of our mother.”

The Witch that had approached them smiled sadly. She was short with curly blonde hair, a ridiculously over the top peacock hat sat on top of her curls while she wore a frilly pink robe that was so mismatched it was painful, the thick material draped down past her ankles.

“Not at all, I understand entirely. Oh I do apologise, I didn’t notice your friend here! Who might you be young man?”

Albus watched as Gellert’s expression changed. It was like magic, the way the mischief could be there one minute and replaced with modest politeness the next. Gellert smiled kindly and shook the woman’s hand. “No need to apologise, Gellert Grindelwald, lovely to meet you.”

Albus noticed with some dismay that her face fell slightly at the mention of Gellert’s last name.

“Grindelwald do you say? I could’ve sworn that there was a boy named Grindelwald who was expelled from Durmstrang for offences a short while ago, no correlation I hope?”

Gellert’s face remained unchanged.

“I confess there is unfortunately. But I have been reliably informed by many people that the charges against me are void, the student involved would testify to it.”

The woman looked Gellert up and down with an air of iciness that did not go unnoticed. For a split second, Albus could have sworn that Gellert’s face turned to an expression that sent a single chill down his spine at the brief exposure to it. Then as quickly as it had come, that polite smile was plastered upon his features once more.

“Right then.. well.. I had actually come for young Albus here actually. I’m Synthia Smallfoot, I work in the Auror Office at the Ministry, I’m here to interview you for the position you enquired about?”

Albus groaned silently. He had applied of course, shortly after returning to Godric’s Hollow in fact, they were going to need some source of income now that their mother was gone and their father was stuck in Azkaban, it seemed like the right thing to do, but why did she have to come in the middle of his outing with Gellert?

“Oh yes, I.. of course. I’m sorry, I didn’t expect you-“

“We can do the interview at home if it suits you, I don’t fancy talking among the dead if I’m perfectly honest!”

Albus felt panic rising in his chest the way it always did when the prospect of anyone coming to their home came to mind.

“I don’t think that would be wise, it’s just.. my sister has recurring Spattergroit, terribly contagious you know, I wouldn’t want to risk you getting sick Miss Smallfoot.”

Synthia nodded in understanding.

“Well there was a rather nice looking café I passed in the village, why don’t we take it there?”

Albus sighed in relief. “Yes that sounds lovely.”

Gellert cleared his throat. “Well I see that you have matters to attend to Albus, I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’ll see you another time my friend.”

Gellert smiled and patted his arm before turning to offer a hand to Synthia to shake which she did after a long pause. “A pleasure to meet you Miss Smallfoot,” Synthia smiled nervously.

Albus turned back to Gellert just as he began to leave. “We will talk later right?” Albus asked hurriedly, only realising after he said it how urgent he sounded. That mischievous smile threatened at the corner of Gellert’s lips, though not quite meeting, perhaps it was Synthia’s presence that stopped it from doing so. Albus felt his stomach do a flip at the thought that the smile might be reserved especially for him.

“Of course, I’ll be waiting. Take care Albus.”

Albus watched him go, jumping over the Church wall with that same ease, his long black coat shaping to his frame perfectly, golden curls shining in the morning light, a very slight hint of peppermint in the air from where he had stood only moments ago was the one physical reminder of his presence once he was out of sight.

“Well then young Albus, shall we be on our way?”

Albus tightened his grip on the grocery bags and followed Synthia out of the graveyard, Gellert’s words ringing in his ears all the way to the café.

“How did it go?”

Albus had only just left the main part of the village before Gellert was beside him, perfectly in sync with his step, two broomsticks in his leather gloved hands. “Alright I suppose, she was asking a lot of questions about school of course, what made me want to apply to be an Auror, my family life, the usual rubbish.”

Gellert blinked twice. “I’ve noticed you seem to be a bit touchy about the mention of your family Albus, is it an out of bounds topic?”

Albus sighed and sat down under a tree, pleased to finally relieve his arms of the weight of the bags. The sky had turned to a nice shade of pink, the evening sun slowly coming into effect. Gellert kneeled down beside him, Albus held his breath as their knees briefly brushed together while Gellert settled in beside him.

“No it’s not that. It’s just.. it gets a little tiresome when you are constantly defending yourself to strangers simply because a member of your family has died. It’s like it’s a constant punishment, to be reminded that she’s no longer here.”

Gellert placed his hand on his knee in reassurance. Albus felt that same heat in the pit of his stomach and had to focus his attention elsewhere.

“I’m sorry Albus. You have been terribly wronged. Is there any hope of your father re-entering the picture?”

Albus shook his head, his eyes filling with tears which he desperately tried to blink back. “No, Azkaban will never let him walk free. They.. they made sure of that. It’s all fallen on me, the family responsibility, Aberforth, Ari- my sister’s ill health, there’s no way out Gellert.”

Gellert looked genuinely saddened.

“I feel your pain Albus. However I would encourage you not to give up yet. I sense that something great is going to come your way, an opportunity perhaps?”

Albus rubbed his nose. “You mean working in the Auror Office?”

Gellert smiled. “Perhaps not, my visions can change, and I haven’t seen the full picture yet. Sometimes I only get snippets of people’s futures, yours still remains quite unclear to me, apart from something great is going to come your way. Don’t despair Albus.”

Albus tried to smile, he dried his cheeks with a silk handkerchief that had been in a gift bag after a dinner he had attended at the Ministry, a reminder of happier times when the world was within his reach and opportunity was never ending.

“I don’t suppose your vision told you when this great thing is going to come along?” He joked softly, Gellert tilted his head in thought.

“Maybe it already has and you don’t know it yet? Greatness comes in many different forms Albus. Even when the world looks bleak, everyone has something that they excel in, we just have to find out what it is.”

Albus breathed deeply. It was a pleasant change to have someone taking an interest in his well-being. Normally it was him looking after someone else’s, and Aberforth wasn’t the most affectionate type. Though Albus could’ve sworn that he had seen him sneak out the other night after Ariana had been put to bed..

“I trust you brought those for a reason?” Albus asked, pointing at the two broomsticks propped up against the tree. “It would look a little silly for you to be walking around the Hollow with them otherwise, the village is mainly Muggle-inhabited you know Gellert.”

There it was. That mischievous smile.

“Yes, well I thought you might be in need of a distraction after your interview, do you fly at all?”

Albus rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry by the way, about how.. well about how she treated you in the graveyard. I’m sure that she didn’t mean it-“

Gellert held a hand up. “It’s alright Albus. People do tend to judge, especially considering the school I attended. I learned early on that wizards are far kinder to Hogwarts attendees, well my mother went to Beauxbatons and she never had any complaints, but maybe it’s just because of the time we live in?”

Gellert offered out a broomstick to him which he took after giving Gellert his best “Is this wise?” Look. Gellert winked at him and swung his leg over the broom.

“What about the Muggles?” Albus said worriedly. “We don’t want to get in trouble Gellert, the Ministry is very tough on people breaching the law.”

Gellert looked unbothered. “It’ll be fine Albus. Look, I found a snitch up in Aunt Bathilda’s attic! I think it still has some life left in it, it’s wings fluttered when I found it so I’ll take that as a promising sign..”

After several minutes, the delay of their takeoff being that Albus flat out refused to fly unless he put invisibility charms on themselves and their brooms did they finally kick off from the ground, soaring into the air in the skies above Godric’s Hollow. Although admittedly, Aberforth was the more experienced flier in their family, Albus shocked himself by almost being able to match Gellert’s pace in soaring after the snitch, though he was unable to copy the tight turns and sudden dives Gellert made that screamed experience.

“I didn’t know you were so good!” Albus called to Gellert as they chased the snitch over a wood just outside the village. Albus was genuinely enjoying himself. Gellert looking as merry as ever, looked back over his shoulder and grinned. “My father was good acquaintances with the top broomstick manufacturer in Europe, he would send me the latest model every year for Christmas, it gave me something to look forward to I suppose!”

Albus trailed after him as they whizzed over the trees, a part of him was lagging behind as it gave him a good view of Gellert’s excitement, his windswept hair blowing in the breeze generated by their speed, the tail of his coat flying along behind him, his face alight with joy. It made Albus feel warm with fondness.

“Well that was fun wasn’t it?”
Gellert asked as he began fishing into the grocery bags that he had left under the shade of the tree until he produced an apple, which he magically diced up into wedges. Albus nodded through heavily breaths, still buzzing from their flight.
“And guess what? The fun isn’t over yet!”

Albus barely had time to look puzzled before Gellert went into his coat pocket and produced a large bottle of Firewhisky.

Albus gaped in shock. “That’s expensive! Where on earth did you get-“

“Mother gets it delivered on the regular,” Gellert explained, removing the cork with a wave of a finger. “She sends it to me whenever I want it, can I tempt you?”

Albus stared at the orange liquid with longing. He knew he shouldn’t.. Aberforth would go ballistic, but Aberforth wasn’t here. He nodded and Gellert beamed.
“That’s the spirit! I knew you had it in you Albus.”

Gellert took a long swig before handing the bottle over to him. Albus swished the bottle around several times before bringing it to his lips and tipping the thick liquid down his throat. Instantly, a burning sensation overtook his chest, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

“See? That wasn’t so bad! You really need to start letting yourself have more fun Albus, I know you would thank yourself for it if you did.”

Albus smiled toothily and picked up the grocery bags lying underneath the tree. The meat would likely be ruined after sitting in the sun for so long, but in that moment Albus didn’t care. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind and happily accepted the bottle when it was next offered to him.

“AND IF I HAD ONE HIPPOGRIFF
THAT’S ALL THAT I WOULD NEED
I’D FLY IT IN THE MORNING AND BACK AGAIN WITH EASE
BUT IF AN ELF STOLE MY HIPPOGRIFF
A PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR
MY HIPPOGRIFF WOULD BE GONE AND MY HEART WOULD START TO STIR
FOR THE LOSS OF MY HIPPOGRIFF-“

“OI SHUT UP!! IT’S BLOODY LATE YOU PAIR OF ABSOLUTE-“

They collapsed against each other roaring with laughter. Against his better judgment, Albus had ended up drinking far more than he had intended. So much so that he didn’t even think twice when an equally drunk Gellert suggested they sing some songs to lighten the mood, what started up as Hymns quickly progressed to the Wizarding World’s greatest hits as they stumbled back through the village.

“I think we’ve annoyed the neighbours,” Gellert laughed drunkenly, slinging his arm around his shoulder, Albus put the warmth at the contact down to the Firewhisky.

“I somehow agree,” Albus giggled back, dragging the bags of groceries along behind him as he held Gellert up with his other arm. “I don’t know why though, they are getting a free concert!”

Gellert snorted. “Exactly! Sounds ungrateful if you ask me.”

“Definitely.”

“Absolutely.”

On cue, they drew breath at the same time, turning back in the direction of the man who had stuck his head out of his window at the sound of their chorus.

“OHHHH IF I HAD TWO HIPPOGRIFFSSS”

“SHUT UPPPPP!!!!!”

“Where the bloody hell have you been?”

Aberforth stood in the hallway in his nightwear seething with anger, his arms folded and his nostrils flaring. Albus quietly closed the front door and turned to face his brother, still beaming with joy from his day spent with Gellert. This seemed to annoy Aberforth even more.

“Merlin, have you been drinking Albus? What on earth were you thinking! And why the hell are you back so late? Buying groceries doesn’t take 7 bloody hours!”

Albus leaned against the wall and rubbed his eyes, he dropped the many grocery bags at his feet with a thud, only to receive a hard shove from Aberforth.

“SHHH!! I finally got her to calm down you drunken fool!” Aberforth hissed, kneeling down to look in the bags. “Oh for Merlins- Albus how long has this meat been in here?”

Albus shrugged, his sight still blurry from the Firewhisky. “Not long, there was a long queue and that’s why I’m back so late, it wasn’t my..”

Aberforth snorted. “Yeah right, because the butcher is open until this late hour? Come on Albus. Don’t dig the hole any deeper. Oh and by the way-“ Aberforth leaned into his ear as he passed him with the grocery bags. “I don’t think the butcher would be up singing until this time of night either. Though I wasn’t aware that you had grown a second voice, quite remarkable!”

Albus turned scarlet.

“You heard?” He mumbled, looking down at his feet. Aberforth nodded grumpily.

“Yes, I think the whole damn village did Albus. I also wasn’t aware that the butcher could de-age 50 years and grow blonde hair either, your magic is growing in leaps and bounds!”

Aberforth shoved past him roughly and disappeared into the kitchen. Albus bit the inside of his lip in embarrassment. What on earth had gotten into him?

“It’s been quite the day hasn’t it girl?” Albus smiled at the owl sitting on his desk, he shut his door silently and walked over to stroke her, Humbug nibbled at his fingers affectionately.

Just then he noticed a small package on his desk that hadn’t been there that morning. Albus looked and Humbug quizzically who stared back unblinking in return. He brushed his dark hair out of his eyes and pulled it over to him, instantly recognising the curly writing.

Elphias.

It was bittersweet in a way, to think that he was out living their dreams while he was still in the same place, but at least he had Gellert now. Albus tore open the package to find an assortment of sweets. Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Fizzing Whizzbees, several Chocolate Frogs along with a few extra treats that he didn’t recognise. He dug through the small pile to find a card which he opened and sat down in his chair to read.

Dear Albus,

I do hope this letter finds you well. I’m sorry that I haven’t been in touch sooner, I regret to say that I have found myself in a spot of.. well trouble of sorts, don’t worry though, nothing too serious.

Albus paused the letter to stare into the distance. What did he mean “trouble?” Albus rubbed his eyes tiredly and resumed where he had left off.
“Typical Elphias,” he grumbled.

How have you been keeping? I hope that brother of yours hasn’t been giving you too much trouble, I know what a handful he can sometimes be at school, I bet old Professor Kirk is glad that it’s the holidays! The hosts I am staying with have been lovely, they send their regards and best wishes, I think you would have been quite fond of them. They came to meet me on the day I arrived in Athens would you believe it? Oh, and they included some local sweets for you to try, in case you are puzzled as to what they are. I included my favourites. It’s not been the same without you Albus. Maybe one day we can retake the trip?

Warmest regards,
Elphias

Albus reread the letter twice before setting it down. He smiled as he opened the box of Bertie Botts and picked one at random. It was awfully kind of Elphias, underneath it all, he was extremely pleased for his friend. Albus made a mental note to write a letter back to him but first, he had to write one to Gellert to thank him for the wonderful day. He had only just reached for a new piece of parchment when an awful taste filled his mouth. He quickly spat the jellybean into his waste basket and chugged a glass of water before reaching for the packaging and looking on the back. “Oh Merlin,” he muttered when his eyes fell upon the flavour he must have chosen. Vomit.

Albus set the box aside and reached for his quill, smoothing the parchment out once before he began to write.

Dear Gellert,

Thank you so much for such a lovely day. Aberforth was grumpy as usual, but no matter, it didn’t ruin anything! I’m sorry if you were disappointed about Ignotus’s grave not carrying the cloak, it just seemed awfully unlikely considering how many years have passed. Any chance you can ask your mother to send over more of that Firewhisky? It’s a brilliant stress reliever!

Yours sincerely,
Albus

P.S. My brother heard our singing. I don’t think he’s a fan. It doesn’t matter, he’s just jealous because he sounds like a Cornish Pixie when he sings.

Albus sealed off the letter and held it out for Humbug who took off instantly. Like before, it was only about a minute until Dunamis was flying through his window followed shortly by Humbug who had become quite infatuated. Albus stroked the silvery bird and accepted Gellert’s reply, smiling softly to himself when he flipped it over and saw the Hallows wax seal upon the back. He tore it off eagerly and began to read.

Albus,

I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it. Just shows what a little Firewhisky can do to raise one’s spirits! I’ll let mother know that you are a fan. Would you be interested in meeting with me tomorrow? You can come over and we could discuss the Hallows some more if you would like. Do please tell your brother that he’s more than welcome to join us for concerts in the future.

With affection and kind regards,
Gellert G

Albus reread the letter a dozen times, going over each word individually, admiring the delicate curve of Gellert’s handwriting, the way he wrote his name with a little flick on the last word. He raised the letter to his face and breathed in the scent of peppermint, imagining that he was in Gellert’s room at that very moment. Surrounded by books, staring up at his ceiling which reflected the Northern Lights, a bright green glow, a dance even, Gellert sitting on his bed flicking his way through books, perhaps stopping now and then to share an interesting piece of knowledge he had just picked up, or maybe he would lie next to him? Albus tucked the letter into his shirt pocket and closed his eyes.

He couldn’t tell whether it was Humbug or Dunamis who hooted, he didn’t even open his eyes to check, instead he began to drift. The lull of the Firewhisky still having it’s hold on him. Before long he fell asleep, his blonde haired companion lying next to him under the glow of the Northern Lights as they laughed softly together over some unknown joke being the last thing on his mind before the hooting turned to nothingness.

Chapter Text

“Is she up yet?”

“I’ve been trying to get her to come downstairs for breakfast for the past fifteen minutes Albus, I think if she was up the room would be empty don’t you?”

Albus sighed and stepped back from the doorway to Ariana’s room, deciding then and there that he was not in the mood for a fight. The Firewhisky had taken a heavy toll on him, as he had woken up that morning with the most tremendous headache. He went downstairs and trudged his way into the kitchen head pounding, and made short work of the porridge. Within seconds and a wave of his wand, 3 bowls were laid out with helpings of the thick substance, honey drizzled on all but his, instead he opted for a sprinkling of sugar. He had just begun to stick spoons in the bowls when that morning’s edition of the Prophet arrived. Albus put money in the bird’s pouch and picked up the paper, his face instantly falling when he laid eyes on the front page.

HAVOC AT FAMED GREEK DRAGON INSTITUTE
Reported by Evan Inchwell

“In what can only be described by witnesses as complete and utter havoc, the world renowned Dragon Institute in Athens suffered a catastrophic afternoon yesterday after a dim-witted teenager decided to stray away from the tour guide and make his way into the enclosure of the Athenian Angelton, which many readers will recognise as a frequent mention in the world’s most endangered dragons list. The foolish boy who we discovered to be none other than Elphias Doge, (17) who some may remember as the Hogwarts student who climbed up the Owlery in an idiotic protesting attempt, decided to take it upon himself to try and obtain some of the rare dragon’s blood, which while being poisonous, some have speculated that it may also have healing powers if used correctly. This is not the first time Doge has pulled such crazed acts, and many will know him as a passionate advocate for dragon’s blood to be made purchasable in Diagon Alley. When the boy was finally cornered after hiding under the dragons wing for nearly an hour, though sources have differed on the exact length of time, he claimed to be acting in the nature of science, as he apparently believes that the blood has medicinal value. We reached out to the Institute for comment and were informed that the dragon was unharmed, and Doge had been released after several hours of questioning and a fine. When asked what he was doing in Greece, Doge claimed to “be on holiday,” which many have considered to be questionable. Why come all the way to Greece to try and rob a Dragon Institute if you are simply on a trip? As well as being a dragon obsessed maniac, acquaintances of Doge that we reached out to for comment informed us that he was a frequent follower of young Albus Dumbledore, who graduated at the same time as his criminal friend. Dumbledore as you know, is the eldest son of Kendra and Percival Dumbledore, though we have sadly been informed that Kendra met a tragic end not too long ago for reasons unknown, leaving Albus as head of the family. Percival on the other hand, is infamous for being a muggle-murdering madman, who’s hatred for muggles-“

Albus put the paper down with a thud, not wanting to read any more of the Prophet’s biased opinion of his father.

He scooped up the tray carrying the porridge bowls and headed up the stairs, putting the Prophet article out of his mind. Albus made a mental note to write back to Elphias sooner than later.

“Doddering Doge has done it again, you must be very proud Albus.”

Albus set the tray beside Ariana’s bed, he was happy to see that she was awake and playing with her toy Niffler, Aberforth sat beside her and held up his own copy of the morning’s newspaper. Albus sighed.

“I’m sure it wasn’t exactly as they described Aberforth, you know how they like to exaggerate.”

Aberforth rolled his eyes. “You mean how they exaggerated when that bloody nutcase climbed the Owlery? You’ve made excuses for him for years Albus.”

Albus opened his mouth and closed it, cursing himself when he saw the look of triumph on Aberforth’s face when he couldn’t come up with an answer. He quickly decided that the best course of action would be to change the subject.

“I’m going out again today by the way, just thought I’d let you know. I won’t be back late.”

Aberforth scowled. “Again? Was last night’s fiasco not enough?”

“It wasn’t a fiasco actually, it was highly enjoyable,” Albus replied pleasantly. “Again, I won’t be back late.”

He didn’t give Aberforth a chance to reply before he left the room, a trail of the scent of porridge being the only thing behind him. Albus buttoned up his waistcoat and after checking his appearance in the mirror, he headed out the front door and walked briskly to Bathildas. Thankfully, it was only one garden away.

“Albus dear! Gellert has been waiting for you, oh where are my manners, come on in love!”

Albus kissed Bathilda on the cheek as he passed, the welcoming scent of lavender inviting him in, and sure enough there was Gellert standing at the top of the stairs. He was dressed in a white shirt and black waistcoat with silver buttons, smart black trousers which looked more expensive than any he had ever owned, and to his surprise, his leather gloves were nowhere to be seen. Instead, several rings sat on his fingers, each fancier than the last.

Albus smiled up at him. Bathilda bustled away into the kitchen, returning moments later with a plate of pumpkin pasties. “Here you are dear, take these up with you, fresh out the oven.”

Albus smiled gratefully at her as he accepted the plate before heading up the stairs to meet Gellert at the top.

“I fear my Aunt’s hospitality knows no bounds,” Gellert chuckled, watching him carry the full plate up the rickety stairs.

“It’s wonderfully kind of her,” Albus replied as he walked into Gellert’s room and set the plate down on his bedside table. Gellert gestured to the bed as he pulled a book out of a shelf.

“Please, make yourself at home. I’ve been looking into the Elder Wand, though not much is known in recent years which is a terrible shame.”

Albus nervously walked towards Gellert’s bed and sat down on the edge, he crossed his legs and reached for a pumpkin pasty from the plate sitting on the bedside table, Gellert smiled.

“Aunt Bathilda will be so pleased. She’s always trying to get me to try out her cooking.”

Albus bit into the flaky pastry and rejoiced as the smooth filling spilled out, he quickly scooped it up before it spilled into his lap, he looked up awkwardly to see Gellert looking at him with amusement.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make a mess..”

Gellert grinned.
“No need to apologise, it’s a sign of food well enjoyed. My Aunt will be thrilled!”

Albus cleaned his hands with a flick of his wand as Gellert came to sit beside him carrying a large book.

“I haven’t been able to find much on the wand, maybe we could look into the stone? That’s bound to be useful, if it has the power to bring people back from the dead..”

“Can it do that?” Albus asked astonished. Gellert shrugged.

“Legend claims it can, but who knows? Maybe it could make us immortal? That would be something wouldn’t it?” Gellert’s eyes gleamed, Albus smiled warmly at his enthusiasm. Then an idea came to mind.

“I could always ask a friend of mine if he knows anything about it? He’s an Alchemist, Nicolas Flamel-“

“Nicolas Flamel??” Gellert squawked in awe. Albus nodded shyly.

“My goodness Albus, you are quite well connected aren’t you? How on earth did you get in contact?”

Albus scratched his nose awkwardly.
“He wrote to me to enquire about several of my school papers that interested him, we’ve been in correspondence ever since.”

Gellert was looking more stunned by the minute. “Where does he live?”

Albus could see his excitement, it was endearing, to have someone take an interest. “Paris,” Gellert hopped up at once. “Well that’s a trip we need to take! How soon can you-“

“I think we should keep it simple first,” Albus said quickly. As much as he wanted to run away from the Hollow, they needed to take it slowly. He couldn’t just drop everything and abandon Aberforth and Ariana.

“Why don’t we go to Ollivanders? He might know something about the wand,” Albus suggested. Gellert, while looking slightly less enthusiastic, still showed interest.

“That’s the British Wandmaker I trust?” Gellert asked, Albus smiled and stood up from the bed. “Yes, and it’s not too far away, have you ever been to Diagon Alley?”

Gellert shook his head. “I regret that I haven’t, but there’s always a first time.”

Albus sighed in relief. That mischievous smile was back again.

“Do you mind if I borrow your owl? I’m just going to let Aberforth know where I’m going.” Gellert clicked his fingers and Dunamis landed on his arm. Albus chuckled. “Well trained isn’t he? I don’t think I could get Humbug to do that.”

“It took a while I’ll admit,” Gellert laughed. “There’s parchment over there.”

Albus grabbed a quill and quickly scribbled a note, not caring how untidy it looked. He folded it and popped it into Dunamis’s beak. Then he held out an arm to Gellert. “Shall we? It might be best if you Apparate with me seeing as you’ve never been before, you might end up in the wrong place otherwise.”

Gellert smirked. “Yes I think you might be right!”

Gellert pulled on his black coat and leather gloves, pausing briefly to offer him a coat considering that the only extra article of clothing for warmth that he had come to Bathilda’s in was his waistcoat. Albus nearly choked on his own words.

“Yes that would be great,” he wheezed as Gellert fished in a cupboard and produced an exact copy of his own coat.

Albus slipped it on, fighting the urge to breathe in the peppermint scent and straightened up to look in the mirror. It was slightly too small for him, but it didn’t show. Gellert held out a hand which after several seconds of staring at it Albus took. Their eyes met, and then they were gone with a loud crack.

“This place is truly fascinating!” Gellert exclaimed for about the hundredth time of their visit. Albus didn’t complain, he loved to see Gellert so cheerful, it made him look even more handsome than he already w-

“Albus look over here! They’ve got a shop selling solid gold cauldrons! Mother had to buy ours off a private seller, how remarkable!”

They must have only been in the alley for an hour, but it had already turned into the most eventful trip Albus had ever taken. Gellert looked around the shops like an excited child, marvelling in the “Great British creations” as he called them, from what Albus could gather, the European version of Diagon Alley was no where near as busy and exciting. Albus watched with wide eyes as Gellert swanned his way through the crowd, several shoppers even stopped just to stare at him, his golden hair shining in the morning sun giving him a divine glow. Albus had to admit, he didn’t blame them. He had even caught himself staring at Gellert for a few seconds too long, but he put it down to his excitement at having someone interesting for company.

They had spent a good half an hour in Gringotts, Gellert was fascinated by the goblins and tried unsuccessfully to strike up polite conversation with several of them. Their visit had come to a close when Albus told Gellert that they used a dragon to guard the deepest and most precious vaults, something he quickly wished he hadn’t, as it was no more than five minutes later before they both got thrown out by a pair of workers after Gellert tried to sneak past the guards to have a look.

“I was kidding! You saw it right Albus? I wasn’t going to go anywhere,” Gellert said for the fifth time since their swift exit from the bank, Albus nodded for the fifth time and pointed out an ice cream shop.

“Do you fancy one?” He asked hopefully, in truth he was feeling rather peckish. Gellert scanned the alley until his eyes fell upon Ollivanders. Albus watched as his eyes lit up and instantly knew that the ice cream would have to wait.

“Perhaps afterwards? Why don’t we find out if he knows anything first.”

Albus said nothing and followed along behind Gellert, ignoring the small jabbing sensation in his chest whenever passers by looked at Gellert for a moment too long. Albus immediately put the feeling down to hunger. Gellert tapped at the door twice before entering the shop, Albus closed it behind them to a ringing noise from the bell. A small boy popped out from behind a stack of wands, he was short with brown hair and a curious expression. He looked at them for several seconds before turning away from them and disappearing behind a curtain.

“PAPA! CUSTOMERS!”

“Alright Gervaise no need to yell!”

Seconds later, a man popped out from the same curtain that Gervaise had disappeared behind. He had the same dark hair as his son and wore a grey apron over a greying white shirt, Gellert smiled warmly at him and extended a hand.

“Gellert Grindelwald, pleasure to meet you sir.”

The man beamed. “And you and you! Gerbold Ollivander, and you must be Albus? Oh yes I remember you!”

Albus stepped forward to stand beside Gellert and shook the man’s hand. “Pleasure to see you again,” he said politely. Gerbold smiled.

“Well, what can I do for you boys today?”

Gellert stepped forward and took on a stance not dissimilar to a businessman about to make a proposition.

“My friend Albus and I are working on a project of sorts, we were just wondering if you might know anything about the Elder Wand?”

Gerbold rubbed his forehead. “Afraid not boys. It is known as the Deathstick and the “Holy Grail Of All Wands” among us Wandmakers, but not much beyond that is known I’m sorry to say.”

Gellert leaned against the counter and rested his arms against the surface, Albus decided that it was probably best to let Gellert do the talking.

“It’s just that Albus and I noted that the wand’s whereabouts stopped being documented a century ago,” Gellert said smoothly. “We were just wondering what the reason for that might be?”

Gerbold looked impressed, he wiped his brow and gave a hearty chuckle. “My my boys, you really have done your homework! If you know that then I’m sure that you’ll know that the last known solid owner of the wand was Loxias, killed by either Arcus or Livius, though Magical Historians have long debated on who Loxias’s true killer was.”

“Who do you think it was?” Gellert asked eagerly, Gerbold looked taken aback. Albus figured that he likely wasn’t used to being quizzed on the origins of the Elder Wand.

“I honestly couldn’t say.” Gerbold replied, his expression lost in thought.

“No one knows what has become of the wand in recent years, well.. nothing beyond rumours..”

“What were the rumours?” Gellert pressed on, clear excitement building in his tone. Gerbold shook his head.

“Afraid I can’t tell you son. I don’t want to get you boys in trouble for knowing more than you should, anyway, I reckon that they don’t hold much weight to them, probably aren’t true if you ask me!”

Gellert stepped back from the desk, slightly deflated but his polite demeanour still in check.

Albus cleared his throat. “Well, thank you for your time Mr Ollivander,” Albus said politely, moving towards the door. “Gellert why don’t we be on our-“

“Hang on a moment Albus. I actually have a couple of questions regarding my wand, standard stuff of course but probably best checked up a professional.” Gellert said softly, taking his wand out of his pocket and holding it out towards Gerbold. “Why don’t you go to that ice cream shop you were pointing out? I’ll be along soon.”

Albus blinked. “Are you sure? I can stay-“

“I wouldn’t want to bore you,” Gellert smiled, giving him a wink.

Albus had to resist the urge to reply with “nothing you could ever say would bore me,” or “how could you even think that?” Instead, he tilted his head in understanding and left the shop, giving Gerbold a quick wave before closing the door.

Albus walked down to the ice cream shop with a spring in his step, he couldn’t ever recall feeling this joyful on a trip to Diagon Alley. All those years of trailing around after his mother and a grumpy Aberforth had finally paid off.

“What can I get you today dear?”

An elderly witch wearing a pink cap stood behind the ice cream counter, scoop in hand waiting on his decision. Albus quickly scanned all of the flavours. What would Gellert like? It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn’t asked.

“Lemon for me please, and my friend will have straw- actually no, vanilla would be fine.”

The witch smiled and two cones appeared in mid-air, staying perfectly in place as she scooped each flavour, Albus watched as she stuck a chocolate stick in each.

“Keep the change,” Albus said pleasantly as he handed over a whole Galleon to pay for them. The door swung upon before he had reached for the handle and Albus made his way back down the Alley with the ice creams in hand. Just then, Gellert stepped out from Ollivanders and came towards him, a wide smile upon his face. Albus looked past him to see Gerbold staring through the window after him, except his expression from before had changed entirely. He looked.. nervous?

“What’s with him?” Albus asked as he handed over the vanilla cone. Gellert looked back at the shop window and shook his head.

“Oh! Yeah, I accidentally knocked over a pile of wands on my way out, nearly scared the poor owl to death if you’d believe it! I gave it a treat to make up for it though.”

Albus licked his ice cream and hummed in response. “Wow, they must have changed the recipe! It tastes far better than when I last had it.”

Gellert picked out his chocolate stick and crunched off the end. “Oh and by the way, Gerbold told me about the rumours as he was checking my wand.”

Albus looked at him in awe. “Brilliant! How on earth did you get him to tell you?”

Gellert grinned. “I didn’t. He must’ve had a change of heart. Anyway, apparently there was a rumour about 15 years ago that the wand had fallen into the hands of a European Wandmaker..”

“No way!” Albus laughed through a mouthful of ice cream. “If it was that simple..”

“It’s a possibility Albus,” Gellert said as he used the chocolate stick to scoop up what was left of his ice cream.

“Gerbold seemed quite convinced, and the biggest European Wandmaker is Gregorovitch, that’s where we all got our wands.”

Albus bit his lip. “It still seems unlikely Gellert. If Gregorovitch did have it don’t you think he might have bragged about it? It’s the most powerful wand in existence for Merlin’s sake!”

“Not if he didn’t want everyone to know he had it.” Gellert replied eyes twinkling.

“Still, it would definitely be worth taking a trip to find out don’t you think?”

Albus finished his cone with a crunch and wiped his hands on a napkin.

“I don’t think it would be wise to go gallivanting across Europe without any concrete evidence that he owns it Gellert,” Albus said firmly. “We should at least find out if the rumour holds any weight before we go.”

Gellert sighed softly. “You really must take some more risks Albus, that’s what makes life fun. I mean look at the other night? Wasn’t that wonderful?”

Albus thought back to them racing around on the broomsticks, chasing the old beaten snitch through the woods, getting drunk off their heads on Firewhisky and singing all the way back through the village, it was the most fun he had experienced in ages. There was no denying it. Then something caught Gellert’s attention.

“What’s down there?”

Albus looked over to see the sign he was pointing to, his heart sank.

“That’s Knockturn Alley,” he explained, feeling a shiver go down his spine as Gellert peered down the dark alleyway. Mother had always expressly forbidden him or Aberforth from ever setting one single foot in it.

“You get dodgy types down there Gellert, I don’t think it’s-“

“Shall we have a look?” Gellert asked mischievously, giving him a subtle wink.

Albus shuffled his feet. “We might get into trouble Gellert! If anyone saw-“

“But no one will.” Gellert said softly, coming over to stand directly in front of him, Albus found he couldn’t look into his eyes. That warmth again.

“Gellert..”

“Albus..”

“It’s too much of a risk! And you’ve been expelled, I don’t want to see you getting into-“

Albus turned scarlet and looked at his feet. Gellert reached out and tilted his face up with a single finger.

“Nothing will happen Albus. And I’ll be fine, I went to Durmstrang! If it’s really as wary as you say, that ought to do me some credit.”

Albus sighed. Maybe it was the heat in his stomach or Gellert’s finger still holding his chin up, but he found himself slowly nodding in response.

“Alright. But we leave at the first sign of trouble.”

Gellert looked thrilled. Albus had to admit, it was almost worth it just to see that pleased expression back on his face again. Gellert patted his shoulder and led the way down into the alley. Not for the first time, Albus found he was helpless to follow him. That was becoming more and more apparent to him where Gellert was involved, but the lines were becoming more blurred.

“Now then, if we were looking to ask about an ancient magical artefact, where would you suggest we try first?”

Albus said nothing and continued to follow Gellert down the windy passageway. He was painfully aware of the suspicious looks they were receiving and prayed that no one from the Ministry was there to spot him, it might just be enough to completely destroy his career before it had started.

“Albus?”

“Hm?”

“Why don’t we try here?”

Albus looked over to the shop that Gellert was pointing out. In bold letters were the words BORGIN AND BURKES.

It had grubby windows and chipped green paint, Gellert peered into the window and noticed a house elf dusting off a stand of skulls, Albus wished desperately that they could return to Diagon Alley. Gellert on the other hand, seemed utterly fascinated.

“Let’s try this one Albus, I’m sure they might know something!”

Albus sighed softly. Judging by the look of enthusiasm of Gellert’s face he knew that it would be near impossible for him to refuse. He nodded and Gellert’s smile grew even wider.

“Great! Come on then, we can at least find out what they know. If they don’t then hey, at least we tried.”

Albus followed behind Gellert as he pushed open the creaky old door to the shop, an old bell rang above their heads as they closed the door behind them. Straight away. Albus was greeted by the smell of tobacco. He pursed his lips and said nothing as they looked around the shop for any sign of life other than an old wizard browsing through potion bottles at the end of the shop.

“Maybe we should come back another time?” Albus suggested, Gellert shook his head. “We’ve come all this way Albus, it would be a pity to drop the trail now.”

Then they heard a bustling coming from behind an old moth eaten curtain. Sure enough, a tall man with matted brown hair appeared seconds later from behind it. He had oily skin and wore grubby green robes that indicated long term wear. Gellert cleared his throat.

“Are you Mr Borgin?”

The man let out a wheezy giggle, he pulled over the curtain and came to stand before them. Albus wrinkled his nose at the dust radiating from the curtain.

“That I am. What’s a pair of posh boys like yourselves doing down here?”

Gellert smiled politely. “My name is Gellert and this is my good friend Albus.”

Albus smiled at the way Gellert pronounced his name. Luckily, Gellert’s back was turned to him so there was no one to witness it.

“We are working on a project concerning the Hallows, harmless school nonsense really.. but we were made aware that the Elder Wand had fallen into the possession of the Wandmaker Gregorovitch, I suppose we were just wondering if the rumour held any truth?”

Mr Borgin giggled again before sitting down on a moth eaten wooden chair.

“Proper little detectives aren’t you lads?” He then turned to look at Gellert who tilted his head in attention.

“You don’t sound from this area son, where did you attend school?”

“Durmstrang,” Gellert replied immediately. Mr Borgin looked throughly impressed.

“Good on you lad! They teach em properly over there, don’t just let in any old riffraff.. I mean don’t get me wrong, I ain’t got nothing against the muggle born types, I reckon it’s just better to keep em separated you know?”

Albus shuffled his feet uncomfortably, not liking the direction that the conversation was heading. Somehow, Gellert seemed to sense this. Albus silently thanked him as he quickly began to steer the conversation back to the topic of the Hallows.

“The Elder Wand Mr Borgin?”

Mr Borgin slapped his knee in raved laughter.

“Oh yeah! Sorry lads, got a bit off topic there.. no you are quite right. There was indeed a rumour that the wand was owned by Gregorovitch, he resurrects it every now and then to try and get extra business.. I reckon it’s a loada rubbish if you ask me.”

Albus could feel the disappointment radiating off Gellert in waves. He stepped forward and tentatively placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Never mind Gellert, I’m sure there’s-“

“Not rubbish at all my good sir!”

They spun around at the same time to see the old wizard who had been in the corner looking at potion bottles standing hunched over a few feet away from them. Gellert was the first to break the silence.

“What do you mean?”

The old wizard chuckled in a raspy wheeze, leaning heavily onto his walking stick for support. Albus had half a mind to offer up a chair to him, Gellert beat him to it. With a flick of his wand, a shiny oak chair appeared in mid-air before settling behind the wizard in invitation. The wizard beamed at Gellert and lowered himself into it with a slight thump.

“Thank you young man, most kind..”

“What did you mean by it’s not rubbish sir?” Gellert asked, his tone eager in anticipation.

“Oh yes! Gregorovitch has been an old colleague of mine for many years, in fact on my last visit he showed it to me.”

Gellert was looking more alive with excitement by the minute. Albus quickly glanced around to see that Mr Borgin had retreated back behind the curtain once more, perhaps suspecting that he was no longer needed.

“Showed you what sir?”

“Why the Elder Wand of course!” The wizard cackled with glee. Gellert looked as if he’d just been named Minister of Magic.

“Gregorovitch has it?”

“Oh yes!” The wizard said in a wheezy high pitched voice. Albus’s stomach did a flip. They had found it.

“Showed it to me he did, last I heard he was trying to duplicate it to harness it’s powers, told him that he shouldn’t meddle with it I did but you know old Mykew.. wouldn’t listen to Merlin if he asked!”

Gellert looked utterly thrilled. Albus watched as he stepped forward to enthusiastically shake the old wizard’s hand.

“Thank you sir, you have been most helpful indeed.”

The aged wizard who looked happy to just be included for once, smiled back in a daze.

“Not at all good looking young man, not at all!”

Gellert practically skipped his way out of the shop, a new burst of life had been born in him, he looked even merrier than he already did, which Albus didn’t think was possible.

“We did it Albus! We have our proof! How soon can you leave?”

Albus chuckled as they made their way back up the darkened alley. He loved it when Gellert was like this. But even so, at the back of his mind was that nagging impulse of caution.

“I don’t think I can just drop everything and leave Gellert. Besides, if that old man knew about it Merlin knows who else he has told, for all we know it’s already been nicked.”

Gellert’s shoulders dropped slightly, Albus instantly felt a tinge of regret. Not wanting to ruin the mood, he quickly rectified it.

“Look, all I’m saying is that we should find out more about it before we go, it would be a very expensive Portkey for nothing. Or maybe we could look elsewhere? I’m Nicolas might know something about it, I could even inquire about the Stone..”

Gellert’s eyes lit up. Albus could feel himself going red and averted his gaze.

“What time is it anyway? It must be getting quite late by now.”

Gellert reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden pocket watch that Albus was sure cost more than all of the furniture in his room. It had beautiful swirled engravings and was no doubt a family heirloom. Gellert flipped it open and squinted at the hands.

“It’s just past s-“

SWIPE

Albus fell backwards with a thud, Gellert fell on top of him a split second later, their fall was followed by the sound of jeering and a group of people running past them in a loud clatter. Gellert lept up at once.

“My watch, they took my watch Albus!”
Albus looked up at him in a daze. His head was throbbing from where he had fallen, and to his dismay, Gellert’s coat that he had been allowed to borrow was drenched in puddle water.

Gellert didn’t seem to notice, instead his face was a picture of fury at the loss of his watch.

“Come on Albus! We can’t let them get away with that!”

Albus pulled himself up with a slight grunt, twinging slightly at the pain in his hip and reached into his pocket for his wand. Here was an opportunity!

They shared a glance before taking chase, Gellert wasting no time before firing a spell at the nearest member of the group, the boy yelled and fell to the ground with a thud. Unfortunately, this prompted the others to take action. Albus saw it in a blink of an eye, the tallest boy pulled out his wand and pointed it directly at Gellert with a look of cruel menace.

“GELLERT GET DOWN!”

“CRUCIO!”

There it was. An Unforgivable Curse. Albus wasted no time in deflecting it, but Gellert cast the same defensive spell at the same time. Their spells met in mid-air and the combined magic joined to send a vicious shockwave back towards their attackers.

“ACCIO WATCH!”

Albus didn’t see which one of them had stolen it, but the watch came flying out of the centre of the group, straight into Gellert’s outstretched hand. Spells continued to fly, bangs and blasts flew off the walls as they continued to run, but then a jet of blue light emerged from Gellert’s wand. Albus watched wordlessly as it submerged around the group of thieves, trapping them in a bubble before tying them up with a chain that seemed to expand endlessly until they were all secure. They skidded to a stop just before the thieves who now lay crumbled in a chained heap at the end of the passageway leading into Diagon Alley. Albus wheezed a sigh of relief. Then the moment of sweet silence was interrupted by a loud cheer.

“They caught the Dusktown Robbers!”

“Mother of Merlin! How the hell did they manage that?”

Albus then felt himself being dragged forward before being hoisted up onto a set of shoulders, he looked over to find Gellert in a similar predicament. He could not have heard himself if he tried, the sound of thunderous applause and cheering coming from a crowd that had quickly gathered was too great. Albus felt a surge of pride in his chest, they were cheering for him! Now this was what he deserved! He glanced over to Gellert and smiled, Gellert winked at him in return before disappearing under the arms of the crowd.

By the end of it, Albus had lost track of how many hands he had shaken, how many words of congratulations he had accepted, a writer from the Daily Prophet had even caught wind of the catch and had come along to snap a picture of him and Gellert standing in front of the chained thieves, like hunters after catching their prey. When the crowd finally started to disperse, Gellert sauntered over to him with a glint of mischief in his eye that made Albus feel weak in the knees.

“Not bad for one day is it Albus?” Gellert grinned, patting him on the back. “The location of the Elder Wand and now we are heroes to the Wizarding World! See? We are making our mark!”

Albus laughed happily and fell into step with him as they walked back up towards the Leaky Cauldron. Several last minute admirers stopped to congratulate them on the way, something both he and Gellert were happy to indulge. But he didn’t miss the way each of their eyes lingered on Gellert. The nape of his neck, the glint in his eye, the spark of mischief that seemed to attract all that it came to encounter. But Gellert was his friend. Out of everyone he could have chosen, it was him that Gellert was spending his day with, him that he would write letters to at the break of day, him who he was returning to the Hollow with. It felt nice, to be someone’s first choice. Albus could practically picture Aberforth’s gaze of envy if he knew what kind of reception that he and Gellert had received!

“Ready to go then?” Gellert asked casually, holding his arm out. Albus rolled up his sleeve and reached out his own, relishing in the warmth that spread through his body when he touched the back of Gellert’s smooth hand. He looked around the alley once more before his ears were filled with a loud crack and his feet lifted from the cobblestone and the colourful shop windows vanished from sight.

Chapter Text

HERO BOYS BUST DUSKTOWN ROBBERS IN DARING CATCH
Reported by Evan Inchwell

Cheers of joy and euphoria rang throughout Diagon Alley late yesterday evening after an unlikely event turned the street into one of celebration.
Albus Dumbledore, (17) and his handsome accomplice Gellert Grindelwald, (16) have become overnight sensations in the Wizarding World after what started out as a shopping trip left them as heroes when a robbery attempt on their possessions went terribly wrong. The infamous group known as The Dusktown Robbers have been terrorising the Wizarding World for decades, operating under a variety of aliases and leaving even the most experienced Aurors mystified for answers, but yesterday it all came to a close. The two boys who our reporter Claudia Rosier managed to interview after they fended off an army of new adoring fans, had this to say:

“My friend Albus and I were just browsing for school supplies for his younger brother Aberforth when I suddenly felt a slight shift in my pocket, sure enough when I turned around to look, I saw a group running away with haste, one of them holding my watch. Goblin made you know, terribly rare, been in my family for six generations, I’m just so glad we spotted them before they ran too far! We managed to take them down after a brief struggle, nothing too nasty.. but I regret to say that one of them made an attempt on my life with an Unforgivable Curse which missed me by a mere inch. If Albus hadn’t warned me of it then I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

- Statement by Gellert Grindelwald, heroic teen responsible for the downfall of the Dusktown Robbers

His brave friend Albus Dumbledore, who by Gellert’s own admission saved his life from an Unforgivable Curse, also wished to make a statement:

“Well similar to what Gellert said, it was just a matter of luck really, (Albus laughs) I mean, neither of us could have seen it coming, but I’m just jolly glad that such terrible people have been brought to justice! We just acted as anyone would have in that situation, we’re no more heroes than anyone else.”

- Statement by Albus Dumbledore, newly graduated Hogwarts student who has shot to fame overnight after taking down notorious robber group

We have been reliably informed that the two boys are unharmed and have safely returned home after the shocking scene. We have also been made aware that Grindelwald, (16) is planning to press charges to the fullest extent on the robber who made the attempt on his life, something that the Ministry Official that we reached out to for comment has fully backed.

“Mr Grindelwald is well within his rights to proceed with this matter legally, the Ministry will support him in whatever path he chooses to take. The entire Wizarding World owes him and Mr Dumbledore a great deal of gratitude, and we wish to make our support of both boys for their act of public service clear.”

- Statement from an unnamed Ministry Official who has respectfully asked to remain anonymous

Despite being fresh out of Hogwarts, Dumbledore is already widely recognised in the Wizarding Community with a great number of influential contacts already. This includes Nicolas Flamel, famed Alchemist who is the inventor of the rare artefact known as the Philosopher’s stone. Grindelwald on the other hand, is regrettably less known, but this doesn’t undermine his bravery in any way. I for one speak for the vast majority of the community when I say that great things are to be expected from both boys, watch this space!

“What a pair of pretentious arseholes,” Aberforth spat, throwing the paper down on the kitchen table with a look of contempt.

Albus picked it up and folded it, wrinkling his nose slightly as he smoothed out the crumpled corner, he smiled fondly at the picture depicting him and Gellert standing in front of the kneeling robbers dominating a vast majority of the front page.

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you Aberforth,” Albus said quietly as he poured himself a cup of tea with a flick of his wand.

Aberforth snorted and dumped the porridge ladle back into the cauldron with unnecessary force, resulting in specks of the substance flying onto the walls.

“Oh please, jealousy my arse Albus. You just couldn’t resist the urge to play the hero could you? You and that posh boy with his fancy coat.. have you seen the way he struts about the village?”

Albus wrinkled his nose in annoyance. Trust Aberforth to try and ruin a great achievement!

“You don’t know him Aberforth,” Albus said coolly, standing up from the kitchen table abruptly and putting his empty porridge bowl into water. “So I’ll thank you not to talk about him like-“

“He’s a bad influence Albus!” Aberforth exclaimed. “Ever since he arrived you’ve been acting so irrational! The way you trail around after him like a loyal dog..”

“I don’t “trail” around after anyone thank you very much.” Albus snapped coldly. “I think if you minded your own business and stopped judging us then we would get along an awful lot better than we do.”

Aberforth grunted in annoyance and stormed out of the kitchen with a huff.
Albus couldn’t help the smugness that tugged at his heart watching Aberforth retreat, he had been getting in the way for far too long to result in any other reaction.

Just then, the beating of wings was followed by a brown owl flying through the kitchen window and diving headfirst into the cauldron of porridge with a loud screech. Albus groaned as the faded walls gained a new coat. The thick sticky mixture splattered up the sides of counters and table chairs, some of it even ended up on the ceiling by a miracle! Albus removed the remnants of their ill-fated breakfast with a few muttered breaths and a wave of his wand before pulling the porridge coated owl out of the cauldron and repeating the action. There at the bottom of the cauldron was a crumbled letter, sticky and torn in places but otherwise intact. Albus picked it up with a sigh and sank down into a kitchen chair to read.

Dear Albus,

Thank you so much for writing my friend! It has been far too long. I must say, your letter has thoroughly intrigued me, as did the mention of your friend Gellert. He sounds like a charming individual. I’m thrilled to hear that you have taken an interest in the Hallows! But I am afraid that I carry good news and bad news. On the bad side of matters, I do not know the location of the Resurrection Stone, and I fear to say that no man alive possibly would either. It has gone undocumented for far too long to possibly pin any definitive location on it. I do confess that I did use information that I had gathered on the stone as my basis of inspiration for the Philosopher’s Stone, but as any Alchemist will tell you, you can never be one hundred percent on an object’s properties unless you have it in hand.
In the interest of good news however, I’m pleased to confirm your inquiry about the rumour of Gregorovitch owning the Elder Wand. Mykew was performing experiments of sorts on it when we last spoke, I think he wishes to duplicate it for some bizarre reason!
I would love to be able to answer your questions in more depth, but a letter can only allow so much. Why don’t you come and pay me a visit? Please tell your friend Gellert that he would be most welcome to join you, he sounds utterly fascinating!

Warm Regards,
Nicolas Flamel

Albus nearly tripped over the table leg as he raced out of the kitchen, heart thumping with adrenaline, his hand slipping underneath his shirt collar and pulling out the silver Hallows pendant, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he brushed his fingers over the centre.

“Nicolas confirmed it Gellert! Gregorovitch has the wand! He’s invited us to visit him!”

Gellert looked like he was aglow. Albus laughed as golden sparks shot out the end of his wand in excitement, Albus didn’t even think twice before he wrapped his arms around Gellert in a hug of celebration. They clung to each other in that perfect space of time and then however momentarily, Albus forgot about the existence of Aberforth and Ariana completely. He buried his face into Gellert’s shoulder and smiled, breathing in the scent of peppermint and expensive fabric, the warmth radiating through the material covering his skin..

But then as soon as it started, the moment ended. All too soon.

“This is fantastic Albus!” Gellert cried, grabbing his coat and pulling it on before summoning a sleek black case and filling it to the brim with items. “How soon can you go? I’m sure my aunt can arrange a Portkey.. today in fact!”

Then it came. That same nagging impulse that plagued his existence.
Aberforth and Ariana.

“I can’t leave my siblings..” Albus muttered grumpily, sitting down on Gellert’s bed and putting his head in his hands. Moments later he felt the bed shift, and he instantly knew that Gellert had sat down beside him.

“Why can’t your brother look after your sister?” Gellert suggested in a hopeful voice. Albus squeezed his eyes shut.

“He’s only fifteen Gellert. And my sister.. well she just can’t be left for that long.”

“But I thought that your brother was always better at handling her anyway?”

“He is, but I still can’t-“

“And my Aunt Bathilda could always check up on them for us?”

“That would be something..”

“And we could check in by owl every day?”

“What about money? My mother.. she didn’t really leave much-“

Gellert stood from the bed and opened a drawer after removing a complicated enchantment that Albus had never heard of in his life, to his utter amazement, the drawer was packed with thousands of Galleons. Albus sat mouth wide open as Gellert filled a black bag with three handfuls of the coins before turning back to hand them to him.

“Gellert.. you really don’t need-“

“Consider it a gift.” Gellert said with a smile. Aberforth would have money, Bathilda would check up on them, he could write to them everyday and find out how they were keeping.. everything was ringing in the trip’s favour. He looked up at Gellert’s expectant face and caved. It would only be for a few weeks after all!

“Alright then.” Albus said with feigned annoyance. Gellert smiled. That mischievous smile that met his eyes, the one that Albus had seen a million times but would never tire of seeing. Now there was only one person left to tell..

“HAVE YOU BLOODY LOST IT??”

A typical Aberforth reaction. Did Albus dare expect less?

“It’s only for a few weeks Aberforth. Bathilda has offered to check up twice a day and Gellert has supplied money, and I’ll send Humbug to check in..”

“I DON’T GIVE A DAMN WHO YOU SEND!” Howled Aberforth, throwing a plant pot at his head. Albus shattered it in the air before it could hit him.

“She can’t be left Albus! What am I supposed to do if she flares up?”

“What you normally do of course.”

Aberforth spat on the floor before his feet. Albus was almost shocked by the amount of contempt in his face.

“You disgust me.” Aberforth said in a low voice, cold and dangerous. “So I’m supposed to care for Ariana and keep things afloat while you run off to Paris with your new friend for two weeks? You’re supposed to be taking care of us Albus!”

Albus huffed and thrust over the bag of Galleons into Aberforth’s arms. Why was he so bloody dramatic? Merlin would think he was going to the North Pole!

“I’m not abandoning anyone Aberforth,” Albus said coldly, picking up his suitcase and tucking his scarf over his coat, Gellert’s coat really, but he hadn’t asked for it back yet and he’d seen him wearing it.. Albus made a mental note to return it only if Gellert asked for it.

“This is a rare business opportunity for me and Gellert. Merlin.. you should be pleased for me! If things go well then things could get an awful lot better for us all. I’ll be checking in tonight.”

Albus took one final glance at Aberforth and left the kitchen, suitcase in hand.

“Albus?”

He turned his head back to the direction of the kitchen just as his hand touched the front door handle. Perhaps an apology?

“Yes?”

“Fuck off.”

Albus gritted his teeth and left the cottage without a second look back.

“Right then, have you boys got everything you need?”

They stood crowded in Bathilda’s kitchen, Gellert dressed to the nines in a smart black coat and new leather gloves, his hair sleeked back in a way that showed off his cheekbones and made it increasingly hard for Albus not to stare.

“Yes I think so,” Albus said kindly as Bathilda fussed herself with smoothing out his scarf like a concerned mother sending him off to a job interview. Gellert smirked at him from behind her back as she moved onto his hair.

“Oh dear.. does it ever lie flat Albus love? I’m sure I have some ointment somewhere..”

Albus quickly cleared his throat, not wishing to turn the time before their departure into a hairdresser appointment. Gellert looked throughly amused by it all which Albus found both annoying and endearing.

“I have some bad news I’m afraid,” Bathilda said quietly, moving away from him to lean against her kitchen table.

“What is it Aunt Bathilda?” Gellert said at once, anxiety building in his features.

“Oh nothing too serious dear, you don’t need to look so worried Gellert! It’s just that I haven’t been able to secure a Portkey for you boys.”

Albus felt his heart sink. What would it mean for them? Would Aberforth get the satisfaction of seeing him trailing home without ever departing?

“There’s just a slight problem concerning Gellert here Albus,” Bathilda explained. “The French Ministry of Magic have been getting sick of criminals slipping in undetected through Apparition or use of illegal Portkeys, and they have really been stepping up the security lately.”

“But there’s no way that Gellert could be a criminal!” Albus exclaimed fiercely, the urge to defend rising within him like a Phoenix. Bathilda smiled gently.

“I know that dear, but Gellert attended a school infamously known to produce dark wizards. Not only that, he was expelled over a magical disagreement. So the law already doesn’t weigh in his favour. It’s just better to be safe than sorry love.”

Albus looked over to Gellert who was pretending to be fiddling with his coat button, his expression unreadable.

“So what are we to do instead?” Albus asked, trying to keep his tone friendly but in truth he was getting annoyed.

Why did everyone keep treating Gellert like a criminal? Bathilda shuffled over to a floral biscuit tin and pulled out two tickets, she put them in a red envelope before handing them over to them.

“Your best bet would be to get the boat from Dover,” Bathilda explained, pulling a map out of a cupboard and handing it to Gellert.

“I trust we can Apparate there?” Gellert joked, tucking the map inside his coat with a gloved hand. Bathilda nodded.

“That’s both of your tickets, I booked a room for you both.. I hope you don’t mind sharing? It shouldn’t be too long of a journey..”

Albus smiled and shook his head.
“No, I don’t mind sharing. Thank you Bathilda.”

And he didn’t.

Gellert kissed Bathilda on the cheek and then turned to face him, arm outstretched and expectant.

“Ready then? One.. Two.. Three..”

CRACK

The boat was small and rather shabby, and the man who accepted their tickets was rough and unfriendly looking, but Albus smiled and put on a friendly face. Even though he could have sworn that the man made a swipe for Gellert’s pocket watch as they passed him to climb on deck.

“Bold these muggles aren’t they?” Gellert whispered in his ear as a small boy led them down to their cabin, Albus noticed the way Gellert’s face twitched when the boy pointed out an old door with rusty hinges, but when they opened the door with a great groaning noise, it was his turn to stare in dismay.

There was only one bed.

“I thought we requested two beds?” Albus squeaked after the boy who had already left the room. The boy shrugged at him and disappeared above deck. Albus could feel a heat creeping up his neck. Gellert seemed unbothered, giving the bedsheets a shake with a wave of his wand.

“You don’t mind I trust?” Gellert asked casually as he took off his gloves and coat. Albus hummed in response and turned to face the wall to remove his coat.

“What happened to your sister Albus?”

That made him pause.

“What do you mean?” Albus asked slowly, looking back at Gellert who he found sitting on the bed with one leg over the other, a soft look upon his face.

“It’s alright Albus,” Gellert said quietly. Albus sucked in a breath. Why did he have to look at him like that?

Albus tucked the coat over the back of a chair and made his way over to the bed, painfully aware that it was the one that he and Gellert would be sharing. He sat down on the edge with a tentative sigh.

“She was attacked by three muggle boys when she was six. They saw her using magic and demanded that she showed them how she did it. At that age.. you just don’t have that kind of control.”

Albus took a deep breath. It was strange, admitting it out loud, perhaps he never had until that moment, at least not to anyone other than Aberforth.

“My father went after them and ended up in Azkaban for it, but the damage was already done. She was never the same again.. she still isn’t. And my mother couldn’t control it and my father is out of the picture so I’m stuck with her, uncontrollable and untameable as she is, with a stubborn fool for a brother for help even though he hates my guts and I don’t know what I’m going to do when-“

Albus didn’t realise that tears were streaming down his face until he felt a feather light touch on his cheek, he looked next to him to see Gellert holding a hand up to his face, wiping away his tears.

“I know what she is Albus,” Gellert said softly, offering out a silk handkerchief.
Albus dabbed his eyes.

“So do I, what they turned her into.. if they hadn’t attacked her and set her off then my mother would still be alive and my father wouldn’t be in prison. It wasn’t.. it wasn’t supposed to be like this Gellert! I was supposed to be..”

“Out there, achieving greatness and making your mark?” Gellert supplied gently. Albus nodded, wiping tears off his nose with the silk handkerchief.

“Albus, I know that this may not come to ease your pain, but if we find the Hallows it may not be too late to make things right.”

“What do you mean?” Albus sniffed, closing his eyes and then opening them immediately again when he felt Gellert’s hand on his knee.

“With the Hallows intact, a way might still exist for Ariana to live openly and without fear.” Gellert said, eyes shining with purpose. Albus blinked.

“What do you mean?”
Gellert shook his head and got up off the bed leaving him with his hands in his lap.

“I’ll tell you when you have a clear mind. But it’s a plan that I have been toying with for awhile.. even while I was still at Durmstrang, I think it could be the way forward Albus. Not just for your sister, but the entire Wizarding World as a whole.”

Albus opened his mouth to reply when Gellert walked away from him before he moved his hand to his shirt buttons and began to undress. Slowly they came undone and soon enough, a smooth torso was revealed, toned by youth. Albus closed his mouth and removed his shoes and waistcoat with haste, he quickly climbed into bed and pulled back the covers, hoping that the cold sheets might cool him down. Perhaps he was getting a fever?

“Oh Merlin.. I always tell mother not to buy this brand. Albus? Would you mind?”

Gellert held out a sleeve and pointed to a silver cufflink which he was unsuccessfully trying to remove. Albus swallowed dryly, the saliva in his mouth was becoming nonexistent at an alarming pace. He nodded shakily, his hand tucking a curl behind his ear on its own accord before he pulled back the covers and walked over to stand before Gellert, doing everything in his power to avoid staring at his chest that was visible in between the gap where the buttons were joined only moments before.

“Thank you,” Gellert smiled, holding out his arm. Albus focused all of his attention on the silver cufflink that was being presented to him, anything to combat the heat that was spreading through his body the longer he held onto Gellert’s arm. He was so close, he could smell the peppermint scent of his skin, see the hairs on the back of his pale hand, the way his hand was warm to the touch, it was quickly becoming too much for him. Albus made short work of both cufflinks, putting them into Gellert’s outstretched hand and allowing their fingers to graze for a brief moment before he nodded once and returned to the bed.

“I hope Flamel knows more about Gregorovitch,” Gellert said airily, pulling off his shirt completely and folding it over the same chair that held his coat.

“I mean, he sounds like they are colleagues so that’s a promising sign don’t you think?”

Albus felt like he was going to faint. Gellert stood bare chested at the end of the bed, his pale skin glowing under the candlelight, his hair catching the light as it teased his neck, a jawline that could have easily cut glass.. he could feel his blood rushing before the pressure started to grow. Albus shifted his leg beneath the sheet slightly and with a brush of his thigh, he knew.

“Oh Merlin,” he muttered in barely more than a whisper.

“Albus?”

“Mm?”

“Are you alright? You look a little warm.”

Albus instinctively pulled the bedsheets further up his chest. All Gellert had to do was pull back the sheets to get in.. the lack of friction was maddening, but he didn’t dare even think of doing anything about it. Instead, he turned over to the wall so that if Gellert climbed in beside him then he would only see his back.

“I’m fine, just a little.. overwhelmed. I can’t believe we are actually doing this.. I hope Aberforth is alright. Are you sure that Bathilda is going to check in?”

Gellert made a noise of approval as Albus felt the bed shift, a creak emerged from the mattress as Gellert settled in beside him, Albus loosened his grip on the covers slightly.

“Yes she assured me. Don’t worry Albus, if you heard the way she talks about you and your siblings.. It’s like you were her own children!

Albus smiled into the pillow. It would be alright. Bathilda would keep an eye on them. Aberforth has always been better with handling Ariana anyway, and he had left plenty of Ariana’s calming potion.. just as long as he didn’t return to the Hollow and find their cottage blown up..

“Goodnight then,” Albus quickly glanced over his shoulder as he reached to blow out the candle. Gellert was lying with the sheets barely covering his chest, his eyes were closed with stray strands falling over his eyes. Gellert grunted and Albus smiled. He blew out the candle in a swift motion and lay back against the pillow, silently thanking Merlin for bedsheets as he lay in an uncomfortable position until he fell asleep to the sound of waves beating against the side of the boat.

Chapter Text

“Albus wake up!”

“Huh? What’s going on?”

“You’ve overslept son, that’s what’s blooming going on!”

Albus opened his eyes briefly before twitching them shut again, the stale air of their cabin filled his senses along with a groggy image of the man who had accepted their tickets, he was standing at the end of the bed with a cigar hanging out of his mouth.

Albus rubbed his eyes and sat up. The space where Gellert had lay next to him was empty, he looked over to the other side of their cabin and saw him already dressed in a black shirt with matching trousers and a waistcoat with silver buttons, his hair falling over his eyes as he concentrated on fixing his cufflinks.

Albus held back a smile. The man huffed audibly in annoyance at being made to wait. “Are you lads magicians or something by any chance?” The man snapped, ash from his cigar falling onto the end of the bed.

Albus furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

The man threw a crumpled letter towards him with a grunt. Albus had to restrain himself from reaching for his wand to catch it.

“A bloody owl arrived on deck carrying it this morning, a damn owl! Whatever next? I says to my son I’ve never seen an owl carrying anything! They must be magicians I tell him.. I mean how else can fancy boy here afford such nice lookin clothes?” The man gestured to Gellert’s outfit wildly with his hand.

Albus bit his tounge. “Yes that’s what we are,” He said finally to break the silence.

The man smiled toothily. “I knew it! I told Jack you were! Why if- erm.. sorry lads, got a bit off track there. Just to let you boys know that we will be arriving soon.” The man raised his cap in respect and left their cabin to resume his position on deck once more.

Albus got out of bed and reached for his clothes with a huffed laugh. “Merlin.. the way muggles just barge in! If one of us had been performing magic-“

“Don’t you ever get tired of hiding from them?” Gellert said abruptly, pulling on his leather gloves. Albus shrugged on a clean shirt which was slightly creased from being left overnight in an awkward position.

“Of course I do, but there’s nothing that can be done about it Gellert. The law is the law, and honestly, it’s for a good reason.”

Gellert looked unconvinced. “Is it not because of muggles that your sister has become what she is now though?”

Albus closed his eyes.

“An Obscurial, terrified of her own abilities and self hating all because of muggle inability to understand us? If they knew about our existence then they would respect us and your sister would be free, doesn’t that tempt you Albus?”

Albus looked at his feet and swallowed. Gellert did make valid points, it was because of the muggles that Ariana was so unstable, but to suggest revealing their world just to live without fear? So much could go wrong..

“I can’t condemn the entire muggle population just because of the actions of three Gellert,” Albus said finally, staring at a painting of a girl holding an ice cream at the beach on the wall opposite the bed.

Could that have been Ariana’s life? Free to walk in the outside world, she could’ve had ice cream on outings just like he had done with Gellert, she would’ve even gone to Hogwarts.. would she have been in Gryffindor like him and Aberforth? Or perhaps Ravenclaw?

Albus felt his eyes prickling with tears as he imagined a different life, one without an unstable sister and when he still had two parents, a mother who was still alive and a father who wasn’t in Azkaban known only as an infamous muggle hater. He blinked back the tears and grabbed his coat.

Gellert regarded himself in the mirror once before turning back to face him.

“Look at us Albus, being condemned to take muggle transportation purely out of fear of arrest at the hands of another Ministry if we Apparated! Two of the sharpest wizards of our age on a quest to find the Hallows of all things! Is that how you wish to live? Cooped up like a hen in a cage, stuck in everlasting limbo looking after your sister for the rest of your days?”

Albus shook his head, utterly unsure of what to say. What Gellert was suggesting was ludicrous, but Albus had to admit that the element of temptation was there. A world where Ariana was free surely couldn’t be a bad thing? And if they found the Hallows then they would have all of the necessary tools to make it work properly, maybe the stone could even bring back his mother..

“Albus?”

“What? Oh sorry.. I wasn’t paying-“

Gellert came over before him and cupped his face.

Albus almost collapsed then and there. He had to focus all of his energy into staying upright. Gellert smiled softly while brushing his thumb over his cheek.

“I apologise Albus, I fear I have sprung my ideas onto you all at once, please forgive me.”

Albus shook his head frantically. “No! I mean.. no it’s not that, it’s just.. I don’t see how wizards revealing themselves to the muggles could be sustainable, and I don’t know how we could get anyone to agree to it.. it’s a big risk Gellert.”

Gellert’s eyes gleamed.

“With the Hallows it would be possible Albus. And I assure you, there are others who wish to restore our kind to their rightful place.”

“But what if anyone got hurt?”

“Any harm done will be paid one hundred times over in benefits for wizards. Who knows? Your sister would finally be able to learn how to use magic properly without the laws of repression holding her back!”

Albus felt his heart flutter. Could it possibly be true? Was this just wishful thinking?

“You mean it?” He whispered, Gellert nodded, his face aglow with passion.

“I swear it. Magic blooms in rare souls Albus, it should never be feared by those who wield it, only those who are foolish enough to oppose it.”

“THAT’S US HERE NOW BOYS!”

They both felt a slight jolt as the boat rocked to a halt, an anchor now weighing it down. Gellert finally stepped back from him much to his dismay, Albus reluctantly moved away too as Gellert slung his satchel over his right shoulder and picked up his black suitcase, Albus busied himself with fastening the buttons on his borrowed coat and tucked the Hallows pendant down his shirt. The jewellery had never been removed from his neck once since the night that Gellert had sent Dunamis to give it to him, and Albus had no plan to change that state of affairs.

After putting on his scarf he quickly followed Gellert up to the deck, they (or more accurately he) thanked the man for the journey and gave him a small tip, something Albus did when Gellert was keeping an eye out for the coach that would take them to Nicolas’s house.

Albus was beginning to suspect that Gellert was not all too keen on muggles, no matter how much he tried to hide it with a polite demeanour when they were out in public. Albus made a mental note to ask him about it one day..

“Albus? That’s us now,” Gellert said pointing out a black carriage pulled by four horses. Albus picked up his luggage and after a moment’s struggle, lifted it up into the trunk behind the carriage. Something he could have done in an instant if he had used magic of course, but it was best not to rock the boat. Merlin, Gellert already had a criminal record according to the Wizarding Authorities! If they got into trouble then he would surely be taken off to Azkaban and-

“Gellert, you weren’t serious about that whole “wizards living out in the open thing” were you? It was all hypothetical wasn’t it?” Albus muttered quietly as they climbed into the back of the carriage.

Gellert sat down and opened the curtains before putting out the candle with a single finger.
“Stop! If someone sees-“

“No one is going to see Albus,” Gellert said gently, leaning back in the velvety seats.

Albus was rather embarrassed, Gellert had certainly spared no expense while booking their transportation if they couldn’t do it magically.

“And no, I wasn’t entirely serious. It was.. wishful thinking if you will, but the benefits are endless you have to admit.”

Albus bit his lip. The longer he thought about it, the more he was inclined to agree. There was so much that could go wrong, but with the Hallows in hand they would be protected! The cloak could shield Ariana if things got ugly during the conflict, and then when wizards had won and were living openly she wouldn’t have to.. it was becoming more tempting by the hour. The eventual call of Godric’s Hollow and all it came with once their time with Nicolas was up wasn’t exactly a welcoming thought.

“I just don’t want you getting into trouble that’s all,” Albus said in a low voice, he could feel heat creeping onto his face and pretended to tie his shoelace in distraction. Gellert chucked.

“That’s very thoughtful of you Albus, but not at all necessary. I’ll have you know that I was ranked as the most successful first year in five generations when I was at Durmstrang!”

“Oh yeah? Well I won every prize that existed at Hogwarts, I even got some invented!”

“I could cast a Patronus at ten!”

“You didn’t even have a wand at ten Gellert,” Albus laughed. Gellert winked and gave him a playful shove.

“Borrowed my father’s. I read about it in one of his books and become determined to master it. Tracked down a swarm of Dementors and everything just to practice!”

Albus gave him a questioning look. “That doesn’t sound very safe Gellert.”

“Course it wasn’t safe, but that’s how you learn. I’m a firm believer in learning on the job Albus. It all worked out in the end though, managed to produce a full-body Patronus after just a few days!”

Albus tried to picture a ten year old Gellert fighting off Dementors, his father’s wand clutched tightly in hand. How on earth did he find the Dementors? Why didn’t he just use a Boggart or something safer to practise on? And what form did his Patronus take?

“Gellert,” Albus began, his curiosity at its peak. “What form d-“

“HELLO THERE ALBUS!”

“Get away! Oh god he’s rubbing his nose against the glass! I paid a lot of money for this carriage- Albus, you didn’t mention the vermin problem was so bad in Paris!”

Albus turned to the window of the carriage to see that it had pulled to a stop and an extremely old man had his nose pressed against the glass as he looked in at them, his expression beaming with joy. Albus breathed a sigh of relief.

“He’s not vermin Gellert, that’s Nicolas.”

Gellert almost choked.

“I- oh my.. I do apologise most profoundly sir! I don’t know what came over me-“

“No need to apologise Gellert!” Nicolas squawked happily, swinging open the carriage door and instantly regretting it as Albus could have sworn that he heard several of Nicolas’s bones crack at the effort. Gellert practically threw himself out of the carriage to shake Nicolas’s hand and apologise yet again, claiming that they had been overindulging in Firewhisky on the boat over, something Albus quickly decided was a harmless white lie. Plus, it helped Gellert to save face so what was the harm?

“You know me sir?” Gellert asked, still gripping Nicolas’s hand.

“Very well! Albus mentions you so frequently in his letters I feel as if we are acquaintances already!”

Albus turned scarlet and quickly cleared his throat. “Shall we go inside Nicolas? So much we should catch up on before we start the Hallows research.”

Nicolas smiled. “Of course of course! Follow me then Gentlemen.”

Nicolas turned away from them and began to shuffle away towards a set of steps leading up to a curved blue door that had a star shaped door knocker. Albus looked at Gellert who patted him on the back and followed after Nicolas to try and initiate conversation, obviously still feeling uncomfortable for being caught out. Albus picked up his luggage and followed after them, a trail of peppermint enticing him as the steps stretched further until he finally reached the top. By the time he made the top step, Gellert was already knee-deep in conversation.

“So Mr Flamel, I recall Albus mentioning that you are an associate of Gregorovitch?”

*2 weeks later*

“You might be more useless then I even imagined being humanely possible.”

“What do you mean?”

“TWO FUCKING WEEKS ALBUS! YOU GO OFF TO PARIS WITH THAT GILROY FOR TWO WEEKS AND ONLY CALL IN FIVE TIMES, SOMETHING YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO DO DAILY I MIGHT ADD, AND THEN ARRIVE BACK HERE LOOKING LIKE YOU’VE BEEN ON A FIVE STAR HOLIDAY-“

“His name is actually Gellert Aberforth..”

“I don’t give a flying fuck what he’s called!”

“Language! And you over exaggerate. I checked in far more than that. And it wasn’t like I left you alone! You had plenty of money and potion and Bathilda checked in every few hours..”

“Yeah,” Aberforth snorted, sitting down with a grunt.” “Annoying old bat. She once came along at three in the bloody morning to make sure I was in bed!”

Albus felt his lips twitch. “Well look on the bright side, at least it shows that she cares.”

“More than others.” Aberforth hissed. “What if something had happened to Ariana? All it would have taken is one bad incident and then the Ministry would’ve been onto us and she would get carted off to St Mungo’s for good! Or maybe you were secretly hoping for that?”

Albus rolled his eyes and wished that he was back in Paris with Gellert. The trip had been utterly wonderful. They had learned so much about the Hallows and Gregorovitch, (Nicolas had given them full access to his library!) He thought longingly of the days they had spent by the fire in Nicolas’s study reading up about the Elder Wand in the sacred texts, the nights spent wandering Paris under moonlight, Gellert had once narrowly escaped an altercation with some French Police after they broke into a wine store to get a case, (Albus had discreetly left muggle money under the doormat) Nicolas hadn’t been a big supplier of food so they had spent almost as much time searching the shops as they did researching the Hallows. Albus didn’t mind, as it gave them both a much needed escape from Nicolas’s warm house! Plus it was alone time with Gellert which he was never one to turn down. No, this was the one thing that he wasn’t about to let Aberforth ruin.

“Don’t be ridiculous Aberforth.” Albus snapped. “Why are you acting like this? You should be pleased for us! We got a lot of work done in Paris.”

“I don’t give a damn about how much you got done!” Squawked Aberforth, waving his arms around frantically. “Our sister could have got herself killed Albus! One outburst and the entire house could have gone up in-“

“I’m going to write to Elphias,” Albus interrupted, moving past Aberforth without letting their shoulders brush. “I still haven’t gotten back to him about the dragon incident in the Prophet, he might think that something has happened.”

Aberforth snorted and crossed his arms. “That’s right,” Aberforth said softly, watching him go upstairs with a look of loathing. “You disappear upstairs and write to Doddery Doge, that’ll fix everything won’t it? And why stop there? Why don’t you write one to Gilroy in his posh coat? Never mind your family, we don’t matter apparently according to you do we?”

Albus rolled his eyes and said nothing. Aberforth could be so dramatic. Merlin, he was acting like they had run away!

Albus shut the door to his room and pulled over a fresh piece of parchment, Humbug gave a small hoot before turning her attention back to the dead frog she had been demolishing prior to his arrival. He dipped his quill into his ink pot and after a moment’s thought, he began to write.

Sunday 23rd July 1899

Dear Elphias,

I’m so terribly sorry that it has taken me so long to write, things have taken an admittedly, more interesting turn since we last spoke. Congratulations by the way on making the front page of the Prophet, though I must confess that you are getting more and more reckless. What on earth were you thinking by breaking into the Athenian Angelton enclosure? You could have been eaten! If you want my opinion Elphias, I think that you need to take a more calm approach on your mission to get dragon’s blood in Diagon Alley. Aberforth is fine, well.. he’s still as moody as ever, but to him that classes as fine. He’s got his goats and they seem to keep him happy so that’s enough. Ariana is still ill so there’s that, Aberforth still fusses over her as much as he ever did, it’s been the source of many of our arguments. But there was one escape from the conflict that you might find interesting, Gellert and I took a trip to Paris to visit Nicolas Flamel! Gellert has a fascination with the Deathly Hallows which has been most endearing, Merlin knows I’ve needed something else to focus on. The trip was marvellous, Gellert was in his element. Nicolas was quite charmed by him, he said that we both have the brightest young minds that he’s ever seen in wizards of our age if you’d believe it! That must really be saying something considering that he’s hundreds of years old. I do hope that you are enjoying yourself, I apologise if I have come across as rather crabby in my previous letters. Though if you could, please try not to get arrested for wrangling dragons! I miss you greatly. We must meet up once Aberforth is back at Hogwarts and you have returned, I must introduce you to Gellert! I’m sure that you’ll like him as much as I do, I’ve never met such a brilliant mind as his, (apart from yours my friend!) I desperately wish that my sister wasn’t so ill, it’s such an awful shame that she’s stuck in her room all day. If she wasn’t so contagious then we could perhaps take her out, but we can’t risk infecting the muggles with a Wizarding disease since it would likely kill them as their immune systems aren’t equipped to deal with it. Do you ever think of a world where we didn’t have to hide from the muggles? It would be quite something wouldn’t it!
Speak soon,
Albus

A world where they didn’t have to hide from muggles indeed… it would be something. And it had been something that Albus had been thinking about more and more since Gellert had suggested it. An image of him and Gellert on top of cheering shoulders as the glorious young leaders of the revolution filled his mind, liberators from the restrictions of wizard kind! Ariana living openly and without fear amongst her own, never having to worry about the muggles ever again. Aberforth would be able to go off and do his own thing without having to worry about her welfare while he and Gellert pulled back the shackles that had kept their world locked down for so long.. it was something.

“Albus! Can you get a new bottle of potion!”

Albus rubbed his eyes tiredly. Maybe one day, but not today. He tucked his Hallows pendant back inside his shirt before standing with a grunt and heading towards the screams of Ariana’s room.

“Albus? Gilroy is at the door, can you tell him to piss off?”

Albus peered over the upstairs bannister to see Aberforth standing at their front door peering through the side glass covered by a lace curtain. His stomach did a flip with excitement. Gellert hadn’t forgotten about him! He had regrettably cut off the contact for several days to please Aberforth who was still extremely upset at them going to Paris for some bizarre reason. It had been torture, but Albus decided then and there that the self-inflicted restraining order was over.

“Certainly not, tell him I’ll be right down.”

“If I open the door I’ll spit at him.”

“Don’t you dare Aberforth!”

“Blimey there’s an idea..”

Albus practically threw himself over the bannister to get to the door before Aberforth could open it. Sure enough, there was Gellert dapper as ever, his hair slicked back as he wore his signature black coat and leather gloves, Albus smiled warmly at him while he felt Aberforth peering over his shoulder, not even needing to look to know that he was scowling.

“Albus,”

“Hello Gellert, how have you-“

“Hello Gilroy, can you kindly get lost?”

“ABERFORTH!”

“It’s quite alright Albus.”

“No it’s bloody- Aberforth go away!”

Aberforth huffed and turned away, Albus could hear him muttering curses all the way down the hall until he disappeared into the kitchen out of earshot.

Albus mouthed “sorry” and stepped outside, closing the door behind him. Gellert didn’t seem to mind, instead his attention was captured by a bed of heather that grew in a patch underneath the front window.

“Such a beautiful plant, my father always carried it in his coat pocket, it has always been a constant reminder of him whenever I see it.”

Albus bit the inside of his lip. A constant reminder? Did that mean that Gellert was homesick or had his father passed away? Albus glanced over at Gellert to see a strangely emotional look upon his face that he had never seen before. There was sadness, but underneath there was something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.. Albus decided that it was better not to ask.

“I’m so sorry that I haven’t been in contact. I fear that Aberforth has been rather.. upset at our going away.”

“Not at all Albus. I admit that I was beginning to get concerned after not hearing anything from you but that’s a logical explanation. I apologise if I’m causing any problems between you and your siblings..”

“Not at all!” Albus said quickly, hating the way his voice broke on the last word. Gellert smiled, the glint back in his eyes.

“Would you like to go for a walk to catch up?” Gellert suggested lightly, Albus nodded enthusiastically and they left the garden and patch of heather behind as they walked off towards the centre of the town.

“So, how have you been keeping?” Albus said as they walked towards the marketplace, Gellert shrugged and nodded politely at a woman who had been staring at him.

“The same old really, I’ve been doing more research into Gregorovitch, I think that it’s a trip we should make soon Albus. A few sources I’ve managed to get in touch with have claimed that he might start upping the security on his shop after a number of break-ins, we don’t want to miss our chance.”

Albus nodded tentatively and handed his money over to the greengrocer who was selling him grapes, Albus smiled his thanks and accepted the bag, offering it in invitation to Gellert.

“Why don’t we go and find somewhere to sit?” Albus suggested. “The Church would do, what do you think?”

Gellert hummed in agreement. “Sounds like a plan.”

“What will we do once we have the wand?” Albus asked, pulling himself up onto the Church wall, Gellert hopped up with ease beside him and dug his hand into the grape bag.

“Try and look into the stone, that might be useful to us.. but mainly it’s just the wand that we need. Imagine owning the Deathstick Albus!”

Albus chuckled, pulling another grape off the vine. “Charming name, I wonder who named it?”

Gellert laughed. “Who cares, it’s an accurate description!”

“Albus Dumbledore is it?”

Albus looked up to see a grumpy looking man standing before them in a soiled beige coloured jacket that reeked of dung. Albus let out a small groan. “Bloody Aberforth..” he muttered under his breath. Gellert huffed under his breath with amusement.

“Could you please tell that nutcase of a brother of yours to stop flinging goat dung at my head every time I walk my dog?” The man hissed, shaking his coat for emphasis. Albus cringed with embarrassment.

“Yes of course, I’m so sorry Enid. He’s just a little.. temperamental at the moment.”

Enid snorted rudely in response.

“Rubbish, that boy has always had anger issues, he should’ve been checked into St Mungo’s years ago if you ask me! Told Kendra just as such I did..”

Albus clicked his tounge abruptly. “Yes, well once again I’m terribly sorry Enid, I’ll try my best not to let it happen again.”

Enid pulled a face in contempt and after shaking his coat in their direction one final time, took his leave back into the village.

Gellert gave him a questioning look. “You know that man I trust?”

Albus closed his eyes. “Enid Smeek, an old friend of my mother’s, they were rather close before Ari- you know.. my sister was attacked.”

“Don’t feel too badly about him Albus, he looked like a grouchy house elf that used to be at Durmstrang!”

Albus gave a genuine laugh. “Well that goes some way to being a form of consolation Gellert,” he smiled fondly, marvelling at the twinkle in Gellert’s eye.

“I wish we could return to Paris,” Albus said with a trace of longing, Gellert gave a small smile and patted his knee.

“We shall return Albus. With the Hallows intact the world will be ours for the taking, it will all be for the best.”

“All for the best?” Albus said softly, watching Gellert’s expressions out of the corner of his eye as he pretended to be picking out another grape from the bag. “Wizards living freely? My sister never knowing fear at the hands of muggles again? Don’t you think we need a better motto?”

Gellert snapped his fingers thoughtfully. “Perhaps something to do with the Hallows? Considering that is what brought us together? Well, that and my Aunt Bathilda’s cooking!”

Albus laughed. “It will all be for the love of Cauldron Cakes!”

“What about for the right cause?” Gellert suggested, plucking another grape out of the bag that sat on his lap. “When we get more people on board they will realise it too Albus, that it will all be for..”

“For the greater good?”

And in a single moment, the mischievous grin dawned upon Gellert’s face as if for the very first time. Albus knew in a heartbeat that he had fashioned something great, something that would be theirs, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as Gellert reached up a hand and cupped his cheek, the tips of his fingers just brushing his ear.

“Perfect,” Gellert whispered, his smile meeting his eyes in a way that knocked the breath out of Albus’s chest. Albus suddenly had the desire to mirror Gellert’s action, his right hand was tingling in anticipation, but something inside was stopping him from moving it.

“Gellert-“

“CALL HIM OFF! CALL HIM OFF I TELL YOU! OUT OF CONTROL LUNATIC CHILD!”

They both looked over to the direction of the screeching, Gellert immediately dropped his hand from his cheek which made Albus groan silently, only to give an audible one when he realised why the person that the voice belonged to was making such a scene.

Enid Smeek was running past them at full speed with a determined looking Aberforth tailing him, a sling of goat dung in hand and ready to aim.

“KEEP YOUR BLOODY DOG OUT OF MY GOAT PEN YOU OLD CODGER!”

“HE WASN’T IN THERE YOU IDIOT BOY!”

Albus stared open mouthed as Enid disappeared around a corner with Aberforth still charging after him, insults could be heard long after they had both disappeared from view. Gellert tutted and reached over for another grape.

“Such wonderful entertainment this little town has Albus, and you said that nothing exciting ever happens?”

Albus had to fight not to reply with “not since you arrived,” or “you’ve made everything so much more interesting!” He closed his mouth and sighed.

“Did the whole village see that?”

“I’d say so yes.”

“Right.”

Then he started to laugh. Gellert soon joined in, they leaned into one another as the hilarity of the whole situation hit home. How long had it been since he had laughed like this? Albus had barely drawn breath before the whole thing came to an abrupt halt when he realised that Gellert had started to choke on the grape he had been chewing.

“Holy- Gellert are you alright?”

Albus reached over to steady Gellert as he managed to dislodge the grape, his breath becoming horribly ragged. Gellert held up a hand in reassurance. “I’m alright Albus, I’m- Merlin!”

Gellert came tumbling down off the Church wall with a thud. Albus reached for him on instinct which resulted in him being pulled down too. They both landed on the ground in a grape covered heap, Albus lying on top of Gellert’s stomach which he quickly tried to pull himself up from when he realised their predicament.

“Oh god, I’m sorry I didn’t mean..”

“Don’t apologise Albus, it was my fault. Imagine that? One of the leaders of the new revolution nearly killed by a grape!”

They laughed heartily. Albus leaned over Gellert and placed his hands on his chest to steady himself, his hands brushing over his expensive coat. They were so close..

“Fucking queers!”

Albus looked up from where they lay on the ground to see a bald man in a greyish coat standing above them, an intense look of disgust on his face. Albus barely blinked before the man spat before them. Albus pulled himself up from Gellert’s chest with a fright.

“What do you mean?” He asked nervously, trying not to meet the man’s eyes. The man laughed cruelly.

“The hell you mean boy?” The man spat. “Are you trying to play dumb after practically climbing into the lap of blonde one here? I could get you locked up for that!”

Albus didn’t need a mirror to know that he had turned red. He could feel the heat flooding his face moments after the words were spoken.

“I don’t know what you mean sir!” Albus squeaked, his voice coming out in a slightly higher pitch which only made the man laugh even more.

Gellert cleared his throat. “That’s enough. I would suggest that you refrain from making any more allegations against me and my friend, unless you wish to get hurt.”

The man held up his hands and pretended to faint before cackling once again.

“Oh I’m terrified! Blonde boy in his posh coat is going to attack me!” Why if-“

“I said that’s enough.” Gellert said calmly, stepping forward until he was directly in front of the man who had insulted them. The man opened his mouth but upon looking into Gellert’s eyes something in his expression changed.

“I would suggest you move along now,” Gellert said pleasantly, Albus stood silently behind him until the man slouched off.

“What was that about?” Albus muttered, Gellert turned around to look at him and shook his head sadly.

“He thought that we were lovers Albus, the muggle laws aren’t very kind to people like that.”

Albus bit the inside of his cheek so hard he was sure that there would be teeth marks for months to come.

“He thought.. I.. that’s.. surely he wouldn’t think, I mean we’re friends!”

“I know that Albus, but given the situation that he found us in it would be easy to misinterpret.”

Albus could feel himself getting hotter by the second. He didn’t even know that it was a thing!

“It’s a ridiculous law anyway.” Gellert said strongly, crushing a grape between his fingers. Albus almost had to look away when Gellert raised them to his mouth moments later to lick away the grape residue that remained.

“People should be allowed to love whoever they want! Who’s to decide? What gave the muggles the right to impose bigotry?”

Albus swallowed and straightened his coat. “The muggles will always have their laws Gellert.”

Gellert tutted in disbelief. “They shouldn’t Albus. All the muggles do is restrict and cause pain and fear. If our kind were to reveal ourselves things would soon be set right!”

Albus smiled softly. “A world filled with love and power for wizards?”

Gellert squeezed his shoulder affectionately and Albus was suddenly immensely grateful that he no longer had a grape bag to carry.

“You cannot tell me that the appeal isn’t there Albus,” Gellert said, wrapping an arm around his shoulder as they began to walk back into the village, Albus tried to ignore the questioning looks that they received as they ventured into the more populated areas of the town.

“I know how much you want freedom for your sister, I do too. It pains me that such a gift is being locked away from the world. She needs to take her rightful place among her own kind.”

Albus stuck his hands into his coat pockets.

“I want that Gellert, truly I do. But what you suggest..”

“Is the way forward. Believe me.”

“Is it?”

“Look at me Albus.”

Albus met Gellert’s eyes and traced over every detail of his expression, the quirk in his lip, the sharpness of his cheekbones, the smoothness of his skin, it was a sight that he would never tire of.

“Do you trust me?”

Albus watched as the tip of Gellert’s tounge darted out to subtly dampen his lips, the feeling of longing was becoming too great for him. Albus nodded and Gellert’s eyes shone with undisguised delight. It was as if he could see inside him and know of every thought he had, the thought was daunting but somehow enticing. It was really quite something to meet someone who’s soul matched your own.

“Yes, I trust you.”

“Then this must be done. For the greater good remember? You said so yourself.”

“I know..”

“Don’t quit on us Albus. We are in this together are we not?”

Albus closed his eyes. A picture of Ariana running through a field of daisies crossed his mind, Aberforth chasing after her as they made the flowers levitate, her hair blowing in the wind as she laughed without a trace of panic or untameable magic to be seen. Aberforth smiling and inviting him over to join them, perhaps Gellert would be there too? Aberforth playing with Ariana while he and Gellert watched from a distance.. the four of them, a new found family..

Albus opened his eyes with a smile and a new vision spurring him forward.

“Yes of course we are.”

Gellert’s eyes twinkled.

Chapter Text

“This needs to end Albus.”

“What needs to end?”

“You know bloody well what I’m talking about.”

Albus leaned against the kitchen wall with a long sigh. Aberforth sat in a creaky chair by the window with one leg over the other, it reminded him with a level of fondness of the day he met Gellert in Bathilda’s kitchen.

“I want you to stop talking to him.”

Albus blinked. Surely he couldn’t be serious?

“Who Aberforth?”

“Don’t play dumb with me,” Aberforth snapped. “Who else apart from me and Ari do you actually talk to in this bloody village? You know I mean Gilr-“

“I’m not going to stop talking to Bathilda Aberforth,” Albus said smugly, walking over to the table and pouring himself a cup of tea. Aberforth stomped his foot in annoyance.

“You know full well that wasn’t who I meant! I want you to stop talking to Gilroy!”

“That’s not his name.”

“Gerbold then!”

“Come again.”

“ALRIGHT BLOODY GELLERT! HAPPY NOW?”

“Yes actually,” Albus said softly, spooning sugar into his tea before stirring. “That wasn’t too hard now was it?” If Aberforth looked angry before, he looked utterly furious now.

“Listen Albus, this has gone on long enough! You’ve had your little stage of rebellion, you’ve proven your point, it’s time for you to come back to reality and the things that actually matter.”

Albus picked up that morning’s edition of the Prophet with a roll of his eyes.

“Gellert DOES matter Aberforth, and I have to say, I’m getting very tired of your attitude towards him. What’s your problem? Gellert has been nothing but good to us! I’m sick of you talking down to him all of the time!”

Aberforth lept out of his seat with a jump. “Good to us? This is bloody ridiculous Albus! Have you really become that blind? Have you not heard about all of the things that have been going on? The sweet shop has been robbed nearly a dozen times, poor Mr Wright can’t figure out for the life of him how it keeps happening, fruit keeps disappearing from gardens, and I trust you saw the scene with Mr Drew?”

Albus quirked an eyebrow. “Who?”

“The bald headed bloke who always looks like he’s on the verge of attacking people!” Aberforth supplied. A picture of the man who had cornered him and Gellert after they had fallen from the Church wall entered his mind, a shrill cackle of laughter poisoning his thoughts with the crispness of memory.

“Apparently he’s lucky to be alive!” Aberforth continued, his face building in determination. “They found him lying at the bottom of his staircase in a pool of his own blood, three broken ribs and a broken nose from what I heard! And that’s just what-“

“Stop right there.”

“What?”

Albus slammed the paper down on the kitchen table with a ferociousness that shocked even him.

“How dare you.”

Aberforth huffed loudly. “How dare I what?”

“Are you honestly accusing Gellert of attacking a man to the point where he was near death?” Albus shouted, anger bubbling inside him like he hadn’t felt for a long time. “I’m disgusted with you Aberforth! He probably fell down the stairs if they found him at the bottom of them! But to accuse Gellert of such a crime just because you don’t like him?”

“But what about all of the other stuff?” Aberforth yelled back, yellow sparks flying from the end of his wand that stuck out of his pocket at an awkward angle. “The robberies-“

“Could be anyone! Thieves have existed since the dawn of time Aberforth!” Albus exclaimed, his temper rising at an alarming pace. “Just because something bad has happened doesn’t make it Gellert’s fault! It doesn’t matter that he went to Durmstrang!”

“Oh and that’s another thing!” Spat Aberforth, his face turning a shade of red. “There’s been some mighty funny rumours about how that whole expulsion came about! I even took it upon myself to do some digging, and your Mr “never done a thing wrong in his perfectly sainted life” Grindelwald had some rather questionable habits while he was enrolled at that bloody school! I didn’t know attacking students with dark curses was a customary practice!”

“ENOUGH!” Albus shouted. “You will never talk about Gellert in this manner ever again do you hear me?”

“I’m sick to death of you following him around like a besotted schoolgirl Albus!” Screeched Aberforth, throwing the porridge ladle at him with so much force that Albus had to duck to avoid it.

“Prancing about the village like you both own the place, running off to Paris for two fucking weeks, it stops NOW. Ari needs proper care and you are leaving me to deal with it all!”

Albus picked up the ladle from the floor and set it down on the kitchen table.

“Well maybe if you’d stop mouthing off for two seconds and actually listened you might learn something.” Albus said coldly. “It might just interest you to know that Gellert and I are working on a plan so that it won’t be a problem anymore, so if you’d kindly stop poking your nose where it isn’t wanted and let us get on..”

“DON’T YOU DARE DRAG ARI INTO YOUR BLOODY PLANS!” Howled Aberforth, flecks of spit flying into the air. “I SWEAR TO GOD ALBUS IF YOU EVEN THINK-“

“Abforth? What’s wrong? You look sad.”

The both looked to the entrance of the kitchen at the same time. There stood Ariana in her nightdress, her toy Niffler poking out from under her arm.

Aberforth’s face softened instantly.

“It’s nothing Ari, Albus and I were just..”

“You weren’t fighting were you?”

“No, nothing like that love.”

“I heard my name.. you weren’t fighting over me were you?” Ariana said quietly with wide eyes. Aberforth’s face twitched as though he were in pain.

“No of course not. Albus and I were just talking about something.. Was there something you needed love?”

Ariana rubbed her eyes tiredly, her long hair drooping over her face which she half heartedly made an effort to push back.

“I was just hungry.. are there any more of our Cauldron Cakes left Abforth?”

Aberforth glanced around for a brief moment as if he were looking for them despite it being weeks since their morning of baking had occurred.

“I’m afraid not Ari, but it doesn’t matter because guess what?”

Aberforth went over to a cupboard and after reaching inside, he hid something small behind his back. Albus stood in the corner as Aberforth went before Ariana with the mystery item still in his hands which he soon realised to be a Chocolate Frog.

Ariana’s face lit up. “What’s behind your back Abforth?” She said excitedly, her skin sparking with magic. Aberforth mocked cluelessness.

“What do you mean? I haven’t got anything behind..”

“Show me show me!” Ariana squealed, her eyes shining with wonder. Aberforth smiled and revealed the Chocolate Frog, Ariana clapped her hands in delight sending golden sparks of magic flying into the air.

“Is this wise Aberforth?” Albus said loudly as Ariana opened the box and giggled at the sight of the frog jumping out of it. “At least take it up to her-“

Aberforth looked over his shoulder and gave him the biggest scowl he had ever seen on a human’s face in his entire life.

Albus closed his mouth and held up his hands, coming to the conclusion quickly and independently that it wasn’t worth that hassle. He left them both in the kitchen and went up to his room with a grumble, still very annoyed with Aberforth for his accusations against Gellert.

Humbug hooted at him in greeting and he gave her feathers a quick ruffle before dropping down on his bed. The Hallows chain lay upon his chest and he toyed with the idea of summoning Gellert for a split second before imagining the meltdown from Aberforth it might cause and reluctantly decided against it. Instead he pulled himself up with a groan and went over to his desk, several unopened letters sat in a pile, Albus flipped through them with haste, looking out for that familiar Hallows seal and curved handwriting with undisguised longing.

He desperately wanted to see Gellert. It was becoming a need, Albus thought of the many hours he had spent in Gellert’s room under the glow of the Northern Lights looking at books giving information about the Hallows, their knees only just brushing as they sat side by side, occasionally leaning against the other as they reached to flip the page or to grab another of Bathilda’s delicacies that she had always supplied on his every visit. A Cauldron Cake, a Pumpkin Pasty, once enough sandwiches to feed an entire family! No matter how much time they spent together, it just never seemed to be enough. Albus was always left longing for more, like the child who had been told that they weren’t allowed extra pudding after dinner, Albus was in a constant state of limbo that existed just before satisfaction.

Finally his eyes fell upon the last letter in the pile, the handwriting being as familiar to him as any other, not from the person he had hoped but welcome regardless. Albus broke the seal and pulled out the letter, he threw Humbug an owl treat which she caught in mid-air before flying off out the window, no doubt to go and find Dunamis who Albus suspected she had fallen in love with. Could owls even fall in love? Albus pondered on the answer as he leaned back in his chair and started to read.

Albus,

Apologies my friend, this is just going to be a short letter. How are you doing? I’ve just managed to sneak away, my new hosts are rather oblivious to personal space! We’ve just returned from a dragon refuge (don’t worry I behaved myself!) nothing too special at all, a couple of Norwegian Ridgebacks were the only real thing that caught my attention, word was that they had a baby Horntail but they wouldn’t let us see it no matter how much I enquired, believe me I tried ! It was all going fine until some smartarse kid pulled out the Prophet article about the Angelton incident and the tour guide blew off the handle and threw us out. I tried my best to explain but she didn’t seem to care about the benefits of having accessible dragon’s blood, how I wish people would see the positive side! One day Albus, when the world has woken up and I’ve finally won my battle, I’ll bring you along to opening day in Diagon Alley when the first bottle of dragon’s blood is sold, it will make the front page of the Prophet you mark my words!

Please give Aberforth and dear Ariana my best, you are all constantly in my thoughts.

Look after yourself my friend.
Elphias

Albus smiled and folded the letter in half before tucking it into a box filled with Elphias’s previous adventures. He was glad that Elphias was enjoying himself, he didn’t even feel envious anymore, not now that Gellert had entered the picture.. could Elphias have discovered their success in Diagon Alley taking down the robbers? Albus reached for his quill and a new piece of parchment with haste.

Dear Elphias,

Thank you for your letter, I’m so pleased that you are having a good time. I’m even more pleased that you have taken my advice and are taking a more subtle approach on your mission in regards to the dragon’s blood, I promise you that your chances of success will increase one hundred percent. It’s a little hard to convince people to join a cause if you are breaking into dragon enclosures! Aberforth is fine as is Ariana, Aberforth is still upset about me and Gellert visiting Nicolas but that’s just him. Speaking of Gellert, you didn’t happen to hear of our triumphs in Diagon Alley in relation to us taking down the Dusktown Robbers? It made the front page of the Prophet if you’d believe it! Gellert was ecstatic. He said that it would be the first of many, I didn’t want to rain on his parade so I politely agreed! I so want you to meet him Elphias. He has the most marvellous intellect and utterly fascinating ideas, I think you would be just as enchanted as I am! I look forward to our reunion as much as ever.

Your friend,
Albus

Albus popped the letter into an envelope, sealed it, and clicked his fingers. About a minute later, Humbug came flying through the window and landed on his arm. “I’ve got a letter for Elphias,” he explained, holding out the letter until Humbug took it in her beak.

The bird gave a muffled hoot and flew out the window once again in a heavy beating of wings. Albus leaned back in his chair once again with a satisfied sigh. What could Gellert be doing? Looking into Gregorovitch no doubt, he had become more and more keen in recent days to take the trip, and Albus was finding it harder and harder to resist.

“ALBUS! ARI NEEDS MORE POTION!”

Albus groaned. “Coming!” He called back, reluctantly dragging himself from his chair and heading for Ariana’s room.

“Albus Dumbledore?”

Albus stopped in his tracks. An uptight looking man in purple robes stood at Bathilda’s garden gate looking down his nose at him with an air of superiority. To his dismay, Muriel the grumpy girl who had once blocked his path also stood behind him along with her mother Ethel.

“Yes that’s me, can I help you at all?”

The man’s lip curled unpleasantly. “Oh no, I just wanted to offer my condolences, so awful to hear about Kendra, a proud woman she was too.”

“That’s enough Ralph,” Ethel barked, ushering a sour faced Muriel out of Bathilda’s garden. “Come to see Bathilda have you?”

Albus bit his tounge. “No, well yes.. but more to see Gellert.”

Ethel’s face perked up. “Oh yes! Such a lovely young man, a pleasant surprise seeing as he’s ex Durmstrang..”

Ralph snorted rudely as he pulled out a cigar from his robes. “No shame in attending Durmstrang Ethel, they give you a proper education over there. I tell you, if we ever have a son that’s where he will be heading.”

Ethel let out a fake girlish laugh that made Albus cringe.

“Not on my watch Ralph! Though I must say that I’m surprised Kendra didn’t send her boys to Durmstrang to be honest, a strong advocate for blood purity she was from what I’ve heard!”

Albus was finding it harder and harder to stay silent, though both Ethel and Ralph were acting as if he wasn’t there while Muriel kept trying to sneak sweets out of her father’s pocket without him noticing.

Ralph rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Yes I heard that too.. perhaps that’s why the girl has been so hushed up? If she really did produce a squib then I can’t say I blame her, the shame would be too much for me to bear personally! I never bought the “she’s ill” nonsense for a second..”

Albus balled his hands into fists. “Ariana is not a squib! And she is unwell actually I’d thank you to know,” he said loudly, his temper rising.

Ralph and Ethel gave him looks of disbelief.

“Utter rubbish boy!” Ralph shot back at once. “Your mother might’ve forced you and that oddball of a brother of yours to pretend but I don’t buy it! If that sister of yours was truly as ill as you make out, then she would’ve been in and out of St Mungo’s so often she would practically live there!”

“Well how do you know-“

“For your information son,” Ralph said smugly, jabbing a finger into his chest, “We have a very well connected family member who works as a high profile healer on ward nine, who has informed us on many occasions that your sister has never once been admitted! What do you have to say to that?”

“Oh yes dear Lancelot,” Ethel said fondly which gave Albus an indication that they were close. “We must get in touch with him again Ralph.”

Albus was angry. Who the hell did they think they were?

“Well thank you for your opinions Mr and Mrs-“

“Prewett.”

“Yes, thank you Mr and Mrs Prewett, but I really must be getting on. Thank you for your.. input.”

Ralph cleared his throat loudly as Albus moved past him to walk into Bathilda’s front garden. “Try being a bit more honest son, it will get you far in life!” Ralph shouted as he reached Bathilda’s front door. It took everything in him not to turn around and curse him then and there.

Albus pursed his lips and took a deep breath before putting on his best smile and turning to face them.

“Thank you again Mr Prewett, I hope you have a wonderful day.” Albus then gave them a wink for good measure, something that surprised him. After a few grumbles the sour faced Prewett family finally moved along.

Albus stood in silence at Bathilda’s doorstep, not being able to bring himself to knock. After several minutes of standing he finally took his leave, deciding that a conversation with Bathilda was something that he did not want at the present. Instead he walked.

Through the village, past the marketplace, past the greengrocer where he would buy Ariana’s grapes, up into the woodland just outside the Hollow and finally sinking down underneath an old oak tree. Albus reached into his pocket and grasped at his wand, the sudden desire to destroy something was burning hot, it licked at his insides with determination. But was it worth it? That would put a dark stain on his achievements if the Prophet article depicting him and Gellert as heroes was tainted by one showing him as a reckless user of magic, and what of his father’s record? They would just use it against him no doubt!

Albus released his grip on his wand with a degree of reluctance. There was only one person that he wanted to see right now, and the Hallows chain was weighing heavily on his chest in anticipation..

“Albus? What’s wrong?”

Gellert stepped out from behind the oak tree dressed in a matching black shirt and trousers along with his usual waistcoat with silver buttons, his signature leather gloves gripped two broomsticks which he propped against the tree before sinking down beside him.

“It’s nothing Gellert.”

“It doesn’t sound like nothing, I felt an urgency when you summoned me Albus. You can talk to me you know.”

Albus buried his face in his hands. “It’s silly really, just a friend of Bathilda’s saying some things about Ariana.. acting like she’s a squib and my mother had something to hide, treating me like a bloody criminal in other words,” Albus added bitterly. Gellert made a noise of annoyance.

“Was he wearing purple robes by any chance?”

Albus nodded and Gellert tilted his head in acknowledgement.

“Odious man, he spent the entire visit to my Aunt Bathilda’s running his finger along the furniture checking for dust! And he kept trying to ask me about you..”

Albus shot his head up. “What did you tell him?”

Gellert placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Relax Albus, I told him nothing. I wouldn’t sell you out like that. If it’s any consolation, my Aunt Bathilda asked them all to leave when he wouldn’t drop the topic, she refused to tell them anything.”

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry Gellert, I don’t mean to be.. I’m just a little on edge that’s all.”

“There’s no need to apologise Albus. It must be hard to be continually punished for something out of your control.”

“But that’s the thing!” Albus suddenly cried, his emotions getting the better of him. “It should never have been out of my control or my mothers! Those muggles should never have been able to attack her! If I had been there than I could have..”

“Stopped them?” Gellert asked softly, taking off his gloves and putting them into his pocket. “Used magic to repel them? But that would break the secrecy law Albus. Would it have saved your sister? Yes. Would it have been for the greater good? Undoubtedly. But it would have revealed our world.”

“Then something needs to be done!” Albus said a little too loudly, startling a few robins that had been nesting in the oak tree above them. “We shouldn’t have to live like this Gellert!”

“As I keep telling you Albus,” Gellert replied, his expression soft as he gazed into the distance. “Is this you fully on board with our plan?”

Albus lowered his head. “You were right. About it all.. the muggles.. the prejudice and bigotry.. We need to do something Gellert. To find a new way, to reshape the world where no one has to live in fear ever again.”

Gellert smiled. “And that my friend is where the Hallows come in.”

“For the greater good?”

“For the greater good.”

Albus’s hand twitched as he toyed with placing it over Gellert’s which was just within reach. He just had to reach out..

Gellert stood abruptly and grabbed the broomsticks that had been leaning against the oak tree and held one out to him in offering. Albus silently whined at the missed opportunity. There would be another.. at least he hoped.

“So, what do you think Albus? Are you up for a race or are you afraid that you’ll get beaten by a Durmstrang?”

Albus felt his lips twitching in the threat of a smile. He adored the way that Gellert had the ability to make him feel better. It was wonderful to finally feel understood on your own level by someone who was an equal in ability.

Albus loved Elphias like a brother, in many ways he was more of a brother to him than Aberforth, but when it came to magical skill he was in no circumstance anywhere near an equal. Unlike Elphias, Gellert was a kindred spirit to him in that regard, Albus pondered on whether it might be part of the attraction.

He grinned and lept up beside Gellert, accepting the broom with the briefest brush of their fingertips.

“Ready then? I don’t have the snitch this time but I’m sure we can find a substitute if need be!”

Albus swung his leg over his broom and felt it begin to vibrate at his touch on the handle. He watched as Gellert ran his fingers through his blonde hair before repeating the action with his own broom.

“Aren’t you going to enchant them?” Gellert asked, undoing the top button of his shirt so his shoulder blades were only just visible. Albus gave him a quizzical look. “So the muggles can’t see us?” Gellert elaborated. Albus paused before breaking into a wide grin.

“To hell with that!”

He winked at Gellert before kicking off from the ground, relishing as the cool air blew over his face as he gained height until he was above the trees. Seconds later, Gellert whizzed past him with speed, Albus barely just ducked as Gellert made a playful swipe at his ear as he passed.

“Any time today Albus!”

Albus chuckled and raced after him, the thought of the muggles spotting them as they soared above the trees just outside the Hollow didn’t cross his mind once.

“Well that was fun wasn’t it?”

Albus brushed his fingers through his windswept hair, they had landed on a hill higher up from their original spot under the oak tree though this wasn’t a bad thing, it gave them a marvellous view of the village and all of it’s hustle and bustle. It really wasn’t so bad.. from a distance at least.

“You haven’t got any Firewhisky on you by any chance?” Albus asked hopefully, Gellert slapped himself in annoyance.

“Merlin! I should’ve brought some! I’m sorry Albus, I really should have thought ahead..”

“It’s no problem,” Albus said quickly. The relief on Gellert’s face was instant. “We need to do this more often!”

Gellert nodded in agreement. “See? Isn’t it so much better when we aren’t constantly worrying about watching our backs? This is how things could always be Albus!”

Albus smiled fondly. The picture of Gellert of him sitting in that field while Ariana made daisies levitate with an overjoyed Aberforth reentered his mind as it had done so often in recent days, it really could be just like that..

Gellert had often talked during their time together of the way that things could be, how this could happen when that happened or sharing glimpses of his visions, he had nodded politely and watched in wonder of course, but only since their trip to Paris had he really started to believe in them. And now he had a vision of his own, it was becoming so clear Albus was beginning to wonder if it was a repressed memory. Or perhaps Gellert had gifted him with a vision of their future?

“We need to take the trip to Gregorovitch soon Gellert,” Albus said suddenly, a new air of excitement filling him. Gellert gave him that mischievous smile.

“And so we shall! I’ve already worked out half of the details, I mean there’s still a few minor things I need to go over but apart from that-“

“Albus Dumbledore? Gellert Grindelwald?”

They hadn’t even heard them arrive. Albus looked up to see two wizards standing in front of them in dark robes, shiny gold badges pinned to their chests in presentation. Albus felt his heart sink.

They were from the Ministry.

“Y- yes, that’s us, can we help you?” Albus said in his best cheerful voice, the Ministry workers gave them cold hard stares that gave away no trace of emotion in return. Finally, one of them broke the silence with a disapproving shake of their head.

“A pity, a real pity indeed.. you boys were poised as such heroes, to let yourselves down like this is such a terrible waste. Let’s just hope that the Prophet doesn’t catch wind of this because I assure you, the situation will become a whole lot worse in the blink of an eye.”

Albus swallowed nervously. Gellert looked unbothered and redid the top button of his shirt before fixing one of the wizards with a charming smile.

“What do you mean gentlemen?”

CRACK

In a flash they were cuffed and chained, Albus gasped as the chains bound themselves tighter and tighter until he fell to his knees before the two Ministry workers, after a brief struggle Gellert was subjected to the same treatment.

The taller Ministry worker hovered over them in a dark shadow, his face was screwed in a manner which looked like it was taking a lot for him not to burst out laughing. Albus thought miserably about how it made the entire situation all the more humiliating.

“Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, you are both under arrest for using unconcealed magical objects in full view of the muggle world with no care for the consequences. Anything you say in protest will be used in evidence against you and may harm your defence before you can form it. I would strongly suggest that you boys come quietly and avoid making an even bigger scene, as I must inform you that we have been given permission to use force to restrain you if need be.”

Gellert laughed. “You mean more than chaining us up?”

“GELLERT WATCH OUT!”

With a crack of a wand, a large gash appeared up the side of Gellert’s arm. Blood began to soak through the dark fabric almost instantly, leaving a horrible dark patch. Albus watched in horror as Gellert hunched over in pain, he tried to scramble forwards to help him only to feel the tightening of a chain around his neck.

“I would advise you against doing anything foolish boy, unless you want the same treatment as blondie here?”

Albus struggled fruitlessly against the restraints, his wand had already been taken so that wasn’t an option, and by the looks of it Gellert’s had been too.

Gellert looked up at the Ministry worker from where he lay and clicked his fingers. “What’s your name?”

The wizard laughed. “Knowing my name isn’t going to get you out of trouble boy.”

Gellert smiled. “I’m perfectly aware of that, I’d like your name regardless.”

“Basil, Basil Evergreen.”

Gellert closed his eyes. When he next opened them, he fixed Basil with a stare that Albus has only seen once for the briefest of moments in the middle of the graveyard in Godric’s Hollow when Synthia Smallfoot had come to interview him for the job as an Auror. Albus remembered the chill it had sent down his spine before he buried the feeling where he couldn’t touch it.

“Why did you want to know his name?” Albus whispered as the two Ministry workers fumbled with their chains and made sure that they were secure. Gellert gave him a look of casualness that put his mind at ease.

“No reason at all. What a turn of events Albus!”

Albus then felt a tight grip on his arm, suddenly they disappeared with a crack and reappeared seconds later in the centre of a white room with two chairs which they were quickly secured to.

Albus looked up in a daze to see the two Ministry workers who had brought them being congratulated by a woman in a snakeskin dress with hair that draped down to her ankles. She muttered something inaudible into the ear of the one who had injured Gellert before they both took their leave, giving him and Gellert one final look of loathing.

The woman then walked to the centre of the room and fixed them with a wide smile that made the hairs on the back of Albus’s neck stand up.

“Well well well.. You two have been very naughty indeed!”

Chapter Text

“Look there must be some mistake!”

The witch smiled and walked before where he sat in his chair, chained and bound like a trapped dog. Albus quickly glanced around the room to see Gellert on opposite side in the same situation, blood dripping down his shirt from where Basil had attacked him. The witch smacked her lips in triumph. She had a strangely smug look on her face that looked oddly reminiscent of Aberforth when he had called him and Gellert out for their drunken Firewhisky concert.

“You are Albus Dumbledore correct?”

“Yes I am but-“

“And your friend is Gellert Grindelwald?”

“Yes would you please just-“

“And you did both use magic in full view of the muggle world without any attempt of concealment?”

“Yes! But it’s not what it looks like! We were just-“

“What boy?” The witch said softly, tapping her long nails together as she stared them down like a grim executioner. “Having fun? Flaunting our most pivotal law for a laugh? Do you boys have any idea how troublesome it is to track down muggles who have potentially seen magic? Is the Ministry’s job not hard enough without a pair of thrill seeking fools making it ten times more tedious?”

Albus swallowed uneasily, guilt was settling fast in his stomach and he didn’t like the sensation one bit.

It was his fault. He was the one who had suggested, no, practically encouraged that they fly the brooms without invisibility enchantments! What would become of Aberforth and Ariana? If he was sent to Azkaban then the Ministry would no doubt send workers to check up on the family situation at home, and then in the blink of an eye an extra ten years would be added to his sentence from one glance at Ariana. Aberforth would be expelled, Ariana would be locked away for the rest of her life and their lives would be ruined forever. And Gellert.. he already had a track record for Merlin’s sake! Would they be sent to Azkaban together or would Gellert be sent back to his own country to be dealt with by his own Ministry? Would they ever see each other again?

Albus blinked furiously trying to keep back the tears. He would not cry, he would not show weakness, he would not.. he could not..

“Well then boys, you’re being awfully quiet for two people who have flaunted the law! Merlin, most of you never stop yapping! Well then?”

Albus closed his eyes. What was there to say? The evidence was there, the muggles who had seen them stood as proof. They were chained to chairs in a room in the Ministry of Magic and no one was coming to help them. Gellert was injured, they were both wandless, and anything they tried would likely harm their already flaking defence even further. Did they even have a defence?

“I’m terribly sorry that me and my friend Gellert went flying without invisibility charms, I’m afraid that we had been at the Firewhisky and didn’t think! Let’s push all of this under the rug and forget about it why don’t we?”

Albus screwed his eyes shut even tighter the more he thought about it. There was no way that Firewhisky would get them out of this. Gellert already expelled from Durmstrang, him with a presumably muggle hating father and unbeknownst to the Ministry, an Obscurial sister. The law did not weigh in their favour.

Then from across the room, Gellert cleared his throat and clicked his fingers.

“Only this, Miss?”

“Broadacre.”

Gellert smiled widely. Albus thought with great admiration about how despite being chained and bleeding profoundly, Gellert had seemed to keep his dignity intact without effort. His merry expression gave away no pain or discomfort, and he looked as though this were just another daily activity.

“Well Miss Broadacre, I regret to tell you that only one of us is at fault here.”

Albus snapped his head up. Miss Broadacre furrowed her brow in confusion. Surely Gellert wouldn’t..

“Gellert?”

“Shut up boy!” Miss Broadacre barked at him before turning back to Gellert who had an unreadable look upon his face.

“Go on boy.”

Gellert breathed deeply before tilting his head as if in observation. Albus could hardly breathe. They were friends.. Gellert wouldn’t sell him out like that!

Albus bit his lip so hard he tasted blood. Was a fool he was. How could he have let himself get so attached? Even more than that, how could he as he was beginning to suspect with some newly created pain and old confusion, let himself fall in-

“I’m terribly sorry to have to disappoint you Miss Broadacre, but Albus here is not at fault in the slightest. He knew nothing about the invisibility charms not being in place.”

Albus could have choked. Miss Broadacre stared blankly at Gellert with a look of confusion and disappointment. Albus stared at Gellert with blatant shock and regret. Even more still, shame.

How could he have thought that Gellert would sell him out? After everything..

“Gellert no! That’s not true, please just wait! Look, read my mind use Veritaserum I don’t care!”

“Albus be quiet.” Gellert said calmly, not looking at him once. “Well Miss Broadacre, you have your confession, would you be so kind as to let my friend here go?”

“No don’t listen to him! It was my idea!”

“Albus I thought I told you..”

“No Gellert, You’re not taking the fall for this alone!”

“Ignore him Miss Broadacre.”

“Gellert please!”

“WILL THE PAIR OF YOU SHUT UP!”
Shouted Miss Broadacre, shooting red sparks into the air with her wand. “He tells me one thing you say another, what am I supposed to do? Either I take blonde boy here for his word, or I believe you!”

“I’m telling the truth!” Albus said desperately, ignoring Gellert’s protests. “It really was my idea!”

“No it wasn’t it was-“

“THAT’S IT!”

Miss Broadacre swiped her wand and the room fell silent. “So boys.. we have come to a bit of a tricky situation. You both claim to be responsible and the other one is lying, so that puts us in a tight spot. Unfortunately,” Miss Broadacre paused to gesture Gellert.

“We can only use Veritaserum on people over the age of 17, and this one here falls just short of that category. In fact while we are on the related topic, not much has been found in the way of a record for you Mr Grindelwald, care to elaborate?”

Albus glanced over at Gellert who looked entirely unfazed.

“You know my details Miss Broadacre, I attended Durmstrang..”

“I mean more than the basics boy.” Miss Broadacre snapped. “What your parents do for a living, whether you have siblings, I don’t even think we have an exact date of birth here!”

Albus furrowed his brow. Come to think of it, even he didn’t know Gellert’s birthday.. perhaps the right moment in conversation to talk about it had just never appeared?

“I’m sure that you are mistaken Miss Broadacre,” Gellert said pleasantly. “‘My records are nothing to do with me so I can’t be at fault, why would I hide my own birthday?”

“Oh I’m glad that we’ve got to this point!” Miss Broadacre said softly, her eyes shining as if she was building up momentum to a big reveal.

“I took the liberty to reach out to your old school after I realised that your Ministry records are nonexistent. Interestingly, they seem to have had an incident with you regarding your school ones a few years ago! From what I’m told, you broke into the school archive and almost completely wiped your record from the system, apparently taking extra care to make sure that any mention of your father was removed! Would you like to explain to me why that is Mr Grindelwald?”

Gellert stopped smiling. The almost smug expression that he had been sporting for almost the entire duration of their visit fell at the mention of his father’s name. Albus glanced back and forth between him and Miss Broadacre who seemed to be radiating with excitement. Surely it wasn’t true?

“Gellert, is that true?”

“Yes Gellert!” Miss Broadacre said triumphantly, coming forward until her face was right before Gellert’s in his chair. “Out with it boy! Let’s have the whole story! Tell your little friend here all about what you have been up to! Who knows? Maybe you would also like to explain the details of your expulsion! Strangely, they seem to have been stripped from the records too!”

Gellert sat in silence for long moment. Albus watched him, his anxiety building at a rapid pace. Miss Broadacre looked happier than ever. Finally, Gellert broke the silence.

“No Albus, it is not true. Miss Broadacre here has been sorely mistaken.”

Miss Broadacre closed her eyes.

“That is a shame.”

Then something in the room changed. With a clap of her hands, doors opened and a two Ministry workers came marching in. Albus felt himself being yanked up from the chair and pulled into strong arms, Miss Broadacre watched silently as they were both dragged out of their seats and pulled towards the separate doors.

“GELLERT!”

“Albus it’s alright, we’ll figure this out!”

Miss Broadacre laughed. “Figure it out you say? I gave you a chance to confess! Now it’s out of my hands into into those of the truth seekers! And I warn you..”

Albus swallowed as she jabbed a long finger in his direction.

“You are seventeen as I am told, so the use of Veritaserum isn’t out of bounds for you, so I would strongly suggest that you avoid any embarrassing revaluations and comply!”

Albus watched Gellert until he was dragged from room through the door separate from the one he was being pulled towards. There was no point fighting back, he was wandless. Miss Broadacre had seen to that. Albus grunted as he was dumped into another chair and his restraints were tightened once again, a large man with a long beard came to stand before him with a chilling look of menace.

“Alright then son, this is how it is going to go. You are going to tell me the truth of what happened. Who came up with the idea to fly the broomsticks without concealment, who brought the broomsticks, and most importantly, why you two are still lying to us now. Fail to comply and I warn you, I have the Veritaserum on hand.”

Albus sat shackled as the man slumped down in chair opposite him, a Quick Quotes Quill hovering at the ready. Albus looked down at his lap in defeat.

He was beaten. If he told them the truth, his career and life would be over, Ariana and Aberforth would be dealt with and he would never see them again. If he lied, then they might hurt Gellert even further, which Albus couldn’t even begin to stomach.

What do you do when every option of escape is closed?

“But before we begin..” the man said, flipping out a book and a separate black feather quill. “Just going to need some family history, standard stuff of course, you’ll understand.”

Albus’s heart skipped a beat. Could this buy him time?

“Um.. yes, yes of course.”

The man nodded. “Wonderful. Mother’s name?”

“Kendra Dumbledore.”

“The record here says that she is dead, is this correct?”

“Yes, she died not long after I finished school.”

The man scribbled something down in his book. Albus could feel the sweat building on his forehead. He just had to keep the man talking.. if he used Veritaserum than the jig with Ariana would be up. And Gellert.. Merlin.. if the man digged even deeper then he might force him to reveal that he’s in l-

“What was the reason?”

Albus was snapped out of his thoughts, the man was tapping the spine of the book impatiently as he waited for an answer.

“Pardon me?”

“Your mother’s death son, what was the reason?”

“Oh! Um.. it was an accidental death, she liked to experiment with potions and it went wrong.. nothing much to say beyond that I’m afraid.”

The man gave him a questioning look and scribbled something in his book. Albus prayed silently for a miracle to occur, anything to get them out of this situation, Albus didn’t pay much attention to religion, but in that moment he was praying to every god that he knew of.

“Right.. Father’s name?”

“Percival Dumbledore.”

“Hmmm.. says here that he’s in Azkaban for murdering muggles, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Any reason for him doing it that you know of?”

Albus closed his eyes and hoped that his father would forgive him.

“No. He was a muggle hater. Nothing more than that.”

For Ariana.

The man nodded and scribbled once again. Albus ignored the single tear that rolled down his cheek and hoped that the man wouldn’t notice it.

“Brother’s name?”

“Aberforth Dumbledore.”

“He’s still in school correct?”

“Yes.”

“Records are saying that he’s quite temperamental, is this an accurate assessment?”

Albus almost said yes.

“No. He’s just grieving our mother that’s all.”

The man scribbled again. Albus craned his head to try and listen out for any sign of Gellert, it was eating him alive not knowing what they were doing to him.

The man finished his sentence and flipped to a new page before placing his quill at the ready once again. Albus felt his heart sink. He knew what was coming.

“Right then.. sister’s name?”

“Ari.. Ariana Dumbledore.”

“Age?”

“Fourteen.”

“It says here that she’s never attended Hogwarts, may I ask the reason?”

Albus prayed even harder for a miracle.

“Umm. Sorry, yes she’s ill. Long term Spattergroit.”

The man raised an eyebrow and continued to write notes. Albus was so hot he thought that he might faint. What was happening to Gellert?

“Hang on a moment son.”

Albus glanced up nervously. Here it came. The interrogation would reach a new level. The man wouldn’t be left satisfied with his answers and the Veritaserum would be brought out and then the game would be over. Albus secretly wondered if he might get the chance to see his father on his way to his new cell in Azkaban…

“There’s no record here of her ever being admitted to St Mungo’s for treatment or healers ever being sent out to visit her, can I ask why that is?”

Albus wracked his brain trying to come up with an answer. Merlin, this was not how things were supposed to go!

“We.. we give her private treatment, it’s so contagious we don’t want to risk-“

“Have you ever had a case of Spattergroit Albus?”

Albus shook his head.

“Funny.. such a contagious disease and you yourself being in such constant close proximity to it, but never once contracting it yourself. Something isn’t quite adding up son.”

“We’ve set up protective enchantments to shield ourselves from contact!” Albus said quickly, balling his hands into fists to try and stop them from shaking. “She’s sedated most of the time so it’s not an issue of-“

“No record of any work being sent home from Hogwarts to her either,” the man continued, shaking his head as he continued to flip through the pages. “No record of Hogwarts ever enquiring about her at all for that matter, was she enrolled?”

“Yes when she was very young but..”

“At what age was she taken off the waiting list Albus?”

Albus leaned back in his chair, the man on the other hand pressed forwards and was practically halfway across the table.

“She.. well when we realised she was so ill and there was no chance of her ever..”

“Says here that Spattergroit doesn’t keep you from learning, why did Hogwarts never enquire about her?”

“I’m sure they did but..”

“Did your mother rebuff them? Did she have something to hide with your sister? Is that why there’s never been any sight of her that is in an official record since she was six years old?”

“My mother hid nothing!”

“Really son? Says here that she was a proud woman, exceedingly cold to anyone who tried to talk to her! Why on earth could that be?”

“I don’t know!”

“Oh I think you do son, I think you know exactly what I mean. I think we both know what is going on here. How long did you really think you could hide your sister being an-“

Then there was a loud scream. Albus turned his head to the direction of the door, the man stood up at once.

“Unchain me!” Albus said desperately. The man scoffed and pulled out his wand.

“No bloody chance. You wait here, I’ll be right ba-“

“STUPEFY!”

The man flew backwards and bounced off the wall with the strength of the spell. Out of the shadows of the doorway came Gellert, shirt bloodsoaked and his hair ruffled, but he was walking free with not a single chain or shackle in sight.

And he had a wand.

“Gellert?” Albus exclaimed flabbergasted as Gellert removed his chains with a flick of his wand. “How did you-“

“Never mind that now Albus!” Gellert replied holding out his wand to him, Albus relished in the warmth that shot up his spine as he held it once again.

“Come on, I only stunned them but they’ll be coming around soon! We need to make sure that this doesn’t get out!”

Albus pulled himself up from the chair with a small grunt and followed Gellert out of the interrogation chamber leaving the bearded man lying alone, Albus opened his mouth in shock as he saw the state of the room that they had first been brought to. Several guards lay motionless on the ground, there was a trail of blood that crept halfway up the wall along with Miss Broadacre who sat dazed in the corner with a bloodied forehead.

“Gellert..”

“Albus..”

“What did you-“

Gellert turned to look at him with an unmoving look of determination in his eyes. It shocked Albus to his core.

Maybe it was seeing his reaction, but something in Gellert’s featured softened the longer he looked at him.

“Albus listen to me. If news this gets out then we will both be ruined. How can we get people on board with our cause if our names have already been dragged through the mud? This is necessary and you know it!”

Albus stared blankly. What did Gellert suggest that they do?

“Are they still alive?” Albus asked gesturing to the unmoving Ministry workers who lay on the ground.

Gellert glanced over and nodded.

“Of course they are, we aren’t murderers Albus. I told you, I only stunned them. Do you know what they were going to do to me? The man I had was talking himself into using the Cruciatus Curse to get his information! Are we going to let that stand?”

Albus pushed back his curls with a clammy hand, his forehead was dripping with sweat. Gellert looked more focused than ever.

“Well what do you suggest we do?” Albus asked quietly. Gellert gave him one final look before turning away and walking towards Miss Broadacre who still sat on the ground with blood weeping from her forehead.

“Albus, I want you to know that I would not suggest this if we had any other choice, but I fear that this is for the greater good.”

“What is it Gellert?”

Albus stood in a nervous silence as Gellert pulled out his wand and pointed it towards Miss Broadacre who looked up at him with a confused expression.

“I think we should use the Imperius Curse to make sure that this little incident never gets out.” Gellert said in a tone of finality. Miss Broadacre gave a loud shrill laugh.

“You’ll really be done for if you go that route boy. Mark my words!”

“Gellert.. that’s a.. that’s an Unforgivable Curse!” Albus exclaimed. “We’ll be sent to-“

“No we won’t Albus.” Gellert said confidently. “I know what I’m doing. No one will get hurt and this situation will be over. Where’s the harm?”

Albus stumbled over his words. An Unforgivable Curse! That would be enough to get them both life sentences!

“Gellert it’s too big of a risk!” Albus said desperately, coming forward to put his hand on Gellert’s outstretched arm. “If it goes wrong then it’s over for both of us! I can’t let you put yourself in danger like-“

“ALBUS LISTEN TO ME!” Gellert cried, spinning round to face him with a look of exasperation. “This has to be done! We cannot let this interfere with our plans! I don’t want to do it but I have to!”

“Gellert..”

“Albus please,” Gellert said in barely more than a whisper, his expression one of such pleading that it made Albus’s heart hurt. “I’m doing this for us. For the greater good remember?”

Albus stared into Gellert’s eyes and found no deceit. It made his lip quiver and he had to look away. He looked at his feet with his head bowed. What Gellert wanted to do was utterly dangerous. But did they have a choice? How could they hunt for the Hallows from Azkaban? How could they get people to join their cause with a smear campaign against them by the Ministry? Would Aberforth ever forgive him if they came for Ariana? Would he ever see Gellert again?

That did it.

Albus looked up once again and after seeing the pleading look on Gellert’s face for a second time, it solidified his decision even more. For perhaps the first time in his life, his mind had been overruled by his heart.

“For the greater good.”

Then Gellert hugged him. It was brief but real. Albus had just enough time to breathe in the familiar scent of peppermint that he had come to love before Gellert pulled away, his eyes shining with emotion.

“Thank you Albus. I promise you, this will all be worth it.”

From the floor where she sat, Miss Broadacre laughed again.

“And there’s another crime I could send you boys down for! I wouldn’t have taken you for that type Mr Grindelwald, but here you are!”

Albus stood back and watched as Gellert kneeled down beside Miss Broadacre with his wand pointed directly into her forehead. This was for the greater good.. this was for Ariana and Aberforth.. this was so he could keep Gellert..

“I want you to know Miss Broadacre,” Gellert said in a pleasant voice, “that we bear you no ill will. But as I am sure you will come to know.. the greater good must always come first.”

“What the hell are you talking-“

“Imperio!”

Albus watched in fascination as Miss Broadacre’s eyes clouded over with a blissed out expression. It gave him great comfort to know that the Imperius Curse was painless.

“Listen to me very carefully Miss Broadacre.” Gellert began to explain, still holding his wand against her temple.

“You are going to strip this incident from every record. Then you are going to wipe the memories of everyone who knows about it. After that, you are going to wipe it from your own. This hasn’t happened, you have never seen us before, when I release you, you will have no idea why we are here and will escort us to the exit. Once we are gone, you will set everything I have brought up into motion. Do you understand me?”

Miss Broadacre nodded dreamily. Gellert made a noise of satisfaction and lowered his wand. In an instant, Miss Broadacre opened her eyes.

“Wha- I do say.. what are you boys doing in here?”

Gellert smiled and held out a hand to help her up. “Apologies Miss?”

“Broadacre if you please.”

“Our apologies Miss Broadacre, I’m afraid that my friend Albus and I got a bit lost, would you mind pointing us to the way out?”

Albus stared in wonder. That wasn’t bad at all! No one got hurt, it meant that their plan was still in motion, and even better, everyone he cared about was safe. It was for the greater good after all.

Miss Broadacre smiled and began to lead them down a narrow passageway out of the chamber. Gellert winked at him in triumph. Albus couldn’t stop himself from smiling in return. Finally, they came to the end of the passageway and into a huge busy clearing which Albus instantly recognised as the main entrance hall of the Ministry of Magic having spent many formal occasions in it. At long last, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well, I take it that you boys will be able to find your way from here?” Miss Broadacre asked, Gellert nodded and patted her on the shoulder.

“Yes I think we can manage now. Thank you for everything Miss Broadacre, truly.”

Albus smiled respectfully and watched her go, then he turned to Gellert who was grinning like a banshee.

“Now then Albus,” Gellert said playfully, putting an arm around his shoulder as they began the walk down the hall. “That wasn’t so bad was it? We survive another day my friend!”

“Yes I suppose we have,” Albus chuckled. “How interesting life has become in recent weeks! And there was me thinking that I would be bored out of my mind!”

Gellert grinned warmly.

“We will have thousands of days together Albus,” Gellert promised as they drew closer to the exit at the end of the hall. “I swear it, once we have the Hallows are have begun our campaign-“

TAKE COVER!!

Albus felt the atmosphere change before he had even begun to turn to the direction of the screams. Then the air grew cold and dark, as if all of their successes had been sucked from them in a single second. Albus drew in a cold breath and he knew. They turned back to see a group of Dementors gliding down the hall heading towards where they stood, well over a dozen Ministry guards were trying to get them under control to little success.

“Dementors! Holy mother of Merlin! What are they doing here?”

“I’m hearing that they were escorting a high-security prisoner to trial and got off course, there’s something you don’t see every day!”

“EVERYONE GET OUT OF THE WAY! THE SITUATION IS UNDER CONTROL!”

Gellert tutted under his breath. “Like hell it is.”

Albus drew his wand only to receive a puzzling look from Gellert.

“What?” Albus exclaimed. “Don’t you think we should do something? You can cast a Patronus, you told me yourself!”

“Albus..”

The Dementors drew closer still, Albus could almost hear their rattled breaths as they searched longingly for souls to feast upon. It was becoming harder to think any positive thoughts but Albus wasn’t about to back down. This was the sort of thing that got you on the front page of the Prophet!

“Come on Gellert! This is another chance to prove ourselves!”

Gellert half opened his mouth before closing it. “Alright then, I suppose it’s been awhile since we’ve made headlines.”

Gellert drew his wand and they hurried towards the Dementors, ducking under stray spells and repelling people trying to pull them back, Albus hadn’t felt so alive in a long time. This was what he was made for! He glanced over to Gellert to see with great dismay, that he did not have the same look of enthusiasm. He almost looked nervous?

Suddenly, a spell flew over their heads. Albus suspected that it must have been intended to hit the Dementors, but instead it flew straight past them and hit a large statue of a Centaur right in the middle of it’s chest.

“GET DOWN!”

The statue crumbled. Albus looked on with horror as it came falling down, right over the heads of well over one hundred Ministry workers. But then just before it could land, it paused in mid-air. Albus squinted in confusion. Who had?

“Is this how we make the headlines Albus?”

Albus glanced over to see Gellert with his wand pointed at the hovering statue of the Centaur, he quickly realised that it had been Gellert who had stopped it from falling. Albus relished in the way his heart began to stir.

“Albus? You might want to do something about them.”

Then he quickly realised that the Dementors were still gaining on them. With Gellert holding a statue upright, it only left him. What was his happiest memory? Perhaps his mother reading to them under firelight? Ariana’s fourth birthday where she pushed their father’s head into his cake much to all of their amusement? Albus tried to picture both memories as he casted the spell, but somehow, they just didn’t feel strong enough to produce a Patronus…

Then another one came. Albus smiled as the memory of him and Gellert flying around Godric’s Hollow on Bathilda’s borrowed broomsticks came to mind, a vivid picture of them chasing an old snitch through the thick of the woods, getting drunk off their heads on Firewhisky and stumbling back through the village singing “If I had ten Hippogriffs,” while getting screamed at by villagers to keep it down, the way he had felt holding Gellert upright and the warmth in his stomach as their hands brushed.. Albus couldn’t ever recall feeling so happy.

“EXPECTO PATRONUM!”

It was enough. From the end of his wand a huge glowing Phoenix burst free, spreading its wings wide as it flew straight for the Dementors who began to scarper in shock. The diversion that his Patronus caused gave the Ministry workers just enough time to circle them and cast a protective barrier to stop the Dementors from going any further.

Albus stood in awe as his Patronus swooped around the protective circle holding the Dementors once before evaporating into thin air, it’s mission over and done. For the second time in under a month, thunderous applause broke out, though Albus was one hundred percent certain that this time was bigger than the day that they caught the Dusktown Robbers.

Gellert finally lowered the Centaur statue after ensuring that no one was under it and came over beside him, that mischievous grin as clear on his face as it ever was.

“I think this will make the front page of the Prophet don’t you Albus?” Gellert whispered as the crowd gathered around them before lifting them up into the air.

Albus laughed and continued to shake hands, then a loud bang went off and he quickly realised that someone had sent gold sparks into the air which exploded in a fabulous display.

“Yes Gellert,” he shouted over the cheering to an overjoyed Gellert who was crowd surfing over the shoulders of a dozen wizards, all eager to be close to one of the boys who had saved them.

“I think this will make the Prophet!”

Chapter Text

HERO BOYS STRIKE AGAIN! TEENS WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE DUSKTOWN ROBBERS SAVE HUNDREDS OF LIVES IN MINISTRY BATTLE WITH ROUGE DEMENTORS
Reported by Evan Inchwell

Is there nothing that they can’t do?
The Wizarding World has once again found itself singing the praises of two local boys who first gained popularity after bringing down notorious robber group known as the Dusktown Robbers, well we are pleased to report that the pair have shot to fame yet again, this time by bringing down a hoard of Dementors in the Ministry of Magic! Albus Dumbledore, (17) and his charmingly good looking companion Gellert Grindelwald, (16) have become something of heroes to many, with the two boys already striking up an impressive fan club after putting their lives on the line in the now famous robbery bust. Our senior reporter Claudia Rosier was lucky enough to snatch an interview with the two boys after the latest Dementor incident, and we are proud to say that it is a Wizarding World first. See below for more!

“It was nothing! Albus had recently applied for a job as an Auror and he hadn’t heard anything for a while, so he asked me to accompany him to try and find out where things stood, something I was more than happy to do. After about half an hour of searching and no luck finding out any information we decided to call it a day. It was only on the way out that the Dementors broke loose and panic ensued, well I don’t know about you but we couldn’t just leave when innocent lives were in danger Claudia! (Gellert chuckles) Albus and I split up, he would stop the Dementors and I would protect the people, something both of us did quite well if I do say so myself. I have been reliably informed by the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister that the Centaur statue that I stopped from falling saved over 300 lives! On an unfortunate note, I regret to say that while I was trying to protect a group of children who were hiding from the spellfire a Dementor came too close to me and slashed a chunk out of my arm in an attempt to reach them. I’m lucky to be alive as I’m told, missed a major vein by mere inches. Plus the Dementor that attacked me is apparently notorious for being used to perform the kiss on Azkaban prisoners, so having a disfigured arm is an easy price to pay to protect innocent children from losing their souls! How the Dementors broke loose I can’t say, I can only hope that the Ministry will look into it to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, Albus and I might not be there next time!

- Statement By Gellert Grindelwald, national hero who caught the Dusktown Robbers and stopped a Dementor attack

Dressed in all black with blonde hair and unusually good looks, Grindelwald is becoming quite the celebrity! We have also been informed that he will be taking legal action against the Ministry and seeking strong compensation for the injury that he sustained during the fight, something that the experts we reached out to for comment have confirmed he stands a strong chance of winning. His friend Albus Dumbledore, (17) son of disgraced muggle murderer Percival Dumbledore who is serving his sentence in Azkaban as we speak, also wished to make a statement on the outcome of the attack.

“We want to thank everyone who has shown us support and sent their well wishes, Gellert and myself are grateful for each and every one of them. We did what needed to be done, we are no more heroes than anyone.”

- Statement by Albus Dumbledore, local boy who helped stop Dementor attack with his friend Gellert Grindelwald

“I swear that Gilroy gets even more bloody smug every time he makes a statement. Are you honestly telling me that you haven’t noticed it Albus?”

“No I haven’t. And if you can’t say anything nice about him don’t say it at all,” Albus said grumpily, snatching the paper back with a sharp tug. Aberforth snorted and continued adding honey to his porridge.

“We are on a short fuse this morning aren’t we Albus,” Aberforth laughed. “Is the charm of Gilroy finally wearing off?”

Albus rolled his eyes and drained his teacup, leaving it discarded on the kitchen table as he left the room, ignoring Aberforth’s added sarcastic jeers at Gellert as he left. He didn’t even know him! What was the cause of treating him so cruelly? Did Gellert not suffer enough with the negative stigma around his expulsion from Durmstrang?

Albus continued muttering to himself as he straightened the collar of his shirt in the mirror before leaving the cottage and hopping over the fence to Bathilda’s, Gellert to his joy was already sitting on the lawn with a large book perched in his lap. Albus drew a sharp breath when Gellert sensed his presence and smiled up at him with that mischievous grin.

“Albus dear! How lovely to see you again!”

Bathilda popped her head out from behind a bramble bush with a kind smile, Albus cursed himself for not noticing her sooner, he had been too distracted by G-

“Aunt Bathilda has been pestering me to get some sun, she thinks I spend too much time in my room,” Gellert said fondly, his eyes twinkling. Bathilda ruffled his hair affectionately.

“And I was right wasn’t I dear? Don’t you feel so much better being out of that dark cave? You’re awfully pale Gellert, you need to get more fresh air love.”

“I’m naturally pale Aunt Bathilda,” Gellert laughed, ignoring Bathilda’s frown of disbelief. “She’s convinced Albus, there’s no swaying her on the matter.”

Albus smiled and sat down next to Gellert on the tartan rug that was spread out on Bathilda’s lawn. Bathilda was right, the weather was glorious!

“Actually while you are here Albus, I wonder if you two boys would do something for me?”

“What is it Aunt Bathilda?” Gellert asked, wavering concern in his tone. Bathilda caught on almost immediately and stroked his cheek reassuringly.

“It’s nothing serious Gellert love, you don’t need to look so worried!” Bathilda laughed. Albus smiled at the way Gellert’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

“I was just wondering if you boys would mind if I took a couple of photographs of the two of you? It’s such a lovely day, and you’ll be wanting them when you’re my age.”

Albus looked at Gellert expectantly, his heart already swayed by the hopeful look on Bathilda’s face. Gellert returned it with a “we will talk properly when she’s gone” look and smiled, standing up from the tartan rug before extending a hand to him. Bathilda kissed Gellert on the cheek before doing the same to him. How could he have refused? True he wasn’t dressed for it, in black trousers that had definitely once belonged to his father and a white shirt that was creased around the sleeves, it was hardly picture material. The only thing that stood a chance of saving the outfit was his velvet silver waistcoat, but even that was showing signs of age. Gellert as usual was dressed to the nines, in all black apart from the silver buttons on his waistcoat he could have easily passed for any occasion, but Albus wasn’t about to let Bathilda down by saying no.

“We’d love to,” Albus said cheerily. Bathilda busted away to find her camera and Gellert gave him a wink. Albus smiled and looked at his feet.

“I’ve always loved that waistcoat,” he said shyly, not looking up. Gellert chuckled next to him and patted his shoulder.

“This old thing? I’ve got far better ones, I’ve had this since fourth year when mother bought it for the Yule Ball.”

Albus shot his head up. “You went to the Yule Ball?”

“Well don’t sound so surprised Albus!” Gellert laughed, pretending to be offended. “It was nothing special to be completely honest. A couple of public breakups, half of the teachers getting drunk on Firewhisky, students getting caught making out in closets.. I spent half of the evening trying to fend off a group of girls from Beauxbatons, they wouldn’t leave me alone!”

It took everything in Albus not to reply with “I don’t blame them.” Instead he nodded politely and laughed when appropriate. He remembered the Triwizard Tournament that year very well. Professor Black had held a special feast to enquire if any students wished to travel to Durmstrang to submit their names into the Goblet. Albus had made the mistake of writing home to inform mother of the news and as a result he was instructed to stop Aberforth from submitting his name at all costs. Unfortunately this meant that he had practically needed to tie Aberforth to his bedposts to stop him from sneaking away with the others, something Elphias had found most amusing.

“Did you submit your name?” Albus asked, fully intrigued.

“Over a hundred times,” Gellert replied just as Bathilda returned with her camera and busied herself with setting it up.

“It’s a terrible shame that I was never chosen, I would’ve loved to have faced those dragons..”

“It’s jolly good that you weren’t,” Albus said, voice flooded with relief. “What if you had been eaten?”

Gellert raised an eyebrow.

“Do you really have so little faith in me Albus? I was inventing spells at seven I’ll have you know!”

Albus gave him a questioning look. What would have happened if he had travelled to Durmstrang and submitted his name for the Triwizard Tournament? Would they have met? Could they have already been friends for years?

“Alright boys!” Came the call from Bathilda, they both turned to face her on cue.

“Nice big smile! One.. two.. three..”

SNAP

“Well that will make her happy,” Gellert said warmly as they settled back down on the tartan rug, Bathilda already gone camera in hand and promising to give them both copies once she had finished them.

“I hope she knows how much I appreciate her,” Albus said quietly, picking apart a Cauldron Cake from a plate at the corner of the rug. “She’s done so much for my family.. I know my mother wasn’t always the friendliest but she really did care for Bathilda.”

Gellert nodded and placed a hand on his knee. “She does Albus, when she speaks of your mother it’s nothing but complimentary. The same goes for you and your siblings.”

Albus chuckled and rubbed his nose. “Even Ariana?”

“Of course. Speaking of your sister..”

Albus held his breath as Gellert scooted closer until the sides of their knees touched.

“I think we should take her with us when we go away to build up a following. I’ve been thinking that we can use her as the face of our movement.. to show them what happens when muggles are allowed to run rampant and we have to live in fear, it would be a way to reintroduce her to our society if you will.”

Albus sat in silence. He desperately wanted Ariana to be able to rejoin their world, but to parade her around on their tour to gain sympathy and support?

“I don’t know Gellert. It feels a little-“

“It’s for the greater good Albus. And who knows?” Gellert said with a confident grin. “We might even be able to find a way to reverse what has been done to her, she could go to school!”

Albus grasped at the thought hopefully. Could it be possible? If Ariana was cured so many doors would open. She could attend Hogwarts, Aberforth would be able pursue his own life without worrying about her wellbeing, and he would be free to travel with Gellert and make their vision of a free world a reality.. two visions that were dear to him would come true, his greater good world with Gellert and his picture perfect sequence with a free Ariana in that field of daisies with Aberforth..

“You promise?”

“I promise. For the greater good remember? You founded our motto yourself Albus, with the Hallows and our combined power, nothing will be out of reach. You and I will be the pillars of our new world where everything will be better than before. Just wait and see..”

Albus didn’t know what it was, weeks and weeks of longing glances and hopeful dreams perhaps, but he found himself leaning towards Gellert until they shared the same breath.

“For the greater good?” He whispered tentatively, almost as if a part of him was still trying to convince himself.

For a long moment, there was no reply. Half of his brain was screaming at him to lean back, there was still time to play it off before the friendship was ruined!

But surely if Gellert was uncomfortable he would have done so himself? Then wonder of all wonders..

“For the greater good,” Gellert murmured.

Driven forward by a newfound confidence, Albus closed the gap between them completely until the taste of peppermint was on his lips.

It was as if all of the weeks of longing had faded away. He was kissing Gellert Grindelwald in the middle of a summer’s day on Bathilda’s front lawn. Normally he would have thought such a public spectacle for his first kiss would have horrified him, but Albus soon discovered that he didn’t care. The world around them had disappeared the moment their lips touched.

Albus raised a hand to cup his cheek and smiled into Gellert’s lips when he felt a hand on the back of his neck. His hand had just begun to snake up towards his curls when Gellert abruptly pulled back.

Neither of them moved nor spoke. Only stared at the other. Albus traced every inch of Gellert’s face to search for any sign of emotion only to be left with nothing. Was he angry? Was he in shock?

“Gellert..”

“I thought you boys might like some lemonade- Gellert are you alright love? You look as white as a ghost!”

Gellert sprang up at the sound of Bathilda and kissed his aunt on the cheek. Albus sat in stunned silence. Had he just ruined everything?

“No thank you Aunt Bathilda, Albus was actually just leaving. His sister requires.. urgent care and I was just on my way out too. I’m meeting an old friend from Durmstrang while he’s in the country, I couldn’t possibly put him off now.”

Bathilda gave him a concerned look. “Are you sure Albus? Gellert why don’t you see Albus home dear?”

“It’s only one garden over Aunt Bathilda, I’m sure Albus knows the way,” Gellert said coolly with an empty smile at Bathilda. Albus bit his lip and blinked desperately to try and disguise the tears that had started to form in his eyes. What a fool he had been..

“Besides, I really should get going. Don’t make dinner, I suspect I’ll be back late.”

“Oh.. okay Gellert dear..”

Gellert kissed Bathilda on the cheek once more and Disapparated without giving him a single glance.

“Albus? Is everything alright between you two?” Bathilda said in a hushed voice. Albus shrugged. What was there to say?

“Yes of course. He’s probably just busy, you know what he’s like.”

Bathilda smiled sadly and gave him a hug.

“Alright then dear, but if there’s ever anything you need to talk about, anything at all, you know where I am.”

Holy mother of Merlin.

Had she seen? Normally when people talked like that it was because they had knowledge you would have preferred they didn’t have. Albus felt bile rising in his throat and pulled back from the hug.

“I really should go.. my sister..”

Bathilda moved away at once.

“Oh of course dear off you go, sorry I shouldn’t have kept you.”

As soon as Bathilda was out of sight and he was off her lawn, Albus was hunched over in sickness. What had he done?

“You look terrible.”

Albus groaned and began to butter his crust of bread. Aberforth really did pick his moments.

“Thank you.”

“Yes.. heartbreak really is an awful thing..”

Albus barely made it to the sink before he was sick again. Aberforth’s snorts of laughter in the background made it all the worse.

“What do you mean?” He asked weakly, trying to straighten out his shirt and flatten his hair in an attempt to look dignified. Aberforth smiled smugly and ladled soup into three bowls.

“Oh nothing.. I’d probably be sick too if I had kissed Gilroy so you aren’t alone. More soup or is this enough?”

Albus felt like he was going to faint. Thankfully, there was enough compassion left in Aberforth to help him into a kitchen chair.

“You.. you were spying on us?”

Aberforth rolled his eyes and passed his soup bowl over to him along with a fresh crust of bread.

“Oh please, I wouldn’t spy on Gilroy if you paid me! But if you must know, I was giving Ari her potion and just happened to look out the window at the wrong moment.”

“You shouldn’t have! You-“

Aberforth laughed and lay down his spoon. “What? Is looking out a window a crime now Albus? Though I must say it was unfortunate that I happened to do so just as you started crawling into Gilroy’s lap!”

Albus leaned back in his chair with a heavy thud. If the day couldn’t have possibly gotten any worse, Merlin had decided to surprise him. Aberforth was watching him closely and Albus tried his best to look away. No doubt looking for another way to dig into him. Why give him the satisfaction?

“I don’t care you know. But you should be careful Albus, some people aren’t very nice about.. things like that.”

“You don’t care about what?” Albus said tiredly, all fight beaten out of him.

“Oh come on Albus, it doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. Even mother noticed your lack of interest in girls.”

Albus spluttered in shock. “Mother knew? Aberforth nodded and refilled his soup spoon before slurping it down.

“Undoubtedly.”

Albus swallowed dryly. This was not the sort of conversation he had ever imagined having hours after his first kiss.

So everyone knew except him?

“And.. you.. you don’t care that I’m?”

Aberforth gave him a bored look as he picked up the butter knife, his crust of bread in hand.

“Frankly I don’t care Albus. Though it is a shame that your first love has to be on someone as awful as Gilroy. Why couldn’t you have fallen in love with Ficklebey the Chudley Cannons Seeker? He’s attractive is he not?”

Albus turned pink and reached for his neglected soup spoon.

“Honestly I’ve never really thought about it,” he mumbled though a mouthful of lukewarm vegetable soup. Aberforth tutted and continued buttering his bread piece.

“So then.. what is it about Gilroy? His cheekbones? His fancy coat? Him just being a smug git in general?”

Albus groaned into his soup. “I don’t see how this is relevant.”

Aberforth chuckled and tore a chunk out of his bread piece. “Well it’s not, and to be frank I don’t really care.. but I can see it makes you uncomfortable and that goes some way for you abandoning me and Ari to run away to Paris for two weeks with that bastard, so spill the beans.”

Albus put down his spoon with a sigh.
“I don’t know. I guess.. he just sees me in a way that no one else ever has and we have the same interests..”

“You mean you are both big headed arseholes?” Aberforth said smugly, a look of pure delight upon his face.

“Aberforth!”

“Alright Albus calm down. But listen.. I meant what I said. You do need to be careful doing things like that in public.”

Albus left the table and headed for the door, an uneasy feeling in his throat giving him the sensation that he was either going to start crying or be sick again, two things he had no desire to let Aberforth see him do.

“What do you mean?” He said croakily, his voice raw. Aberforth tilted his head in a patronising manner.

“The muggles aren’t generally very nice about those kinds of relations Albus. Why if I remember rightly, a famous muggle playwright got sent to prison not too many years ago for something similar..”

“Wizards might be different Aberforth!” Albus said determinedly. Aberforth looked unconvinced.

“And if they aren’t Albus? Sometimes it’s better to just be.. subtle about things until you are certain. You don’t want to end up like Mr Wilde do you?”

Albus said nothing and left the kitchen completely, his head pounding as he dragged himself up the staircase. After a quick check on Ariana he headed for his own room, shutting the door quietly and throwing himself down on his bed without bothering to change into his nightwear. What a day.

Where had Gellert gone? Was their friendship fractured beyond repair? And why had he left the way he did?

Humbug hooted in concern from the corner of the room where she sat perched and Albus stuck his head up and gave her an unconvincing smile of reassurance. She eyed him up unblinking before giving a loud squawk and flying out the window. Albus didn’t blame her, bloodshot eyes and a tear streaked face wouldn’t have reassured him either.

There was still something he couldn’t understand.. maybe it hadn’t happened or it was just his headache making him imagine things, but it didn’t feel that way even as he lay holding the Hallows pendant in his hand, his one physical reminder of Gellert now he had disappeared off to Merlin knows where.

Why had Gellert reacted the way he did when he had kissed him back?

Chapter Text

Saturday 5th August 1899

Dear Gellert,

I really hope that you are alright, Bathilda has been over to visit me six times to ask if I know where you are, no one has seen you since Thursday. She also brought me over a copy of our picture that she took, I must say it’s rather marvellous. My only complaint would be that my shirt could have been a little less crumpled! It’s been dreadfully dull here without you.

Your concerned friend,
Albus

P.S. Humbug asked me to enquire about Dunamis, she’s missing him terribly!

Saturday 5th August 1899

Dear Gellert,

I forgot to add that Bathilda has discovered a whole new range of books on the Hallows from an old friend of hers that she has kindly reserved for us, I look forward to looking through them with you!

I hope I will see you again soon.
Albus

Sunday 6th August 1899

Dear Gellert,

Please let me know that you are alright, Bathilda is worried sick. It doesn’t have to be much, even just send Dunamis to say hello. It’s not the same here without you.

Waiting on your response,
Albus

Sunday 6th August 1899

Gellert,

Bathilda has asked me to inform you that you have until teatime to get in contact before she’s contacting the Ministry and sending out a search party to look for you. She had one of those “I mean business!” Expressions that the teachers always used at school, so I think it’s safe to assume that she’s serious. Please come back, I’m sure we can figure this out. We are both really worried about you.

Your friend,
Albus

Sunday 6th August 1899

Gellert please.

I’m really sorry for what I did. I truly don’t know what came over me. If it makes you uncomfortable, we never even have to talk about it again if you don’t want to! We can go back to how we were before like nothing has happened. For the greater good? We are in this together Gellert. You are one of the best friends I have ever made.

Yours hopefully,
Albus

Sunday 6th August 1899

Albus.

Stop writing.

Gellert G

“Albus?”

Albus screwed his eyes shut even tighter and pulled the covers over his head. Maybe if he ignored him..

“Albus bloody get up! It’s one o’clock in the blinking afternoon! Moping isn’t going to get you anywhere!”

Albus huffed and buried his face in his pillow. What did Aberforth know? He had no idea how it felt to lose someone you are in l-

“Albus? Can you get the door? I can’t leave Ariana. I think it’s a bloke.. if he’s selling something tell him to bugger off!”

Albus opened his eyes at that. What if it was Gellert? For the first time in days, Albus lept out of bed with purpose. It was short lived however, as it only took one glance in the mirror before he groaned. His hair was unbrushed and his shirt was stained and looked throughly worn, there was no way he was going down like that!

Albus grabbed his wand and removed the stains wordlessly. In an instant, his shirt smoothed out and became crisp again, his trousers lost the creases and his hair straightened itself out. Albus reached for a black waistcoat for good measure. He stepped back as he regarded himself, it wasn’t perfect but it would do. Albus rushed out of his room and practically threw himself down the stairs, his Hallows pendant bouncing off his chest as he hurried. He could practically see Gellert standing on the other side of the door, dressed in all black, his blonde curls swept to the side, smiling that mischievous grin that Albus loved. They would reunite and everything would be the way that it was..

“Gellert! I’ve missed you so- oh.”

The spark fizzled out no more than three seconds after he had opened the front door. A short man with greasy hair and green robes stood on the doorstep with a large book in hand and a huge eagle quill. Albus gave a silent groan.

“I’m sorry, I thought you were someone else,” he mumbled. The man didn’t seem to notice and continued to write in his book before snapping it shut and giving him a wide smile.

“Albus Dumbledore is it?”

“I’m afraid so,” Albus said grumpily, leaning against the doorframe and trying his best not to look at Bathilda’s garden. Somewhere that had brought him so much happiness, reduced to nothing more than a painful memory.

“Wonderful news for you!” The man exclaimed, handing him over a cream coloured leaflet with the words PASSED in bold letters. It took a moment for Albus to realise what it was, then it clicked.

“I passed the Auror interview?” Albus cried out, the man nodded enthusiastically.

“With flying colours so I am told! I’ve been asked to invite you to come and take the practical test, if you pass that then you can start work in September!”

Albus smiled for the first time since the fateful day on Bathilda’s lawn. He was supposed to have been going away with Gellert… was that plan even in action anymore?

Albus sighed.

“Can you give me time to figure out a day when I could come along and do it?” He asked timidly. “It’s just that my sister is extremely ill and we’ll need to organise care for her..”

The man understood at once. “Of course young Albus, take all the time you need. My details are enclosed in your leaflet if you need to get in touch with me.”

Albus nodded and bid the man farewell, closing the door with an air of sadness at Gellert not being his visitor.

Poor Bathilda was getting more frantic by the hour. She had tried determinedly to set up a Ministry search party only to be told that they are only put into effect when the person has been missing for more than a week. Albus had ended up sitting with her for nearly forty five minutes to try and calm her down after receiving the information as a result.

Albus didn’t blame her, a waking minute hadn’t passed since he had last saw him when he wasn’t thinking about Gellert. It was becoming maddening, not knowing what had become of him, where he was staying, where their friendship stood, but judging from Gellert’s curt “stop writing” letter Albus had a fairly good idea of which side of the rapids they were currently on. It made his heart ache in a way that it never had before.

Their kiss had never stopped haunting him since the moment it had ended. He had been so sure that Gellert had returned it.. maybe it was just his own enthusiasm.

“I passed the Auror interview.”

“Ngh? Oh. That’s good I suppose.”

Albus huffed audibly. “You could at least pretend to be pleased for me Aberforth.”

Aberforth glared at him from over the top of his newspaper. “Fine. Well done Albus. Make sure that you go with the best paying opportunity mind you, we need the money to buy more potion ingredients for Ariana.”

Albus raised an eyebrow warily. “Don’t you have any of the money that Gel- he gave you when we went away to Paris? There was enough there to have kept you going for three months!”

Aberforth went surprisingly quiet at that.

Albus secretly wondered if his brother had been being entirely truthful to him in where their money had been going. He said nothing and left the kitchen, creeping up the stairs as quietly as he could so not to disturb Ariana, and slipped into his room without a word.

“I know Humbug, I’ll clean it up soon,” he grumbled at the owl perching on top of a large book about the history of Hippogriffs.

What a state! Crumpled up pieces of parchment lay scattered on the floor, half finished cups of tea dominated his desk and his bedsheets were wrinkled and unmade. Albus shifted aside several teacups and reached for a new piece of parchment only to realise that he only had one new sheet left, having used the rest of them on draft copies of his letters to Gellert.

Albus rubbed his eyes, ignoring the beady eyed stare of Humbug and dipped his quill into his ink pot which was steadily nearing empty.

Dear Elphias,

I apologise for not being in contact, my sister has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse, don’t worry it isn’t life threatening! But it has taken up a great deal more time than usual. Aberforth is fine, his favourite goat Toffee has had babies so he’s been ecstatic about that, I’ve only been out to the goat pen once since they were born but I must confess that they are rather nice. Bathilda was enquiring about you yesterday, she sends her best. She’s been a frequent visitor these past few days, Gellert is away on a business trip you see, I think she misses him dreadfully. It has been awfully boring without him I must say, Aberforth isn’t much fun to be around so I have missed the company. It makes me miss you my friend!

Wishing the best,
Albus

“Here, this will take your mind off Dunamis,” Albus said loudly, sealing the envelope containing his letter to Elphias and holding it out to a disgruntled looking Humbug. Albus gritted his teeth in annoyance when the owl made no move to accept it.

“I know. Your missing Dunamis, I’m missing Gellert, we’re both missing someone. But you being stubborn won’t bring either of them back any faster!”

Humbug gave a loud screech before angrily swiping the letter from his hand and flying off out the window with an aggressive flap of her wings. Albus watched her until she flew over the top of Bathilda’s cottage and was out of sight.

“He’ll come back soon,” He muttered to himself as he pulled off his waistcoat and threw it over the back of his chair before sinking into his mattress and pulling the sheets over his head. Would he though?

Albus was getting more paranoid as the days went on. He had half a mind to borrow a Time Turner to try and stop his past self from ever going to Bathilda’s garden that morning, anything that would set things back to how they were.

Albus closed his eyes and willed himself to fall asleep, muffled wails from Ariana’s room could be heard but he did his best to ignore them, the only image in his head being that of Gellert, his mischievous smile and carefree demeanour enticing him even in memory. Albus screwed his eyes closed even tighter and hoped that sleep would claim him soon, even if he knew that the blonde haired boy would follow.

“Albus?”

Albus woke face first in his pillow, he rolled onto his side and faced the wall with a grunt, it was still dark. Had someone said his name?

“Albus, are you awake?”

Albus opened his eyes wide. Then he took a slow inhale. Sure enough, the scent of peppermint teased his tastebuds. Albus was certain that he had nearly cracked his neck from flipping over so fast.

In the shadowy corner of his room stood Gellert, fully dressed in his black coat and leather gloves, his hair rough and wild, so unlike the usual slicked back style that it typically had, but Albus didn’t care. He had never been more pleased to see someone in his life. But to his dismay, Gellert wasn’t smiling.

If Albus had to pinpoint what his exact expression was, he probably couldn’t say. The closest he could provide to a definitive answer would be conflicted.

“Gellert I.. where have you been? We’ve been so worried about you! Bathilda has been over-“

“I know Albus.”

“You- you read my letters?”

Gellert stared blankly, his eyes fixed on the Hallows pendant that lay on top of his shirt. Albus had half a mind to tuck it away if it meant that Gellert would meet his eyes again.

“Yes.”

Albus nodded and sat up in bed fully, pushing aside the covers so that he could sit on the edge, Gellert said nothing and continued to stare at the symbol of the Hallows.

“Why did you come back?” Albus asked quietly, excitement quietly buzzing underneath his skin. It felt so good to see him again, Albus hasn’t felt this alive since Gellert had left!

Gellert took off his coat and hung it over the back of the chair at his desk, pausing for a moment to look around at the crumpled pieces of paper that littered the room. Albus bit his lip awkwardly, wishing that he had known of Gellert’s intention to visit him in advance so that it would have given him a little time to tidy up.

He was embarrassed to say that he had neglected his room’s upkeep in recent days. Albus sat silently as Gellert ran his fingers over his quill before setting it back down on his desk and turning back to him.

“How have you been?” Gellert asked softly, moving his chair around to face him before sitting down.

Albus knew full well that Aberforth would have blown off the roof if he knew that Gellert was in the house but he couldn’t bring himself to care. After spending days thinking that he had damaged their relationship beyond repair here he was, blonde haired and undeniably Gellert, his mismatched eyes and silver buttoned waistcoat with the scent of peppermint that drove Albus mad with fondness.

“Alright,” Albus lied, the truth was on the tip of his tounge but he was determined to bite it back. “Where have you been Gellert? Why haven’t you been in contact?” All things Albus was aching to ask, but which should he start with? Or should he just get the biggest one out of the way first to find out where they stood?

“Gellert,” Albus began, not liking the shyness in his voice which already put him at a disadvantage.

“About what happened.. I just want to apologise, I haven’t stopped thinking about it.. I really didn’t mean to make you-“

“Albus..”

“No please! Before you get angry just hear me out! I need to tell you-“

“You don’t need to tell me anything.”

“You don’t understand I do! Please just let me explain-“

“You don’t need to explain Albus because I’m not angry with you.”

Albus paused and looked at Gellert with shock. Gellert bit his lip and looked away.

“You’re not.. I don’t understand?”

“I’m not used to this Albus,” Gellert mumbled, avoiding his eyes and looking down at the crumbled pieces of paper on the floor. Albus pushed back his awkward curl and cleared his throat.

“What do you mean?” He asked slowly, unsure of what direction that the conversation was heading. Gellert looked up and met his gaze.

“You are a first of many things for me Albus,” Gellert said calmly. “I’ve never wanted to share something with anyone the way I want to share our vision with you. I’ve never wanted to really help anyone.. I’ve never.. felt.. with anyone what I feel with you. And it..”

“It what?”

“It frightens me Albus,” Gellert said in a pained voice. Albus squinted in surprise. It may have just been the moonlight or where he was sitting on the bed, but did Gellert have tears in his eyes?

“I’m not used to feeling like this! This open and vulnerable.. this desire to be..”

“Close?” Albus replied in a small voice. Gellert nodded shakily.

Did he feel the same or was Albus just imagining it? Was it wishful thinking?

“Gellert, I understand..”

“I think we should bury them Albus.”

Albus gave him a confused look. “What do you mean?”

“The.. feelings that we feel for one another.. I think we should stay just as we were.”

Albus could have done a cartwheel with relief. “The feelings that we feel?” Didn’t that include Gellert himself with the word “we?” Was this confirmation that Gellert felt the same way as him?

“Why?” Albus asked, getting up off the bed and walking before Gellert who still sat hunched over in his chair by the desk. “If we both.. feel the same thing then why should we deny it? Surely-“

“Such an attraction would be used against us Albus,” Gellert said sharply, his face streaked with tears. It hadn’t just been the light after all.

“As the leaders of a revolution, those who oppose us will be looking for any form of weakness. We can’t let anything get in the way of the plan.. the greater good must come first.”

“But what if it’s not a weakness?” Albus said, kneeling down beside Gellert, his voice pleading. “What if it’s something that could make us and in connection, the plan stronger?”

Gellert reached out and cupped his face in his hands, Albus gave a silent gasp and closed his mouth, the new angle giving him a perfect view of Gellert’s face. Tear stained and pained as it was, his sharp cheekbones and lips a light shade of pink in contrast to his pale skin both remained just the same. Albus made a mental note that no matter what was to come, to remember him in that moment just as he was.

And he was beautiful.

“We cannot Albus,” Gellert whispered, stroking his cheek with his thumb as he continued to hold him. “It would always be something that they could use against us. To drive a wedge or to try and separate us, even make us fight one another..”

Then an idea came.

Albus placed a hand on Gellert’s knee, a plan starting to form in his mind. Could they yet be saved before they had really started? Would it be enough?

“What if there was a way to take away that temptation from them? To ensure that won’t happen and they couldn’t use it against us?” Albus suggested.

“You mean so that we couldn’t fight one another?” Gellert asked, Albus nodded enthusiastically.

“Is there a way?”

Gellert stared at him with shining eyes though it may have been the moonlight, Albus preferred to believe the latter.

After brushing his hands against his cheek once more Gellert stood and began pacing the room, Albus moved back and leaned against a wall that had the least Prophet article cutouts on it to watch. After several minutes, Gellert came to a stop.

“I think I have one.”

Albus waited in anticipation. When he received no answer, he realised that he had to help him along.

“What is it Gellert?”

“Have you ever heard of a Blood Pact Albus?”

There was something he hadn’t expected.

“Vaguely. Aren’t they immensely powerful?”

Gellert nodded and pulled out his wand, coming before him until they were only a foot apart.

“Immensely powerful and practically unbreakable even for the makers, it would be impossible for any outsiders to even think of breaching one,” Gellert said excitedly. Albus could practically see his mind being made up just from Gellert’s reaction. Could this be their only chance of a shared future?

“And it would mean that we could never fight each other?”

“Not even if we wanted to,” Gellert said confidently. “Though if by some chance we did, the effort to try would kill both of us!”

Albus laughed. “I don’t think we would ever want to anyway.”

Gellert raised an eyebrow, quirking his lips in a smile. “Thank Merlin for that, I’d hate for you to get hurt!”

“I could take you down with my wand tied behind my back!” Albus said indignantly. Gellert roared with laughter which quickly had Albus shushing him in case Aberforth overheard and decided to pay him a visit.

“So will you do it?” Gellert asked, his expression filled with hope.

Albus softened at once. If this is what it took to keep him, he would have done anything.

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

Gellert beamed and started muttering enchantments, a silvery vapour surrounded them once before disappearing.

“What was that?” Albus asked.

“The Ring of Promise,” Gellert replied, holding his wand to his palm in preparation which prompted Albus to pull out his own and do the same.

“Basically it ensures that the pact is formed on both of us promising to uphold it, that sort of thing. Now, we need to intermingle our blood and say our oaths, I think the best way to do that would be to join hands don’t you think?”

“Yes I think so,” Albus agreed, pointing the tip of his wand at his palm. He had never been terribly good with blood and had half a mind to close his eyes, but what if that meant that it didn’t work?

Anything to keep them together..

Gellert smiled and pressed his wand deeper into his palm until beads of blood began to show, Albus repeated the action with his own and sure enough, he began to draw a line across his palm which started to ooze blood.

Albus bit his tounge as his wand sliced through his skin like a knife, a crimson pattern danced it’s way across the flat of his hand to match the same mark on Gellert who hadn’t made a single sound since they had started.

“I Gellert Grindelwald, swear never to fight against or cause physical harm to you Albus Dumbledore, on the day that we form this pact and every to follow. I understand that even thinking about breaching this agreement could mean the cost of my own life.” Gellert said in a clear voice.

Gellert finished his oath and then looked at him expectantly which Albus saw as the sign to say a promise of his own.

“I Albus Dumbledore, swear never to fight against or cause physical harm to you Gellert Grindelwald, on the day that we form this pact and every to follow. I understand that even thinking about breaching this agreement could mean the cost of my own life.”

Gellert raised his bloodied hand into the air and held it in waiting, flickering his eyes between each of their bloodied cuts. Albus quickly lifted his own hand and after a moment’s hesitation, placed it flat against Gellerts, ignoring the wince of pain that shot through his hand at the friction of the cut.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then a shift in where their hands were placed caught his attention and sure enough, Albus found himself parting his fingers. Gellert closed his eyes and began to push the tips of his fingers through the gaps until their hands were entwined and locked together in an embrace. Albus’s breath became shaky and he closed his eyes while he mirrored the movement.

When Albus opened his eyes their hands were still joined, throughly bloodied but connected, except Gellert now held a peculiar looking pendant in his free hand.

“Is that the?”

“Yes,” Gellert smiled, his eyes wide as he fixed the pendant into place around his neck.

“This is our physical proof. Now we’ll both have a piece of the other, You have the Hallows and I’ll have the pact, it’s perfect isn’t it?”

Albus said nothing and tentatively reached up his clean hand to the side of Gellert’s neck. When he felt no resistance, he cupped it gently until his fingers were just brushing his hair as he had nearly done once before, except nothing was holding either of them back now.

Albus smiled as he pulled them closer, constantly watching Gellert’s expression for any sign of discomfort or hesitation. He could not have possibly put into words the depths of his joy when none came.

“Yes it is,” he said quietly, relishing in the happiness that he felt. Gellert grinned before his expression briefly turned serious.

“We still need to be careful Albus. If our.. alliance is to ever end, even with the pact in place..”

“Stop thinking so much,” Albus mumbled, moving forward until his lips were hovering just over Gellerts.

“What did you think I was going to say?” Gellert muttered playfully, raising his own hand to hold his neck.

“Oh I don’t know..” Albus teased. “Probably something pretentious about the greater good and-“

Albus didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before lips were being fiercely crushed against his own. Albus made a noise of approval and began to truly kiss him back, chasing the taste of peppermint that had become so familiar to him it was almost second nature.

He let out a satisfied sigh and buried his hand in Gellert’s hair. Albus had a sensation that his own neck would likely be covered in blood once they were through courtesy of Gellert’s bloodied hand but what did it matter? In that moment, the world could have burned and he wouldn’t have cared.

“Albus Ari was out of potion and I wondered if you could- WHAT THE HELL?”

They broke apart like two teenagers who had been caught kissing in Church. Aberforth hadn’t even made a noise.. how did they not hear the door open?

Albus turned the deepest shade of red possible to obtain in a moment of embarrassment knowing full well that he would be hearing about this for the next twenty years.

No one moved. Aberforth stood in the doorway with his mouth hanging open, Albus tried to desperately come up with a way to disappear, and Gellert for some bizarre reason that Albus couldn’t place looked entirely unbothered.

“Albus what- what the hell is he doing here?” Aberforth croaked, his eyes turning to slits the longer he looked at Gellert. Albus opened his mouth only for his words to come out as a muffled squeak.

“Aberforth it’s not what-“

“Wait is that blood on your neck?” Aberforth said astonished, looking past Gellert to peer at his neck, Albus considered pulling up his shirt collar to try and conceal himself but he knew it was too late. Aberforth’s mouth grew impossibly wider until his eyes moved on from his neck to look at their bloodied hands.

“Are you guys blood brothers or something? Or is Gilroy here secretly a vampire?” Aberforth added rudely, giving Gellert a scathing look. Gellert pushed his hair back and smiled.

“It’s good to see you Aberforth, Albus has told me-“

“I don’t give two bollocks about what my sainted brother has told you.” Aberforth hissed. “You need to leave right now. But if it’s not too much for me to ask, why on earth are you both bleeding?”

“Aberforth stay out of it,” Albus demanded, still feeling awfully humiliated about being interrupted.

Aberforth really did ruin absolutely everything didn’t he? Even his first proper kiss!

“It’s no problem Albus,” Gellert said pleasantly, pulling the Blood Pact out from where he had tucked it down his shirt and held it up for Aberforth to see.

Aberforth’s expression changed immediately.

“Wait isn’t that.. DID YOU MAKE A BLOOMING BLOOD PACT ALBUS?”

“I.. it’s none of your business Aberforth!”

“He’s your brother Albus,” Gellert chipped in, tucking the pendant back down his shirt in front of a scathing Aberforth who looked like he was on the brink of attacking him. “He has every right to voice his opinion.”

Aberforth slammed an potion bottle that he had been carrying on his desk so hard that it shattered. Albus flinched at the impact but tried his best not to let it show. Aberforth came before them with a manic look of hatred in his eyes.

“Right that’s fucking it. I’ve HAD ENOUGH. You sucking up to this blonde haired slimy git ends here and now Albus! Now I don’t know why the hell you two are making a Blood Pact..”

“It’s a crucial part of our plan,” Gellert said in a slightly patronising tone which only infuriated Aberforth further. “We were not able to proceed without it, in the long run I’m certain that you will be thanking us for it.”

Aberforth scoffed and came inches before Gellert’s face, such fury was burning from his skin the room was crackling with it.

“Now see here Gerbold!”

“Gellert.”

“I don’t give an elf’s backside what your stupid name is!” Aberforth spat. “Now I don’t know what the hell it is that my perfect brother sees in you or why he’s so besotted, but you don’t fool me! Now if you don’t get your posh arse out of here RIGHT now-“

“Aberforth be quiet!” Albus hissed grabbing onto the scruff of Aberforth’s shirt to try and pull him back only to receive a hard jab in the ribs in return. Albus winced at the pain and reached for his wand.

“Yes Aberforth.. listen to your brother,” Gellert said loudly, straightening up and making Aberforth appear smaller than he was. “You couldn’t possibly comprehend what it is that Albus and I plan to do, and all you need to know is that we are going to make the world a better place for all of our kind, your sister very much included.”

“If you dare..” Aberforth whispered, reaching into his back pocket for the handle of his wand. Gellert raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Aberforth what are you doing?” Albus asked grumpily. Aberforth raised his wand until it was hovering directly over Gellert’s chest.

“Albus if you don’t tell this sack of goat shit to leave then I will make him!”

Gellert laughed. “And how exactly do you plan to do that? May I remind you that you are underage? If you use magic then you will be expelled!”

“And may I remind YOU, you smug bastard..” Aberforth growled, the tip of his wand singeing a hole in the front of Gellert’s waistcoat. “That you’re underage too? Oh, and you’ve been expelled! Or have you lied to my foolish brother about that as well? Because I don’t see you not using magic!”

Gellert stopped smiling. Albus was seconds away from stepping in between them. Why did everything get bloody ruined?

“The charges against me were dropped for your information,” Gellert said coolly.

Aberforth scoffed and turned to look at him. “You don’t seriously believe this rubbish Albus? And I thought you were intelligent!”

“Aberforth go to bed.” Albus snapped.

Gellert moved away from Aberforth and came to stand next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Yes Aberforth,” Gellert mirrored, “go to bed.”

“I’ll curse you here and now I swear to god..”

“No you won’t.” Gellert replied confidently, twirling his wand between his fingers carelessly. “You won’t do anything that might risk setting your sister off. Now run along before you do something that you’ll regret!”

“Does my brother know about how you got expelled?” Aberforth said loudly, stepping forward with his wand raised.
“Have you always used curses that mutilate students or is that just something you keep on reserve?”

“I will only ask you once again. Go to bed or what happens next will be out of my control.” Gellert said coldly.

Albus pushed Aberforth back with a shove. “Just go to bed Aberforth,” he pleaded. “If Ariana wakes up..”

“If you come anywhere near our sister I’ll break your shining teeth so badly you’ll be spitting gum for the rest of your life!” Aberforth bellowed, trying to make a swipe at Gellert while Albus struggled to hold him back. Gellert smiled and tucked his wand away.

“Don’t worry Albus, he’s just young and temperamental. Run along now!”

That was enough. Albus pulled Aberforth out of his room by the thin material of his shirt, Aberforth cursing Gellert with words that Albus wasn’t even aware that he knew the entire way. As soon as they were outside the door, Aberforth slapped him square in the face.

“I mean it Albus,” Aberforth said in a dangerous voice. “If he goes anywhere near Ari I’ll kill him. Hogwarts be fucking damned.”

Albus rubbed his cheek in annoyance while Aberforth stormed across the hall and disappeared into another room, slamming the door behind him.

“You mustn’t let him get in the way of our plans Albus.”

Albus sighed. “I’m sorry.. I don’t know what came over him, he’s not usually as bad as that.”

Gellert tutted and stroked his cheek, Albus couldn’t stop the smile that came.

“Would you stay?” Albus asked shyly, leaning his chin on Gellert’s shoulder, he closed his eyes blissfully at the feeling of hands caressing through his hair. Aberforth couldn’t ruin this.

“I can’t,” Gellert murmured, his warm breath tickling his ear. “My Aunt Bathilda wants me back tonight, she’s still a little upset with me for my taking off without prior notice.”

“We all were Gellert,” Albus muttered, burying his nose into the expensive fabric of Gellert’s shirt. “Well.. maybe not Aberforth, but he’s a grumpy fool so he doesn’t count.” Gellert chuckled.

“That’s fair. Nevertheless I still must go, I think my aunt has something planned for tomorrow..”

“What’s happening tomorrow?” Albus enquired. Gellert kissed his neck before delicately untangling himself and going back into his room to collect his coat.

“Oh nothing much.. Well my birthday is one thing but that’s not very-“

“Your birthday?” Albus squeaked in surprise, Gellert winked cheekily and secured the buttons on his coat before pulling on his leather gloves once more.

“I know, I’m going to start looking terribly old soon!” Gellert mocked, pretending to hunch over. Albus laughed quietly and looked away.

Why hadn’t Gellert told him? He would’ve bought him a present or at least done something to mark the occasion..

Why didn’t they take a trip?

Albus gleamed with the foundation of a plan about to be set into motion. They had been talking about visiting Gregorovitch so frequently.. what better birthday treat than to collect the most powerful wand in existence?

“Will you visit me tomorrow?” Gellert asked, Albus nodded warmly, barely able to contain his excitement about his surprise. Gellert was going to be so pleased!

“Of course. I won’t bring Aberforth just to warn you in advance!”

Gellert said nothing and came forward until their lips met. Albus smiled into his mouth and placed a hand on his shoulder as the kiss momentarily deepened before Gellert pulled back breathing heavily.

“Thank Merlin for that then,” Gellert said breathlessly. “My Aunt Bathilda’s cooking is far too good to waste on someone who wants to knock out my teeth!”

Then after a final wink and a shadow of his mischievous smile, he Disapparated.

Albus sat down on the corner of his bed, giddy with happiness. Aberforth’s abrupt entrance was already so far from his thoughts it seemed a distant memory. Only one thing still troubled him..

What was he to give as a present?

What do you give someone who already seems as if they have it all?

Albus bit the skin on his lip as he tried to find a solution. He slipped off his bed and pulled out a wicker basket that lay underneath it, several unopened gift bags from Ministry dinners and other social events that he had attended sat inside. Albus shifted through them one by one, trying to catch sight of anything that might suffice. Finally, he came to the last bag. To his surprise, only one item was inside, a flat black box with the note still attached.

Albus,

Thank you so much for your support at the Ministry tonight, your speech was truly delightful. I saw this and thought that you might appreciate it, find yourself a nice shirt to match it!

Griselda Marchbanks

Albus pushed the note aside and opened the box, a black tie patterned with beautiful dainty purple flowers which Albus recognised as Heather sat inside, the green stems still attached.

Hadn’t Gellert once told him that Heather was one of his favourite plants? A comforting reminder of his father?

Albus laughed softly and closed the box, a purple ribbon wrapped itself delicately around the exterior with a swish of his wand. He didn’t need to worry about a present then!

Chapter Text

“I’LL KILL HIM!”

Albus sprang out of bed with a start, the howling fury of Aberforth’s wrath pulling him from his sleep with a tone of urgency. He craned his ears and heard the front door open and close with a slam that shook the floorboards and made Humbug squeak in agitation.

Albus ran to his bedroom window to see a half dressed Aberforth flipping over Bathilda’s garden fence and racing towards her front door, screaming curses and threats the closer he got. Albus backed away from the window and after grabbing his wand, charged out of room to take chase.

“ABERFORTH CALM DOWN!”

“I’LL KILL HIM! THAT MURDERING BASTARD, I KNOW IT WAS HIM I KNOW IT!”

Albus tackled Aberforth to the ground just outside Bathilda’s front door and frantically tried to pull his wand out of his hand. Aberforth was a picture of rage. With a face that was damp and tear streaked, a shirt that was to Albus’s shock, blood stained and torn in places, he was a terrible sight to behold.

“Aberforth what’s wrong?” Albus cried, still trying to pin a howling Aberforth to the ground. What would the neighbours think?

“H- he’s killed all of the goats!” Aberforth sobbed. “They are all lying dead.. Toffee, Fudge, all of their babies.. all d- dead! I know it was him!”

Albus groaned. How on earth could that have happened? Perhaps a fox had got into their pen? Surely it had been known to happen?

“Aberforth calm down, I’m sure we can get to the bottom of this,” Albus instructed, trying to insert authority into his voice. Aberforth continued to wail and try to wriggle himself free, his desperatation to reach Bathilda’s front door never ending.

“There’s nothing to get to the bloody bottom of! That murderous git killed my goats! I’ll kill him Albus I swear it!”

“Aberforth calm down now!” Albus hissed into his ear, holding his wand arm behind his back. “If you do anything rash what will happen to Ariana? Because I promise you, that is the first place that the Ministry will look into when they perform an investigation!”

That did it. Albus felt Aberforth go limp instantly, the looming threat of Ariana paying the consequences was enough to reel back his anger at Gellert. Albus breathed a sigh of relief.

“It wasn’t Gellert Aberforth,” Albus said calmly, helping his brother back to his feet and leading him back home with a firm hand on his wrist in case Aberforth had a change of heart and decided to try and make a run for it, or more accurately, at Gellert.

“It was probably a fox, you remember how bad the fox problems were several years ago don’t you?”

Aberforth gave an expression so offended you would have thought he had been slapped.

“You are so blind Albus. Can’t you see the truth?”

“Gellert didn’t do it Aberforth!” Albus repeated, getting annoyed. “I trust him completely and know he wouldn’t do a thing like that!”

Aberforth glared at him before climbing the staircase with a huff, tears still dripping down his nose.

“Never fall in love again Albus. If this is what it turns you into.. it’s better for everyone if you don’t.. yourself included.”

Albus stood in silence until Aberforth climbed the final step and vanished out of sight. Surely he couldn’t think that Gellert was responsible? Albus closed the kitchen door with a huff, groaning when the owl carrying the latest edition of the Prophet tipped over a jug of water upon landing. Albus picked up the bird and accepted the paper, putting money into it’s pouch before releasing it back out the window once more.

AUROR DEAD, EXPERTS SAY MURDER IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD
Reported by Evan Inchwell

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Magic has made a rare public announcement with the report of a tragic death, which many of the experts are claiming to be murder. Well noted Auror Basil Evergreen, (58) has been found dead in his home while his wife Mrs Flora Evergreen, (46) has been taken to St Mungo’s in critical condition. We have been informed that the first responders to the scene have reported that the cause of Mr Evergreen’s death is highly likely to be that of the Killing Curse, which everyone will recognise as the worst of the three Unforgivable Curses which have been banned from use since 1717, with use of any of them being punishable by a life sentence in Azkaban. Healers from St Mungo’s who have been treating his wife Mrs Flora Evergreen, (46) have released a statement.

“It is with great sorrow that we hear the news of Mr Evergreen’s death. He will be thoroughly missed by all who knew him as a talented and much loved member of the Auror office, and all of the team here at St Mungo’s express our condolences to his wife. It is with careful consideration that we see fit to release this information as we may have a dangerous individual at large and we want the Wizarding World to be on their guard if the worst is confirmed. Through thorough testing, we have uncovered with great disturbance that Mrs Flora Evergreen has been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse, which many of you will recognise as the infamous torture curse which inflicts excruciating pain on it’s victim and if used for extended periods of time, can even be enough to drive them into madness. We understand that this is highly distressing information and do not wish to frighten anyone unnecessarily, but evidence is unfortunately building in the direction that we may have a murderer on our hands. Caution is advised to all.”

Albus set the paper down and continued to stir his tea, an uncomfortable shiver was creeping up his spine and he didn’t like it one bit. Basil Evergreen.. where had he heard that name before? At a Ministry event perhaps? Merlin knows he had been to enough of them. He continued to wrack his brain for answers as he drained his cup, ignoring the scalding feeling on his tounge as the hot liquid passed over it. Albus placed his empty cup in a bowl of water and left the kitchen, not bothering to take the newspaper with him. What was the point of upsetting Gellert on his birthday?

“Albus dear! How lovely to see you!”

Albus smiled kindly as Bathilda fussed over him, kissing his cheek and smoothing out his hair fondly. He didn’t mind really, it reminded him of his mother. Albus came into Bathilda’s hallway and briefly glanced up the staircase, half expecting to see Gellert at the top of it as he had done so many times before. He had come casually dressed in a plain white shirt and black trousers, a maroon waistcoat that had definitely once belonged to his father, with only his present for Gellert tucked under his arm. He had thought it better to come underdressed so not to arouse suspicion of what he intended for them to do, Bathilda didn’t need to worry!

“Gellert is still upstairs I’m afraid dear, he said he was tired, poor love.. he’s been a little shaken since he was stuck in Austria after his Portkey went rogue!”

Albus fought the urge to laugh. So that was the excuse that Gellert had given Bathilda for his takeoff!

Albus thanked Bathilda and headed upstairs, listening out for any sign of movement. He paused just outside Gellerts door taking a moment to check his appearance in the mirror outside Bathilda’s bathroom before opening the bedroom door with a squeak.

“I’d hoped that you would come.”

“Of course I would come, it’s your birthday Gellert!”

Gellert grinned and hopped up from his bed, tossing aside the book he had been reading and pulled him into a hug. When they parted, Albus held out the black box containing the tie.

“Happy seventeenth birthday Gellert, congratulations on being one year closer to going grey!”

Gellert stuck out his tounge playfully and removed the purple ribbon, pausing for a moment to run his fingers over the smooth material of the box before opening it. Albus felt his heart skip a beat when Gellert’s face lit up at the sight of the tie, he quickly discarded the box and pulled it out fully to inspect the pattern.

“Oh Albus, you shouldn’t have.. how did you know?”

“You mentioned that your father liked Heather once,” Albus said shyly, his eyes never leaving Gellert for a moment as he completed the process of tying it. When he was done, Gellert stood back to allow him to view his work. Albus smiled fondly. It suited him well!

“That’s not all,” Albus said excitedly, reaching into his pocket. “Your present actually has a part two!”

“You’ve got the Elder Wand?” Gellert joked. “My my Albus, you shouldn’t have!”

“Close,” Albus interjected. “I’ve got the next best thing..” And he reached into his pocket fully and pulled out a purple comb. Gellert stared at it puzzled.

“It’s a Portkey!” Albus cried, not being able to contain it any longer. “An untraceable one too! It will take us to Gregorovitch’s Wandshop!”

Gellert looked as though he could have kissed him. Albus was happy to say that his observation was correct, as it was barely a second later before he did just that.

Albus reached up to cup his face and became flooded with warmth when he felt Gellert’s hand on the back of his neck. For a long period that he didn’t count the exact length of, they remained just like that. No thoughts of interfering siblings or judgemental outsiders, just the physical presence of the other, Albus couldn’t have thought of anyone else even if he tried.

When they parted, Gellert was smiling in a way that Albus had never seen before. It was as if he had unlocked a new side of him, vulnerable and exposed but still Gellert, and Albus considered with a great amount of pride that he was probably the first person to bear witness to it.

“Wonderful Albus!” Gellert exclaimed, taking his hand in his. “When does it leave?”

“As soon as!” Albus laughed. After giving him one final kiss, Gellert released his hand and rushed to his wardrobe, pulling out two matching black coats and tossing one to him before pulling on his own. After he was all made up with his leather gloves intact, (Albus had politely declined the offer to borrow a pair!) they stood together in the centre of Gellert’s room with the comb floating in mid air between them.

“So what’s the plan? We’re not going to steal the wand are we?”

Gellert gave him a “really?” Look if Albus ever saw one.

“No Albus. We’re going to stroll into Gregorovitch’s Wandshop, strike up small talk about the weather and then ask him to hand over the Elder Wand in the middle of the conversation! Of course we are going to steal it!”

Albus rubbed his neck worriedly. “What if someone sees us Gellert? I don’t want you getting into trouble.”

Gellert’s face softened. “Do you trust me Albus?”

“Yes,” Albus breathed. How could he not? After all that they had shared together, clothes, near death experiences at the hands of robbers, even a Blood Pact.. he was tied to Gellert in unchangeable ways that no amount of grumbling from Aberforth could dispel.

“This is the first step to making our vision come true. Wizards resuming our rightful place as the rulers of the world and muggles no longer having the upper hand in suppression, this beautiful plan that you and I created together, for the greater good.. And your sister..”

Albus’s paranoia melted away at once.

Gellert had an effortless ability to make him feel at ease, he had always admired it ever since the day that they had met in Bathilda’s kitchen snacking on Ariana’s Cauldron Cakes. Albus nodded.

“I trust you, this is for the greater good.”

Gellert smiled and leaned forward until their noses brushed. Albus chuckled as they nuzzled one another, like animals who had found their mate..

“Let’s do it,” Gellert whispered, taking his hand tightly in his before reaching for the comb just as it began to light up.

Albus opened his eyes. They were on a deserted alleyway with only a few shops that showed any sign of life, distant voices could be heard from further down the lane as the only notice of movement other than them and to his dismay, it was raining.

“I’m sorry Gellert, your coat is going to get.. oh Merlin.”

Gellert took no notice and beckoned him forwards, pointing out a old looking shop with a rusty sign hanging down in chipped black paint. MYKEW GREGOROVITCH, THE BEST WANDS THIS SIDE OF ANYWHERE!

“Right then,” Gellert began to explain in a hushed whisper. “We’ll get in the back to draw less attention, if he’s there I’ll stun him while you look for the wand. Once we’ve found it I’ll wipe his memory and Voilà! The most powerful wand in the entire world will be in our possession and we will have the first of the Hallows, not a bad seventeenth birthday present don’t you think Albus?”

“No one gets hurt,” Albus whispered, following Gellert down the side path that led to the back of the shop after glancing around to see if they were being watched. “We get the wand and get out. He won’t even know that we’ve been.”

Gellert sighed. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Albus raised an eyebrow which quickly had Gellert backtracking.

“I was kidding Albus, look! That window should do fine, give me a leg up will you?”

Albus glanced up at noticed a window just above them, a loose latch gave Albus the indication of why Gellert had chosen it. With a small amount of struggle, Albus hoisted Gellert up onto his shoulders until he was within reach of the window.

“It’s a shame we can’t Apparate directly inside,” Gellert said casually as he dragged himself through the window and disappearing for a split second before poking his head out to offer a rope, which Albus a suspicion had been formed of magic. “The old man has put some protective spell of some sort over the walls to stop us from doing it, it’s a shame really.”

“He needs protection Gellert,” Albus huffed as he scaled the wall, clinging onto the rope for dear life. How ludicrous he must have looked!

“Otherwise every wizard from the street would come paying him a visit, it’s a miracle that we’ve made it this far to be honest!”

“Or he just got lazy?” Gellert suggested, offering out a hand to help pull him inside completely. When they were both evenly footed and had finished checking the other over for injuries, (Albus ended up checking Gellert’s arms for scrapes twice out of paranoia) Gellert clicked his fingers in command.

“Right, I’ll have a look around for the old man, you start looking for it, maybe try over there?”

Gellert pointed out a dusty pile of wands in a corner which showed signs of long term neglect. “Basically everywhere that looks secretive or hasn’t been touched in a long time, that’s usually where this sort of thing would be!”

With a wink and a mischievous smile, Gellert disappeared around a corner leaving Albus alone in the dusty storage room packed to the ceiling with wands.

Albus glanced around dauntingly, half considering using a Summoning Charm even though he knew full well that it would be of no use. Where do you start looking for a Hallow in a room full of wands? Albus tucked his own away in the pocket of his rain soaked coat and got to work, starting his impossible task in the corner that Gellert had suggested.

“Any luck yet?”

“Unfortunately not.”

Gellert groaned in frustration. They had been at it for nearly three hours. Albus had noted that every time an hour passed, Gellert’s agitation would increase by a mile. Empty wand boxes were scattered everywhere, the room had been practically torn apart. Even the paintings had been removed, (Gellert had a wild theory that Gregorovitch had bewitched the wand to jump from painting to painting and the only way to get it out was to take them all down!)
Albus found that the only way to get it out of his system was to let him find out if it held any weight, he pretended to be disappointed when they had removed the final painting and found nothing purely out of sympathy. When they had searched through the final stack of wands and discovered no trace, Gellert was at his breaking point.

“This is ridiculous!” Gellert snapped, kicking aside an empty pile of wand boxes in annoyance. “Where the hell could it be?”

“Somewhere that no one stands a chance of finding it I suspect,” Albus said quietly, picking up the wand boxes while Gellert dropped down into a maroon coloured armchair with a huff.

“Right you are.”

They both froze. A cackle of laughter broke through the silence and the candle near Gellert’s armchair went out, leaving them both in the dark.

“What the hell? Albus was that you?”

“No of course not, Gellert where are you?”

“Here.. I can’t find my.. Albus do you have my wand?”

Albus tripped over a pile of boxes in the dark as he fumbled for his own wand, he cursed himself for his foolishness. “No why would I? Hang on I’ll give us some light.. LUMOS MAXIMA!”

“FUCK!”

“MERLIN!”

A dark haired man stood before them as the room became illuminated with light, his wand pointed and a horrible jeer on his face that made the hairs on Albus’s neck stand up. So this must be Gregorovitch..

“I’m afraid that I’m neither, but nice try boys,” the man said smugly, pointing his wand directly at Gellert’s chest before switching it to his. Albus swallowed nervously, his grip on his own wand tightening.

“You were expecting us?” Albus asked, watching as Gregorovitch began to pace in front of them. Gellert was watching him with undisguised hunger, Albus knew that he saw Gregorovitch as the only thing between them and the Elder Wand and he would stop at nothing to get it, which both excited and worried him. No one was going to get hurt, they were just going to get the wand and go just like they promised!

Gregorovitch cackled once again. “Well you know boys, one gets used to visitors after all of these years. Do you really think that you are the first fools to come looking for the Elder Wand? The funniest part is that you likely won’t be the last either!”

“Oh we will be the last,” Gellert said softly, coming to stand beside him. “Because we are not leaving here without that wand. So I would suggest you save yourself a struggle my friend.”

Gregorovitch looked Gellert up and down before his eyes blew wide in surprise.

“You’re that Grindelwald boy who got expelled from Durmstrang aren’t you?” Gregorovitch observed, looking at Gellert in a way that made Albus believe that they had met before. “Oh yes.. I remember you! You’re the one who set a boy on fire in the alley and tried to rob my shop when you came for your first wand! Ha ha oh yes it’s all coming back to me now!”

Albus looked at Gellert who caught his eye at once. “Gellert, what does he mean?”

“He’s a liar,” Gellert replied through gritted teeth, giving Gregorovitch a look of pure hatred. “Don’t you believe him Albus, he’s just trying to turn us against one another!”

“I’m no liar boy,” Gregorovitch cackled, his face ecstatic at the atmosphere he had created. “But I can’t say the same for you! Using magic after you’ve been expelled? Breaking and entering? There’s two felonies right there! I wonder what the reward is going to be when I turn you in?”

“Gellert maybe we should-“

“Don’t even bother thinking about Disapparating boy!” Gregorovitch roared with delight, facing him with utter glee.

“There’s enchantments in place all around the shop so don’t waste your time trying!”

Albus was feeling more and more trapped. How in the name of Merlin were they going to get out of this? Gellert wandless, Gregorovitch with Merlin only knew how much magical ability he had at his disposal.. Albus knew in full confidence that he could have taken him easily with his hands tied behind his back if he really wanted to, but he desperately didn’t want anyone to get hurt.

“GELLERT!”

Albus ran forward just as Gellert dropped to the ground, thick ropes binding themselves around his chest until he was forced to kneel. Albus was just within arms reach of him before he ran headfirst into a protective wall put into place by Gregorovitch who was already kneeling next to Gellert and gripping his chin roughly. Albus was thrown backwards by the impact and hit a wall behind him, crumpling with an agonised groan in a pile of wand boxes.

“Oh what a day indeed!” Gregorovitch cheered, holding Gellert’s face in his rough hands until he was forced to look into his eyes, the distraction gave Albus enough time to grab a spare wand from one of the boxes he had landed in. Any moment now..

“I wonder what that reward will buy me? A bigger shop? A dragonskin robe? What do you think blondie? Do you think I might get more if I turn your boyfriend in too?”

Albus had had enough. His wand in hand, he lept up out of the wand pile, broke the protective wall and threw the spare wand to Gellert who caught it by a hair.

“STUPEFY!”

Albus had been so quick Gregorovitch hadn’t even the time to anticipate a counter spell. With a yell he was thrown backwards in a mirrored fashion to the way Albus himself was, he hit the wall behind him with a thud and collapsed to the ground.

“Gellert come on! It’s too late, we’ve sounded the alarm!”

Gellert stared down at the unconscious Gregorovitch with unmistakable dislike, his borrowed wand shaking in his hand. Albus grabbed him by the arm and tried to pull him towards the window to little success.

“Gellert please we need to go!”

“There’s still time to find it Albus, we can’t let it go now!”

“THIS IS THE MINISTRY! COME OUT AND NO ONE HAS TO GET HURT!”

Albus felt like he was about to be sick. The voices had come from the front of the shop which meant that it was only seconds before they reached the back and their only chance of escape went out the window, quite literally.

“Gellert please,” Albus begged, pulling his chin around until he was looking into his eyes. “It’s too late. If we don’t leave now our plan dies. For the greater good remember? The greater good must always come first!”

Albus could see the struggle in his eyes, the way his lip quivered and his wand gave a subtle shake, he was almost there..

“Albus..”

“Please,” Albus whispered, almost in tears. Gellert looked back and Gregorovitch and lowered his head in defeat.

“Alright. But we need to wipe his memory.”

Albus sobbed in relief. Thank Merlin!

Gellert pointed his wand at Gregorovitch’s temple and muttered an incantation. After a minute, he nodded and Albus followed him to the window.

“Right, we just need to get out and past the enchantment barrier and then we can Disapparate,” Gellert whispered, one leg already hanging out the window.

Albus moaned in anguish as the Ministry voices stared to get louder and closer, it was only a matter of time before it was all over..

“Albus? Are you coming?”

Albus glanced down and saw Gellert already on the ground. After a quick look at a dazed Gregorovitch he ducked out of the window and didn’t look back.

“THIS IS THE MINISTRY! THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING BEFORE FORCE IS USED!”

They ran for their lives. Albus couldn’t recall ever running so fast in his life, they had jumped over a wall at the back of Gregorovitch’s shop (far safer than taking the main alley Albus had thought!) and after trespassing over several gardens, they ducked under a tree to catch their breath.

“I’m sorry..” Albus moaned miserably, not being able to look Gellert in the eye. “I know that wasn’t the way we had hoped it would work out but we can always try again and-“

Gellert abruptly pressed his lips against his. Albus opened his eyes wide in shock before closing them and leaning back against the tree trunk, ignoring the wind and rain battering down against them as they disappeared into their own world.

“THIS IS THE MINISTRY! WE KNOW YOU ARE THERE! THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!”

They broke apart laughing softly under their breath, the sound of voices drawing closer yet again, even as they remained out of sight under the branches of the tree.

“I think this is where we should take our leave,” Gellert murmured, taking his hand in his. Albus made a noise of agreement.
“I think so too.”

“THIS IS THE MINISTRY!”

“And we are leaving!” Gellert chortled just as they Disapparated, leaving the tree that they had been using for shelter uninhabited once again.

“Gellert Grindelwald! You explain yourself to me right now young man! You both look as if you’ve been in a fight with a Hippogriff!”

They stood beaming in Bathilda’s hallway, rain soaked and coats torn in places, but Albus had never felt so alive.

“Sorry Aunt Bathilda,” Gellert gushed, kissing a grumpy looking Bathilda on the cheek. “We got in a small Quidditch accident, Albus got a little competitive.”

“I did not!”

“Did too!”

“Alright that’s enough!” Bathilda scolded, though she was smiling and there was a lack of malice in her voice for her to be truly annoyed. “You are both mad! Now head upstairs and clean yourselves up for Merlin’s sake!”

“Yes Aunt Bathilda,” they said in unison.

Bathilda laughed and swatted at them both before disappearing back into her kitchen. Gellert winked at him and indicated towards the stairs.

“Shall we?”

Albus grinned and followed him up the rickety staircase, his heart still pounding with adrenaline from their close call. So this was what life with Gellert Grindelwald could be like. Albus had never met someone more talented and reckless in his life. The close calls, the moments of heroism, the obsession with the Hallows and the plan.. their glorious plan.. Albus loved it.

He loved..

“I’m sorry it didn’t turn out exactly how we wanted it to,” Albus said quietly as he tended to Gellert’s wounds sitting side by side on his bed. Gellert shook his head and patted his arm.

“Don’t worry about it Albus. Like you said, there’s always next time. Look on the bright side, at least we know the ins and outs of his shop now!”

Albus smiled and finished dabbing ointment onto a small cut on Gellert’s arm which faded as he finished up. Gellert inspected it and made a noise of approval.

“Why are you even thinking about being an Auror Albus, you should become a Healer!”

Albus turned red with embarrassment.

“I really should start getting back.. Aberforth will be wondering where I am..” Albus said softly, getting up from where he sat on the bed. Gellert reached out and took his wrist.

“Stay with me?”

Albus stared at him longingly. It was so tempting..

“I shouldn’t,” he muttered. “If Bathilda..”

“She never comes in here,” Gellert assured him. “And even if she did who cares? I’m sure she suspects something anyway. And it doesn’t matter because once we take our plan on tour she’ll find out for certain!”

Albus had to agree on that. It was only one night, and when did Aberforth need him early in the morning anyway? He could always slip out before anyone noticed..

Albus said nothing and climbed into Gellert’s lap, burying his nose into his neck and inhaling the scent of peppermint that he would never tire of.

“Is that a yes?” Gellert murmured as Albus started to trail soft kisses up his neck. “What do you think?” Albus replied teasingly.

“Oh I don’t know.. it could mean many things..” Gellert said, running his hands up his back before moving to the front of his shirt until he reached the top button of his waistcoat.

“Show me.” Albus breathed.

Gellert smiled mischievously and flipped him over onto the bed. Albus stared up in silent awe as Gellert removed his shirt completely and bent down to press their lips together once more.

Chapter Text

“Albus..”

“Mmm?”

“Are you awake?”

“I think so.”

“Good. I can’t feel my leg, can you move yours a bit?”

Albus grumbled and shifted his leg before wrapped his arms around Gellert’s torso more securely, inhaling in his scent as he buried his face in the crook of his neck. The morning sunlight was streaming through the window and the sound of Bathilda’s singing from downstairs could be heard, Albus smiled softly to himself. Was this what happiness felt like?

“What time is it?” Albus asked quietly, tracing his finger over Gellert’s exposed chest, the bedsheets only covering his bottom half as they lay entangled. Gellert leaned over to his bedside table, resulting in Albus grumbling at the brief switch in position before he settled back in again with a sigh.

“Just past ten.”

Albus opened his eyes wide. Merlin!

“I should be getting up..” Albus grumbled, reluctantly leaning up on his elbows, Gellert watched him with a gentle expression, his blonde hair just falling over his eyes which he made no effort to push away. Albus felt like he was going to burst with fondness.

“Must you?” Gellert said softly, pushing him back down with one hand and caressing his neck with the other. Albus smiled and closed his eyes.

“Gellert I have to.. Aberforth has probably already realised I’m- ah!”

Albus quickly bit his hand to stifle a gasp as Gellert’s assault on his neck became more relentless, he felt desire rising at an increased pace. Albus knew full well that if they started then it was likely that they wouldn’t stop.. for a while.

After a long moment of indulgence, Albus sat up, wincing slightly as he did so. Gellert sat facing him with an expression that was on the verge of turning into a pout. Albus leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss before leaving the bed completely, his trousers already within reach.

“Albus can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Albus replied, buttoning his trousers and pulling on his shirt, pausing for a moment to reach for Gellerts which he then threw to him, suppressing a chuckle when it landed over his head.

“I would really like to meet your sister. Just to get her more familiar with our plan if you will,” Gellert explained, giving his shirt a shake before putting his arm through a sleeve. Albus’s stomach churned anxiously. What if it went wrong?

“I don’t know Gellert.. she’s never had a visitor before, I don’t know what she’ll be like.. it might be dangerous!”

Gellert finished dressing himself and got out of bed, tucking the Blood Pact down his shirt before coming in front of him.

Albus thought how utterly beautiful he was. Mischievous smile and all, his black shirt and waistcoat with the silver buttons, his blonde hair with subtle brown streaks, his peppermint scented skin.. Albus had traced over Gellert in his mind a million times before, but after finally being able to do it in person it had increased his affection in a way he hadn’t thought possible.

“It will be alright Albus, nothing will happen. And even if it does then we both have wands to defend ourselves.” Gellert cupped his face with a warm hand, Albus stared into his eyes marvelling at the way the light caught them, an eternal state of merriment that seemed exclusive to Gellert.

Merlin how he loved him, he really did didn’t he?

Albus smiled and gave in, the same way he always did when it came to Gellert, it was easier than breathing.

“Alright, we’ll do it today.”

Gellert beamed. “I’ll wait to be summoned then!”

“Albus I want you to be honest with me.”

Albus pulled up a chair opposite Aberforth and sat down, ignoring the wince of pain he felt as he did so. He had taken the liberty to pull up his shirt collar prior to entering so that his neck was shielded from view entirely, he didn’t need another cause of teasing from Aberforth.

“Always am,” Albus replied smoothly.

Aberforth scoffed and pulled out a newspaper, sliding it across the table towards him, his face solemn.

“Was it you? You and him I mean?”

Albus gave him a puzzled look and shifted the newspaper forwards until he could get a good look at the cover.

Oh Merlin..

GREGOROVITCH WANDSHOP NEARLY ROBBED, MINISTRY LEFT BAFFLED AS WOULD BE THIEVES MAKE NARROW ESCAPE LEAVING WANDMAKER TRAUMATISED
Reported by Evan Inchwell

A shocking report has come from Europe in the late hours of yesterday evening as famed Wandmaker Mykew Gregorovitch, who those familiar to the European Wizarding scene will know as the most popular choice for a first wand by far, suffered a near catastrophic loss as his shop was broken into by a pair of robbers who as of the time of writing this, remain unidentified. Aurors who arrived on the scene found Mr Gregorovitch in a state of distress though relatively unharmed, but unfortunately the same could not be said about his shop. We have been made aware that damages will be paid for in full and Mr Gregorovitch will be opening as usual after a short break. Our senior reporter Claudia Rosier who managed to interview a resident close to where the incident occurred, had this to say.

“I heard a disturbance and went outside to look, it was pouring with rain so I didn’t linger for long, but I would happily bet my last Galleon here and now that I saw two people climbing out the back window of Mykew’s shop. I wasn’t close enough so a detailed description I couldn’t give you, but they looked to be wearing dark clothing. Average height the pair of them, school age perhaps?”

-Statement from a local resident close to the scene who has respectfully asked to remain anonymous

We have been informed that the incident is being thoroughly looked into by the Authorities, but those in power have issued caution to all nonetheless. This is the second major incident since the death of Auror Basil Evergreen, (58) who we can now sadly confirm his cause of death to be murder by the use of the Killing Curse. Keep your wits about you folks!

“Well?”

Albus swallowed nervously, an uneasy sickly feeling settling in his stomach.

“No of course not. Why on earth would you accuse us of such a thing?”

Aberforth covered his face in his hands.

“So it was you then.”

“No I just told you-“

“You always get defensive when you are lying Albus!” Aberforth said exasperated.
“What the bloody hell were you thinking? Are you trying to get arrested? Did you not think for a moment about Ariana?”

“You don’t know what you are talking about Aberforth,” Albus said grumpily, shoving aside the paper with resentment. “When will you learn to just leave us alone?”

Aberforth gazed at him with a troubled look that for a brief moment turned to one of pain.

“What has happened to you Albus?” Aberforth said quietly. “You’ve never been like this before. Has he really made you so irrational?”

Albus rolled his eyes. Why did Gellert get the blame for everything?

“Gellert has done nothing of the sort,” he said testily, plucking an apple from the fruit bowl and getting up from his chair. “But if you would stop throwing crazed accusations all over the place I would be most appreciative.”

“Oh that’s right run away!” Aberforth shouted after him as he reached the foot of the stairs. “Go and see your boyfriend, fuck looking out for your family, sainted Gilroy comes first!”

“Don’t start an argument that you stand no chance of winning Aberforth,” Albus called back, taking a bite of his apple before discarding it and pulling out his Hallows pendant. “You know nothing of us and our plans and you will never have the capacity to understand them either, so save yourself the trouble and stay out of it!”

Aberforth swore violently before slamming the kitchen door shut. Albus smiled to himself as he reached the top landing. What a fool!

“Ariana?” He said quietly, pushing open her bedroom door as softly as he could. There she sat on her bed in a blue nightgown decorated with pixies, a picture book filled with Nifflers lay in her lap. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her lips trembled with the efforts of a smile. Albus looked around her tattered room with a wince of sadness. Not for much longer.. she’ll be joining us on our plan and then she’ll be free..

“You’re going to have a visitor today, and I want you to be on your best behaviour.” Albus said cheerfully, sitting down on the bed beside her. Ariana giggled and threw her Niffler toy into the air excitedly, Albus quickly set up a protective barrier when a streak of untameable magic burst free at the action.

“Ohh! Who is it?” She asked innocently. Albus ignored the pang of guilt that surfaced from a place he couldn’t name.

“Someone who is very important to me, he’s going to make things better for all of us,” Albus promised, sitting back as Ariana lay down on her bed, throwing the Niffler toy into the air once more before catching it. She smiled and looked at him with a dreamy expression.

“How would you like to finally be able to go outside?” Albus asked.

The look of delight on Ariana’s face was of such that he hadn’t seen since before her attack. Albus removed the protective barrier and kissed her forehead before pulling out the Hallows charm and pressing his finger to the centre. In a burst of light Gellert appeared beside them, his eyes instantly falling on Ariana.

“Hello Ariana,” Gellert said kindly, kneeling down beside the bed. “Albus has told me so much about you!”

Ariana laughed childishly and rested her head on his shoulder. Albus quickly caught on to the the way that Gellert watched her every movement with keen fascination, the way her skin crackled and radiated with magic, raw and unkempt, so much potential for power.. the twinkle of opportunity was already clear in Gellert’s eyes.

Albus buried his doubt and wrapped an arm around his sister as she continued to rest her head on his shoulder. This was all for the greater good..

“I’m so sorry for what you have been through,” Gellert continued, his voice calm and gentle. “It must be very difficult for you. Can you tell me anything at all that you remember?”

Ariana’s face turned pale. Albus instinctively reached for his wand just in case she set off. He gave Gellert a worried glance who smiled back at him reassuringly. The instant acceptance and way that no situation was ever too unnatural or out of the ordinary for Gellert never ceased to amaze him.

“I- I don’t remember..” Ariana said in a whisper, her eyes filling with tears. “Abforth said that I’m not to speak of it, Abi you won’t let them hurt me again will you?” Ariana said shakily, giving him a look of pleading. Albus stroked her cheek and rested his head on top of hers as she clung to his shirt.

“No Ariana, no one will ever hurt you again. And soon you will never have to hide, Gellert here is going to help us! Wouldn’t you like to go to Hogwarts like everyone else?”

Ariana gave a broken sob. “They won’t h- hurt me there? Abforth said that I’m ttt to delicate to go.. the muggles might see me on the way there..”

“The muggles will never lay a hand on you again Ariana.” Gellert said calmly, reaching into his pocket. “I would really like you to tell me what happened that day, could you do that for me?”

Ariana’s hands began to shake. Albus held her tighter and gave Gellert a look of disapproval.

“She’s in no state to talk about it Gellert,” Albus said, rubbing circles soothingly onto Ariana’s back. Gellert pulled his hand out of his pocket and produced a tiny vial filled with clear liquid.

“I can see that Albus. But what if I gave her something to make explaining it easier?” Gellert said convincingly, giving the vial a shake. Albus stared blankly in shock.

“Is that Veritaserum?” Albus said flabbergasted. Gellert smiled and removed the stopper.

“The very same.”

“That’s strong stuff Gellert!”

“I’m aware Albus,”

“What if you give her too much?”

“I was making The Draught of Living Death at eight Albus. Trust me, I know exactly how much to give her.”

Albus looked down at Ariana before looking at Gellert who was still in a kneeling position with the vial in hand. Ariana hiccoughed and pulled away from his chest, setting back against her pillows with a pained squeak.

“It won’t hurt her?” Albus asked even though he knew the answer. Gellert shook his head.

“No it won’t. Do you really think I would risk harming the face of our movement Albus?”

Albus stared dumbly at his lap. It was necessary he knew that.. the greater good must always come first, but somehow something about it felt wrong? Aberforth would go absolutely beserk if he knew, even more so considering that he was still trying to blame Gellert for the death of his goats, but Ariana wouldn’t feel any pain and they would get the information they needed for their cause.. it was dreadfully unethical, but Albus trusted Gellert more than anyone. He would never do anything that would cause irreversible harm.

“Alright. But we only ask her what’s necessary.”

Gellert smiled that mischievous smile that made his heart weep. Albus was well and truly doomed now. The things he would do for Gellert were endless, but then again they always had been. Gellert’s grip on him had started the night he had emerged from the black carriage with a sleek case in hand and a vision of a new future.

“Wonderful! You hold her still now.”

Albus cradled Ariana’s head as Gellert tipped the clear liquid down her throat, she screwed her eyes tight and pursed her lips before her face went blank.

“That’s it setting in,” Gellert informed him, pulling up a half destroyed chair and sitting down facing the bed, one leg carelessly draped over the other in the same manner he had the day they met.

“Albus?”

“Yes?”

“This is for the greater good you know.”

Albus closed his eyes, willing himself to picture his beloved vision with the daisy filled field with a happy and carefree Ariana skipping through it, him watching with Gellert by his side. This was what it was all for. Their plan, the subjugation of the muggles, finding the Hallows, it was all so Ariana could be free and Gellert would remain with him..

“I know,” he said finally, getting off the bed and coming to stand behind Gellert’s chair and placing a hand on his shoulder. Gellert took his hand and kissed it before turning back to Ariana who was staring staring at the ceiling with clear eyes. Gellert cleared his throat and sat back further in the chair.

“So Ariana, can you tell me what happened on the day you were attacked?”

“ALBUS GET IN HERE!”

Albus came running, his heart pounding with fear. What if something had gone wrong? What if they had given her too much?

“What is it?” He asked nervously, peering around the doorway of Ariana’s room to see her curled up in Aberforth’s arms who looked absolutely furious.

“If you lie to me..” Aberforth whispered, his voice sharp and raw. “I swear on the memory of mother that I’ll go over to Bathilda’s house and murder him on the spot, so you better tell me the bloody truth!”

Albus swallowed. “Alright then.”

“Did you and that psychopath give Ari Veritaserum?”

What was the point in lying?

“Yes. But he’s not a psychopath Aberforth, it was a necessary step in our plan and one day you will understand.”

“Right.”

Aberforth gently removed Ariana’s arms from around him and tucked her into bed placing her toy Niffler on the pillow. As soon as the door was shut and Ariana was out of sight, Aberforth broke loose.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Screeched Aberforth, hitting every part of him he could reach. Albus shoved him back and raised his wand threateningly.

“It was necessary Aberforth,” Albus said coldly, his wand keeping Aberforth at bay. “I know how it looks but you must understand me, Gellert knew what he was doing.”

“You let that monster near our little sister..” Aberforth whispered, his face white as a sheet. “So what is it? Ariana is suddenly useful to you now? To your insane plan?”

“It’s not insane Aberforth, it’s the way forward. Now I won’t ask you again, stay out of it or you’ll force us-“

“To do what?” Aberforth challenged, swatting away his hand holding his wand and coming close to his face. “Are you going to attack your own brother? Or get that lunatic to do it for you? Because if you do, I PROMISE you..” Aberforth grabbed him by the collar and whispered into his ear. “I won’t come quietly. I will protect Ari no matter what. You might stand and watch I don’t care, she might not be your sister but she’s always been mine.”

Albus rolled his eyes and headed for his room. “Good luck to that then.”

“Albus can I ask you something?”

He paused as his hand brushed the handle. Here it came. More bile and lies, more of the same nonsense about how he’s a terrible person for having a vision of a better world. If only Aberforth would try to understand!

“What is it Aberforth?” he asked warily, preparing himself for the verbal onslaught.

“Are you going along with him because you actually believe in his ideas or because you’re in love with him?”

Chapter Text

Thursday 24th August 1899

Dear Albus,

Are you alright? It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. I hope you are managing Aberforth and Ariana without too much difficulty, Merlin knows that I’ve seen how Aberforth can be! Tell you what my friend, once Aberforth is back at Hogwarts why don’t you and I go for a little trip? You could ask Bathilda to look after Ariana, I vaguely recall you mentioning that she has done it before. It just seems to awful that you are to be confined to that small village when your potential is so great. I miss you Albus. It’s been jolly dull having no one to steal Humbugs from! Speaking of Humbug, (the owl that is I mean) give her a stroke from me.

Stay well,
Elphias

Albus finished reading the letter before tearing it up and throwing the pieces in his wastebasket. Elphias was amusing, but what time would there be to take a trip when he and Gellert were to be off on their own tour? Speaking of Gellert, he simply had to inform him of a new idea he had formed in the dead of night..

Albus cleared a space on his desk and reached for a new piece of parchment, ensuring that there wasn’t a single crease or default before setting down his best quill and starting to write.

Gellert,

Your point about Wizard dominance being FOR THE MUGGLES' OWN GOOD - this, I think, is the crucial point. Yes, we have been given power and yes, that power gives us the right to rule, but it also gives us responsibilities over the ruled. We must stress this point, it will be the foundation stone upon which we build. Where we are opposed, as we surely will be, this must be the basis of all our counterarguments. We seize control FOR THE GREATER GOOD. And from this it follows that where we meet resistance, we must use only the force that is necessary and no more. (This was your mistake at Durmstrang! But I do not complain, because if you had not been expelled, we would never have met.)

Albus smiled as he signed his name, choosing to swap out the A for the Hallows symbol instead. And why not? It was one of the many things that had brought them together. He carefully folded the letter and placed it in Humbug’s open beak, she gave a muffled hoot and flew out the window.

“ALBUS! CAN YOU COME DOWNSTAIRS FOR A MINUTE!”

Albus finished rifling through the letters on his desk and after ensuring that there were no unopened ones from Gellert that he had missed, he left his room with an annoyed sigh. If Aberforth started attacking Gellert again..

“I’m going to Diagon Alley to get my school supplies,” Aberforth announced loudly the moment he set foot in the kitchen. Albus sat down and reached for an apple, finely slicing it into wedges.

“It’s only the twenty fourth Aberforth,” Albus said airily, crunching down on one of his apple slices. Aberforth gave him an annoyed look.

“Yes I am aware Albus, hence why I said I wanted to beat the rush,” Aberforth said coolly, ladling porridge into a chipped flowery bowl that had once belonged to a set. “And I need you to look after Ariana while I go.”

“Why don’t Gellert and I go?” Albus said hopefully.

Who was he to turn down more time with Gellert? Besides, Aberforth hated shopping, and this way he wouldn’t be able to nitpick any mistakes he might have made while babysitting Ariana.

Aberforth raised an eyebrow.

“Let me guess.. Gilroy would be accompanying you no doubt?”

“Yes of course. Why wouldn’t he?”

“I see you two are still in the honeymoon phase. Can we just skip to the part where you can’t stand each other?”

“Aberforth!”

“Seriously Albus, what is it that you see in him? He’s not as wonderful as you-“

“Can we go or not Aberforth?”

Aberforth huffed and produced a list, this was soon followed by a quill which was quickly put to use to scribble down a few extra things that he must have missed. Albus smiled to himself in victory. Another day to be spent with Gellert!

“Make sure you get the right size robes, I’ve written it all down so don’t forget to read it,” Aberforth instructed, sliding the list across the table. Albus picked it up and briefly scanned it, tutting occasionally at the unflattering language.

TO BUY:

(Don’t spend the whole time snogging Gilroy because if they sell out of everything by the time you get around to shopping it’s coming out of your money Albus!)

Medium robe (don’t get the one with the scratchy fabric)

Tie

Two Chocolate Frogs

Look at the Niffler soft toys, Ari could do with a new one

Advanced potion making

Gryffindor sweater

Quills

Parchment

Standard Herbology

Scarf (if it’s over five Galleons don’t bother)

“Charming,” Albus said stiffly, folding the list in half and tucking it into his pocket. “We will do our best.”

Aberforth pursed his lips. “I’m sure you will.. but do try not to get too distracted!”

“Stop it Aberforth..”

“Do you get a lot of studying done at Bathilda’s then?” Aberforth called after him in a singsong voice. Albus ignored him and left the cottage without looking back.

“So what do we still need to buy?” Gellert asked, an armful of school supplies in his arms. Albus had offered to carry them but Gellert had insisted, just like he had insisted that they try to sneak into Gringotts again only for the man who had kicked them out last time to recognise them at the entrance. Albus had made a mental note that it was probably best to steer him away from that part of the alley in the future.

Albus unfolded the list and went through all of the items they had already bought and was quite pleasantly surprised to find that nearly everything was ticked off. It seemed like no time had passed at all!

“There’s only two things left actually,” Albus noted, holding out the list for Gellert to see, purposefully holding his hand over Aberforth’s unflattering descriptions. Gellert thankfully didn’t seem to notice. “We just need to get the toy Niffler and the quills.. well that shouldn’t take too long.”

“Why don’t we split up?” Gellert suggested. “I’ll get the quills and you the toy, we’ll meet up at the Leaky Cauldron afterwards and get something to eat?”

“Alright then,” Albus agreed, digging into his moneybag to find funds for the quills. “Hang on, here’s money for-“

“I’ll cover them Albus,” Gellert said at once, refusing to accept the coins.

Albus continued to insist, embarrassment creeping into his stomach at someone else paying for Aberforth’s supplies. He knew perfectly well that Gellert was rich, he must have inherited it or have had a rich family, both topics that they had never discussed, but what was the need? It didn’t seem to matter to Gellert so why should it bother him?

“Oh alright then,” Albus said awkwardly, putting away his money. Gellert seemed to notice that he was uncomfortable and smiled reassuringly.

“What’s mine is yours Albus,” Gellert ensured him. “Once we leave for our tour then we will share everything anyway will we not?”

“I don’t know,” Albus said quietly, the guilt at Gellert paying for Aberforth’s quills already beginning to ease. “Will we?”

Gellert shifted the supplies he was carrying into one hand and reached up to stroke his cheek. Albus immediately turned red and had to dig his heels into the ground to prevent himself from moving back. What was it Aberforth had said about not showing open affection?

“Of course we will,” Gellert said softly, either ignoring or not noticing the several shoppers nearby that had taken obvious note of the closeness between them.

“Gellert stop! It’s so public!”

“So what?” Gellert said at once, his tone falling slightly flat. Albus could pick out traces of hurt in his voice and it made him want to kick himself.

“Once our plan takes hold people will be free to be with whoever they want! Shouldn’t the leaders of the revolution lead by example Albus?”

Albus bit his lip. Maybe it was just him being so unused to feeling as deeply as he did with Gellert?

“You’re right,” Albus muttered, placing his hand over Gellert’s that still brushed his cheek. Shoppers be damned!

“I’m sorry.. I’m just still not used to..”

Gellert’s eyes twinkled.

“I know Albus, it’s new to me too. But if we truly want to form our new world then we need to start living in it now. To show people that it’s alright, that fear should never be an option..”

“For the greater good?” Albus joked.

“For the greater good,” Gellert replied, removing his hand gently and reshuffling the supplies in his arms. “Right then, I’ll see you at the Cauldron.”

Albus smiled warmly. “Make sure you get the eagle quills!”

“I will!”

Gellert walked away with a wink. Albus felt his heart skip with joy. How in Merlin’s name did he get so lucky? He began to walk down towards the shop at the end of the alley that sold soft toys at an increased pace, half of him wanting to get it done so he could go to the Cauldron and wait for Gellert and the other half was secretly hoping that no one saw him buying it. What did it look like for one of the leaders of the revolution to be buying soft animals?

“Albus! Wait a moment will you?”

Albus spun around on the spot, half expecting and hoping for it to be Gellert returning to ask him something, his face fell slightly to see that the person calling his name was in fact Gerbold Ollivander, the wandmaker that he and Gellert had asked about the Elder Wand.

“Hello Mr Ollivander, how nice to see you,” Albus said politely, extending a hand for him to shake. Gerbold shook it enthusiastically before glancing around twice as if he was looking for something.

“And you Albus! You are looking well these days, such a pleasant surprise, I would have thought that the loss of your mother might have set you back a bit but here you are!”

Albus smiled stiffly, deciding that it was better to say nothing. He had probably meant it with good intentions so what was the point of making a fuss?

“Yes well my mother always told us to keep busy,” Albus said, pretending to smooth out his waistcoat. Gerbold paused for several moments before leaning in to his ear, something that took him by surprise.

“That friend of yours isn’t here too is he?” Gerbold said in a hushed voice. Albus nodded and pointed up to the shop that sold quills.

“Yes Gellert is here, he’s actually just up there buying-“

“Please don’t bring him back to my shop again,” Gerbold said solemnly. Albus quirked an eyebrow in confusion.

“Why ever not?” Albus enquired. Why in the name of Merlin did everyone seem to have a personal vendetta against Gellert?

“It’s something he did after you left the shop Albus, the day you boys came in to ask about the Elder Wand..” Gerbold said nervously, his eyes still flickering around the crowd around them.

“What do you mean?” Albus asked. “Gellert just wanted you to look into his wand, he said he had some issues with it, what’s wrong with that?”

Gerbold shook his head.

“He used the Cruciatus Curse on me Albus,” Gerbold said, his voice low.

“After you left to go to that ice cream shop if that’s where you went.. he asked me to tell him about the rumours of the Elder Wand’s location or I would regret it. I told him that I couldn’t tell him and I didn’t appreciate his tone.. and that’s when he used the curse. Threatened to harm my son Gervaise if I reported him to the authorities.. Albus you can’t tell him I told you this.. my son..”

Albus felt numb. This was a serious accusation! He closed his eyes and remembered Gellert leaving Ollivander’s the day he had bought the ice creams, lemon for him and vanilla for Gellert.. the same merry expression on his face that there had always been. Hadn’t he thought even then that the expression on Gerbold’s face from the window had looked nervous? He had even asked Gellert about it had he not?

“What’s with him?”

“Oh! Yeah, I accidentally knocked over a pile of wands on my way out, nearly scared the poor owl to death if you’d believe it! I gave it a treat to make up for it though.”

Albus had immediately taken him for his word of course, the thought that something else may have happened hadn’t even crossed his mind. Why was he allowing it to now? What a betrayal! Gellert had been nothing but utterly wonderful to him and his family, why was he letting the word of an old wandmaking fool cast doubt in his mind?

“You must be mistaken Gerbold,” Albus said strongly. “I know Gellert, he would never in a million years do anything like that. I don’t think it wise for you to be throwing around such serious allegations, you could get Gellert into serious trouble.”

Gerbold stared at him with a blank expression that soon turned to one of disappointment. Albus couldn’t stand it.

“Do you think me a fool Albus?” Gerbold said quietly, stepping away from him. “What on earth has happened to you? I thought you were intelligent!”

“I like to think that I am Gerbold,” Albus said coldly. “But I must warn you not to make such allegations again or I might take it to the authorities myself!”

Gerbold wrinkled his nose and turned away after a final look of disgust.

“Foolish boy.. what a waste.. Fine. No matter. But you haven’t seen me. Don’t you dare tell him what I have told you!”

“And why not?” Albus challenged. “I’m sure he would find it just as ridiculous as I do! Now I better be going. Goodbye Mr Ollivander.”

Albus walked away cursing him under his breath. Who the hell did he think he was trying to frame Gellert like that? Hot anger began to prickle under his skin. How many more people were going to try to discredit Gellert?

Albus pushed through a crowd roughly as he edged closer to the shop selling Nifflers, he ignored the shouts of protest that followed him, for the first time in years, he didn’t care about manners. Not when Gellert was getting accused of a crime that could land you in Azkaban for life. The seller eyed him up nervously as he shoved over the two Galleons for the first Niffler toy he laid eyes on, not caring that it was lopsided and one eye was slightly higher than the other. Aberforth would notice undoubtedly and would probably pester him for it, but what did it matter? Ariana wouldn’t need soft toys for company when she joined them on their tour with her starring role as the face of the greater good! The thought spurred him on all the way up to the Leaky Cauldron.

He secretly hoped that Gellert was already there and he wouldn’t have to wait for him, how long did it take to buy quills after all?

“You look livid. What’s wrong Albus?”

Albus said nothing and buried his face in Gellert’s chest, wrapping his arms around his back and holding him tightly as though they weren’t in the middle of a mildly populated Leaky Cauldron.

When they broke apart, Albus had a fierce desire to kiss him. Gellert must have sensed it, the same way he so often figured out what he was thinking.. was that part of the gift of being a Seer?

Nevertheless, Albus silently whined as he received a “let’s talk first” look and grumpily sat down on the wooden bench that served as the seating for the table Gellert had chosen, just out of prying eyes of the bartender and the general crowd but still close enough to hear snippets of the conversation from a table of boys some distance from them who looked nearly the same age from a brief glance.

“So tell me,” Gellert tried again, taking off his jacket and making a cup of tea with a flick of his wrist, the milk poured itself followed by the sugar cubes before the cup shimmied along the table until it was just in front of where he sat. Albus smiled to himself as he took a sip, marvelling at how the sweetness was just as he liked it.

Merlin how he loved him.

“What’s happened Albus?”

Albus swallowed and put down his cup. What was the point in upsetting him?

“It’s nothing Gellert, honestly. I just saw an old acquaintance who I.. wasn’t exactly friendly with.”

Gellert smiled and placed his hand over his. Albus turned his over and joined their hands together not dissimilar to the way they had done when making the Blood Pact. Albus couldn’t help but allow his eyes to flicker to the point on Gellert’s neck where the chain peeked out, the vial no doubt hidden under his shirt.. a symbol of their bond in blood. It was a warming thought.

“Gellert Grindelwald? They said that you had fled the country but I never would have imagined you coming here of all places!”

A cold sneer broke their shared moment.

Albus peered over Gellert’s shoulder to see the group of boys who sat near them looking at Gellert’s back with a loathing that made Albus reach for his wand.

A dark shadow was cast over Gellert’s face at the sound of the voice that sent a shiver down his spine. Albus squeezed his hand in concern until Gellert carefully pulled his own away, giving him an apologetic look before turning to face the boys.

“Gellert fucking Grindelwald, we meet again,” a dark haired boy at the front of the group said in a thick accent that Albus couldn’t place. He came around the table to stand beside Gellert who was looking at each of the faces opposite them with familiarity.

“Marcus, Royce, Lars, Antonio, Lio, how wonderful to see you again, it’s been far too long.” Gellert said in a pleasant voice, smiling at each of the boys as he addressed them, their cold stony faces stared back at him without a trace of warmth. Albus tried his best to catch Gellert’s eye.

“Gellert? Who are they?” He asked, placing a hand on his arm. Albus tried to ignore the way all of the boys’ eyes fell on where he held onto Gellert’s sleeve.

“Albus, this is Marcus,” Gellert said, pointing out the dark haired boy at the front of the group who had spoken first.

“And next to him is Lars, Antonio, and that’s Royce and just beside him is Lio at the end. They are.. old friends of mine from Durmstrang.”

Marcus laughed. “Friends? That’s awfully funny. But then you always did like a joke didn’t you Grindelwald? Even if you did try to throw us under the bus when you finished off Sergio!”

Gellert stopped smiling. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Oh don’t you?” Lars chipped in, stepping forward threateningly. Albus didn’t like the way that they all looked ready and eager to pounce. But who was Sergio? What did they mean “finish him off?”

“And who’s this?” Lars sneered, looking him up and down with an upturned nose. “Is this our replacement then?”

“I’m his friend,” Albus said loudly, his grip on his wand handle tight. All of the boys scoffed and jeered unpleasantly in a way that made the hairs on his arms stand up. It reminded him of Aberforth’s typical manner towards him whenever they spoke.

“Friend? Is that what he’s told you?” Marcus sneered. “Well he told us that too. We thought he was our friend, right up until he abandoned us when he saw how things were going and they were finally going to expel him!”

“That’s not true,” Gellert said coldly, his own hand discreetly reaching into the pocket that held his wand. None of the boys seemed to notice. “We were friends Marcus, what happened to Sergio was an accident and you all know it!”

“Who’s Sergio?” Albus interrupted, feeling like an outsider in the conversation. All of the boys turned to look at him with clear dislike. Marcus cleared his throat and burst into speech.

“He was a member of our group,” Marcus said his eyes flickering back between him and Gellert. “The seven of us practically ran that school, pranks, experiments, inventing spells, but it was Mr Grindelwald here that gelled us together. Hell, half of the teachers were afraid of him!” Marcus paused and drew breath. “And there was Sergio, he was the youngest. We recruited him after seeing his potential in a duel, and then he was one of us.”

“So what happened to him?” Albus asked. Gellert gripped his arm.

“Don’t believe them Albus, they are just trying to stir up trouble.” Gellert said coolly.

Lars raised his wand and pointed it at Gellert’s chest threateningly. “Let him finish!” Lars spat, digging the tip of his wand into Gellert’s waistcoat. “Let your little friend here know who you truly are!”

“I know who he is,” Albus shot back, half considering raising his own wand, but what good would that do? Likely kick off a duel no doubt, but what if someone from the Prophet caught wind of it? All of his and Gellert’s achievements eradicated, and after they had gone to such lengths to cover up the Ministry incident.. it would make it all in vain.

“I don’t think you do old chap,” Lars sneered, imitating his accent causing the boys around him to cackle with laughter.
“Tell him Marcus, let him know the truth!”

“It’s not Albus,” Gellert said fiercely. “Don’t believe a word not a word! They were jealous of me, don’t let them come between us!”

Marcus opened his mouth in surprise.

“Well well well.. has Gellert gone against his most pivotal rule? Hah! What a change of events!”

The boys broke into laughter once again. Gellert drew his wand quick as a whip, resulting in the rest of the group drawing theirs to join Lars who still had his own pointed at Gellert’s chest.

“Shut up,” Gellert hissed. “Don’t you dare..”

“Boys,” Marcus announced, glancing at the eager faces beside him. “Shall we remind Gellert of his most important rule? The same one he hammered into each of us when he finally allowed us to join his group?”

There was a murmur of agreement before all of the boys broke into a synchronised chant.

“No romantic attachments, for they weaken the heart and the mind and leave you open and vulnerable!” The boys chanted, drawing closer to Gellert who still had his wand drawn.

Albus felt his arm holding his wand twitch. Had Gellert truly said that? And why did the group think.. wait..

Did they see him as Gellert’s romantic attachment? Did that mean that Gellert lov-

“Albus..” Gellert began, turning to look at him with a flicker of vulnerability. “You must understand..”

Marcus cut across him with another burst of shrill laughter. “Holy shit, he really is! I can see it in his eyes!”

“It’s like my mother always said,” Antonio added, leering out from behind Marcus with a cruel grin. “You can always tell when someone is in love by looking at their eyes, it’s the one thing you can’t hide!”

“Tell me about Sergio,” he butted in, trying to spare Gellert from humiliation. “I want to know about him.”

“Albus you don’t-“

“I don’t believe a word they say Gellert,” He reassured him, looking him in the eyes as he said it. Gellert’s grim expression softened instantly. Albus turned back to look at the group with distaste.

“Tell me.”

Marcus smiled. “Alright then. Wow boys, it looks like Gellert’s first love might have more sense than him!”

“I’m warning you..” Gellert whispered, his arm shaking with anger. The group jabbed their wands in his direction threateningly.

“Shut up!” Lars hissed before looking at Marcus. “Go on then.”

Marcus lowered his wand and drew a breath. Albus bit his lip and waited. He would be lying if he said that a part of him wasn’t nervous. He knew that none of it was true of course, he had spent enough time around Gellert to know his character, but he found himself intrigued to what they had to say nonetheless. Resentful ex friends really were something else.

“Gellert had come up with another spell and was desperate to find a test subject to try it out on. Of course, the teachers had caught on to us due to our past record in getting a little.. carried away, and they had been keeping all of us but particularly Gellert under surveillance. They knew he was our leader you see. But we were like a family.. the things we did for each other, the lengths we went to look out for each other, and Sergio.. well he worshipped Gellert.”

“Always eager to please him,” Royce said in a thick voice. Albus realised that he hadn’t heard him speak until that moment. Lio nodded in agreement and all of the boys drew their attention back to Marcus.

“Sergio volunteered to be the guinea pig for Gellert’s new spell,” Marcus continued, his look of loathing for Gellert growing stronger by the minute. “We were hesitant of course, having seen Gellert’s previous work, but he assured us that it wasn’t lethal. We thought it would be fine, we were like brothers! But then..”

“Then the accident happened,” Gellert finished. “There’s nothing more to it Marcus. I didn’t know that the spell was going to react like that. I’d never used it before.”

“Bullshit,” Marcus seethed. “You ALWAYS tested your spells before we did our heists. Sergio was your brother, we all were! And you destroyed him.”

“What happened to him?” Albus said quietly, his hold on his wand loosening.

“He lost his mind,” Marcus said. “Couldn’t even recognise himself in the mirror, the spell seemed to have turned inwards and poisoned him. None of us could get close enough to him without him writhing in agony.. and you..”

Marcus jabbed an accusing finger at Gellert.

“You couldn’t give a damn could you? You were gone the moment he started screaming, off to try and frame us after all we did.. after all we sacrificed for you? The way we stood by you, helped you with all of your schemes, even stood guard in the corridor of death while you destroyed your school record after you found it that it had information about your father..”

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” Gellert shouted, a burning heat emerging from the end of his wand. “You will not discredit me any further with these lies!”

“Did you not tell your boyfriend about what happened to your father?” Marcus jeered. “Did you not tell him about what the mug-“

“SILENCIO!”

Marcus fell silent immediately. There was a yell, and then in an instant a jet of red light came flying towards Gellert.

“GELLERT LOOK OUT!”

Albus ducked just as second jet of light came for him. It hit the wall behind him and scorched a hole with the strength of the curse. He quickly raised his wand and pointed it at his attacker.

“PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!”

Antonio fell like stone. He hit the ground with such a crack it made Albus do a second take to make sure that his chest was still rising. Gellert shot spells non verbally at several of the boys who tried desperately to block them. Royce was successful, the same could not be said for Lio who joined Antonio on the floor. Albus glanced at Gellert who returned his gaze, he knew just from that look that their thought was the same.

For the greater good.

They turned and raised their wands, the remaining boys met their eyes and Albus saw fear. Just as the tips of their wands began to light up, there was a loud bang and a cloud of smoke descended upon them like a veil.

“BLOODY HOOLIGANS! WHO IN THE NAME OF MERLIN DO YOU YOU LOT THINK YOU ARE DUELLING IN MY BAR! IF YOU THINK YOU’LL GET AWAY WITH THIS.. SOMEONE CONTACT THE AURORS!”

The blood in Albus’s veins froze. If he got taken in then his credibility would be gone. Gellert would go to jail and he would too.. that couldn’t be an option.

He reached out blindly through the smoke, trying to reach, trying to sense anything that was Gellert.

“Gellert! Where are you? We need to go!”Albus spluttered hopelessly, his lungs getting clogged with the heavy smoke.

He would surely pass out soon and then that would truly be it. Then an idea came. He raised a shaky hand and fumbled about under his shirt for his Hallows pendant, desperately trying to locate its centre. Upon finding it, he brushed his finger over middle of the cool metal twice before reaching out his hand blindly into the smoke.

“GRAB THEM!”

“I can’t bloody see anything! How am I supposed to-“

“I DON’T CARE!” The barman roared. “NOT ONE OF THEM GETS AWAY!”

Albus could hear footsteps drawing closer to him in the fog. It was over. The game was finally up. His reckoning had finally come due. Aberforth would be happy, at least until they came for him and Ariana..

Albus closed his eyes.

Just as the pressure of the smoke began to overtake him, a hand brushed against his, warm and grasping at his fingertips.

He knew him at once.

Albus laced their fingers and summoned all of his remaining strength to picture a dark room with a vision of the Northern Lights as the ceiling. There was a yell and and loud crack, and in a moment his feet lifted from the ground and they descended into a brief limbo before stumbling out and crashing onto Gellert’s bed, both spluttering for dear life.

Albus rolled onto his side as he wheezed, emptying out what seemed to be the entirety of his lungs which were made up of smoke. He didn’t flinch when a steadying hand helped to roll him back over to the other side. Albus opened his eyes and saw Gellert lying facing him, his blonde hair entirely out of place and parts of his shirt torn and tattered, but alive.

They lay and watched the other for what felt like an eternity, not a word was spoken that needed audibility.

Albus thought half heartedly about what Marcus had said, the tale of Sergio and their apparent found family friend group at Durmstrang, the accident and expulsion, maybe some of it was true? Maybe not.. but the longer he looked at Gellert the harder he found it to believe.

They had a plan, a shared vision of a better world and a dream of the greater good. Marcus and his group had resentment and bitterness over a lost friendship. What weighed out better in benefits for wizards?

“Albus..”

Albus kissed him. A hand already reaching for the button of Gellerts shirt which he released without a fraction of difficulty, he soon made a noise of approval against Gellerts lips as he felt a warm hand release the top button of his own. For many hours after that, another thought of their trip to the alley didn’t cross his mind.

Chapter Text

Albus woke to to the feeling of kisses being pressed to his neck and the warmth of breath. It was not unpleasant, in fact the furthest thing from it and his first conscious thought was to make his desire known. He opened his eyes and caressed a hand over Gellert’s back, his head tipped back in pleasure as Gellert’s other hand that had been resting on his torso began to trail further below underneath the coolness of the bedsheets.

“Won’t Bathilda wonder what’s going on?” Albus whispered breathlessly.

“Perhaps,” Gellert muttered, continuing to kiss his neck. Albus thought fondly of how that always seemed to be the part of him that Gellert was most attentive to, not that he was complaining, he loved the closeness. But the thought of Bathilda overhearing them while they had been in the depths of lovemaking the night before was starting to panic him. Albus was certain that they hadn’t exactly been silent.

“Don’t you think we should..”

“Albus..” Gellert shushed him, hovering over his lips with a smile, the morning sunlight shining off the side of his cheek.

“You worry too much,” Gellert finished, shutting him up with a kiss. Albus was more than happy to oblige, leaning deeper into the pillows as Gellert climbed over him and sat lightly atop his chest as he leaned down, the bedsheets were tangled between them awkwardly but neither made an attempt to fix them.

When they broke apart, Albus sat up with a wince, Gellert climbed off his lap and sat facing him, bare chested with only the Blood Pact around his neck and crumbled sheets for cover. Could he really wake up to this everyday?

“Let’s leave Albus,” Gellert said softly, moving to cup his face, undeniable affection in his eyes that Albus only saw when Gellert looked at him.

“We know where the wand is, we have our vision, why stall any longer? The world is ours for the taking.”

Albus smiled. “What about Ariana?”

Gellert leaned over him and reached for his wand. In a flourish, Albus watched in amazement as Gellert’s bedroom packed itself up, all of his belongings depositing themselves into his sleek black cases and satchel just as Gellert dressed himself.

“We know our plan for her Albus,” Gellert said, putting the heather tie that he had given him around his neck. “She is to help us expose the muggles for what they really are, ruthless oppressors who limit greatness. Once she does that, we will find a cure for her affliction.”

Albus nodded along as he redid the buttons of his shirt, even more crumpled than it had been the night before, but that was to be expected.

“Gellert can I ask you something?”

Gellert paused piling his suitcases on top of the other and turned to look at him with curiosity.

“Of course, anything.”

He was going to ask him at some point anyway. Why not now?

Albus drew a quiet breath. “Why do you hate the muggles?”

Gellert said nothing and tilted his head as he continued to stare. Albus left the bed and came before him, reaching out a hand to brush his arm.

“You don’t know what you’re asking me to tell you Albus,” Gellert said finally, pulling his arm out of reach. Albus gripped his shoulders before he could move away, his stare insistent until Gellert met his eyes again.

“You said anything..”

“I know. But I have limits.”

“Does it have anything to do with your father? Was he a muggle? Is that why you tried to destroy his records at Durmstrang?”

“Albus please..”

“That isn’t a no, is it true?”

Gellert slid down to his knees and buried his face in his hands. His breathing became muffled and for a moment Albus thought he might have been crying.
Albus sank down to the floor beside him and wrapped an arm around him, he held back his surprise when Gellert leaned into his chest and reached for his hand.

“No,” Gellert said in a quiet voice. “He wasn’t a muggle. But that wasn’t why I destroyed his records.”

Albus tilted his chin up and stroked his cheek. “You can tell me you know, I’m not going to judge you.”

Gellert laughed flatly. “You will, and I don’t want anything to change between us. I’ve never been in lov-“

Albus bit back a gasp. Gellert quickly realised what he had almost said and turned scarlet, suddenly pulling his hand away and staring at his lap instead.

“Gellert it’s okay, you don’t-“

“You know what I was going to say Albus, please don’t pretend for my sake.”

Looking back, Albus was certain that his love for Gellert had begun to stem the moment that he had stepped out of the black carriage the night he had arrived at Bathilda’s, merry and dapper and mysterious, unlike anything that had ever arrived on anyone’s doorstep in the Hollow, and it had only increased ever since. The way he could read you like a book after one encounter, entice you with mystery and a vision of a greater future that had something for everyone, Albus had met many people who had attempted to draw him in with promises and baseless deals in his time, but none had succeeded to the extent that Gellert had. Perhaps Marcus was right, maybe Gellert did collect people. But when he was trying to make the world a better place was that a bad thing?

Gellert closed his eyes and took his hand in his. “You don’t have to say it back..”

Albus chuckled and squeezed his hand tightly. “Of course I love you Gellert. You know for a Seer, you can be really blind!”

Gellert let out a broken noise that made Albus never want to let go.

“So can we? Leave that is?”

Albus glanced down at the Blood Pact that sat on Gellert’s chest. There was no getting out of their plan now even if he wanted to, which he never would. That only left one more thing for them to do, but first he had one last thing to find out.

“Gellert, what happened to your father?” Albus said, his hold on Gellert’s hand still lasting.

There was a long silence which he made no attempt to break. He needed to know the truth. To find out where Gellert’s vision had stemmed from, his view on the muggles, Albus was almost entirely certain that his father had something to do with it. After all, why would Gellert have gone to such lengths to wipe all traces of his father from the records if he didn’t have something to hide? At long last, Gellert cleared the air.

“My father was a broomstick merchant. You recall me telling you that he would send me the latest models?”

Albus nodded. Gellert’s eyes were still closed, but Albus said nothing. Perhaps the topic was difficult and it made it easier for him to bear?

“Those were some of the fondest memories I have. My mother.. she was rather selective about who I surrounded myself with, so company wasn’t vast for me growing up, well apart from our house elves and keepers. Flying was one of my dearest joys.”

Gellert opened his eyes, Albus held his hand even tighter when he saw that they were shining with tears.

“It was an arranged marriage between my parents. Pure Bloods tend to prefer to keep their bloodlines untarnished so our circles are often very tight knit to maintain connections.”

“Did your parents have a happy marriage?” Albus asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. Gellert leaned into him with a sigh.

“I wish I could say so. My mother’s family was in disgrace for a scandal so she wanted him for his fortune, she pretty much just took advantage of his naivety. My father of course could never see it, love makes you blind Albus.”

It does indeed.

“They wed of course, but my father refused to give up his passion for Quidditch and broomsticks and that set them apart from the get go.”

“Did your mother not approve of him doing it?” Albus asked, Gellert laughed bitterly.

“Pure Bloods don’t work jobs like that Albus. They attend high society social events, become patrons for big organisations, campaign to become Minister of Magic even! But to work in a position of service like that.. to people like m- them, it’s no better than being on the same level as a house elf.”

Albus chewed his lip. He knew that prejudice in Pure Blood families was bad, but he had no idea it was to that degree. Just because Gellert’s father had a different career path in mind? Albus rested his chin on top of Gellert’s forehead and closed his eyes.

“So what happened?”

“Well he travelled a lot, my mother always sold the story that he worked in politics and his job was very demanding, she forbade me to speak of the truth out of shame.”

Gellert rubbed his eyes. Albus produced a fresh handkerchief which he accepted with a grateful smile before continuing, his voice low and so unlike his usual mischievous tone, it was as if a shadow had been cast over him.

“But he always made sure to send me the latest models of every new broomstick. My mother hated it and tried to prevent me getting them, but we devised a way to get them to me without her knowing!” Gellert laughed softly. “It drove her crazy when I’d return home from a three hour flight on the fastest broom in the world at that time and I knew it, but I think that’s why I did it. I hated the idea of my father suffering alone for his passion, so I rebelled in my own way.. I think that’s the reason why she sent me to Durmstrang to be honest.”

“Your mother made the decision?” Albus exclaimed in shock. Gellert nodded numbly.

“My father was away at the time she enrolled me, and he was never good at standing up to her anyway. So when I was ten years old she packed up my life and sent me off to Durmstrang, never to see our house and life again I thought!
I didn’t mind not seeing her to be quite honest, I mean.. I would miss the Firewhisky and expensive dinners, but it was the thought that she would try to cut me off from my father that killed me.”

“And did she?” Albus said quietly. Gellert wiped his eyes.

“Of course she did. Suddenly my mail from him stopped showing up, and when it did it was curt and unfeeling. It was like.. she was trying to wipe him out of our lives.”

“What happened to him?”

Gellert let out a pained noise like a wounded animal.

“He.. he was never.. good at magic Albus. Even though he was a Pure Blood, my uncle once told me that they were afraid he might have been a squib before he showed his first sign of magic. That’s why he threw himself into the broomstick work, it helped him to avoid direct confrontations. And it worked, until it didn’t..”

Gellert paused to draw breath.

“When I was fourteen he was working a commission on broomsticks for a big firm that wanted to buy them in bulk to sell for the World Cup. He had just closed the deal and was walking back to a Portkey he had arranged when he was stopped in an alley by a group of muggle robbers..”

“Why didn’t he Disapparate?” Albus asked, Gellert lowered his head, looking not unlike he was in prayer.

“He couldn’t Albus. They don’t know why, but he just.. never seemed capable of it. He struggled with the most basic magic at the best of times, and he never took his wand on jobs. So they..”

Albus pulled away and cupped his face, guilt settling in for ever asking. Gellert stared back, his eyes dead with all of their sparkle gone. Albus traced his features and mourned when he couldn’t find a single trace of the mischievous boy that had smiled at him in Bathilda’s kitchen.

“They killed him. With a type of muggle weapon called a gun, but not before beating him to..”

“Gellert I’m so sorry,” Albus said in a whisper. Gellert leaned into his hand for a moment before backing away, a new look in his eyes that Albus had never seen before. It was almost manic with determination, and Albus wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“It doesn’t matter really,” Gellert said quietly, picking up his wand and tucking his gloves into a pocket.

“I destroyed his records to spare him the humiliation. All that matters now is that we see our plan through Albus. To ensure that the muggles never have the upper hand again, so people like my father and your sister, two people who were born superior need never know fear again. For my fathers memory..”

“We will do it for them,” Albus said at once, standing up beside him. “For the greater good remember?”

Gellert grinned and went to his bedroom door throwing a look of invitation over his shoulder.

“Let’s go and get the face of our movement then.”

Albus swallowed down his hesitation and followed him. Ariana would forgive them once she was free.. so would Aberforth too..

At least he hoped, but the greater good had to come first.

“I thought I told you that if I ever saw you here again I would knock your teeth out?”

“You did indeed, but fear not, we won’t be staying long. We have just come to collect something that belongs to us.”

Aberforth threw down his paper and came around the kitchen table, still dressed in his nightwear that Albus noticed had a hole in the jacket. Gellert smiled and stood tall, not at all intimidated by the angry face Aberforth made. Albus found that he almost felt sorry for his brother. What chance did he stand against them?

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Aberforth asked, turning to him expectantly. Albus stepped forward, his skin buzzing with excitement. This was their moment!

“It means that your days of worrying about Ariana are over. Me and Gellert are taking her with us on our grand tour, so you can go back to school without worrying!” He said happily, glancing at Gellert who smiled back on cue.

“LIKE HELL YOU ARE!”

Bloody typical.

“Aberforth calm down..” Albus instructed, deflecting the apple being thrown at him with a swish of his wand.

“She will be well looked after and free to live as she wishes once we have opened our world up and ended muggle suppression, it will all be for the greater good.”

“Free to what?? Muggle suppression?? Albus what do you mean?”

“It means that your brother and I are going to expose our kind to the muggles and take our rightful place as the rulers of the natural order, and your sister and her special little affliction is going to help us achieve that,” Gellert replied casually, running a gloved finger along the kitchen counter to check for dust.

Aberforth looked as though Gellert had just announced the start of a war.

“So you are just going to parade Ari around like a show pony while you two lunatics spread your idiocy?” Aberforth seethed.

“Have you lost your mind Albus? Do you not hear how insane this sounds? I always knew that you were a bit far up your own arse but this takes the cake!”

“Aberforth calm down,” he repeated. “This is for the greater-“

“DON’T TELL ME EXPLOITING OUR SISTER FOR YOUR OWN SICK GAIN AND FORCING MUGGLES INTO SUPPRESSION IS FOR THE GREATER FUCKING GOOD!” Screeched Aberforth, throwing the entire contents of the fruit bowl at the pair of them which Albus easily deflected yet again.

Gellert leaned against the wall and watched Aberforth’s tantrum with a bored look.

Aberforth should have been pleased! They had spent so long planning this moment.. going down to every last intricate detail..

“You know what would be for the greater good?” Aberforth spat, throwing the porridge ladle at Gellert as he picked up an apple from the kitchen floor that had once resided in the bowl before Aberforth’s untimely outburst.

“If this bastard cleared off and left us in peace! The pair of you.. I’ve had enough of it! I swear on mother’s memory Albus, I’ll quit Hogwarts before you two freaks take Ari anywhere. She’s not leaving this house and that’s that!”

“Don’t be ridiculous Aberforth,” Albus snapped. “You can’t leave Hogwarts, it’s not an option. Now stop being difficult so we can be on our way.”

“Get fucked Albus!”

“ABERFORTH!”

“Listen to your brother Aberforth,” Gellert said silkily, taking off his gloves and discarding them on a counter.

“Let us be on our way… for your own sake.”

Aberforth laughed.

“And what are you going to do? Are you going to shove me down a flight of stairs too? Going to murder me like you did that Auror? Torture me like you did to his wife? That wouldn’t make my sainted brother think very highly of you now would it?”

Gellert’s face went blank. Then the expression that Albus had only seen twice before came. It sent a shiver down his spine just as it had then.

“What a stupid little boy you are,” Gellert said coldly, reaching into his pocket. “So jealous and short sighted.. utterly desperate to get in the way of our greatness. Now I won’t ask again. Move out of the way.”

Aberforth raised his arms and blocked the doorway into the hall, fierce determination in his eyes.

“Make me,” Aberforth hissed.

Albus stormed over and tried to pull him out of the frame, but Aberforth’s grip was surprisingly firm. Always blowing everything out of proportion..

“Aberforth, out of the way now.” Albus demanded, shaking him by the shoulders. Aberforth spat in his face.

“Go to hell. The pair of you deserve each other, you’re just as crazy as he is Albus!”

“Aberforth stop this!”

Gellert laughed.

“I’ll give you one last chance you idiot,” Gellert said, bringing his wand into view before pointing it at Aberforth’s face.

“Move now and no one needs to get hurt.”

Aberforth scoffed in disbelief. “Are you seeing this Albus? Threatening your own brother and what the fuck are you doing to stop him?”

“Aberforth move!”

“NO!”

Gellert closed his eyes and sighed. No one moved, only the sound of Aberforth’s heavy breathing could be heard.

Was he going to give in? Albus crossed his fingers discreetly. This didn’t have to end in a fight, they still had a chance to part as friends surely!

“Okay then.”

Gellert opened his eyes.

“CRUCIO!”

Aberforth fell with a scream. Writhing and convulsing on the kitchen floor in agonised cries, his face pale and drained of colour. Gellert leaned over where he lay and laughed.

“Gellert this.. this wasn’t part of the plan!” Albus cried, trying to grab his arm, Gellert shook him off, his eye contact with Aberforth never faltering.

“The plan calls for whatever is necessary Albus. Your brother is getting in the way of our vision and needs to be taught a lesson. The greater good must always prevail.”

“Not like this though!” Albus pleaded, still trying to pull his arm away, Aberforth continued to wail and convulse. It was enough to set Ariana off.

Gellert lowered his wand and turned to look at him. But it wasn’t Gellert he saw staring through his eyes. Albus couldn’t help the pain that shot through his heart at the sight before him. The mischievous smile, the twinkle of laughter and delight was gone. The Gellert he knew and loved almost seemed a stranger to the boy in front of him.

“Whose side are you on Albus?” Gellert demanded. “He is trying to get in the way of our plan, I’m only doing what needs to be done!”

“Using the Cruciatus Curse on my brother isn’t what needs to be done Gellert!” Albus exclaimed desperately. “Its not right-“

Gellert let out a cackle of cruel laughter.

“You were ready to sell your sister out to our plan Albus. How different is this from that?”

“It was different! That was only so that she could be free from-“

“She’ll never be free Albus.” Gellert said flatly. “You cannot cure Obscurials, it’s not possible. Once the Obscurial develops its already too late, she’s a ticking time bomb as it is. But it’s not too late for her to do some good before she goes.”

Albus couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Where was the boy he loved?

“Gellert.. you don’t mean that.” Albus said quietly. “I thought we were on the same page about Ariana. To make her free from the fear of muggles, was that just a lie?”

“Not at all,” Gellert replied, stepping over Aberforth who still lay shaking on the ground from the aftershocks of the curse. “She will be free from the fear of them, I promised you that. Either through spreading the gospel of our vision or in death. Muggles go to a separate afterlife so I discovered! Now, let’s be on our way Albus.”

“Albus.. don’t let him reach her!” Aberforth wheezed, clutching his stomach in pain. Albus grabbed Gellert’s sleeve before he could pass through the doorway.

“I don’t think it’s right to use her Gellert. I think I was mistaken.. We need to find another way to convince them to join-“

“What better way than an Obscurial?” Gellert demanded angrily, roughly pulling back his arm. “Do you have any idea how rare they are Albus? We need her. Now, are you coming or not?”

Albus pushed past him and stood in the doorframe, just as Aberforth had done before he was taken down. Gellert raised an eyebrow in question.

“What are you doing Albus?” Gellert asked in a bored tone.

“We’re not using her Gellert. She’s too delicate.. we will find another way.”

Gellert raised his wand, an almost unnoticeable tremble in his arm, as if he was in pain from the effort.

“I have no desire to hurt you Albus, but you are either with me or against me. Where do you stand?”

Albus looked to Aberforth who had pulled himself up into a kitchen chair, still trembling but a look of loathing on his face as he stared at the back of Gellert from where he sat.

This wasn’t what they had planned.
But what choice did he have? They had already arranged everything.. Ariana was just the final step. But was it right?

“Albus,” Aberforth said in a weak voice. “It’s either him or me and Ari. You have to choose now.”

Gellert clicked his tounge. “It’s not a choice of family Albus, it’s a choice of the greater good. But if your brother wishes to narrow it down to that then so be it, it’s between him or me. Us.”

Albus couldn’t stop the tears that filled his eyes. All of this time he had been calling Aberforth the idiot, discarding him and Ariana as petty annoyances, rebuffing anyone who had dared to oppose Gellert and speak ill of him, painting them all as fools, when really there was only one person who truly had been, and it wasn’t his siblings.

Love makes you blind indeed.

Albus stood firm, his stance unmoving even with tears on his face, nothing could have moved him.

“I won’t let you hurt my family Gellert,” Albus said firmly. Gellert stepped back, the disappointment clear. Albus resisted the urge to step forward and comfort him.

“Well..” Gellert said quietly, raising his wand. “That is a pity.”

“ALBUS MOVE!”

“You wouldn’t..” He said slowly, not moving a single inch. This was Gellert for Merlin’s sake! The same boy he had been locked in an embrace with only hours before, the same one he had given his heart to without hesitation..

The same one he still loved.

“Don’t quit on us Albus!” Gellert hissed. Albus shook his head.

“We’re not using her Gellert. We will convince them to join us another way.”

“STUPEFY!”

“ALBUS!” Aberforth yelled, grabbing his wand to deflect the curse, but it wasn’t needed. White hot pain spread through every inch of Albus’s body the moment the word had left Gellert’s lips.

The spell bounced off an invisible wall between them and destroyed a kitchen cupboard as he hunched over in pain, the scar on his hand where he had drawn blood for their pact was burning into his skin with fierce aggression.

Albus glanced over and saw Gellert in a similar circumstance, he was crouched down and gripping his neck, his face screwed up in agony. Albus was confused for a moment before he realised what was causing it. The Blood Pact had wrapped itself around Gellert’s neck, the chord twisting and unraveling itself like a snake. Albus came forward and tried to pry it free, but the more he pulled the tighter it seemed to get.
His heart ached as he realised the cause.

Gellert was still thinking about hurting him.

“Gellert It’s reacting to our oath, we swore never to fight each other. That’s all it’s doing!”

Gellert swiped his hand away aggressively and stood up. The chain around his neck slowly began to unravel, Albus muttered a prayer under his breath.

“Well,” Gellert said quietly, his voice raw. “We seem to have hit a block Albus. You can’t hurt me and I can’t hurt you. So the only option is for us to put this little incident behind us and be on our way.”

“You used the Cruciatus Curse on my brother!” Albus cried. Gellert picked up a vase and hurled it at the wall.

“HE WAS STANDING IN OUR WAY! WHY CAN’T YOU REALISE THAT! I WAS DOING IT FOR US, SO WE COULD-“

“My brother has made his choice,” Aberforth intervened, pointing his wand at an extremely agitated Gellert who looked a ghost of his former self.

“He’s not going with you and neither is our sister. Now get the hell out of here and never darken our doorstep again!”

“AVADA KEDAVRA!”

“GELLERT STOP!” Albus screamed as the curse flew past him in the direction of Aberforth. Aberforth sidestepped in the nick of time and the flash of green light missed him by no more than an inch.

“ALWAYS IN THE WAY!” Gellert screeched, firing an endless stream of a variety of curses at Aberforth who was deflecting them within an inch of his life.

Albus desperately tried every spell he could think of to bring Gellert off. Stunning, Jinxing, freezing, paralysing, nothing seemed to hit home. The invisible wall had rebuilt itself between them and Albus dug his nails into his hand so hard he was certain it would scar. It was agony. The cut on his hand was screaming out his betrayal of their oath, Albus didn’t even need to look down to know that it had reopened, the slippery feel of blood on his palm was coating it crimson.

“GELLERT STOP IT!” Albus bellowed, firing more spells against the invisible wall, ignoring the pain that was setting his body and mind on fire with the effort.

Gellert looked almost demonic.

His hair was uneven and his eyes had turned to sharp slits, a manic look of hatred that was so unlike anything Albus had seen in him before.

Aberforth continued to deflect while firing curses of his own, spells were flying everywhere, jets of light lit up the kitchen while simultaneously destroying it. Albus thought that it made Ariana’s room look like a palace from a brief glance at the state of the walls and furniture surrounding them.

“GET OUT!” Aberforth screamed, Gellert laughed and slashed his wand through the air. Albus watched in horror as a deep cut began to emerge through Aberforth’s nightjacket.

“What a stupid little boy you are!” Gellert sneered triumphantly as Aberforth gripped his stomach while trying his best to deflect curses that still shot his way. Aberforth gave a strangled yell and fired a jet of blue light that threw Gellert backwards into the remains of a destroyed kitchen cupboard with a bang.

“I’LL FUCKING KILL YOU YOU PSYCHOPATH!” Aberforth howled, Gellert snarled and lept back up, firing curses in both of their directions.

Albus was protected by the wall but Aberforth barely managed to stop his own curse. Jets of light began flying again, the bangs grew louder and louder until Albus could hardly hear himself say the incantations. The kitchen table exploded along with the remainder of the cupboards that still stood, Albus mourned at the memory of his mother spending so long painting and fixing the kitchen after Ariana had nearly destroyed it after a rage.

“Think of the world we could have created together Albus!” Gellert screamed over the noise. So much dust was in the air Albus could hardly see him, The only sign of Aberforth’s presence was the continual firing of spells from his direction..

Then there was a piercing scream.

The firing stopped. For a moment they all stood in confused silence, all trying to figure out what had occurred to draw the duel to a close. In the middle of the dust, something caught Aberforth’s eye and he stumbled forward clutching his stomach, his steps shaky and weak before he fell to his knees.

“Ari? ARI NO!”

The strangled wail Aberforth let out wasn’t human. Albus looked over to Gellert who he saw staring right back at him, all mania out of his expression. He just looked empty.

Albus stepped into the dust, pushing aside bits of destroyed furniture and debris, a sinking feeling wrapping itself around his heart so tightly he thought he was going to faint from the pressure.

Ariana was fine.. nothing bad had happened! After all their mother had sacrificed and given, she was going to pop up and smile with her wide innocent eyes and pleading look that begged involvement, Albus blinked back tears as he cleared the dust with a wave of his wand. Why was he crying?

A pale arm was the first thing to appear. The trim of a blue nightgown and white frilly socks followed, Aberforth sat with his head in his hands beside her, his lap soaked with tears and the air filled with broken sobs.

Ariana Dumbledore lay dead on the floor, her eyes wide and unseeing, a trail of blood trickling down her forehead and her Niffler toy still tucked under her arm.

Chapter Text

It was as if the world had frozen over.

Albus knelt down beside Aberforth who had pulled an unmoving Ariana into his arms, tears dripping down his nose and falling onto her face. Albus tentatively reached out a hand for Aberforth’s shoulder only to have it roughly shoved away.

“At least you don’t have to deal with her anymore.”

They both looked up. Gellert stared down with his hands in his pockets and a blank expression of coldness. Albus couldn’t recognise him.

“If this is what the greater good intended then so be it Albus,” Gellert said, pulling his leather gloves back on. “Now are you coming or not?”

Albus wanted to scream, to run, to rip his heart out or erase his memory, the pain was suddenly so unbearable he thought he might die from it.

The Gellert he knew was gone. Was he ever there?

“I want you to leave now,” Albus said in a low voice. “I want no further involvement in your plans Gellert. Be on your way and leave us be.”

“Are you really going to give up on our plan Albus?” Gellert challenged. “After all we have been through? This is for the greater good!”

“No it’s not Gellert,” Albus groaned, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. “Not now. This wasn’t part of our vision.”

“Albus..”

“Leave. Please..”

Gellert’s lip twitched as he digested the answer. He looked betrayed, there was no other way for Albus to describe it. After a final glance, Gellert stepped away.

“What a waste,” Gellert said quietly, his hand on the Blood Pact that hung low around his neck. Albus looked up just as he Disapparated, several bits of debris falling from the ceiling as he took his leave.

Aberforth continued to sob, Ariana cradled in his arms with her head against his chest. Her eyes were closed now, it almost looked as if she were asleep.

“Are you happy now?” Aberforth choked, raising his head to meet his eyes. He looked half dead.

“I didn’t want this to happen Aberforth,” Albus whispered, tears continuing to roll down his face.

Aberforth choked in pain.

“You didn’t like her. Why are you crying?” Aberforth demanded. “You were going to use her as a part of your stupid plan.”

“I changed my-“

“I HATE YOU!” Aberforth sobbed, his voice a terrible wail that echoed all of the pain in the world.

Albus stood up and after wiping his eyes and nose, picked up his wand. He muttered a quick incantation and in less than five seconds, the kitchen was repaired. He slowly walked to the doorway, his leg was bleeding from the table explosion during the duel but he didn’t care nor did he make an attempt to heal it.

“I’m sorry Aberforth,” Albus said quietly.

Aberforth continued to weep. When he cleared his throat, his voice was thick with anguish.
“Why don’t you go after him,” Aberforth suggested bitterly. “It’s not as if there’s anything keeping you here now.”

Albus said nothing and left the kitchen. The moment he was upstairs and had closed his bedroom door, he fell to his knees. He cried until there were no more tears left in him and his voice was gone, but he found that his heart was not only breaking for the loss of his sister, but the absence of Gellert and the way he had allowed himself to be deceived.

What a fool he was.

When he had collected himself, Albus dragged himself over to his desk and sagged in the chair like a corpse, all will beaten out of him. Humbug gave a soft squeak and hopped down from her perch and nuzzled his hand with her beak. Albus croaked in pain and gave her feathers a stroke, this prompted her to scoot in even closer.

Albus reached for a piece of parchment from a stack at the corner of his desk, it was crumpled but he didn’t care. He picked up a quill from his jar and flipped off the lid of the ink pot, tears were already falling onto his tragically mistreated parchment but what did it matter? Albus came to the conclusion that in that moment he didn’t care about anything.

Dear Elphias.

This is very short notice and I apologise for it, but something has happened. Could you please come to Godric’s Hollow as soon as you can.

Albus

Albus roughly folded the letter and shoved it in Humbugs beak. She gave a forgiving hoot and flew out the window, Albus watched her go with a fresh batch of tears in his eyes. The lights were not on in Gellert’s room. Albus crawled into bed with a sob, one hand clutching the Hallows pendant that was linked around his neck like a jail chain. Albus weeped for the betrayal of sister and begged her forgiveness that even after all had happened, he was fighting the desire to summon Gellert to him at that moment.

He still needed him.

All he had to do was brush his hand over the centre..

Albus pulled his hand away from the necklace and buried his face into his pillow, half of him hoping that it would smother him and the other praying that he would wake with Gellert beside him. Albus lay in the darkness until his tears came to a stop and his mind gave in, sleep claiming him as his hand found its way back up to the Hallows pendant that lay tucked inside his collar.

When he woke, something was different. Albus sat up on his elbows with a groan, a thunderous storm was raging outside and the rain battered against his window, but that wasn’t it.

A crinkling next to his elbow caught his attention.

He looked down to see a folded letter on the edge of his pillow, the Deathly Hallows symbol in the centre of a wax seal next to his name written in that familiar curved writing. Albus reached for the letter with a shaky hand.

Albus,

We were leaders at the breaking of the dawn, the world was ours for the taking, but I see that your heart has changed.

I must leave you my friend, for the greater good beckons me and I will not turn away from it as you have.

Forgive me.

Albus held the letter up to his nose, the scent of peppermint was barely present, so unlike all of Gellert’s previous letters. A hand went to his chest on instinct and touched nothing but the crumbled fabric of his shirt. Albus looked down at once to find the Hallows pendant was gone, not even an imprint of where it had lay for so long.. how had he?

Albus observed his room. There was no sign of Gellert’s presence, not a single item out of place, Humbug would have notified him surely?

Albus went to the window and looked down, rain still beating off the glass, Bathilda’s garden was a sight for sore eyes. Albus had barely turned away when the sight of Bathilda stepping out onto her lawn with a peculiar looking ornament grabbed his attention. She was wearing a purple raincoat and her hair was tied up in a knot, covered by a flowery scarf. Sure enough, it was only a moment later before Gellert stepped out beside her dressed in his black coat and gloves, two sleek black cases in his hands and a satchel around his shoulder. It was not unlike the way he had looked the day he had first arrived in the Hollow.

Albus toyed with the window latch, a part of him was screaming to open it and have his final say, one last glance would suffice! He stared longingly as Gellert and Bathilda shared a hug in the centre of her lawn, Bathilda weeping into his shoulder until Gellert pulled away. She handled over the ornament and headed back into her cottage leaving Gellert alone in the lawn.

He couldn’t stop himself.

Albus unhooked the latch and opened the window, the creakiness being as much of an invitation as anything, and it served just as such.

Their eyes met and Albus took him in, the familiar tinge of warmth in his heart that Gellert’s presence brought him was very much alive and beating, despite being tainted with traces of pain. His visual tour came to a close when he noticed an extra addition around Gellert’s neck, the Deathly Hallows pendant lay entwined with the Blood Pact just over the collar of his expensive coat.

So he had visited him.

Gellert stared with a strange look of regret. He almost looked as if he was about to say something and for a moment.. his mouth twitched. Albus watched mournfully as the Portkey lit up, their eyes never leaving the other until Gellert became enveloped in a ball of light and disappeared as the lightening struck.

“Albus dear? What on earth is going on?”

Albus groaned.

What seemed to be half the village had gathered to watch as the coffin holding Ariana was being carried out of the house. To his ever bigger dismay, Ethel and Ralph along with sour faced Muriel had just been leaving Bathilda’s at that precise moment.

Bathilda hopped over the fence and came to stand beside him, the scarf in her hair was falling down but she didn’t fix it.

“Albus what’s happened love?”

“My sister just died that’s what bloody happened!” Albus snapped, instantly regretting it at the look of hurt on Bathilda’s naturally kind face.

“I’m so sorry Bathilda.. I don’t know what came over me..”

Bathilda pulled him in for a hug. Albus had the initial urge to fight and pull back, but soon found himself melting into the embrace, tears prickled in his eyes as he buried his face in her shoulder, breathing in the lavender scent of her perfume.

“It’s alright dear,” Bathilda whispered, holding him tighter as the tears came.

What was the point in hiding now? Everything was gone already.

“You let it all out.. that’s it love, I’m not going to judge. It’s a shame that Gellert had to go home so abruptly, all of a dither he was.”

Albus pulled back and wiped his eyes.

“He went home? That’s what he told you?”

Bathilda smiled sadly. “I’m sorry Albus, I know you two were close.. Gellert thought the world of you love, did you know that?”

Albus balled his hands into fists. “No, I didn’t know.”

“Who’s died boy?” Ralph barked from the other side of the fence, craning his neck like a giraffe. Albus decided that it was time to take his leave.

“None of your business,” he replied curtly, turning away and heading for the front door.

Ralph tutted loudly. “No need to be so rude! My, if Kendra could see how you turned out she’d be-“

“That’s enough Ralph,” Bathilda interjected, climbing back over her fence. “Albus has been through quite enough for one day.”

Albus didn’t stay to hear the rest of Ralph’s grumbling, instead he slipped away and shut the front door with a slam, not caring how loud he was.

It wasn’t like he needed to be careful anymore.

He craned his ears to listen out for any sign of movement, Aberforth had been avoiding him like the plague though not that Albus blamed him, he had to confess that he was nervous for their next encounter.

He walked into their newly renovated kitchen with an air of nostalgia. How many mornings had they spent here? How many had he taken for granted? All of them growing more distant by the hour, like ghosts joining that of Ariana, Albus pondered on whether her spirit might have lingered on, but what reason would she have? What memories lay in the house other than years of pain? It was far more likely that she had gone on to be with their mother.

“I don’t want you in here.”

Albus spun around to see Aberforth standing in the doorway, his eyes bloodshot and dead, his hair and clothes unkempt and covered in grime and tears as he hugged Ariana’s toy Niffler to his frame like a precious artefact.

“Aberforth..”

“I’m surprised to see that you’re still here, to be honest.” Aberforth said emotionlessly glancing round the kitchen as he spoke, Albus knew that he was imagining Ariana hopping around him with excitement as she had the day the Chocolate Frog was produced from behind his back.

“I thought you would have followed after him.”

How he wanted to. What a betrayal!

“Of course I’m still here,” Albus said quietly. “I chose you both.”

Aberforth glared at him with dislike.

“Yes, you chose us,” he said softly, anger quietly building in his tone. “But you chose us too late. Up until he tried to kill me you chose him.”

“I didn’t know he was going to do that Aberforth!” Albus said desperately. “If I knew..”

Aberforth grabbed a mug from the counter and hurled it at the wall.

“EVERYONE WAS TELLING YOU WHAT HE WAS LIKE ALBUS!” Aberforth yelled, throwing mug after mug at the wall, chipping the new paint. “BUT YOU WERE TOO LOVESICK AND BLIND TO SEE IT AND NOW OUR SISTER IS..”

Aberforth broke down into tears. His breath ragged as he leaned his head against the wall. When he regained his composure, he stormed out of the kitchen gripping Ariana’s Niffler toy as if his life depended on it.

Albus made short work of the broken China with a flick of his wand, the smashed pieces deposited themselves into the waste bin and Albus sank into a chair with a defeated groan. It wasn’t long after that before tears of his own came, but he had become so accustomed to it he didn’t even bother to wipe them away.

His heart was betraying him again.

That mischievous smile and the scent of peppermint kept pushing its way to the centre of his thoughts, powerless as he was to keep them at bay. Albus had no thought of the crazed eyed boy who had stood near where he sat with a weapon of destruction in his hand and an unforgiving sneer as Aberforth had writhed in pain before him, it was as if his mind was trying to wipe it from his memory so the boy he loved wouldn’t be glossed over. Or was it just so that he could convince himself that he had existed? That what they shared wasn’t a fantasy he had meticulously constructed?

The terrible dreaded day of the funeral came. Albus woke early and dressed in his best robes, he finished the look by tucking a sprig of lavender into his front pocket. Ariana had always loved the colour.

Elphias had arrived the night before much to his appreciation. Humbug hadn’t returned since he had sent her out with his letter for him which was most unusual, but Albus had begun to suspect that she had taken off with Dunamis. What could he offer her apart from endless deliveries and a few owl treats?

“Are you ready to go?”

Aberforth stood in a black robe matched with a purple tie that had once belonged to their father. Albus tried his best to smile at the thought that they had both had the same idea to honour Ariana, she wouldn’t have wanted them fighting.

Albus nodded and left the room, his façade only just holding, in truth he was one step away from breaking down.

They left the cottage in silence to make the journey to the Church. Unlike the journey to their mother’s funeral, Albus made no attempt to make conversation. It was better if things remained unspoken for the time being.

About halfway to the Church, Elphias stepped in line with them and after hugging them both, (Aberforth rather reluctantly) they continued on their way.

It was a surprisingly decent turnout. Albus noted the presence of several of his mother’s old friends along with his father’s old colleagues, only a handful of them had been around long enough to know Ariana when she was still stable but he decided that it didn’t matter.

Bathilda stood by the entrance to the Church in her familiar black veil, Albus was silently glad that she had opted for a simple black gown rather than the spotted dress she had worn to his mother’s funeral, this wasn’t the place for unwanted attention. When she noticed their arrival she hurried over at once.

“Albus, Aberforth- Elphias? How lovely to see you dear!” Bathilda said, shaking Elphias’s hand with enthusiasm. Elphias smiled and kissed her cheek.

“Likewise Bathilda. It’s a tragedy that the circumstances are as such.”

Aberforth cleared his throat. “Shall we go in then?” He asked gruffly. Albus glanced apologetically at Bathilda who returned it with a “not at all,” look.

Elphias patted him on the back. “I’m right here Albus, we’re all here.”

Albus quickly led the way into the Church before he became choked up again, he averted his eyes at the sight of the coffin at the front which was covered in Lilies.

The organ fired up and soon an awful screechy tune that had overtaken his mother’s funeral was filling the Church as the guests filed in, Albus sat down in the front row and closed his eyes.

“Bathilda why don’t you sit at the front?” Elphias could be heard saying in a loud whisper. “I’m sure Albus won’t mind.. I think he and Aberforth need all the support they can get right now.”

Albus silently thanked Merlin for Elphias as Bathilda shuffled her way to the front and sat on his right side while Aberforth remained on his left, though their knees didn’t touch. Elphias helped the Priest to get the guests sorted before sitting at the end of the front row, Albus leaned over and whispered his thanks, Elphias smiled and gave a thumbs up in return.

Albus glanced around the Church with an air of mournfulness. The absence of Gellert was eating him inside and out though it killed him to admit it. Thankfully, the Priest didn’t give him long to linger over his thoughts before the organ screeched to a halt and they all stood to attention.

“Please be seated,” the Priest said in a formal voice. Bathilda could be heard sobbing into her handkerchief as usual, Aberforth sat almost statue-like beside him, his eyes entirely fixed on Ariana’s coffin. Albus to his shame, had the majority of his thoughts dominated by Gellert.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we gather here today to welcome Ariana Dumbledore on her final journey after 14 blessed years. Born to Kendra and Percival Dumbledore, Ariana was their youngest child and a much beloved daughter as well as a cherished sibling to her brothers, Albus and Aberforth who join us here today to represent their family.
I have been informed that Aberforth Dumbledore has expressed a desire to give a speech, which he will do so just now. I beg your attention.”

Albus glanced at Aberforth in surprise. He hadn’t mentioned anything about a speech! Aberforth ignored him and made his way up next to the Priest who stepped aside at once.

“Thank you,” Aberforth started, his voice thick with emotion. “My sister Ariana as I’m sure many of you will know, was plagued by illness for most of her life. Our mother always tried her best to provide for us, and I can say with my hand on my heart that she succeeded. Even though she was so ill, we have many happy memories together. I remember there was one time we were feeding the goats..”

Elphias slid along the bench as Aberforth continued to give his speech. “Where’s Gellert Albus?” He muttered, unsuccessfully trying not to draw attention. “I thought you two were quite close?”

“Oh they were,” Bathilda chipped in quietly between sobs. “They got on like a cauldron on fire. Always spending their days together, sending notes in the night, Gellert once went through two pots of ink in a single hour!”

Albus bit his lip hard. The service was almost over.. he could carry on until it was done..

“Thank you Aberforth, that was most enlightening,” the Priest said as Aberforth finished his speech and grumpily returned to his seat.

“That was very good Aberforth,” Albus said politely. Aberforth grunted without giving him a glance.

“And now if you can all join me in the singing of the final hymn, Love Is An Endless Sky, chosen specifically by the family members of Ariana.”

Albus stood on command, opening his songbook as the organ started up again much to his dismay. Perhaps Ariana would have found it amusing.

After the last note of the organ died, Albus made his way up to the front of the Church followed by Aberforth to bid farewell to those wishing to pay their final respects. Elphias helpfully directed many of them towards the door as like him, he probably feared for the state of Aberforth’s temperament.

“I’m sorry,” Albus whispered after shaking hands with the final guest. Aberforth gave him a cold glare. “Are you sorry for Ariana or because you’ve lost him as a result?”

Albus lowered his head. It was a mixture of both, but he knew that the latter dominated the choice. There was no point pretending otherwise, Aberforth was no fool.

“This wasn’t supposed to-“

THWACK

Albus collapsed in pain, his hand flying straight to his nose which began to ooze blood like a tap. There was a great outpour of stunned cries and yells from the startled guests that remained, the one that stood out was undoubtedly Bathilda who let out a girlish screech.

“THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT YOU SELFISH BASTARD!” Aberforth screamed, kicking and punching every part of him he could reach while Elphias was fighting tooth and nail to tackle him away. Albus was almost entirely certain that his nose was broken, he had heard a crack on impact with Aberforth’s fist.

“ARIANA WOULDN’T BE DEAD IF IT WASN’T FOR YOU! IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT AND I’LL MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS IT! GET OFF ME DOGE YOU PREENING BERK-“

“ABERFORTH STOP THIS!” Elphias yelled, tackling Aberforth to the ground in a dive. Bathilda watched in horror and gave a silent scream.

“No,” Albus croaked as a crowd began to form around them, for a moment he could have sworn he saw the shadow of Gellert in the back of the group, only to blink and realise that it had just been a member of the choir. So he was just losing his mind then.

“It’s alright. Let him.”

Chapter Text

“You must be proud Albus.”

Albus set down his barely touched cup of tea and looked over to the other side of the kitchen table where Aberforth sat hunched in nightwear that he hadn’t changed in days. A Prophet article was quick to be shoved under his nose and Albus understood after a glance why it had caught Aberforth’s attention.

ELDER WAND STOLEN! WANDMAKER STUNNED AND CIVILIANS MURDERED IN BRUTAL BLOODBATH WITH ITS NEW MASTER
Reported by Evan Inchwell

“Highly disturbing news has arisen from Europe in the late hours of yesterday evening as Mykew Gregorovitch faced the second attack on his shop in recent months, only this time the attacker did not escape unidentified. We regret to announce that Gellert Grindelwald, (17) has been reported as the person responsible for the attack, with several credible witnesses who managed to survive the ordeal are reported to have given clear descriptions that match that of our fallen hero. Grindelwald as many of you will know shot to fame with Albus Dumbledore when they foiled a robbery plot by the Dusktown Robbers and later stopped a Dementor attack at the Ministry of Magic during a visit. Readers will be pleased to know that Dumbledore was not reported to have been seen at the scene of the crime and experts have confirmed that Grindelwald acted alone, leaving many to question why one of the Wizarding World’s favourite sons went down such a dark path. Our senior reporter Claudia Rosier did some digging on Grindelwald prior to his rise to fame, and it turns out that he was not as saint like as we all thought. With an expulsion from Durmstrang at sixteen for quote “twisted experiments on other students” that led the school infamous for producing dark wizards being unable to shelter him any longer. It was from here that we are led to believe he went on to Godric’s Hollow which is where we assume he met young Albus Dumbledore, the two quickly struck up a close bond with several witnesses that we reached out to for comment in the famed village claiming that “they were stuck together like magnets.” It with great sadness that we report the deaths of 18 civilians who faced the wrath of Grindelwald after he exited the shop with the Elder Wand in hand, it appears that the new master of the Deathstick decided to take it for a test run before Disapparating himself when Aurors arrived on the scene. The Ministry of Magic have confirmed that all of the deceased will have their funerals fully funded and compensation will be given to the families. As for Grindelwald, our once loved hero now has a hefty amount of two thousand Galleons on his head, though some have claimed that this amount may increase. Officials in the Ministry have released a statement which we will post below.

“We are sorrowful to announce the deaths of 18 civilians at the hands of Gellert Grindelwald, the boy who had once been the cause for such celebration who has turned down a path darker than any of us could have possibly anticipated. We also announce that we will be offering one thousand Galleons for information on Mr Grindelwald’s whereabouts and two thousand for his apprehension. We must warn you that he is heavily armed and extremely dangerous so caution is exercised to all. If sighted, stay hidden and contact the Auror office immediately.

-Statement by Ministry Official

Albus put down the paper with tears in his eyes. This only seemed to anger Aberforth even more who was observing him like a hawk, his expression riddled with hate.

“Was that part of your plan too?” Aberforth spat. “Was stealing the Elder Wand on the agenda to help you both conquer the world?”

Albus closed his eyes, the image of Gellert and his mischievous smile was tormenting him everywhere he looked, it was becoming maddening.

“Not like that Aberforth,” he said quietly. “Murder was never part of the plan.”

“Bullshit,” Aberforth hissed, slamming the porridge ladle back into the cauldron. “Everyone could see what he was, I knew something was off about that bastard when I first laid eyes on him. But you.. oh no, you were too bloody blind to see that you had made a deal with the devil weren’t you?”

“I trusted him Aberforth,” Albus groaned. “I.. I loved him.”

Aberforth scoffed and shoved a half full bowl of porridge across the table to him.

“Don’t try and act like you don’t anymore,” Aberforth snapped, dolloping honey into his own porridge with a rough hand. “You still have that look in your eyes whenever anyone mentions his name. I saw how you were when Doddery Doge brought him up at Ar-“

Aberforth’s breaths became shaky and he looked away. Albus knew exactly what he was talking about and part of him hated himself for it. At his own sisters funeral, he had spent more time mourning the loss of Gellert than her.

That’s what had made it so easy not to fight back when Aberforth had attacked him.

He hadn’t even bothered to fix his broken nose when he could have done it in an instant if he had really wanted, Bathilda had offered eight times and he had turned her down on each occasion, opting instead to live with his shame and not caring if it healed lopsidedly or crooked. It was the very least he deserved.

“I’m sorry,” Albus said quietly. He had lost track of how many times he had said it by that point. Aberforth glared unfeelingly with eyes like slits.

“Don’t ever fall in love again Albus. It’s a mistake that you ever did.”

“Does the same go for you Aberforth?” Albus asked, sudden fight inside him rising out of nowhere, perhaps suppressed rage that he had been trying to swallow down.

“Where did all of the money that G- he gave you when we went off to Paris go? There’s no way that you spent it all on Ariana.”

Aberforth went surprisingly quiet.

“I set aside exactly what was needed for her Albus,” Aberforth said through gritted teeth. “She missed out on absolutely nothing, I made sure of it. I don’t know what you mean by this or how it’s relevant-“

“Where did you go when you sneaked out at night Aberforth?” Albus demanded, white hot fire burning his tounge with each word he spoke. “Is that where the money went?”

“Drop it Albus,” Aberforth snapped. “You don’t understand-“

“Is someone threatening you?” Albus couldn’t stop. He had been keeping his emotions pent up for days. “Who are you seeing? What have they got on-“

“SHE WAS GOING TO BE HOMELESS I HAD NO CHOICE!” Aberforth yelled, flipping the porridge cauldron and it’s contents onto the floor. Albus paused. She? Did Aberforth have a friend in the Hollow? Perhaps more?

“Aberforth who’s she?”

Aberforth leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. “A girl I was.. seeing. Her family hardly had any money and her father can hardly make ends meet.. if they lost their home she would have left.”

Albus was taken aback. Aberforth had never mentioned anything of the sort, he hadn’t even known he had a girlfriend!

“Why didn’t you tell me Aberforth?” Albus said softly, clearing up the porridge mess on the floor with a swish of his wand. “I could have helped you..”

Aberforth laughed bitterly. “Yeah right. You were to busy running off with..”

Aberforth seemed unable to say Gellert’s name.

“Him. It doesn’t matter now anyway.”

“Why not?”

Aberforth shot him a piercing look until his façade crumbled and his eyes welled up with tears. Albus had an urge to comfort him but he knew that it would be unwelcome so he stayed glued to his seat.

“They sent her away. She’s..”

“Is she sick?” Albus provided gently. Aberforth shook his head and sobbed.

“She’s pregnant Albus. At least she thinks she is.. she told me so.”

Albus bit his tounge hard. That was something he had never expected.

“And now I’ve lost them all,” Aberforth choked. “My sister, the girl I loved, my possible unborn child.. what is left now?”

Albus was seconds away from getting up and putting an arm around his brother, the sight of him in such clear distress was fast becoming too much to bear. He had just scraped back his chair when a loud bang at the door distracted him.

“I’ll get it,” he said at once. Aberforth wiped his eyes on his grimy sleeve.

“Of course you will, you’re probably hoping that it’s him coming to take you away, what’s here for you?”

Albus said nothing and left the kitchen.

There was some truth to it and it killed him. Even after all Gellert had done, the vision of a handsome blonde haired boy with a mischievous smile who smelled of peppermint and had a pocket full of ideas for a better future still dominated his thoughts and dreams. How do you cope with being in love with someone you know you can’t have?

“Albus Dumbledore? Merlin young man, what on earth has happened to your nose?”

Albus shot his hand to cover his nose instinctively. When he saw that there was no point, he opted for hiding behind the door instead and only letting his eyes show. The visitor on the doorstep stared disapprovingly.

“Bruised it,” he mumbled, part of him wishing to have opened the door and discovered Gellert on the other side, beaming and mischievous with broomsticks in his gloved hands inviting him on one of their outings that he now cherished like precious gold.

“Oh dear. Would you like me to fix it?” The witch asked, slowly drawing her wand. Albus shook his head.

“Very well then. I’ve actually come for a different reason. You’ve passed your practical Auror test! Work starts on the third of September.”

Albus couldn’t even smile about it.

“Oh that’s wonderful,” he said, trying his best to sound pleased. “Thank you for letting me know.”

“Not at all not at all!” The witch beamed before her expression turned serious. “I am dreadfully sorry to hear the news of young Mr Grindelwald’s recent turn in attitude, I believe you two were rather close were you not?”

Albus couldn’t stop the tears. “You could say that,” he whispered. The witch smiled sadly.

“I’m so sorry Albus. It must be awful to lose such a trusted friend..”

“What happened to our sister was awful,” came a low voice from behind him. “Has he mentioned that at all?”

“Aberforth not now,” Albus pleaded.

Aberforth stepped into view, a terrible sight in his dirty clothes and unkempt hair with bloodshot eyes, Albus said nothing while the witch not so subtly looked him up and down judgementally.

“Our sister mattered,” Aberforth croaked. “But has my sainted brother mentioned her?”

“Our sister died recently,” Albus explained to the concerned looking witch who was watching Aberforth like he was an animal about to attack. “He’s still grieving her death..”

The witch nodded and stepped back. “I understand. You both have my condolences. We look forward to seeing you on the third Mr Dumbledore, you have a promising future ahead of you.”

With a final smile and a glance around for the sight of any muggles who might be watching, the witch Disapparated.

“I’m sure he does,” Aberforth muttered resentfully. “So did Ari, and where is she now?”

Albus said nothing as Aberforth roughly shoved past him so hard he was certain it would leave a bruise. He rubbed his eyes and stepped back inside the cottage, the door half shut when a call from outside caught his attention.

“Albus? Do you have a moment dear?”

Albus groaned. Bathilda.

After a quick glance in the mirror Albus stepped outside once more, his attempts at trying to improve his appearance must have failed as the way Bathilda’s face fell at the sight of him was confirmation.

“Oh Albus.. I’m so sorry love. First Ariana and now Gellert leaving too.. I tried to get him to come over and say goodbye the morning he left but he said that he was on a tight schedule.”

Albus sniffed discreetly, declining the offer of Bathilda’s handkerchief when offered.

“Thank you Bathilda. For everything, truly. You must come over for afternoon tea one day soon, I’d appreciate it very much.”

Wasn’t that what he had always wanted to do when Ariana was stable? Invite Bathilda over for tea? Albus hoped that she would have approved, wherever she was now.. in the arms of their mother no doubt, looking down on him with the disapproval he deserved, the both of them acting as his other worldly executioners.

Bathilda smiled and leaned over the fence to kiss his cheek. “I’d love that dear. I’ll bring some Cauldron Cakes!”

Albus was immediately reminded of days spent in Gellert’s room under the glow of the Northern Lights going over books on the Hallows and dining on Bathilda’s snacks that she always provided whenever he visited, Cauldron Cakes usually took the top of the list. It was all rather nostalgic, so many treats and scents that he wouldn’t have blinked twice about before but he would now always attribute to Gellert, it just another way that Gellert had nestled into his soul to torment him with his presence and let him know that he wasn’t leaving. In truth, Albus didn’t want him to. He did but he didn’t. It was all rather twisted.

“That’s it settled then,” Albus smiled and headed back into the cottage, giving Bathilda a wave and letting his eyes linger at the spot on her lawn where he had kissed Gellert for the first time before closing the door.

“Have you got everything?”

“Yes Albus.”

“All of your books?”

“Yes Albus.”

“All of your robes?”

“Yes Albus.”

“All of your-“

“For god’s sake Albus, I’m not a bloody first year,” Aberforth snapped, dragging his trunk onto the platform and shoving it to one of the loaders who accepted it with a startled look.

Albus mouthed “sorry” and continued to follow Aberforth through the crowd of excited students, some hugging their parents and others already seated on the train, it took Albus back to happier days with Elphias.

Albus paused at a Prophet seller to buy the latest edition, ignoring the huff from Aberforth at the stalling. There had been a distinct shortage of owls in their cottage recently. Humbug as he had suspected had well and truly taken off, Albus hadn’t seen a trace of her since Ariana had died. He hoped that she wouldn’t drive Dunamis too mad if that was where she had flown off to, would Gellert have taken his owl with him?

Albus mulled over the answer with a wave of nostalgia as he handed over the coins for the paper, his eyes lit up in surprise as the front page hit him in bold letters that left no stone unturned.

“Merlin.. Aberforth look at this!”

Aberforth grunted and trudged over to where he stood to glance at the paper. Albus could feel his heart swelling with pride the more he read, it was the first time his heart had done anything more than ache since Gellert had left. Albus knew it would again, but this was a brief pause that was not unwelcome.

SUCCESS AT LAST! DRAGON’S BLOOD FANATIC GETS HIS WISH AS THE SUBSTANCE IS SET TO MAKE SALES IN DIAGON ALLEY STARTING EARLY SEPTEMBER
Reported by Evan Inchwell

In light of recent events, it is with great happiness (and relief) that we are finally able to report some good news, at least we hope that’s what it is. Dragon’s blood fans can rejoice, as long term advocate for its accessible purchase Elphias Doge has won his case at long last, with the substance set to make its grand entrance in the popular Wizarding alley in early September. This will come no doubt as a relief to many, as Doge has become rather infamous for his extreme protesting methods ranging from climbing a school owlery to breaking into a dragon enclosure in Greece, the Wizarding World can sleep soundly once again knowing that the over enthusiastic Elphias has finally got his wish. Our senior reporter Claudia Rosier managed to get an interview with the ecstatic boy which we are pleased to say didn’t end in any dragons being set lose!

“I am completely thrilled Claudia! This is a momentous day which has been years in the making, and I have no doubt that the sale of dragon’s blood in Diagon Alley will prove itself to be greatly beneficial. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey, and a special mention to my dear friend Albus Dumbledore, who has always been a brilliant source of advice and support. If you are reading this Albus, you’re invited to opening day!”

- Statement by Elphias Doge, Dragon’s blood devotee who is responsible for the new addition to the popular Wizarding street

“Isn’t that wonderful Aberforth? Oh I’m so pleased for Elphias, you know he’s wanted this for such a long time!”

“I can barely contain my excitement,” Aberforth said sarcastically. “Can we get on? The train is going to leave any moment!”

Albus didn’t let the jab deter him and tucked the paper under his arm. They stopped just at the end of the last carriage and Aberforth turned back to look at him with neutrality.

“Well then,” Albus started. “I hope you have a wonderful year Aberforth. Please do write, and be in touch if you need any-“

“I’m not coming back to the Hollow Albus.”

Albus paused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that I’m not coming back,” Aberforth repeated, his tone harder. “I’m done, there’s nothing left for me there anymore. The house is yours, I don’t want a Knut from it.”

Surely he couldn’t be serious?

“Don’t be ridiculous Aberforth,” Albus said at once. “Where on earth will you go?”

Aberforth shrugged. “I’ll figure it out at the time, maybe I’ll find somewhere in Hogsmeade..”

“You won’t even be of age Aberforth!” Albus said sharply. “And you’ll not be finished with school, you’re too young to move out!”

Aberforth’s head snapped up.

“Oh, so I’m too young to decide that I want to move out but I’m not too young to have looked after our seriously ill sister while you ran away to Paris with your boyfriend? How is this different from that?”

Albus opened his mouth and closed it. Aberforth didn’t have a chance to look triumphant before a booming voice broke through the bustle of the platform.

“THIS JUST IN! EUROPE IN TERROR, MORE FAMILIES MURDERED, EXPERTS SUSPECT THAT GRINDELWALD IS RESPONSIBLE, GET YOUR COPY NOW FOLKS READ ALL ABOUT IT! EUROPE IN TERROR..”

Albus swallowed and avoided Aberforth’s gaze who he sensed deliberately trying to catch it. Eventually Aberforth gave up and sighed.

“He must be spreading the greater good no doubt, your grand brilliant plan.. how does it feel Albus?”

Albus winced at the pain Aberforth’s words inflicted, the familiar wound reopening after the brief closure Elphias’s success had brought. It was going to be that way for a long time and he knew it.

“Aberforth, you know how sorry I am for what happened. I’ll never be able to show you how much I regret.. I wish I could change what happened.. how it ended.”

Aberforth glared at him as the final whistle came. Albus stood back as his brother picked up his bag and opened the carriage door, stopping on the step before he climbed in.

“You can be sorry all you want Albus. It’s just empty words to me. In the end, it was Ariana who paid the price and you’ll just have to find a way to live with it.”

“Don’t you think I am?” Albus said quietly. “Every article.. every death.. it’s all a reminder that..”

Aberforth watched in silence for a moment before taking the final step into the carriage, closing the door with a snap before leaning out the window.

“I’m glad. It should serve as a reminder to you. Yes you chose us, but it was too late when you did. Remember that Albus.”

Albus pondered on saying something back before deciding against it. What was the point? They had been round in circles a million times already, there were to be no winners. When Aberforth saw that no reply was to come, he closed the window and sat back in his seat until he was out of view. Albus stepped back again as the train began to move, smoke billowing from the chimney in a great black cloud as it came to life.

Albus watched the train until it was out of sight, Aberforth did not look back as he had expected so it was easier not to take it personally. Albus had a feeling that their relationship might never be as it once was and it was just something he was going to have to accept. He wasn’t happy about the idea of Aberforth not returning to the Hollow once his school year ended but what power did he have to demand his return to the place that their sister had died?

Truth be told, Albus was strongly considering selling up. But if he did, he would be sure to send Aberforth his share of the money to wherever he ended up. The reminder of all he had lost in the Hollow was never ending, he still hadn’t set a foot on Bathilda’s lawn since Ariana had died let alone get close enough to pay her a visit, the ghost of Gellert’s mischievous smile still taunted him every time he passed.

His heart was still ruling him and there was to his great shame, days when he considered following after Gellert only to be snapped back into reality at the sight of the latest atrocity on the cover of the Prophet. Perhaps the Gellert he knew had existed on some level, maybe it was the best version of him that he had managed to coax out, but whatever he had become was now out of his hands.

Albus stayed on the platform until there were only a few loitering parents still engrossed in conversation before he began to take his leave, the Prophet article still under his arm and the thought of his starting date in the Auror Office on his mind.

As much as the idea of running around on heists for the Ministry attracted him, Albus knew it wasn’t to be permanent. In fact he had decided the minute the witch had arrived at the cottage to give him the news of his starting date that he was going to stay no more than a few years. Power was clearly his weakness and he didn’t want to tempt himself by getting in too deep. No, he needed something simpler, perhaps teaching? It would be nice to return to Hogwarts again, maybe once Aberforth had left..

Albus had just reached the gateway of the platform when a large grey owl swooped in front of the bricked wall before hovering in the air a few feet above him, it’s orange eyes watching him intently, an air of familiarity knitting between them at once. Albus couldn’t help the way the corner of his mouth twitched before the owl gave a loud hoot and opened its wings, he turned to watch as it flew down the track in the same direction as train, a smaller brown owl following behind it at a short distance until they both disappeared from view.

Chapter Text

Saturday 24 August 1907

Dearest Albus,

I do hope you are well, we go through such long periods of time without contact! It makes me miss our Auror days, though you are probably more than happy to see the back of them. Please tell me that you are doing alright, I worry about you dreadfully and I can’t imagine Aberforth being of much use.

Speaking of him, I had an unfortunate encounter with your brother last week. Well.. I say encounter, it was more of a witness situation.. I was having my weekly night out at the Hog’s Tavern and he got into a rather nasty fight with a customer when they complained that he was being mean with his Butterbeer portion sizes. Anyway, long story short, the customer demanded that he fill the mug to the top and Aberforth refused stating rather gruffly that you get what you pay for. The customer hit the roof and tried to make a dive at him over the bar, several of us tried to intervene but before we knew it the pair of them were rolling about on the floor trying to pull each other’s hair out if you can believe it! Fear not my friend, for it all came to an end when your less than charming brother was finally pulled away from the customer by the barman, but not before he screamed that if the customer ever came into the bar again that he would get a Butterbeer mug and shove it up his.. well, I think you get the image. Not the greatest look for a barman’s apprentice! I’m surprised that Reg still wants to train him to take over when he retires if I’m perfectly honest. Still, he’s lasted this long, so he must see something in him.

But less talk of him, I was actually writing to ask if you would be interested in meeting me for a drink tonight, Maybe at the Truffles Truce? You know, the inn at the end of Hogsmeade? I would have suggested the Hog’s Tavern, but I know how tense things can be between you and Aberforth. Before you say no, it can be very low-key, we can even sit in a back booth so you are hidden from the public eye, and what if I offered to pay? I’ll even get you an extra large Butterbeer!

It would be lovely to catch up Albus, I never see you anymore, hardly anyone does for that matter.. what are you hiding in that muggle village that is so fascinating that you can’t be dragged away from it? It’s time to enter society once more my friend. I’ll wait for you by the fireplace at 7, if you don’t show then no hard feelings.

Warm regards,
Edith Creevey

Albus reclined in his creaky rocking chair with closed eyes, the letter still clutched in his hand as the fire crackled and the rain pounded against the thin glass. Was it time? Could it ever be again? It was a question he had asked himself a thousand times, be it when he was sorting through a decade’s worth of unsorted books at the library or scraping dried porridge from the wooden floors of Mrs Partridge’s kitchen, the very thought was his constant companion in kinship with grief.

It was something he had been wrestling with ever since the day he had sold the cottage in the Hollow, the memories of all that had occurred proving too much for him to bear. What an unfortunate village it had been. The final resting place of a brother who had outwitted death itself, the end of his mother and sister and in many ways his father, and the birth of two doomed romances, one of which had surely been the most damaging for the Wizarding World when it came to consequences for at least a thousand years. True, he was a much younger man in those days, but age hadn’t made him any less of a fool.

Two months.

Two months was all it had taken to destroy his life beyond belief. Two months of insanity and wild dreams, of late night visits and stolen kisses shrouded in a shared vision of the greater good, the culmination of their youthful passion being the death of his only sister and the estrangement of his brother, such blind devotion all for love.. at least it was for him.

And for all that determination, it was all for nothing. Gellert fled from him and the Hollow with all of his crazed visions and dreams of muggle suppression, his mischievous smile and wax sealed letters with the imprint of the Hallows in their centre, and Ariana was doomed to an all too short life because of their stubbornness and his own blindness to see what had been staring him in the face the whole time. But perhaps he deserved it, he had been missing out on his doses of humility for a long time, he just didn’t expect to take it all at once.

A loud creak from somewhere in the room snapped his eyes open and pulled him out of his thoughts. Albus darted his eyes around the darkened living room until his eyes fell upon the source of the noise.

The roof was leaking again.

With a groan, Albus pulled himself out of the aging wooden chair and propped a rusty metal bucket under the drip. He could have fixed it with magic of course, but he had been there before to absolutely no success. Three days later the ceiling had been leaking again, and every time he tried to seal it the hole seemed to get bigger. Albus had eventually settled on the theory that a sadistic wizard must have once inhabited the cottage and had placed an unbreakable charm upon it just to torture whichever resident lived there. He had no doubt that given he focused he could have quickly come to the bottom of the curse, but he decided after short deliberation it was better that he just lived with it. And why ever not? The cottage had a million and one other problems and he lived quite contently with them, but should he expect more from the only house in his price range? He hadn’t taken any money from the selling of the cottage in the Hollow after all.

Albus remembered it like it was yesterday, the day the man came to him with the bag of coins that after being split evenly with Aberforth, might have bought him a house big enough to give him every source of comfort he would need, maybe even a nice garden with views if he was lucky..

It had gotten as far as actually viewing several properties that had caught his eye before he realised that he couldn’t go through with it, and the next thing he knew was arriving in the waiting room at St Mungo’s and thrusting the admittedly, lighter bag of gold into the arms of the first nurse he saw. After all. If Ariana had been admitted, they would have helped her no doubt. What better place for it to go than to a hospital that might eventually find a cure for her condition?

The water began to drip into the bucket at a steady pace, Albus took the opportunity to stoke the fire and pour himself another cup of tea, swiftly sweeping aside his previous from the half broken dresser sitting beside his chair. Despite it all, he was managing, at least trying to.

After leaving the Auror office in the year of 1903, he had bought the first cottage within his small nest egg saved up over his short time at the Ministry, and so it was that he found his first home away from home in the charming village of Chittlehampton in Devon. It wasn’t a bad place by any means, away from the bustle and limelight of the Wizarding World wasn’t something Albus was going to complain about, considering it was his past connection to Gellert and fear from the public that he was in some way conspiring to help his cause via his position that had eventually gotten him removed from the Auror Office anyway, but he would have left early on into his career with or without interference from higher up regardless. Power just wasn’t suited to someone like him. And so it was that he had packed up what little he had wanted to take and moved into Number 8 Waddlesworth Lane at the end of a row of thatched cottages that had seen happier days.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, apart from his cursed landlord who had despised him from day one for a reason he couldn’t name, he had become rather well aquatinted with his elderly neighbour Mrs Partridge and even helped her out from time to time for a little extra money towards the rent. Even if it was just polishing 50 jugs with assorted patterns of flowers that were so mismatched it looked deliberate or scraping various foods off her floors that she had spilled and been unsuccessful to clean up, whatever made her life easier made Albus feel slightly more normal, it was partly why he had taken up his position as a helper at the local muggle library.

He had discovered early on into his relocation and end of his Auror days that he needed distraction and something to focus on, Edith had been happy to write frequently and offer countless job vacancies that she had sought out for him, something he insisted wasn’t necessary, but like their days at Hogwarts, she always seemed eager to please. He still couldn’t believe the day he had arrived for his first day as an Auror and seeing Edith among his new colleagues, fully kitted out in a blue dress with long sleeves with her dark hair in a tight bun, her expression wearing the widest smile Albus had ever seen on another human’s face in his life the moment she spotted him arriving. Elphias had found it so amusing when he had written to inform him who his new colleague was that the letter had started giggling when he read it.
She had been a wonderful partner to work on cases with, but Albus hadn’t missed the way she used to do a second glance when she thought he wasn’t looking. It was the main reason he was putting off her invitation at present.

Perhaps he had misinterpreted the signs? Elphias had once told him that she was interested, but that was when they were at Hogwarts for Merlin’s sake! They were grown adults now. But what if someone saw him? The last thing he needed was unwanted attention, that was one of the most alluring parts of living in a Muggle village, no one gave him a second glance except to pile more books in his arms when he was working his hours in the library. Long blissful hours of seclusion, just him and hundreds of books that hadn’t been touched or never read, a beaky nosed bookkeeper who strangely reminded him of Muriel, the young girl who used to visit Bathilda with her mother, and a ticking grandfather clock that didn’t know who he was, much less have an inkling of Gellert Grindelwald.

Grindelwald… the name he could never seem to escape. Albus had been tempted on many occasions to cancel his Prophet subscription not just to save money, but because he couldn’t bear to keep seeing the blonde haired boy that so often dominated its cover.

The Wizarding World had never quite gotten over his closeness with Gellert, what with their takedowns of notorious robber groups and Dementors only for Gellert to flip the switch and change course. Albus had always been aware of the suspicions surrounding people had garnered of him, he had dealt with the odd glances every single day he had arrived at the Ministry for work. It gave him surprising comfort that they were punishing him just as much as he punished himself for their past bond, but amongst the sadness there was still tenderness, and that made him hate himself even more.

Albus walked back over to the letter and ran his hand over the smooth parchment before picking it up and rereading it, the steady drip of water into the bucket continued but after awhile it became an afterthought. When he reached the end of the page he folded it and set it down again before he began pacing. It would be nice to get out again.. it had been so long since he had been among his own people apart from Aberforth, but was he inviting unnecessary trouble into his life? It wasn’t at the Hog’s Tavern so that was a bonus, but it was still in Hogsmeade and the last thing he needed was a fight with his brother. Despite his best efforts, that wound seemed to run too deep to ever stand a chance of healing. Aberforth seemed hellbent on remaining as distant as possible, but Albus still tried to make it a point to visit him whenever he could.

Albus turned and looked at the letter once more just as the fire crackled and spit out burning embers that teased the moth eaten rug that lay before it. It would be a terrible shame to let Edith down… perhaps he could walk along and see if Aberforth was alright once they were finished?

“ALBERT! I KNOW YOU ARE IN THERE SO DON’T PRETEND YOU AREN’T!”

Albus craned his head towards the door to hear a distinct pounding that was different from the synchronisation of the rain. With a final look at the letter and a glance in small mirror from a side table to check his appearance, he made his way to the front door with an impending dread as he realised who his visitor likely was.

“Oh at last! You weren’t trying to pretend you weren’t home like last time were you Albert? Need I remind you that I have a key?”

Albus suppressed a groan. Mr Matthews his odious landlord stood on his front step in a tweed cap and raincoat, his curled moustache dripping with water.

“Hello Mr Matthews,” he said stiffly, trying his best to hide his distaste. “Can I invite you in? I’m sure I can offer you a nice cup of-“

“No need for false courtesy boy,” Mr Matthews barked, pushing his thin spectacles further up his nose. “You know perfectly well why I’m here Albert, you’re two days late with the rent!”

He knew he was, but it wasn’t entirely his fault. The library didn’t pay him until Tuesday and Mrs Partridge hadn’t been in need of help for the past few days. Albus had hoped that Mr Matthews might have let it slide until he could at least cough up the library money, but as always, his expectations were not high.

“I’m terribly sorry Mr Matthews, I had hoped to pay you the day it was due but I don’t get my next payment until Tuesday,” he explained, fighting at every turn to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Mr Matthews looked him up and down and tutted disapprovingly.

“That’s what they all say,” Mr Matthews snorted back gruffly. “You let it slide once and they take you for all you’re worth! I mean it Albert, this is not going to become a habit!”

Albus breathed deeply and forced a smile. “And it won’t, I assure you. Are you quite certain that I can’t offer you that cup of tea?”

Mr Matthews shook his head. “No I’ll be off. You have until Tuesday and that’s the final straw, don’t push it Albert.”

“Albus,” Albus muttered grumpily under his breath as Mr Matthews turned on his boot and descended back down the narrow lane. Albus watched him until he was out of sight and shut the door a little harder than normal. That was another thing to worry about. He would just have to ask Mrs Trudell if he could work a few extra hours, surely she wouldn’t mind? She could be very understanding under certain circumstances.

Albus closed his eyes and couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his throat. How far he had fallen! From battling Dementors and saving families from being bitten by Vampires to barely making it in a fallen down cottage in a muggle village. He had been expecting karma to come his way by all means, but the form it had taken still baffled him.

He decided in that moment that he would take the trip to Hogsmeade after all. What harm was there? A friendly drink between friends, perhaps a reunion with his brother, it could be a wonderful evening if he had the right mind frame. Albus drew his wand and changed his clothing in an instant, a simple grey jumper and dark blue trousers with the top button missing but it didn’t matter, the jumper was long enough to cover any misfortunes.

He looked in the cracked mirror by the door for a long moment, his reflection stared back through the smeared lens with a warped curiosity. He brushed down his hair once before pulling on his coat and tucking his wand into the pocket, with a snap of his fingers the fire crackled once more before going out, and the interior of cottage disappeared and reappeared as the form of an inn, a few scattered people and house elves bustling about with trays of drinks.

After several seconds Albus located Edith standing where she had promised by the fireplace, her back turned to him and from where he stood it looked like she was watching the dancing flames in the hearth.

“Can I take that for you sirs?” A small voice squeaked next to him, Albus looked down to see a short house elf with a few scraps of hair on his scalp staring up at him with a thin arm outstretched for his coat.

“I’m terribly sorry,” He replied apologetically after a long pause, quickly removing his coat and handing it to the elf. “You didn’t have to offer-“

The elf bowed low. “Tis an honour sirs,” the elf muffled under the weight of the coat. “Can I bring you any refreshments?”

Albus quickly shook his head. “No not quite yet, I’m meeting someone first.”

The elf bowed again. “At your service when yous ready,” before scuttling away with his thick coat in it’s arms.

Albus watched the elf go with a tinge of guilt. He should have done it himself! He started to take the first step towards the elf when a pat on his shoulder pulled him back.

“Albus! You came!”

He turned around on instinct to see a beaming Edith Creevey standing behind him wearing a pink and black dress matched with small heels, her long wavy hair was delicately weaved with intricate white flowers. Albus was under the immediate impression that she had made an effort. It made him feel all the more self conscious about his bobbling jumper and trousers with a missing button. To his relief, Edith didn’t seem to care and pulled him into a tight unexpected hug.

“I’m so pleased to see you Albus, it’s been far too long!” Edith said enthusiastically, pulling back from the hug after much longer than Albus would have liked.

A lovely outfit, flowers in her hair, a private booth in the back of the inn with candlelight.. Albus felt something in his stomach shift uneasily. Merlin don’t let her think this is anything more than a friendly visit..

“Yes it’s good to see you too Edith,” he said politely, following her towards the booth she had selected, his face falling when he saw the display of candles and roses surrounding the table.

“Isn’t it lovely?” Edith said dreamily, taking him by the hand and leading him towards the seats. “I always wanted to get a drink alone with you Albus, even when we worked together as Aurors, but you always seemed to slip away before I found the chance to ask you!”

Albus laughed humourlessly and sat down in the squashed purple seats, deliberately sitting on the other side of the table and out of reach.

“Yes it is a nice table,” Albus replied kindly, his mind churning away at trying to find a way to let her down without hurting her. He liked Edith truly, but not in the way that he was beginning to suspect that she liked him, and he never could for that matter either. But what if she wasn’t accepting? Albus bit his lip as he pictured explaining that his only real experience with love was with one of the most dangerous wizards in the world who was tearing up Europe as they spoke!

“So Albus..” Edith began, tucking her hair behind her ear and clasping her hands together on the table. “How have you been? I haven’t heard from you in a long time.”

Albus met her gaze and smiled apologetically. “Yes, I am sorry, I suppose I just.. lost touch a little. Moving and all, things with Aberforth haven’t been too great either, you know.. siblings.”

Edith reached out a hand to touch his wrist, her thumb gently stroking the bone. Albus darted his eyes around the tavern for the nearest exit.

“You should have contacted me Albus,” she said in a quiet voice, Albus gave a half nod in acknowledgment.

“I know, I really shouldn’t have cut off like that,” he murmured glancing down at the menu in the centre of the table as Edith’s hand moved a quarter of an inch up his wrist. “Why don’t we order?”

Edith’s face fell by a fraction but she quickly recovered as the same house elf that accepted his coat came hurrying towards their table.

“What can I get yous?” The elf squeaked, a thin paper pad in hand. Albus was first to break the silence that followed.

“I’ll have a Butterbeer please.”

The elf quickly scribbled it down in a rough scrawl before turning to Edith.

“Miss?”

“I’ll have a tall Firewhisky,” Edith replied, the elf took note again before bowing low and running to the kitchens.

“Nice place isn’t it?” Albus said lightly, glancing around the tavern. It was nice and quiet, the atmosphere was friendly, perhaps he would have to make this his regular haunt..

“Yes,” Edith said, her hold on his wrist becoming more insistent. “Albus, there’s actually something I’ve been meaning to-“

“As requested, Firewhisky for the missy and Butterbeer for the sirs,” came a small voice. They both looked at the same time to see the elf holding a silver tray with a foaming mug of Butterbeer and a tall glass of Firewhisky, his thin legs trembling from the effort. Albus quickly relieved the elf of the pressure, taking his mug in hand prompting Edith to take hers.

“Thank you very much,” Albus said gratefully, the elf smiled toothily.

“Anything else I can get yous? Some sandwiches? Fruit? Another candle and some extra roses?”

“Yes that would be lovely,” Edith said at once before he could refuse. “A table can never have enough decoration don’t you think Albus?” She smiled over at him with her hand still placed on his wrist, deliberately highlighted in the candlelight so the elf would take notice. To his dismay, it worked.

“Shall I bring some petals instead?” The elf asked. “Red ones? It would make the table more roman-“

“No that’s alright,” Albus replied a little too fast. “Thank you anyway.”

The elf bowed and hurried off once more leaving him to his thoughts. Edith cleared her throat.

“Albus,”

“Mm?”

“You know I like you.”

Albus took another desperate glance for an emergency door.

“And I like you too, but-“

Albus closed his mouth when he felt Edith’s foot brush gently against his leg. She would move it in a second, it was probably a mistake!

“Then I think we might be on the same page here.”

“Edith..”

“Shh..” Edith said quietly, scooting round the table until she was sitting pressed against him, her foot was still against his leg. He had to say something, but how?

“You don’t have to say anything, I understand. You know that I’ve always had a thing for you Albus. I never thought that you would feel the same but if you are saying what I think you’re saying..”

“Edith it’s just that I’m-“

Edith smiled and raised a hand to his cheek, she was so close he could smell the rosy perfume from the inside of her wrist. Then all of a sudden she was drawing even closer..

“Albus? Are you alright?”

Albus quickly realised that he was standing, he must have jumped up before she could kiss him. He rubbed his eyes and took his seat beside a worried looking Edith, he had to do it.

“Edith, I like you very much-“

“And I like you too Albus,” Edith said eagerly, pressing closer once again. This time Albus moved back, trying his best to ignore the hurt on Edith’s face.

“Please let me finish,” he asked as gently as he could, not wanting to draw it out any longer than it needed. “I like you Edith, but I don’t like you in.. that way.”

Edith said nothing and stared at him unblinkingly. For a moment, Albus wondered if she might have put a freezing charm on herself by accident. His hand had just reached for the tip of his wand when she spoke.

“Oh,” she said blankly, her face clouding over and becoming unreadable. “I thought.. I didn’t know.. I didn’t know you already had a girlfriend.”

How on earth was he to do this?

“I don’t.”

“Is there another girl you like?”

“No.”

“Did I.. did I do something wrong?”

Albus looked into her eyes, they were wide and pleading. He had a newfound determination to make this as gentle as possible. Albus sucked in a breath and put his hands on the table.

“You did nothing wrong Edith, I just.. well.. I just.. I just don’t like girls in that way.”

The silence drew on for what seemed like an eternity. Much to his surprise, Edith did not get angry or storm off, instead she sat staring into the distance in thought. Her mouth opened and closed several times but it wasn’t until after the elf had returned with the candles and extra roses that she formed words again.

“Ever?”

“Ever.”

Edith nodded her head slowly. “Oh.. so it’s boys for you?”

Albus nodded his with his head bowed and eyes closed. It was only at the feeling of a warm hand over his that he opened them.

“That’s okay you know.”

Albus felt tears prickle at the corner of his eyes in gratitude. Edith gave a small smile and they shared a moment of slightly confused solidarity. When the tears were blinked away, Edith pulled back her hand.

“Well.. I’m disappointed in myself more than anything. How did I not realise? You never had a girlfriend in the whole of school, I should have pieced it together..”

“It’s alright Edith,” Albus chuckled, tucking back his awkward curl with a sigh. “Honestly I’d never really thought about it enough myself, it wasn’t until-“

He caught himself at the last second as a mischievous smile and the scent of peppermint flashed across his mind. A pale hand tracing his torso under the shadow of the Northern Lights..

“Albus?”

“Sorry I was just.. what did you say?”

“I said that I was sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. Merlin, I feel like such a Hippogriff!”

Edith had turned a shade of scarlet. Albus watched as she reached for her bag and began muttering something about meeting up another time.

“It’s fine Edith really, I should’ve figured it out years ago.. It’s on me for not-“

“No it’s not Albus,” Edith said, her voice firm and reassuring. “Some people don’t get into relationships until later, some decide not to get in them at all, some just take a little longer.. I suppose everyone just gets there at their own pace right?”

Albus smiled and finished his Butterbeer as the elf came back with his coat. Edith drained her Firewhisky glass and stood up, after smoothing down the wrinkles that had formed in her dress she came around the table and gave him a hug, this one far less crushing than the last.

“We are still friends right?” Edith muttered in his ear, a trace of panic in her voice. “I’d hate to think I’d made this awkward..”

“Of course we are,” he said quietly, smiling fondly as they parted. Edith reached into her bag and pulled out a purple cardigan which she slipped on after giving it a shake. After leaving their pay for the drinks and a generous tip from Edith, they left the inn and stepped into the crisp breeze of Hogsmeade village.

“Chilly tonight isn’t it?” Edith said softly, reaching into her bag again, this time to produce a pair of matching purple gloves. Albus had to agree. He wrapped his coat around himself more securely and put his hands in his pockets.

“Well, that was very nice,” he said after a beat, Edith smiled.

“Can I walk you to your Portkey or where you plan to Disapparate?” Edith offered, Albus shook his head.

“Actually Edith, I was planning to pop in on my brother..”

“Oh of course!” Edith chuckled, pushing back a strand of hair where one of her flowers had come loose. “Well I suppose in that case I’ll just.. it was lovely seeing you Albus.”

“Stay in touch,” Albus called after her when she was three streetlights down, their candles only recently lit.

“Same goes for you Albus!”

Edith turned back and gave a wave which he happily returned before she Disapparated into the night.

Albus breathed deeply, the scent of freshly baked pies filling his lungs which instantly reminded him of Hogwarts feasts and midnight snacks courtesy of Elphias. A distant clatter of noise coming from the direction of the Hog’s Tavern distracted him from the scent and he began to walk down the lit lane towards where it originated, his mind filled with prayers that Aberforth’s day at work had run smoothly and that he would be in a fairly agreeable mood.

“I suppose I’ll find out soon enough,” he laughed under his breath as a man emerged from the Tavern at a run, a spotted goat with pointed horns hot on his heels. He smiled and pushed open the oak door and stepped inside to the scent of cinnamon and the hushed chatter of conversation, ready to face whatever was to come.

Chapter Text

The Hog’s Tavern was as Albus had expected, packed to the brim with customers. Ranging from elderly wizards to early Hogwarts students who were sitting rather noticeably out of the view of the bar. Albus closed the door behind him and discreetly flipped over the hand written sign of “NO UNDERAGE PERSONS PERMITTED” that they were clearly ignoring. It took him a few moments to locate Aberforth standing behind the bar though it took him a few more after that to fully realise that it was him, his appearance was much changed since he had saw him last.

He was much taller for one thing, his thick hair looked wild and unkempt and his robes were splattered in a thick red liquid that Albus prayed wasn’t blood. In a recent development, he was also sporting a short beard. He acknowledged with great sadness that the only thing about his brother that hadn’t changed was his miserable expression.

Albus carefully moved his way past the tables with his head held down in case anyone decided to have a go, The Prophet hadn’t been most flattering in their descriptions of him in recent years. From the son of a muggle hater to the apparent henchman of a madman, it was a far cry from the hero he had been to them when he was a boy.

“Hello Aberforth,” he said in a pleasant voice, his hands coming to rest on the bar in front of him. Albus tried to ignore the pain in his chest when his brother’s face darkened upon meeting his gaze.

“The hell are you doing here?” Aberforth said grumpily, putting down the glass Butterbeer mug that he had been making a half attempt to clean with a thud.

“I was in the village and thought I would pop in to say hello,” Albus tried lightly, hoping to loosen the mood. Aberforth looked him up and down and snorted.

“You look thinner.”

He did. There wasn’t much nutrition in whatever it was that he could afford from the local market. Unlike their easy access at the Hollow, Albus discovered a week into moving to his cottage in Chittlehampton that his cupboards were never to be full. He took off his coat and placed it on one of the bar stools before taking a seat himself, the chair gave a loud creak before settling.

“Yes I suppose I am, I’m afraid my budget is rather tight these days.”

“Hmph.”

Aberforth hadn’t protested when he had sat down, perhaps this would be the time that they could have a conversation without it ending in a fight? Albus folded his arms and leaned over the bar, Aberforth looked increasingly bored. It was worth a try at least?

“Can we talk?”

Aberforth rolled his eyes. “If you’ve come here to lecture me Albus you’ve got another thing-“

Albus held up his hands. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I just want to talk Aberforth, honestly.”

Albus leaned back as Aberforth’s mouth twitched in deliberation, his pale fingers tapping against the wooden countertop.

“Hey Ab,” a short man with a quiet raspy voice came to stand beside him with an empty mug with remnants of foam at the bottom, Albus immediately noticed that the man had a strong smell of seaweed. “Be a dear and refill us again would you? Another Butterbeer would be nice.”

Aberforth didn’t break his eye contact to look at the man once. “We’re all out,” he said snappily. The man whined beside him in disappointment. Albus guessed by his demeanour that Butterbeer must not have been the only thing he had been drinking, the man was obviously rather tipsy.

“Could you just make sure?”

“No.”

The man whined again and shoved his empty mug over the countertop towards Aberforth. Albus gave him a pleading look to say “be nice,” which Aberforth ignored.

“Reg would have checked!”

“Well he isn’t here, and he’s left me in charge and I say we’re all out, now beat it!”

“Could you just-“

Aberforth slammed a fist down into the wood and pulled out his wand. Several customers a few barstools along jumped up in fright. Albus figured that they mustn’t be regulars.

“ARE YOU DEAF? I SAID WE ARE ALL OUT! NOW CLEAR OFF BEFORE I STICK THAT MUG WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE!” Aberforth roared, specks of spit flying from his mouth as his wand shot several warning sparks. The man gave a gabbled apology and quickly hurried away. Aberforth swore under his breath and tucked his wand back into his apron.

“Greedy git,” Aberforth muttered, taking the empty mug off the counter and dumping it in a bowl of water behind him. “That was his fourth bloody round!”

Albus smiled sadly. “Rough day then?”

Aberforth grunted and reached for a large bottle of Firewhisky and poured himself a glass, downing it in mere seconds. “Oh you know, folk coming in and starting fights over cauldrons, pickpockets trying to nick the contents of the register, greedy bastards like him wanting more than their fair share, usual shit.”

“Anything I can do to help ease the strain?” Albus offered hopefully, Aberforth raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

“Not bloody likely. Why if I didn’t know.. fucking hell, I can’t hear a bloody thing over this racket! RIGHT EVERYONE LISTEN UP!” Aberforth clapped his hands thunderously, dozens of heads craned to look his way, some in great annoyance at the interrupting of their conversations, Albus quickly lowered his head again.

“I’m closing early. It’s for.. managerial reasons. So if you could all just- OI! Any backchat Arthur and you’ll not be returning for a year! Right the lot of you move it!”

No one moved. Several started to grumble, Albus could have sworn that an old wizard near the back began to do an imitation of Aberforth to his entourage sitting around him. It was going to take more than a demand to get them moving. Thankfully, Aberforth seemed to realise this and it wasn’t a minute later that he was upgrading his offer.

“Everyone who leaves in the next ten seconds gets a free refill on their next visit,” Aberforth said gruffly. The sudden scraping of chairs was instant, dozens of feet hurried for the door and Aberforth made a noise in satisfaction.

“Bout bloody time,” Aberforth remarked plucking a clean mug off the shelf and heading towards the Butterbeer barrel. “Want a mug?”

“I thought you had run out?”

“I lied.”

Albus chuckled softly. Aberforth filled the mug to the top with the foamy liquid and placed it in front of him before reaching under the countertop and producing a loaf of bread and a bowl. With a lazy flick of his wand the bread cut two slices and dumped themselves onto a chipped flower patterned plate next to the steaming bowl which had filled itself with stew. Albus’s mouth watered gratefully. It had been months since his last proper meal.

“Eat.”

“Thank you,” he said, taking a deep spoonful of the stew, his eyes closing in appreciation at the flavourful concoction. Aberforth grunted in response and picked up another glass and a rag.

“How’s the landlord?” Aberforth asked, his tone unenthusiastic. “Heard he was giving you trouble last time we spoke.”

“Still is,” Albus mumbled, mopping up the last of his stew with his bread. He hadn’t eaten anything so fast in his life!

“Bloody hell Albus,” Aberforth remarked, clearing away his cutlery, “do you even eat at all in that village?”

“My apologies,” he said, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “It’s been ages since I’ve had a meal like that.”

“Clearly.”

Albus ignored the jag and sipped at his Butterbeer, the rich sweetness sending a warmth through his body that reached his fingertips, his gratefulness for Aberforth’s hospitality however reluctant it may have been was quickly becoming overwhelming.

“Read the Prophet recently?” Aberforth enquired casually, Albus wiped his mouth and shook his head.

“Not the latest edition no,” he said quietly. A small hunch was building in the back of his mind of where the conversation was headed, and he hoped with everything in him that it would change course. Aberforth reached under the counter and produced a paper, the headline unmissable.

GRINDELWALD MURDERS EUROPEAN MAGICAL CREATURE AMBASSADOR IN GRUESOME SHOWDOWN WHICH KILLED 7, EXPERTS FEAR MORE DEATHS TO COME

“Aberforth..” he said tiredly, his eyes closed. “Please can we not do this now.”

“Have they come to visit you?” Aberforth shot intrusively, his eyes flickering back and fourth between him and the Prophet cover. Albus could see the hate in his brother’s eyes when they saw the person on the front page, a courteous smile and sleeked back hair and clothes neither of them could afford, a presence that they had both known all too well. Albus swallowed down the old longing that arose as he looked at the picture, he almost had half a mind to turn the article over but he knew how Aberforth would react.

“Who’s come to visit me?”

Aberforth huffed again. “The bloody Ministry squad looking for him. They’ve visited me at least 9 times to try and convince me to get you to join the case, I told em to ask you themselves but they said that they couldn’t reach you…”

“Aberforth..”

“Why won’t you?” Aberforth said angrily. “It’s not like you’re doing anything cooped up in that cottage with a pain in the arse landlord on your back, you could be doing something to stop him considering it’s your fault he’s out there wrecking havoc in the first place!”

Albus finished his Butterbeer and wiped his hands on his old tartan handkerchief. “I can’t Aberforth.” He said firmly.
Aberforth looked utterly furious.

“Give me a good reason then!”

“You know why.”

Aberforth stared with eyes like slits. At last he cleared his throat. “Of course… I should have remembered.”

“Aberforth please try to understand,” he tried to begin, but Aberforth was having none of it.

“Oh shut up Albus.” Aberforth snarled. “If our sister’s death wasn’t enough to put the flame out will anything be? Even after everything he’s done.. it’s so pathetic. Merlin you disgust me.”

Albus said nothing. His silence infuriated Aberforth who had turned pale with anger. He saw the pause as an opportunity to take his leave.

“Well, I think I should be going. Thank you for-“

“How many lives have to be lost before you stop sending others to fight your battles for you Albus?” Aberforth said, his voice low. “You have a chance to put an end to his rampage and you won’t take it, all because of a bloody schoolboy infatuation!”

“Well I don’t see you doing anything to stop him!” Albus snapped back, a sudden burst of confidence coming from a place he couldn’t name. Merlin.. why had he taken the bait?

“I WASN’T PLOTTING TO TAKE OVER THE BLINKING WORLD WITH HIM!” Aberforth yelled, the countertop shaking in his fury. “I WASN’T NEGLECTING OUR SISTER! I WASN’T BEING SEDUCED BY A MADMAN!”

“No, you were just spending all of our money on your girlfriend!” Albus shouted, regretting his words as soon as they had left his mouth. He knew instantly by the look on Aberforth’s face he had gone too far. Albus rubbed his forehead awkwardly and stepped away from the bar.

“Aberforth I.. I didn’t mean that,” he said quietly, his voice thick with regret. “I don’t know what came over-“

“STUPEFY!”

It happened in a split second. Before he even realised what was happening he was being blasted backwards by the strength of the spell, Aberforth’s wrath fuelling it’s power. He hit the door with such force that it came off the hinges and blew out of the tavern with him, he hit the ground outside with a tremendous crash.

“AND DON’T BLOODY COME BACK!” Aberforth called out from somewhere inside, Albus sat up on his elbows in a daze. To make matters even more humiliating, passers by had stopped to stare at where he had been thrown, fragments of destroyed wood from the once intact door lay scattered around him sticking up at awkward angles in the mud. It had started raining.

“Merlin’s beard, are you alright young man?”

“That Aberforth has gone too far this time!”

“Isn’t that his brother Albus? Goodness gracious what is wrong with him? I’d sue!”

Albus declined the offers of help and pulled himself out of the mud with a wince, he used the sleeve of his sodden jumper to dab at his forehead to try and stifle the bleeding. Aberforth appeared at the door-less entrance with his coat in hand which he threw out towards him roughly.

“I’ll send you the bill for the door,” Aberforth sneered before turning back inside and disappearing behind a corner. Albus knelt down and picked up his coat from the mud and pulled it on, unbothered about its sorry state. After clearing up the wood with a swish of his wand he began the slow steady trek out of Hogsmeade as the rain poured.

“Albus? Albus wait WAIT!”

He stopped in his tracks. He knew that voice..

“Elphias?”

Elphias stood beaming in a dark blue raincoat, his hair was a little longer but apart from that Albus saw no change. Albus smiled back as best as he could and pretended not to notice Elphias’s face falling as he took in his clothes.

“What the hell has happened Albus?” Elphias cried, putting an arm around his shoulder and leading him towards a bench. Albus sat gingerly and closed his eyes.

“Sibling rivalry,” he said simply. Elphias frowned and glanced down the lane to the Hog’s Tavern before shaking his head.

“Merlin, what on earth got into Aberforth? I always told you that he was off his rocker Albus.”

“I am not blameless Elphias. I said some things I shouldn’t have and.. it doesn’t matter really. I should get going..”

Elphias put a steadying hand on his shoulder. “You’re not going anywhere until I get that mud off your clothes Albus. Blimey, what happened to the boy who wouldn’t leave the Gryffindor common room if there was a single crease in his robes?”

Albus forced a laugh while Elphias muttered enchantments. Slowly the stains came free and his clothes looked new, Elphias even took the liberty to fix the missing button on his trousers.

“Really Elphias, you didn’t have to-“

“Say nothing of it,” Elphias instructed, stashing his wand back into his coat. “Now, what on earth happened to Aberforth’s door?”

“Me,” He replied at once. “I shouldn’t have annoyed him. I was in the village on a.. dinner of sorts and-“

“Hold up,” Elphias said excitedly. “You were on a date?”

“No! Well yes, but actually no, she thought it was until I set her right about it.”

Elphias clapped his hands in delight. “Who was the lady?”

Albus tucked his hands into his coat, fighting the urge to slump on the bench. “Edith Creevey.”

Elphias sat open mouthed in shock.

“You lucky bastard!” Elphias roared. “Merlin, what I would’ve done when we were at school to have gotten one single evening with her! I never thought I’d see the day that you went on a date Albus!”

“It wasn’t a date Elphias,” Albus said tiredly. The rain was still pouring, but Elphias had set a protective charm over their heads so it missed them all together. He was getting mightily tired of conversation for one evening and longed for his chair by the fireplace.

“Yeah right! You don’t need to pretend Albus. I don’t even like her like that anymore if that’s what you are worried about-“

“I don’t like girls in that way at all Elphias,” he muttered impatiently, not realising what he had said until Elphias squeaked beside him in surprise.

“You don’t.. I.. blimey..”

Albus looked away. If he was going to get a mouthful for it then he might as well deal with it all at once instead of stretching it out. Just rip it off like a bandage.

“I didn’t know that Albus.”

Albus sighed softly. “Nor did I. Not until later on when I figured it out.”

Elphias cleared his throat. “When.. when did you realise?”

The corner of his mouth twitched as an image of a blonde haired boy filled his thoughts, the taste of peppermint on his lips and a trail of mischievous laughter that followed. What a nostalgic evening it had been..

“After.. a failed romance.” He said in a “I’ll say no more than that” tone. Elphias nodded and stared off into the distance, his eyes glossed over in thought.

“And how do you feel about it?” Elphias asked, Albus quirked his lip and turned to look at him. “How do you feel about it?”

Elphias paused for the briefest of moments at being put on the spot, but he didn’t allow the silence to last.

“I feel fine about it, I.. honestly it doesn’t matter to me Albus, it really doesn’t. Actually, looking back the signs were there.. so that was why you never wanted a girlfriend then?”

Albus smiled. “Must be.”

Elphias slapped his own forehead in annoyance. “Merlin how did I not realise? I’m blinder than the old house elf that always spilled the cauldron carrying the porridge at breakfast!”

“I guess it’s just one of those things,” Albus said, staring up at the cloudy sky in an attempt to locate the moon. “But if it’s not too much trouble, would you mind not spreading it around? I mean.. people are already still iffy because of my friendship with Gellert, I don’t know how they would react to me being..”

Elphias nodded at once. “Of course Albus, it hadn’t even crossed my mind! No that’s not a problem at all.”

“I mean I’m not ashamed of it,” Albus continued, “it’s just well.. until I know what the general public opinion of it is I would prefer to keep it under wraps.. My brother mentioned once that the muggles aren’t too fond so I don’t know where wizards stand.”

Elphias patted his shoulder warmly. “That’s muggles for you. Who knows? But of course you should do it in your own time.”

Albus smiled as a carriage hurtled past them pulled by two black horses, the taller of the two threw its head up in a snort at him as it passed. What a wonderful friend Elphias was. To think people had given him slack for wanting to befriend him as an eleven year old infected with Dragon Pox in their first year at Hogwarts, perhaps they had assumed it was below the standards of the son of a supposed muggle hater, but that had never been relevant to him. In the long run, Elphias had been a far closer companion to him at school than any other student, and by the end of their time he had reached a level of kinship and brotherhood with him that he had never managed to share with Aberforth.

Albus realised that the rain had stopped and he stretched, immediately regretting it as pain shot up his side stemming from the joint he had fallen on, giving him the distinct impression that he would be sporting a mighty bruise in the morning. Nevertheless, he picked himself up from the bench and drew a long breath.

“I really should get going Elphias, my neighbour doesn’t like it when I get home late, it gives her a terrible fright you see.”

Elphias furrowed his brow. “That’s not the miserable landlord bloke is it?”

“No, it’s Mrs Partridge. She’s honestly not bad at all, I help her out from time to time for money towards the rent, we have some nice chats.”

Elphias looked baffled. “Is that what you want to do for the rest of your life Albus? A wizard of your stature stuck in a muggle village? Merlin have mercy!”

“What am I supposed to do Elphias?” He asked sadly. “My reputation is in tatters, a huge portion of the community still thinks I’m somehow conspiring with Gellert to overthrow the Ministry, and I’ve just been kicked out of a tavern by my own brother. It doesn’t exactly look good does it?”

Elphias looked as though he was suppressing a laugh. Albus didn’t blame him. His career now compared to what it could have been was laughable. Then Elphias’s expression changed.

“I’ve an idea Albus. What if you came along and took notes on an upcoming case at the Wizengamot? We have a big one soon, and it would be a way for you to show the world that you are on our side.”

Albus fixed him with a look. “And what if it went wrong Elphias? I won’t put your job on the line.”

Elphias waved him off. “Oh please Albus, I’m one of the only ones who does any work in that bloody department! They wouldn’t fire me unless they were being held hostage by a headless zombie.”

He was still unconvinced. The last thing he wanted to do was to put Elphias’s work in jeopardy by his appearance, but perhaps he was right. Maybe it was finally time to start his reintroduction, he couldn’t stay in Chittlehampton forever.

“When is it?” He asked tentatively, Elphias’s face lit up.

“Tuesday,” Elphias replied, his face beaming. “Oh I’d love it if you came Albus, you’ve been in that village long enough!”

“Tuesday it is then,” he said smiling. Elphias slapped him on the back enthusiastically. “Grand! I’ll see you there then. Bring a notebook and wear a white shirt, making an effort works wonders!”

They bid farewell, and Albus stood in the cool August air long after Elphias had Dissapparated. It wasn’t until the moon finally made its appearance in between the misty clouds that he Dissapparated himself, reappearing in his dark living room with a crack.

He shed himself of his cursed grey jumper and trousers and changed into pajamas that showed their age in every tear. With a quick wave of his wand the fire relit itself, he relished in its warmth as the heat filled the room while he emptied the rusty bucket that had become over half full in his absence. Tuesday it was to be then. The day of the beginning of a new chapter or a continuation of the old one, coincidentally, it was the same day that the rent was due. Mr Matthews was just going to have to wait.

Albus looked around the dimly lit living room with a sudden sadness. It had been his secret safe haven in the muggle world since his disownment from his own, but in his heart he knew as surely as Aberforth would send an owl demanding money for the broken door that the time was coming for him to leave it. The muggles had protected him without knowing, even Mr Matthews as discourteous as he was had given him refuge, it was a debt Albus felt unable to repay as much as he wanted to. And to think that he had once plotted their downfall..

He still thought of Gellert. To say a day had passed since they parted where he hadn’t thought of him would have been a monstrous lie, but not nearly as monstrous as what Gellert had become.

But then why did he still yearn? Why did he picture him rebellious and free spirited as he was with such tenderness? A question that nagged him on nights when the moon was barely visible, even more so during thunderous storms that shook the cottage and made the ceiling leak, the rain attacking the thin glass just as it had the morning Gellert departed the Hollow using a Portkey on Bathilda’s front lawn when their eyes met for the final time, never leaving the other as it had lit up. Albus had seen him in his mind and dreams countless times since, but none had been as intense. It was like a part of him had gone missing that day, a dull ache that had been steadily simmering under the surface of every conversation and and hidden desire, it was almost like looking through a veil to something he couldn’t reach, Gellert grinning on the other side with a triumphant “See? I told you that you couldn’t get rid of me!” Look on his face.

Nights like that were different. And now even occasionally, Albus would still fall asleep hoping that he would wake and find himself back in Gellert’s room at Bathilda’s cottage in the Hollow under the gentle glow of the Northern Lights and soft hoot of Dunamis like no time had passed at all.

Chapter Text

Albus had woken up early on the morning of his half dreaded half anticipated arrival at the Wizengamot, and in spite of some brief deliberation he was determined to make it a success.

After digging out his best white shirt from his Ministry dinner party days that miraculously still fit him and matching it with his only trousers that had every button intact, he had positioned himself by the mantelpiece of the fire and been staring at the clock for the past 45 minutes. The torturous ticking had continued for what felt like an eternity, it almost felt as if it was going slower just to annoy him, maybe Aberforth had come along and played a practical joke? Impossible. His brother didn’t even know where he lived for Merlin’s sake!

Albus groaned and sat down on the edge of his rocking chair, quickly grabbing the arms for stability as the chair lurched forward at the new thrust weight upon it. What if he turned up early? That would show interest if nothing else.. but what if people took notice of him and an interrogation crowd formed? He drummed his fingers on the wooden arm as he deliberated his options. It took a loud bang at the door to draw his attention away.

“ALBERT! I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE! I’VE GIVEN YOU LONG ENOUGH TO COUGH UP THAT RENT!”

Albus sighed and strode over to the mantel to pick up a thin white envelope which contained all of the money he currently owned. He had half a mind to only hand it over if Mr Matthews finally agreed that his name was actually Albus, but that was just stirring the cauldron unnecessarily. With a few low muttered grumbles he made his way to the front door and yanked it open to see a stern faced Mr Matthews peering at him like he was an impostor.

“There you are Albert. Now, as promised, I’ve given you until.. Great Scott! I think that’s the smartest I’ve ever seen you dress!”

Mr Matthews was raking over his outfit with undisguised disbelief. Albus tried not to let it bother him and held out the envelope, the fruit of his back breaking hours spent in the library desperately trying to make enough to deliver his dues. Mr Matthews grunted in approval and snatched it roughly.

“I should think so too. Wouldn’t want you to get too comfortable eh Albert? I consider myself a generous man, wouldn’t let no one go unless I felt taken advantage of, I hadn’t felt that from you until recently.. good on you for setting it right.”

“Yes, well you have my apologies once again,” Albus said stiffly. “Money has just been a little tight that’s all.”

Mr Matthews snorted rudely in response. “Well then, you know what to do! You’re a strapping young lad Albert, get your arse out there and work! Money don’t grow on trees you know.”

“I’m well aware of that Mr Matthews,” he said quietly while he tried to close the door by half an inch. “Thank you for your.. advice and hospitality.”

Mr Matthews nodded and tipped his cap. “Don’t let it happen again Albert!” And with that he trotted off down the lane. As he walked, Albus considered shouting, “You do know it’s actually Albus?” After him, but he decided that he wasn’t worth the trouble.

From inside the cottage the clock chimed loudly. He spun around to see that it had finally hit 10 o clock. With excitement he closed the door and glanced in the cracked mirror behind it, after tucking away his awkward curl that even after all of these years he had never been able to tame he grabbed his notebook and the interior of the cottage disappeared.

The Ministry hadn’t changed much if at all, and Albus couldn’t help the warmth that spread through him at being amongst his own community once again. Despite all of the hopelessness and grief, he had missed it terribly much to his own surprise, and he quickly made his way down the crammed entrance hall towards the direction of the Wizengamot chambers.

“Is that the Dumbledore boy?”

“What on earth is he doing here?”

“Oh look who it is William, the lad is probably here to do his weekly spying for Grindelwald! What a nerve he has.”

“OI ALBUS! TELL YOUR BUDDY GRINDELWALD TO STOP KILLING FOLK WOULD YOU?”

Albus kept walking. The stares and remarks he could handle, this was the beginning of a new start! They would see that he wasn’t what they made him out to be.. hopefully.

“Albus! Thank Merlin.. I thought you might not come!”

Elphias took his arm and led him down a narrow corridor away from the prying eyes of the crowd, though Albus felt them on his back like vultures. When they were safely out of the public view, Elphias moved in for a friendly hug.

“I’m sorry about the crowd Albus,” Elphias gabbled in a rushed voice, Albus shook his head understandingly.

“It’s fine Elphias. Believe me, I’m used to it.”

Elphias watched him for a moment with a strange look that was almost pitying. Albus averted his eyes and shuffled his feet discreetly. He hated the feeling that people pited him. He cleared his throat and Elphias looked away.

“Oh yes! Sorry, it’s just down here today,” Elphias said quickly, leading him down the corridor at an increased pace as though he was trying to get him in without anyone noticing. Albus secretly wondered if his presence at the trial had been confirmed with the officials prior to his arrival.

“Elphias?”

“Yes?”

“They do know that I’ll be taking notes?”

Elphias paused and then he laughed a little too loudly to be authentic. “What? Do they.. yes of course they.. come along now.”

Albus ignored the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach and continued to follow Elphias down the corridor until they reached a door which he was ushered through with haste. Oh Merlin.

They were in the main chamber.

“Elphias?” Albus hissed, grabbing his sleeve. “You didn’t say-“

“I know I know!” Elphias said defensively. “I just thought that the bigger the case then the better chance you would have to show them what you can do..”

“DOGE? WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS?”

An elderly wizard in black robes and a hat was shuffling towards them with a look of annoyance. Albus took a few steps back while Elphias placed a hand on his shoulder.

“This is Albus Dumbledore Mr Blackwood,” Elphias announced rather formally. Albus looked at his feet. Barely five minutes in and it was going wrong already.

“I know perfectly who he is Doge,” Mr Blackwood said as he finally reached them. “I mean what on earth is he doing here?”

“Albus has come to take notes on the trial at my invitation,” Elphias said with too much confidence for Albus’s liking. Mr Blackwood looked as though Elphias had spat at him.

“You do not have the authority to make that decision Doge,” Mr Blackwood snapped as dozens of wizards in the same black robes began to file into the chamber and take their seats. “And Mr Dumbledore is not qualified in this position! Not to mention erm.. his past links to a certain dark wizard.”

“Albus has nothing to do with Grindelwald’s choices!” Elphias snapped angrily. “Why should he be punished?”

“That’s enough Doge!” Mr Blackwood hissed as several people began to linger to try and get an ear in on their conversation, Albus prayed that their wasn’t a hidden Prophet reporter who had sneaked in upon seeing his entrance at the Ministry among them.

“I’m afraid it’s just too much of a risk. Whether Mr Dumbledore is innocent or not, the publicity would be atrocious for all parties. I mean no offence Dumbledore,” Mr Blackwood said, turning to look at him. “But until Grindelwald is caught and it is proven that you haven’t been conspiring with him, I fear that you will have great difficulty in our world.”

“But how the hell can he prove himself if he isn’t allowed the chance?” Elphias fought on, Albus gave his sleeve a tug.

“Leave it Elphias,” Albus muttered, tucking his notebook back into his coat. “I’m sorry for the trouble Mr Blackwood. Of course I’ll go.”

Mr Blackwood almost looked guilty. At the last moment before Albus turned to leave, he leaned towards.

“I’m sorry Albus,” Mr Blackwood said in a hushed whisper. “I don’t think you are guilty at all, but you know how hard a crowd can be to contain when they have their minds set on a view. I think it would be easier for you this way.”

Albus gave a small smile. “Thank you sir.” Elphias looked enraged. Albus patted his shoulder as he left through the door he came in, and it wasn’t long before another shadow joined his own.

“Albus listen, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I didn’t know that they would react like that I swear!”

Albus closed his eyes. “Do you not read the Prophet Elphias? Or is it not of an interest to you now that you have your Dragon’s Blood in Diagon Alley?”

Albus realised that Elphias had stopped walking. He opened his eyes and turned to see Elphias standing quite still a few feet behind him, his face etched with hurt. Albus felt sick. How could he have said something so mean spirited?

“Elphias I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean that.” Albus said, rushing back to stand beside him. Elphias smiled weakly and nodded.

“I deserve that. I shouldn’t have dragged you here Albus,” Elphias said softly. “I just.. well I suppose I thought that if they were reminded of how great you are and what you can contribute if given the chance then they might welcome you back.”

Albus was oddly moved by Elphias’s determination. It had always touched him that Elphias had such unabashed loyalty to him, even though he risked losing credit with the Ministry and by proxy the Wizarding World by mere association. It reminded him with a great deal of fondness of the stubborn Hogwarts schoolboy who had climbed the Owlery to try and win favour for his now fulfilled dream of Dragon’s blood being available for purchase, and age hadn’t diminished his spirit one bit.

“You better be going back,” Albus said lightly, “they’ll be missing you!”

Elphias glanced back at the door. They he fixed him with a stare that Albus had seen too many times. He wasn’t giving up.

“Elphias..”

“I mean it Albus. These stubborn arses are going to realise that you’re innocent if it’s the last thing I do!”

Albus laughed and gave him a shove. “Go on, or you’ll be getting the sack too.”

They lingered for several moments and Elphias finally took his leave. Albus had no desire to walk back through the crowded hall and be interrogated on his reasoning for being at the Ministry, perhaps there was a quiet place he could Dissapparate? With a thoughtful spring in his step, he continued down the corridor until he came to another which he decided to follow.

“Stop right there.”

Merlin, what now?

“Elphias, I told you..”

“Can we have a word Albus?”

Not Elphias then.

Albus turned fully prepared to have a confrontation with an intrusive Prophet reporter who had no conception of privacy only to find himself faced with three Ministry workers. There was a tall man with light brown hair who looked about his age, a shorter man who seemed to look at the taller with an aura of worship and a woman with purple hair that had orange marigold flowers in it.

“You know who we are I trust Albus,” the taller one said in a voice that boomed authority. Albus glanced each of them over again and shook his head.

“I’m afraid I don’t.”

The taller one tutted. “Well allow me to enlighten you. My name is Torquil Travers, this is Eustace Potter, and our fine lady over there is Violet Creston. We as you will probably remember if you take a moment to think on it are the team who have been trying to capture Gellert Grindelwald, does that name ring any bells for you Mr Dumbledore?”

Albus almost Dissapparated there and then.

“Who? Oh yes, well I.. I suppose it does.”
Travers pulled out a cigar and lit up. “Good. Would you mind if we took this conversation elsewhere? A few minutes of your time is all we require.”

Albus wracked his brains trying to think of an excuse. How in the name of Merlin did they know he was here? Elphias wouldn’t have tipped them off surely.. Aberforth? A slim possibility but one he knew his brother would take in a heartbeat. Violet stepped forwards and offered a kind smile.

“It’s just a few minutes Albus, then you can be on your way. We just need to find a few things out that’s all.”

“Preferably sooner than later,” Travers interrupted snappily, opening a door to a dark office that instantly gained light. “Come on in Dumbledore, we don’t bite.”

Seeing no way out, Albus reluctantly entered the office and sat in one of the chairs that magically appeared in front of a large desk that was littered with papers. The office walls were to his dismay, covered from top to bottom with cutouts of Gellert and scraps of information on his supposed whereabouts. Travers waltzed into the office with the sense of a man who knew he was in charge and sat in the red chair behind the desk. Eustace and Violet took their positions behind him, Albus thought ironically about how he came to the Ministry to observe a trial and now it seemed that he was set to receive his own.

“So Dumbledore,” Travers said, reaching for a case file at the corner of the desk before starting to flick through it lazily. “Tell me of your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald.”

“We were..”

Friends? Acquaintances? Lovers?

“Friends in our youth.” He managed to say at last.

Travers took one last inhale of his cigar before discarding it in a tray on the desk. “Close friends would you say?”

“I.. well I suppose in a certain way yes.”

Albus prayed for a natural disaster.

“Interesting.. and you have had no contact with Mr Grindelwald since this kinship broke down?”

“No.”

Travers looked unconvinced. Eustace looked bored, Violet had her eyes screwed shut as her hair slowly transitioned to dark green. Albus wanted nothing more than to return to his cottage on Waddlesworth Lane and forget all about his botched attempt to re-enter society, and more than that to escape talking about Gellert.

“I see.. well I’m sure you can understand why we wished to talk to you Dumbledore, a man who was as close to Grindelwald as you were would be the most valuable asset to our team.” Albus got up at once. “I’m afraid I don’t think that I would be of much use to you Travers. It was so long ago I don’t even remember much about him-“

“It was barely 10 years ago Albus.” Travers said snappily, leaving his chair and coming round the scattered desk to lean against the front of it. “Funny isn’t it, once you were on the front page of the Prophet almost weekly and now you’re a secretive recluse with barely any ties to your own world! Why is that I wonder?”

“I know the theory,” Albus said, standing to face him. “That I’m somehow conspiring with Gellert to overthrow you all and rule the world..”

“All we want is your help Albus,” Eustace chipped in, coming forward to stand beside Travers who looked like a bad tempered retriever. “A wizard of your abilities could be making a huge difference. At least think on it?”

“Look!” Albus said exasperated. “Truth be told, we didn’t even know each other that well..”

“You clearly knew each other well enough to still be on first name basis years later!” Travers said smugly. “You know what I think Dumbledore? I think that you are hiding something from us.”

Albus bit his tounge and hoped that Travers wasn’t well versed in Occlumency. If there was any time for him to leave, it would be now.

“I can assure you that I’m not,” Albus said brightly, one foot already back in the hallway. “But if I do come up with any extra information that would be relevant to your case then I will let you know. Goodbye Mr Travers, Miss Creston, Mr Potter.”

Travers scowled and opened his mouth but Albus turned the corner before he could form words. Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to come to the Ministry after all. He had been turned away from a job opportunity, interrogated by the team looking for his former lover and now they were possibly onto him as a suspect in conspiracy. What a wonderful bloody morning!

“Albus? Is that you dear?”

Albus couldn’t believe his eyes. His old neighbour Bathilda Bagshot stood at the end of the corridor, an armful of books in one hand and a purple weaved handbag in the other, her blonde hair was a paler and her skin a little finer, but otherwise she remained unchanged.

“Bathilda?” He exclaimed, Bathilda came hurrying up the corridor and wrapped her arms around him so fast she dropped her books.

“Albus! It’s been so long! Where on earth have you been?” Bathilda cried, Albus knelt down to pick up her books and stood to hand them back, his eyes briefly scanned the cover and he smiled.

MERMAIDS: A DEEP SEA DIVE INTO A MURKY HISTORY BY BATHILDA BAGSHOT

“New book then?” He asked, Bathilda smiled as he handed over the final copy.

“Yes dear, it’s being released at the end of the week!” Bathilda said happily, tucking her hair back with a flowery pin. “I was inspired after a visit up North, they truly are the most intriguing creatures Albus.”

“I can imagine,” he said politely. “It’s so nice to see you Bathilda, I’m sorry that I haven’t been to visit more often.. things have been a bit tricky in recent years.”

Bathilda squeezed his arm. “I understand Albus. You’ve had such a terrible time since Kendra died, Merlin hasn’t been on your side has he?”

Albus bit the inside of his cheek. “No I suppose he hasn’t,” he muttered. “I hate to be rude but I really should get going Bathilda.” He wanted to stay and chat for hours. But a nagging thought in the back of his mind was screaming at him to leave just in case Travers stuck his head out again in another attempt to recruit him in the Gellert case. Thankfully by some miracle, Bathilda seemed to understand.

“Of course dear, don’t let me keep you,” Bathilda smiled, clutching her books under her arm. “It was lovely to see you again Albus. And anytime you are in Godric’s Hollow you know where I live for a nice cup of tea!”

Albus waved at her as she passed him, he watched her leave until her purple bag was barely visible and it eventually disappeared in the far distance of the corridor. After a quick glance around for any hidden Prophet reporters he slipped into a broom cupboard and Dissapparated, arriving back in his living room on Waddlesworth Lane as the clock struck eleven.

“Well that was successful,” he muttered, shrugging off his coat and throwing it over the back of the wooden rocking chair, the only new addition to the room was a newspaper sitting on top of the broken dresser with a small letter on top of it. Albus groaned as he realised who its sender was. He plucked it up and broke the wax seal, his suspicions being confirmed at the untidy scrawl that was held within.

Albus.

Send five Galleons for a new door by Friday.

Aberforth

Albus folded the letter and put it behind the clock on the mantelpiece, deciding that it was something that could be dealt with later. He kicked off his shoes and sat down in the rocking chair and reached for the latest edition of the Prophet that lay beside it, breathing a sigh of relief when there wasn’t a picture of Gellert in sight. His relief was short lived when he realised that a picture of himself stared back instead, a much younger version standing in Diagon Alley that had been edited beyond belief.

It was only upon closer inspection he realised that it was the picture that had been taken after he and Gellert had captured the Dusktown Robbers, only Gellert had been cleverly snipped out and there was no sign of the kneeling thieves that had been before their feet, only an image of him with a smile that beamed such arrogance that it couldn’t even be disguised by the black and white ink. His stomach fell impossibly further when he read the headline and the writer of the piece, an impending feeling of doom had begun to spread through him like a tidal wave.

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE AS I KNOW HIM, A SUMMING UP OF A GREAT WIZARD

Written by Elphias Doge

Albus Dumbledore and I first crossed paths at the tender age of eleven on our first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, both of us arriving with mutual troubles. I was suffering from a rather nasty case of Dragon Pox and Albus had a reputation as a muggle hater due to the crimes of his father, though I can assure you dear reader that he was nothing of the sort.

We quickly struck up a close friendship and became nearly inseparable. Unfortunately my slowness in certain subjects was the cause of a great amount of bullying amongst the other students in our early years, but Albus because quite adapt at sussing out my discomfort and became a safety net of sorts. The false claims that he was a muggle hater thankfully did not hold, and he rose to become one of the most popular students in the year.

Famed as a young boy for his cleverness and quick wit, Albus would only go on to achieve even greater accomplishments as we progressed through the school, and I was only too happy to see him flourish. Though I must confess, I did harbour fears at a certain point that he would be overcome with his own greatness and see me and our friendship as a dead weight and something that was tying him down, for as I have already mentioned I was no where near being the brightest wand in the box. To my utter delight and relief, this would never become the case and we remained as friendly as ever. In all our time at Hogwarts we never missed a single lunchtime to meet up and discuss how our respective days had progressed!

In the time leading up to the end of our seventh and final year, Albus suggested that we take a trip to celebrate our graduation, a request that I was only too happy to be involved in. For months during our traditional lunchtime meetings the hot topic of conversation would be that of our trip, and after several rounds of Wand Hippogriff and Elf we finally decided on Greece being the first stop of the journey. We both had a mutual fascination with the dragons (myself for personal reasons) but Albus was just as willing to learn about magical creatures as he was to transform a scone into a teacup which he did tremendously. At last the time of our trip came, and we both travelled to the Leaky Cauldron to await our Portkey that would take us to our desired destination only for disaster to strike at the last moment, the tragic death of Albus’s mother Kendra.

Naturally I postponed the trip that I highly suspected that I would now be taking alone and attended the funeral to be of moral support, something I do not regret. For all our years of friendship prior to her death, I never did meet Kendra in person, though I have been informed by many of my colleagues who knew her personally that she was nothing less than a fine woman. After the funeral Albus and I bid our goodbyes, and I left for our trip with a feeling of melancholy and loss.

Our correspondence was scattered for the next few months after that, though I did manage to keep him well informed of my progess in Dragon’s blood sales, and he in turn gave me snippets of his daily life which was far less grand that what he had originally planned. I think it would be safe to say that this was a tumultuous time in Albus’s life, mostly because of the death of his beloved sister Ariana so close behind that of his mother, but also because of the deception of someone he considered a friend taking a dark path.

I know this is the question that you have all been scrabbling for, it might even be the reason that you dear reader have read this far at all! But I’m here to give you the honest truth. Albus mentioned Gellert several times in his letters, all of which where by all means positive, but I can honestly say freely that I sensed no trace of deception, and for that matter nor did he. I think that Albus was incredibly struck by grief during this period, and this new mysterious stranger next door gave him that sense of companionship that he had been missing while caring for his siblings following the loss of his parents. Their friendship was by all hints that I received through his letters a happy one, and I don’t think that Albus was ever aware of Gellert’s true colours until the rest of the world was.

In all the years I have known Albus, he has never once shown an interest in the dark arts beyond an educational curiosity, and I have never felt unsafe in his presence, in fact the complete opposite. The suggestion that he has been assisting Grindelwald in his crimes are to my mind and anyone who has had the upmost pleasure of his friendship, utterly ludicrous. In my experience he has been nothing but an honest and compassionate being with no taste for pride or arrogant eccentrics, and I can safely say that I don’t see that changing in the near or distant future. One who has known Albus on the level that I myself have can only hope that the rest of our community will soon realise that they have been crucifying the wrong man, and that Albus Dumbledore is no more Judas Iscariot than I am a tap dancing Hippogriff. I ask only dear reader, that you take what I have said with an open mind, and if you yourself have been guilty of having these views that you reevaluate what you know and for future reference, try not to judge a book by its cover until you have heard the full story.

Underneath the last line of the article was a picture of himself and Elphias as schoolboys, Humbug his old owl was perched on his arm while Elphias threw an arm around his shoulder, his face beaming with delight. Despite his initial misgivings about the article, Albus couldn’t stop himself from smiling at the picture. As touched as he was for the effort from Elphias, he wished that he hadn’t rented out the front cover of the Prophet to tell their story, perhaps a few pages in? Albus could see the sour look on Aberforth’s face in his mind so clearly it almost felt real. The last thing he needed was more sibling rivalry especially so close to the Hog’s Tavern incident. Albus scanned the picture and looked lower down to see the adverts for jobs posted below it, who knows? Maybe there would be a well paying cleaning job at the Leaky Cauldron? Counting gold at Gringotts? Albus chuckled to himself until his eyes reached the final advert which made him pause. The Hogwarts crest sat directly in the middle of the square with a title directly underneath it in bold letters.

HELP WANTED: DETAILS BELOW

Do you have a thirst for learning? Do you work well in a fast paced environment? Well this might be just the job for you!

Hogwarts is hiring!

We are looking for a well qualified witch or wizard to join our team, must be 21 or over and be available to start work by the 1st of September. Pay is 10 Galleons a week though this is flexible depending on your position. Don’t delay, enquire today!

Albus read the advert over a dozen times, temptation nagging at his chest the more he read it. Could it be for him? It wasn’t out of the direct view of the Wizarding community but it wasn’t entirely in it either, the pay was good, and hadn’t he said something about possibly working at Hogwarts before?

He had just reached for his quill to write his reply when an extremely old owl came hurting through the window and crashed into the moth eaten rug by the fire with a pathetic screech, a letter weakly gripped in its beak. Albus picked the owl up and set it on top of the broken dresser, after giving it a stroke he gently pulled the letter free from its beak, the colour of the wax seal holding it shut giving him a good idea of who it was from.

Albus.

Just got the newest edition of the Prophet. Writing to inform you that I’m adding an extra 5 Galleons onto the door bill for the arrogant picture on the front cover alone, followed by another 5 for the snobbish article after it. I’ll expect the 15 by Friday. Tell Doge to get a life!

Aberforth

The owl hooted and flew off, hitting the window frame as it departed. Albus stood and placed this newest update in Aberforth’s demands behind the last on the mantelpiece before turning to pick up his quill once again.

“Well that settles it then,” he said to himself while finishing off the first line in his personal statement. With debts like that he was going to need a job!

Chapter Text

For the first time since his now infamous parting with Aberforth on his return to Hogwarts after the death of Ariana, Albus returned to Platform Nine and Three Quarters with his belongings packed up into a trunk and the hope that his gamble would pay off.

After a bittersweet parting from Number 8 Waddlesworth Lane which involved trying to pry a sobbing Mrs Partridge off his leg when he went to bid his goodbyes, a curt Mr Matthews who had offered him a cigar as a final parting gift which he politely declined and a brief visit to the library that he had spent so many hours in to say farewell, it was time for him to leave Chittlehampton.

The platform was dominated by its usual hustle and bustle, parents sobbing into scraps of fabric and burly sixth years who were starting to look too big for the robes that they wore, owls hooting and a hopeful Prophet seller who had positioned himself cleverly by the gateway, Albus had a sudden sense of belonging that he hadn’t experienced since his own time arriving for school with Elphias.

After wheeling his trunk over to a pile that was being loaded by an ageing wizard who he swore had been there in his first year, Albus boarded the Hogwarts Express and began the task of trying to find a relatively empty compartment. Thankfully Merlin was on his side and it only took several minutes before he located one that was empty near the front of the train, he pulled open the stiff door with a grunt and closed it with far greater ease, a black curtain fell over the glass with a wave of his wand giving him total seclusion.

He fished an arm underneath the seats to try and locate an old newspaper, anything to give him a source of entertainment for the long journey that he had made seven times before. After some unsuccessful fumbling which resulted in finding a broken Zonkos toy and 2 empty Chocolate Frog boxes, Albus reclined in his seat and resigned himself to making origami out of one of the boxes. The train screeched to life and the compartment juddered as it started to move, distant farewells from the parents still stuck on the platform could be heard through the gaps in the door until they faded into the background and became an afterthought.

Out of curiosity, Albus picked up the spare Chocolate Frog box and peered inside for the card, the merry face of Godric Gryffindor stared back at him as he pried it free of the squashed packaging. He twirled it in his hands absentmindedly as the train chugged on, the outside scenery had slipped into trees and hills, at least they were in the country now. The only downside was that it meant they were that bit closer to reaching Hogwarts, and that was where he would find out if his reception was to be a happy one. At least they hadn’t turned down his application, which was one positive indication.. Albus pushed his worries to the corner of his mind and glanced at the Chocolate Frog card, half of him wondering what it would be like to be on a card himself…

“FIRST YEARS! FIRST YEARS THIS WAY! QUICKLY NOW FIRST YEARS!”

Albus shuffled past the crowd of students and moved towards the lane that led to the carriages, to his relief one was already parked in the bay with a single Thestral to pull it.

“You must be the new recruit then,” the driver croaked as he climbed into the seats that were padded with frayed purple cushions. Barely a second after he had sat down the carriage began to move. Albus nodded as he regained his composure.

“Yes I am,” he replied. “It’s reassuring to know that you are expecting me!”

And it was. His mind flittered back to his failed attempt to take notes on the case at the Wizengamot and he cringed. This was far better and a little more private, at 10 Galleons a week he would be paying Aberforth back in no time!

“Don’t I know you son?” The driver inquired, craning his head round to get a good look at him. “You’re the Dumbledore fella aren’t you? The one Dingbat Doge wrote about in the Prophet?”

That was a new one.

“Yes, Elphias is a good friend of mine,” he replied rather pointedly, the driver could see that he had made a vast mistake in referring to Elphias as such a name and quickly turned to face the front. Thankfully this resulted in the rest of the carriage drive to the school being in silence and Albus wasn’t about to complain, Merlin forbid the conversation turn in the direction of Gellert.

The carriage eventually trundled to a stop, the lone Thestral snorted to announce its arrival at its destination and after thanking the driver, Albus clambered out and began his walk up to Hogwarts. The castle was illuminated in light, what seemed to be a thousand windows were scattered from the great hall to the highest turret, a familiar schoolboy excitement arose inside of him at the sight. He was home again.

With eagerness he hurried up the stone steps, narrowly missing tripping up on a few in his haste he reached a great wooden door with round handles, he knocked twice and the door opened leading to a magnificent staircase lined with brightly lit torches. At the top of the steps stood a smartly dressed witch in an emerald green robe covered in stars, she had black hair that reached her waist and a heart shaped face that radiated warmth. Albus found himself taking to her at once. She had the same kind aura as Bathilda, it reminded him of happier times in the Hollow. The witch finally noticed his presence when he reached the step below her and she smiled.

“Ah, you must be Albus Dumbledore, a pleasure to meet you,” She said pleasantly, a hand slipping inside her robe to pull out a sheet of paper that Albus guessed was his personal statement. “I’m Marigold Finchley, I teach Transfiguration, you’ll be taking up the post as an assistant to the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Mr Dumbledore.”

“Just Albus please,” he said. “Might I ask who it is that I’ll be assisting? I wasn’t informed on my acceptance letter.”

Marigold dug into her robe once again and produced another sheet of paper, her eyes scanned it for a brief moment.

“You’ll be assisting Mr Gaunt,” She said, handing over a list of instructions as they continued to the climb the staircase. “A word of caution, he isn’t the most pleasant man at times so you’ll be wise to give him no reason to badger you Albus, I’ve seen him get very nasty.”

Albus nodded with great relief. A troublesome colleague he could manage quite easily, at least he was hired! When they reached the end of a long corridor Marigold indicated a door with a silver plaque upon it, Albus felt a leap of joy. Finally something that was his own!

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE: ASSISTANT OF DEFENCE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS

“This is your office Albus,” Marigold informed him, opening the door with a flick of her wand. “You’ll find your sleeping quarters inside on the left, the lavatory on the right. Mr Gaunt’s classroom is just upstairs to the left in room 3A. Preparation for lessons typically starts at around 7am so an early start is definitely an order!”

“Thank you Mrs Finchley,” Albus said, stepping inside the office, his trunk was already there and sitting on a wooden cabinet that looked on the brink of collapsing under the weight.

“Just Marigold please,” She mimicked, flashing him a smile before sweeping off down the corridor.

Albus closed the door and set to work unpacking his belongings, he could have sworn that the cabinet gave a groan in relief at the trunk being removed off the top of it. His sleeping quarters were quite satisfactory, a wooden bed with a sink in mattress, a wardrobe that refused to open until he threatened it with his wand and a small space to store his trunk. Compared to his leaking ceiling in Chittlehampton it was luxurious. He was feeling surprisingly chirpy, it felt so good to be back at Hogwarts, he hadn’t realised how much he had missed it until he took sight of the ghostly silhouette of the castle after leaving the Thestral carriage..

“DUMBLEDORE! HURRY UP AND GET THOSE BOOKS!”

What a first week.

Professor Larson Gaunt was as Albus had discovered very shortly into their partnership as teacher and assistant, was one of if not the most unpleasant man he had ever met. He seemed to take delight in finding ways to pile him up with work, each more taxing than the last. In nearly a week he had sorted the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom 3 times, scraped boiled sweets from underneath the desks, filed notes on all the defensive spells taught from A to Z and become a glorified personal servant to Professor Gaunt.

Albus stretched painfully and his muscles cracked, the visual proof of his torturous labour and tried to walk down the corridor towards the storage room with as much dignity as he could muster. Marigold on the other hand had been wonderful, it had fast become the best part of his day when at last after being dismissed by Gaunt from service and he was back on his office she would tap twice on his door, a flask of Firewhisky and two glasses in hand. Albus was almost certain that he now knew more about her after a week than he knew about Aberforth. She was deeply interested in her Transfiguration profession, had a knack for Quidditch and a liking for muggle sweets which made him burst with delight. He had forgotten how wonderful it was to have someone to talk to, it was the thing he had missed the most about the Auror office through all of his years at the cottage in Chittlehampton, just the visual image of having a shoulder to lean on was very reassuring.

He had almost reached the murky cupboard with the books which he was entirely certain that Gaunt would have him cleaning before the week was through when a rustling from behind him drew his attention away from the handle.

Albus turned just in time to see a door appear out of thin air, it’s frame growing larger and larger on the wall opposite the storage cupboard until it became fully formed and swung open as if in greeting.

Albus craned his head up the corridor to make sure that Gaunt wasn’t hiding behind a pillar ready to catch him out before sliding inside the door and gently clicking it shut. The room was very dark, a thin beam of light was his only line of guidance as he stepped into its centre, almost instantly torches on the wall that he hadn’t even noticed were there lit up to reveal a grand gold mirror at the corner of the room. Albus couldn’t believe his eyes. Surely it couldn’t be! He stumbled over to the frame in shock, his eyes drifting up to the writing in swirved letters which was placed at its top, confirming his suspicions in a single moment.

It was The Mirror of Erised.

Albus had heard of it in theory, but he had no idea that it actually existed, and in the very place he had spent his teenage years! An image of Elphias staring into it and imagining a pet dragon filled his mind and he was suddenly very grateful that they hadn’t had access to it as they would never have left. He had been so busy admiring the frame’s markings that he hadn’t noticed another figure had joined his reflection in the glass, and he didn’t need to look twice to recognise who it was.

Albus nearly fainted in shock.

Gellert Grindelwald stood next to him in the mirror in his usual black attire that he only knew so well, a puff sleeved shirt and black waistcoat with silver buttons, the Deathly Hallows chain sat around his neck with their blood pact right next to it, his blonde hair was tousled the same way it was when they had been flying.

He looked older than Albus remembered him, but his mischievous smile was every bit the same as it had been when they were first introduced to the other in Bathilda’s kitchen, and Albus felt the familiar ache that plagued him whenever the image of Gellert was presented to him. He couldn’t lie, it felt good to see him even if only a reflection, but he couldn’t swallow down the guilt of the knowledge that what his presence in the mirror meant, proof of where his heart lay despite all the loss and grief.

“DUMBLEDORE? WHERE ARE YOU? I NEED THOSE BOOKS!”

Albus quickly covered over the mirror with a black satin sheet and left the room in a hurry, half of him having the mind to check and make sure that Gellert wasn’t following him even if he knew it to be impossible, his presence even in a projection of his own creation had felt more real than it had in years. He dashed to the storage cupboard and loaded his arms with books, the ones he couldn’t carry floated along behind him in a neatly stacked pile. He couldn’t help himself from sneaking a second glance at the door containing the mirror as he passed.

“DUMBLEDORE!”

“I’m coming!” He called back, picking up his pace with heightened agitation. Of all the teachers in the school that he could have been paired with, he had to be given the most unpleasant one.. at least Aberforth could find it amusing at the bare minimum.

Albus secretly thanked Merlin for Marigold while the students filed in for the next lesson with Professor Gaunt, he joined the back of the line with the books in hand which he placed on the front desk when the students had taken their seats. Gaunt tutted disapprovingly and muttered something about speaking to him after the lesson had finished before turning to face the class, Albus took his usual position at the back and fell into a half aware daydream, his thoughts helplessly slipping back to Gellert and his place in the mirror, it was certainly something he would have to visit again…

“Dumbledore? I said could you hand out the books?” Gaunt snapped loudly, breaking his trance. The students began to laugh amongst themselves when he finally took notice. Albus turned pink and hurried up the isle of seats with his head down, a part of him terrified that he had been dreaming out loud.

“Not the sharpest is he?” Gaunt mocked while he made his way around the classroom, Albus smiled against the teasing laughter that filled the room. It was better not to give him the satisfaction. Gaunt was the sort of person that once they knew that their words bothered you, they would make it a mission to catch you at every turn, and Albus had no intention of giving him the pleasure.

After an unusually long period of poking fun Gaunt clapped his hands and drew the attention to the front of the room once more, Albus handed out the last book and sat on his perch at the back of the room. For a moment he imagined Gellert standing in Gaunt’s place with a look of disbelief at his taking of Gaunt’s abuse of power over him and a smile that promised retribution, Albus quirked his lip in amused fondness at the thought until the usual guilt poisoned it.

If Gaunt was being like this so early in the day then that only meant one thing, he was in the mood to use him for all he was worth. Albus suppressed a groan at the idea at tried to direct his focus on the lesson, but his mind couldn’t be any further away from 17th century dark wizards than if he’d been slapped over the head with an iron pan by an elf. It was going to be a long day..

“How is assistant life treating you Albus? Larson isn’t being too.. well him I hope?”

Albus gave her a face that screamed “what do you think?” Marigold smiled sadly. After a day that was every bit as disastrous as he had expected he needed an escape, and he didn’t need to be asked twice when Marigold came knocking on his office and suggested that they take a walk. His mind needed fresh air more than any Firewhisky she might have offered. They had taken a detour off the beaten track to a place in the woods that Marigold said sported wonderful views, and Albus was happy to oblige.

“Don’t take it too personally Albus, he’s unpleasant to everyone.”

Albus laughed flatly and stepped over a long tree root that was in the middle of Marigold’s suggested path. “Yes well when you’ve spent 5 hours scraping sweets off the bottom of desks that have probably been there since my first year it feels quite personal,” He said, swatting away a wasp that had taken an interest in the toffee in his left pocket. Marigold looked sympathetic.

“If it’s any consolation Albus, he forced his last assistant to degutter the Owlery at 3 in the morning without magic, so at least you’ve escaped that!”

“So far,” Albus muttered, Elphias’s antics at the Owlery in their own schooldays immediately coming to mind, he made a mental note to visit and see if the weathervane was still hanging on or if Professor Smallfoot had scrapped it after finally yanking him down.

“What’s funny?” Marigold asked, Albus chuckled and shook his head. “Nothing, just.. old memories. It’s so strange being back here, but at the same time it feels like I never left.”

“I know, it can get quite nostalgic,” Marigold said grinning, pushing through a thicket of branches and beckoning him to follow. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

“What is it?” He asked curiously, Marigold remained tight lipped and Albus knew that she wasn’t going to spill. He followed wordlessly after that, his mind concocting all sorts of possibilities as to what it could be ranging from a heard of Centaurs to a bloodthirsty Vampire looking for a sacrifice, perhaps Aberforth still seeking the extra 10 Galleons after he refused to pay more than the 5 for the door? His theories were put to rest when the thick of the bushes ended and a clearing was revealed, at least 4 Hippogriffs stood with their heads bowed, each of them sniffing at at the ground for food.

“How did you know they were?”

“I found them a few days ago,” Marigold said happily, bowing low to the nearest Hippogriff that had taken an interest. Albus repeated the action to another that craned it’s head up towards him and he patted it’s curved beak.

“So what do you think?” Marigold asked airily, climbing up onto the back of the Hippogriff she had become acquainted with, her eyes flickering back between him and his own. “Are you up for it Albus?”

Albus stood in silent surprise. “Are you serious?” He called up to her, Marigold rolled her eyes and smirked.

“As a case of Spattergroit Albus. Go on! One flight won’t hurt you.”

Albus considered muttering something about not being good with heights when a cool beak nudged his arm, wide eyes stared into his expectantly. He couldn’t exactly let them down now could he? But when was the last time he had flown? Merlin, it must have been when he used to go flying with..

He ignored the sudden shakiness in his hands and clambered up onto the Hippogriff’s back, cautiously finding his grip amongst the endless row of feathers. Eventually he settled on wrapping his arms around its neck which only seemed to amuse Marigold who had conjured a rope as a rein. Albus cursed himself that he hadn’t thought of it as the giant creature squawked and took off at a run, it’s wings unfurled on either side of him and Albus had to shift slightly further up its neck to avoid his legs getting whacked by them. Then with a burst of energy they took off from the ground, the dirt covered ground below became more and more opaque the higher up they got before disappearing altogether when they burst through the trees.

Albus looked over to see Marigold flying a few feet away from him, her shoulders back with the ease of someone who was experienced in flying, he suddenly felt quite self conscious at his hunched over position on his own Hippogriff, his desperate arms clinging onto its neck for dear life, but the magnificent views soon put his mind at rest. It utterly marvellous.

After half an hour of flying they had flown the length of the river twice, circled the Owlery and reached the outskirts of Hogsmeade though he declined on Marigold’s suggestion that they got any closer just in case Aberforth happened to crane his neck out of the window of the Hog’s Tavern at that precise moment. Partly due to not wanting to endure his brother’s slagging off at his terrible posture, and also just in case he tried to stun him off the Hippogriff’s back, judging by the terms that they had last parted on Albus wouldn’t put it past Aberforth to try.

He finally drew a line on the flying exhibition when his arms started to cramp from holding on and he feared for how much longer he could continue without falling. Albus was pleasantly surprised by how much easier landing was than he had initially thought, but it was certainly possible that the Hippogriff was taking pity on him.

“Well, what do you think?” Marigold said breathlessly, sliding down off her Hippogriff’s back, an action he repeated moments later on his own but far less gracefully. “Something that we should do again? What do you say about Friday?”

Albus laughed his most genuine laugh in ages. It was funny, he hadn’t felt this free and level of enjoyment in someone’s company since Gellert. True that there was no attraction beyond friendship in this case, but that wasn’t what he needed nor wanted. In all cases, he doubted very much that he would ever again feel for anyone what he felt for Gellert, but like Aberforth had said many years ago in their destroyed kitchen close to the death of Ariana, it was almost entirely for the best.

“We’ll see,” Albus smiled, rubbing the Hippogriff’s nose affectionately. “It depends if Gaunt sees fit to release me or if he’s going to pile on even more after hours work.”

“Tell him to stick it!” Marigold joked, throwing a sugar cube into the group of Hippogriffs who all made a dive for it. “Surely you can’t be spending all of your time slaving away for him? Are there any other distractions taking up your time? Apart from our Firewhisky meetings!”

Albus winced at the familiar ache. “Just the one,” he admitted, a picture of Gellert in the mirror immediately coming to mind with such strong clarity that he longed to be back before it.

“Could it have anything to do with a certain mirror Albus?”

He would have liked to have pretended to be clueless, but his reaction was instantaneous and a dead giveaway. Albus made a mental note to work on his self control when the suggestion of Gellert was involved.

“How do you know?” He asked surprised.

“I’ve seen you go in there after our meetings,” Marigold replied, trying to gently push away a greedy Hippogriff that was trying to sneak another sugar cube from her pocket. “Anything or anyone particular calling you there?”

“Just something that I can’t have,” Albus said quietly. He liked Marigold, what was the point in keeping secrets?

The Hippogriff that had been attempting to steal an extra cube gave an annoyed snort and returned to the flock, Marigold turned away from them and shifted instead to meet his gaze, a look of curiosity in her eyes that held no pressure. It was strangely reassuring.

“I don’t suppose it could have anything to do with Gellert Grindelwald?”

Albus gave a tight lipped smile. “What gave me away?”

“The look in your eyes whenever Gaunt shoves the Prophet under your nose at breakfast demanding answers when he’s on the front cover for his latest crime,” Marigold explained, her words slow and carefully placed. “It’s the same way that I looked at Diggory before we got together, when you’re in love with someone that some people say you shouldn’t be.”

“Yes but he’s muggle Marigold, there’s nothing wrong with that. He also isn’t a mass murder who wants to commit genocide and takeover the world.” Albus groaned, Marigold’s eyes crinkled in concern.

“Oh Albus, you’ve got yourself into a right mess haven’t you?” Marigold uttered, wiping her hands free of the remnants from the sugar cubes. “Why don’t you take a break from looking into it? If it’s only causing you anguish, it might not be a bad thing to consider.”

“I don’t need to look into a mirror to see him, he’s always with me. Either smirking at me in a newspaper article or tormenting me in my mind, I can’t escape from him.”

Marigold watched him for a long moment before asking, “do you want to?”

Albus pondered on the answer until one of the Hippogriffs took flight leading the others to copy, it was like a domino effect and before long the sky was full with the beating of wings, but it didn’t drown out Marigold’s enquiry. He plunged his hands into his pockets and inhaled the scent of pine, a cool contrast against the crisp Scottish air that he loved as much now as he had on his first day.

“I suppose we’ll see,” he said at last, staring off into the skies where the Hippogriffs soared in circles above them in a dance, the whole spectacle was oddly enchanting. Albus wondered if Dunamis had ever returned to Gellert following his departure from the Hollow, would Humbug have followed? He had never seen fit to replace her in the years since their parting, maybe one day something would catch his eye..

“Why don’t we head back?” Marigold suggested, pulling a red and gold scarf out of her pockets which were unusually deep for how they appeared. “We don’t want to give Larson another reason to have you scraping sweets from under the desks!”

Albus smiled and reflected with much relief that following his hours of tedious cleaning, there likely wasn’t a single desk left in the entire Dark Arts department that had a single sweet trace left on the underside. Nevertheless, it seemed foolish to rock the boat. They walked out of the woods and began the trek back up to the castle in pleasant conversation, the distant squawks of the hippogriffs and the occasional wonder of what his new pet could be if he chose to get one being the only thought playing on his mind until they reached the front steps and the squawking retreated into the thickness of the woods.

Chapter Text

22 December 1907

GRINDELWALD’S CRONIES ATTACK INTERNATIONAL PHOENIX INSTITUTE, 4 WORKERS MURDERED AND 9 INJURED, WITNESSES SAY THAT PHOENIXES ARE SHAKEN BUT SAFE

Reported by Abigail Inchwell

In a shock twist of Grindelwald’s continued rampage against the magical world we are taken this time to Berlin, where our once beloved fallen son has struck this time at the International Phoenix Institute, this is another in a string of magical creature related attacks from the infamous fiend. We are told by a credible source that Grindelwald’s followers struck the site at a little past 9 yesterday evening, with the attack lasting a little over 15 minutes before they were headed off by Aurors, by all reports we are told that they were not able to secure any of the Phoenixes held at the Institute. In the 15 minute attack 4 lives were claimed and 9 others were injured though 3 are in critical state. In a tribute to the fallen, we will list their names below.

IN LOVING MEMORY AND IN AWE OF THEIR HEROISM

Christopher Lang

Katie Smith

Embry Hecklesby

Arnold Endsworth

A first on the scene told our newest senior reporter following the retirement of Claudia Rosier this in the following statement:

“We do not yet know why Mr Grindelwald is choosing to target these places or why he appears to be hunting Phoenixes but know this, we are doing everything in our power to apprehend Mr Grindelwald and bring him to justice with specialised teams working on plans to capture him as I speak to you. The families of the fallen have our sincerest heartfelt sympathies and as a token of our gratitude for their bravery, all funerals will be paid in full by the Ministry. Caution is advised to all.”

- Statement by first responder to the scene of the crime

“Oh no,” Marigold moaned, putting down the paper on the table amongst the breakfast bowls and flagons of Pumpkin juice. “Christopher was Best Man at our wedding.. Diggory will be gutted.”

“I’m so sorry Marigold,” Albus said quietly, putting a hand on her back while she wept into a damp handkerchief. Marigold raised a hand to her shoulder which he took and gave a reassuring squeeze. Professor Gaunt snorted loudly.

“It’s odd how Grindelwald is managing to attack these places considering how well protected by the Ministry they are,” Gaunt said coolly, giving him the side eye which Albus pretended not to notice and instead continued to support Marigold. “One might think that he was receiving help.”

“From who Larson?” Professor Merryworth called up to them from her position at the end of the table where she had been ladling porridge into her breakfast bowl. “You can’t be surprised that he managed it, the man is mad!”

Gaunt put down the book on magical birds he had been pretending to read and looked directly at him. “I am merely suggesting that he might have been receiving help from someone who has the magical capability, someone he knew quite well..”

“What do you mean by that?” Marigold croaked, wiping her eyes one final time before raising her tear streaked face to glance at a skin crawlingly smug Professor Gaunt who looked like a child who had been permitted to pick a sweet from the tin.

“You can’t possibly suggest that Albus had anything to do with it Larson!” Professor Merryworth cried, Albus looked away. He had known it was only going to be a matter of time before the allegations came knocking.

“Of course not my dear, only that our friend Mr Dumbledore has quite the past behind him, a close bond with the most dangerous dark wizard of our time, a strained relationship with his troubled brother rumour has it, a mother and sister both dead within a short time of each other in mysterious circumstances so I am told..”

“You go to far Larson!” Marigold snapped angrily. “Albus has nothing to do with these attacks!”

Gaunt’s face turned sour. “But how can we be sure? A man with a murky past such as his, a father sent to rot in Azkaban for killing muggles, not to mention his connection to Grindelwald, Dumbledore could very well be plotting ways to murder us on his behalf under this very roof!”

“That’s enough,” hissed Professor Kirkwell who was looking very annoyed. “I don’t believe that it is fair to continue to punish Albus for an unfortunate friendship in his youth. Until I see rock solid proof that he is conspiring with Grindelwald and not just your reckless allegations Larson, he has my full trust.”

“Second that!” Squeaked Professor Merryworth, it was shortly followed by a chorus of the teachers agreeing. Albus would have been touched by their show of loyalty if he wasn’t so humiliated. Gaunt looked as though he had been slapped.

“I see I am to be outvoted then,” Gaunt said icily, picking up his glass of Pumpkin juice and standing from the table, his dark robes swishing as he moved. “Dumbledore, I’ll expect you in five minutes to begin preparations.”

Albus watched as he went, a dozen eyes surrounding him at the teachers table followed the back of Gaunt’s long robes as he made his way down the isle of the Great Hall, each of them filled with strong dislike.

“That Larson is getting too big for his boots!” Exclaimed Professor Merryworth as she grumpily shook sugar onto her porridge. It was followed by a murmuring of agreement which Albus made no effort to participate in. What if they were just agreeing for the sake of common courtesy? Merlin, for all he knew, they could be holding secret meetings at night to plot him losing his job!

“Are you alright Albus?” Marigold whispered, her voice still choked. Albus nodded and drained his goblet.

“I think I better get going Marigold,” he said apologetically, gathering his books and standing from his seat, several of the teachers that defended him looked up from their breakfast. “I don’t want to give him any more reasons to quarrel, me being late as one of them.”

“Albus you do know that we don’t believe any of that rubbish?” Marigold said hotly, her cheeks pink with determination. Albus unbuttoned the top of his shirt, he was feeling unusually clammy. Marigold took hold of his arm and pulled a face that let him know that she wouldn’t let him leave without an answer. Not wanting to be late and subjected to another one of Gaunt’s scathing rants, he relented.

“Thank you Marigold,” he said, forcing a smile that pulled at his lips in the wrong way and didn’t feel right. Marigold looked unconvinced but eventually let go of his sleeve.

“I’ll see you after classes have finished?” She called hopefully, but he was already at the beginning of the house tables.

Albus hurried down the side of the Gryffindor table keeping his head down, thankfully most of the pupils had taken a liking to him so the suspicious glances he used to endure were a thing of the past, but he was not in the mood for eye contact with anyone at the present. Once out of the entrance he bounded up the staircase as fast as he could, steering narrowly clear of walking through the Bloody Baron as he hurried up to classroom 3A to get what he felt in his gut to be a long and difficult day ahead of him over as soon as possible.

“Long day?”

Albus leaned back in his desk chair and groaned. Marigold chuckled and entered his office with a bottle of Firewhisky in hand. Albus couldn’t recall ever appreciating the existence of the substance more than he did in that moment or better still, Marigold for supplying it and the warmth and consistency of her friendship.

“You could say that,” He replied tiredly while Marigold poured two glasses of the rich liquid. He took the half full glass in hand and held it up in toast.

“I’d say Merry Christmas but we are a little too early,” Marigold joked, Albus sipped deeply and savoured the hot sweetness of the drink.

“Merry early Christmas?” He suggested, Marigold grinned and held up her own glass.

“Merry early Christmas it is.”

They sat in comfortable silence while they drank, the crackle of the fire and the snow falling outside the window dressing the school grounds in white made for an impressive backdrop. Though not as grand as the one in the great hall, Albus had found a small tree that fit quite nicely in the corner of his office from a seller in Hogsmeade and he had spent an evening decorating it with gold bells and silver tinsel that he found in a box of miscellaneous Christmas items in the Room of Requirement. It wasn’t much, but it certainly set the scene. Marigold finished her glass first and set it on the corner of his desk.

“Albus?”

“Mm?”

“What are you planning to do for Christmas this year?”

Albus placed his empty glass beside hers and sat forward in his chair, his back protested bitterly at the stretch.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I mean, I was just going to stay here.. Aberforth and I aren’t really on anything beyond presents and card terms.”

“It’s just that I was wondering if you would like to come to my parent’s house for Christmas?” Marigold asked timidly. “They like to throw a dinner party every year and before you refuse!” Marigold said quickly, noting the way his shackles went up. Social events hadn’t been his thing for a long time. “It will be a small one this year. Just mum and dad, a few friends, it would be a chance for me to introduce you to Diggory too!”

Albus considered the pros and cons. It would be nice to get away for Christmas, Aberforth had never once suggested that they spend it together so he could easily rule that out, but what about the extra guests? What if they shared the same views as Professor Gaunt?

“I don’t know Marigold..”

“Please Albus,” Marigold pleaded. “I really want mum and dad to meet you, and Diggory.. I think you’ll really like him.”

“But what if-“

“They don’t believe any of it if that’s what you are worried about,” Marigold added. “Mum and dad haven’t read the Prophet in years and Diggory thinks that it sounds like a load of nonsense.”

“He knows about me?” He asked. Marigold nodded with a smile.

“Of course, I’ve mentioned you in my letters to him several times,” she said shyly. “He thinks you sound great, oh please Albus, I’d hate to think that you were stuck with that misery guts Larson over the holidays.”

That did it.

“Okay then,” He said with a playful sigh. Marigold jumped up in delight.

“Wonderful!” She cried, gold sparks shot from the end of her wand in celebration. “We will leave tomorrow morning then! How about around 10?”

“That sounds fine,” Albus agreed, his trunk must have been listening in on the conversation as it began to pack itself of its own accord. Marigold laughed at the sight and even he began to struggle to keep a straight face.

“Someone’s keen!” Marigold teased, walking over to the door with a spring in her step. “I’ll see you at breakfast Albus, thank you for doing this. It means a lot to me.”

Albus knew by the way she said it that she meant it. Marigold had this wonderful way of making him feel better no matter how his day had gone, be it in her offerings of Firewhisky or their Hippogriff rides over the woods, when he was in her company it was easier to put aside his pain about Gellert, however briefly. His heart was as he discovered many years ago something that wouldn’t be fixed.

His trunk finished packing and Albus smiled, clicking it shut with a wave of his wand. He considered putting the fire out but eventually opted for letting it die down on its own. With a glimpse outside at the snowy scene he wandered to his sleeping quarters and changed into his pajamas, the fire continued to crackle until he was on the brink of sleep and didn’t completely extinguish for a long while after.

“You look chirpy Albus, big plans?” Professor Merryworth asked while he drizzled honey onto his porridge. Gaunt glanced over at him past a copy of the Prophet with his usual sneer but Albus took no notice.

“Yes actually Penny,” he replied. “I’m going to-“

“He’s coming to spend Christmas with my family,” Marigold butted in, her voice equally as chipper. Gaunt snorted loudly.

“Blocked nose Larson?” Marigold enquired innocently. Albus bit his lip in the effort not to laugh.

“Not at all,” Gaunt said curtly, spooning sugar into his tea with aggression. “Merely wondering if it’s wise..”

“Drop it Larson,” Professor Kirkwell said at once. “Don’t start up with this rubbish, especially not on Christmas Eve.”

“Hear hear!” Professor Merryworth called out, tapping her spoon off the tabletop. Gaunt looked fed up at being outvoted once again and folded his paper under his arm and took his teacup in hand. Albus blocked out his muttered curses as he passed, nothing was going to ruin the mood today. For the first time in years, he was looking forward to Christmas.

“Right,” Marigold said, sitting down next to him with a bowl of yoghurt topped with fruit. “I got word from dad last night, he’s arranged a Portkey for us in Hogsmeade that will take us to my parents house, you are familiar with Paris I trust?”

Albus nearly choked on his spoonful of porridge. A memory of Gellert running through the streets of Paris by his side during their visit to Nicolas Flamel resurfaced and he found it very hard to keep his composure.

“Is everything alright Albus?”

“Yes of course, I.. I didn’t expect for them to live so far away!”

Marigold looked relieved. “They moved there after I finished Hogwarts. It was always mum’s dream to open a Phoenix sanctuary and Paris is the easiest place to buy them, dad thought she was barking mad but there’s no stopping mum once she has her mind set!”

Albus furrowed his brow. “Aren’t they worried about.. well you know, Grindelwalds latest attacks being on places with Phoenixes?”

Marigold scoffed. “He can bloody well try! Mums a tough old witch, and besides, not many people even know that they have Phoenixes.”

Albus was struck by an image of an elderly witch attacking Gellert with her handbag and he couldn’t stop the laugh that came from the absurdity of it.

“What’s funny?” Marigold asked, her eyes glittering. Albus shook his head.

“Nothing, my social skills just might be in shock from being used again!”

Marigold patted his hand. “Not to worry Albus. Like I said, it’s not going to be a big dressy affair, though I must insist that you wear this..”

Albus waited as her hand disappeared inside her robe and produced a small red box with a tartan bow before she handed it to him with a grin.

“Merry early almost Christmas Albus.”

Albus chuckled. “Merry early almost Christmas Marigold, and thank you for.. whatever this is that I’m about to open.”

The tartan bow came free without much effort and Albus prized the top of the box off to reveal a folded black tie decorated with holly.

“Marigold you shouldn’t have spent your money on me-“

“Oh rubbish, of course I should!” Marigold cried, pulling the tie free and draping it around his neck. “Promise me that you’ll wear it?”

Albus smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yes, I’ll wear it. Thank you honestly, I really didn’t expect you to-“

Marigold tutted and poured two cups of mulled wine from a steaming cauldron that floated before them. “You know Albus, you can be painfully naïve at times. Now, drink up and then meet me outside the Truffles Truce, and bring the tie!”

Albus accepted the glass and muttered his thanks, Marigold winked and hurried off down the hall with a trail of holly chasing her. He glanced down at the tie loosely arranged around his neck, it was probably the most expensive piece of clothing he had owned in years. If the Portkey was in Hogsmeade that meant he could slip in on Aberforth and drop off his present for him.. it wouldn’t be enough to mend their spat over the broken door but it would be a friendly gesture at least? He had taken a fancy to knitting after being given several manuals by Marigold when he had expressed his admiration of her handmade scarves, and since he had created quite the array of items including a sweater for Aberforth.

Albus hummed thoughtfully as he finished off his wine and left the table after giving seasons greetings to Professor Merryworth amongst others. He was sad in a way to be leaving Hogwarts for Christmas having spent so many of them in his teenage years with Elphias playing chess in the great hall, exchanging presents and often stopping Elphias from stealing mulled wine from the teachers table by the end of the day. But it would be nice to meet Marigold’s family, and he knew one thing for certain: Gaunt wasn’t on the guest list!

“Ready to go?” Marigold asked, tucking her red and gold scarf inside her coat and holding out the Portkey to him which happened to be a fire poker. By some miracle it hadn’t been Aberforth’s day to man the Hog’s Tavern, and he had managed to sneak in and leave his present where he knew he would find it quite easily. With that out of the way, Albus felt quite sure that he had no more unfinished business that required his urgent attention until after the holiday. He pulled his trunk forwards by the scruff of the handle with his left hand and reached for the poker with his right. He had just started to wonder when it would activate when the poker started to light up and he felt himself being pulled forwards and spun in the air until his feet hit another cold ground.

“That was quick!” He said breathlessly, steadying himself with the help of Marigold who offered an arm.

“Sorry, I should have warned you!” She laughed. “They usually aren’t that fast but we got lucky and-“

“Marigold?”

Albus turned to see a red haired man in a bright green jumper hurrying towards them, his eyes were firmly fixed on Marigold who squealed in delight when she saw who it was that had spoken.

“Diggory! Oh Merlin it’s been too long!”

Albus watched as Marigold dropped her own belongings and ran over to her husband, jumping up into his arms as soon as she was close enough. Albus smiled and looked away as they locked lips, feeling like he was intruding on a private moment. When they parted, Marigold hopped out of Diggory’s arms and pulled him over to where he stood.

“Diggory, I’d like you to meet Albus Dumbledore, I’ve spoken about him in my letters you remember?”

Diggory held out a hand which Albus took, he was warm to the touch and looked every bit as friendly as Marigold.

“Pleasure to meet you Mr Dumbledore,” Diggory said kindly, Albus nodded as their hands dropped.

“Albus please,” he said with a smile. “What a magnificent house your parents have Marigold!” He exclaimed looking past them both to see the stunning house in the background. It was cream coloured and stunningly huge with too many windows to count, a front lawn that could have given the Hogwarts grounds a run for their money and a huge conservatory which had side doors leading to a wood that surrounded the entire property. Albus was immediately struck with the impression that they had money.

“Oh it’s nothing,” Marigold said modestly, turning pinker by the second. “Shall we go inside? It’s getting chilly out here!”

Albus swished his wand through the air and his and Marigold’s belongings began to float along behind them as they made their way towards the impressive front doors which undoubtedly cost more than his cottage in Chittlehampton just by themselves. Albus followed behind Marigold and Diggory who led the way hand in hand, it wasn’t long before Marigold was babbling away happily about all they had to catch up on and Albus was more than satisfied to walk in comfortable silence and give them their moment. When they reached the front door, Marigold knocked on the huge brass knocker that was shaped like a Phoenix twice over before the door opened to an older woman with greying hair, she wore a red dress and a mistletoe pin which matched with her heels. Albus saw Marigold in her features at once. It was barely a second later that Marigolds father stood behind her with the same welcoming smile as his wife.

“I’ve missed you both!” Marigold cried, letting go of Diggory’s hand to hug her parents.

“For goodness sake Mari, let them get through the door it’s blooming freezing!” Her father laughed, gesturing for them to come inside. Albus marvelled at the fancy interior, they had a white marble floor and a golden chandelier that hung magnificently overhead an impressive staircase that had been decorated with holly. Albus had been so busy staring that he had almost missed her father extending his hand for him to shake.

“Call me William,” he boomed in a friendly voice. “And this is my wife Iris, and you must be Albus?”

“I am,” he replied, taking off his coat at the invitation of Iris. “Thank you so much for inviting me Mr.. sorry, William.”

“That’s quite alright son,” William smiled, leading the way into the living room which was so beautifully decorated Albus couldn’t believe his eyes. “And it’s no trouble, Marigold has been very complementary about you in her letters, you’ve been a great friend to her up at that school by the sounds of things!”

“Dad!” Marigold squeaked, embarrassment flushing her face.

“What?” William said indignantly. “Nothing to be ashamed of Mari, I think it’s wonderful, teaching can be such a lonesome profession and without Diggory to talk to beyond letters it pays to have company, I’m sure Albus here would say the same!”

Albus mumbled yes politely and sat down beside Iris on a lace draped couch in front of the fire while Marigold continued to debate with her father and Diggory busied himself with fixing a decoration on the wall that had come loose.

“Are you married Albus?” Iris asked sweetly, directing her wand to pour him a cup of tea. Albus shook his head.

“I’m afraid not,” he answered, Iris held up her hand to direct the teapot to stop pouring and reached out for the sugar cube tin.

“Oh I’m surprised! A handsome young man like you, I suppose you must have a girlfriend back home, though it must be hard for her with you away at Hogwarts for such long periods.. Is two lumps enough?”

“Yes that’s lovely,” Albus said gratefully, pouring milk from the jug into the cup himself. “And no, I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“How peculiar!” Iris exclaimed, taking a sip of her own tea. “I find that a little hard to believe, any particular reason?”

“I’m-“

“Albus wants to focus on his job mum,” Marigold cut in, coming to sit beside them on the couch. “There’s no time for relationships in the Dark Arts career!”

“You manage to make it work with Diggory don’t you dear?” Iris said stirring her tea thoughtfully before squeezing his shoulder. “Bless him, he’s probably just shy! Don’t you worry Albus,” Iris said in a tone that was on the brink of being patronising. “The special girl of your dreams will come along soon enough, and when you see her you’ll think of nothing else but spending the rest of your life with-“

“Alright mum,” Marigold said loudly. “I don’t think Albus needs you discussing his dating life!”

Iris tutted. “Suit yourself madam! Now, I better go and check on those biscuits..”

Marigold scooted up the couch to sit beside him once Iris dashed off into the kitchen, Diggory was still quite content to tinker about with the decorations, throwing flirty glances at Marigold every now and then which she cheekily returned.

“I could have just told her,” Albus said quietly. “I don’t mind her knowing that I don’t like girls in that way, I’m sure that she would be alright about it.”

“I’m sure she would too Albus,” Marigold replied in a hushed voice. “But mums as nosy as a Hippogriff looking for sugar cubes. Once she finds that out she’ll want to know your entire dating history, and then..”

Albus understood at once. It might be more than a little awkward to explain that the only person he has ever been in love with was currently targeting magical creatures that his hosts happened to own.

“I understand,” he said softly. Diggory climbed off a piano seat that he had been using stand on to adjust the decorations and came beside Marigold, his hand reaching for hers on instinct.

“Why don’t we show Albus those charming birds that your parents keep love?” Diggory suggested, Marigold’s eyes lit up.

“What a great idea! Albus you must come and meet them!” She cried, taking Diggory’s hand and getting up off the couch. “You are familiar with Phoenixes I take it?”

“Not in close range,” Albus admitted, following an overly excited Marigold from the living room and down a colourfully decorated hallway, Marigold’s parents had certainly spared no expense.

“They can be a little standoffish, not as bad as Hippogriffs by any standards! But I just thought that I should warn you just in case.”

“How many do they have?” Albus asked, his question quickly being answered as Marigold opened a pair of white doors with gold handles that led to the conservatory that he had seen on the outside upon his arrival, he was amazed to find that it was filled with at least a dozen Phoenixes, each sitting on a perch.

“Merlin,” Albus breathed, stepping inside the room and glancing around in wonder.

“What do you think?” Marigold asked, leading Diggory around the conservatory to see the Phoenixes in the corner near the doors that led outside, Albus rubbed his forehead in disbelief just as a Phoenix on a silver perch near to him craned its head in curiosity.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Albus said, reaching out to stroke the Phoenix that had shown an interest, it was a magnificent shade of red with specks of gold with black eyes that surprisingly reminded him of Gellert’s owl Dunamis.

“Merlin, we’ve never been able to touch that one!” Marigold said in amazement. “Wow, Albus the Phoenix whisperer, it has a nice ring to it don’t you think Diggory?”

“It certainly does,” Diggory agreed. The Phoenix croaked and nuzzled it’s beak into his hand, Albus smiled and continued to run his finger’s through the rich red feathers which shone in the candlelight, the Phoenix was so magnificent it could have easily fit in with the Christmas decorations.

“Mari! Your mum’s opening the sweet jar!” William called from a room further inside the house. “I reckon there’s about 30 seconds before she pinches your favourites!”

“She better not!” Marigold called back laughing. “Come on,” she said, kissing Diggory on the cheek before wrapping an arm around him. “Both of you simply have to try mums gingerbread before the day is out, did you get round to trying it last year love?” Marigold asked, turning to look at Diggory.

Albus fell in line beside them on the other side of Marigold and opened his mouth slightly in surprise when he felt an arm linking with his in the same way she had linked with Diggory. He smiled softly and took a final glimpse back at the Phoenixes, particularly the one he had struck up a kinship with and was delighted to find that it’s eyes were following him as he left the conservatory to the sound of Marigold and Diggory discussing her mums shortbread and William singing “My Hippogriff Stole Christmas” at the top of his lungs.

“TWAS THE FINAL NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

SO MY HIPPOGRIFF AND I
WE TOOK UP TO THE SKIES TO SEE HOW HIGH WE COULD FLY

BUT ALAS IT WAS NOT TO BE

FOR MY HIPPOGRIFF STOLE THE YULETIDE AND THE HOLIDAY SOON TO BE

OOOOO MY HIPPOGRIFF STOLE CHRISTMAS

FROM UNDERNEATH MY NOSE

BUT THE ELF STOLE THE HOLLY-

“Dad! Stop it!” Marigold groaned, covering her face with her hands. William cracked up with laughter.

“You’re embarrassing her dear,” Iris chimed in from the doorway where she carried a plateful of gingerbread. Marigold noticed it immediately and nudged both him and Diggory in delight.

“I’m doing nothing of the sort!” William replied, taking a sprig of holly off the mantelpiece and tucking it behind his ear. “If you lot want real embarrassment, I can do a super rendition of God Rest Ye Hippogriffs-“

“No!” Marigold muffled from between a mouthful of gingerbread. Albus smiled and helped himself to a piece from the plate that Iris had deposited in front of them. She was right, it was every bit as delicious as claimed!

“Merry Christmas Eve,” William announced, raising a glass to the room in toast. For a lack of his own, Albus improvised with his piece of gingerbread and held it up in the air. Marigold snorted with laughter and did the same shortly followed by Diggory.

“Merry Christmas Eve,” they repeated.

“Merry Christmas Eve and merry early Christmas!” Marigold said happily, biting off the head of her gingerbread man. “The season of mums gingerbread!”

“And my singing,” William added. “Are you lot sure you don’t want just one verse of-“

“NO!”

William held his hands up in defeat while Iris opened a new bottle of expensive looking Firewhisky and offered it freely. Marigold sank back into the couch and put her head on Diggory’s shoulder, her glass of Firewhisky held precariously in her hand promoting Albus to take it off her hands and put in on the table in case she dropped it.

“Merry early Christmas guys,” Marigold babbled dreamily, her eyes half shut, Diggory stroked her hair fondly.

“Merry early Christmas love.”

“Merry early Christmas,” Albus joined in, his head buzzing with the effect of the Firewhisky. Despite it all and especially because Professor Gaunt was hundreds of miles away and in all likelihood mooching in his office at Hogwarts, utterly unable to ruin the holiday for him or anyone else, it was gearing up to be his first enjoyable Christmas since 1898 when his mother and sister were still alive, Aberforth was on pleasant terms with him and he hadn’t the slightest touch of the sting of love, nor Gellert Grindelwald.

Chapter Text

“Albus, could you be a dear and fetch the gold goblets? They are just in that cabinet over there.” Iris asked, shaking a tablecloth that was patterned with ivy. It was just past 9 on Christmas morning and Albus hadn’t had such a hectic one in years.

William had woken up at 4 to start on the turkey which included removing the feathers by hand, he had only discovered this when Marigold emerged with a basket of them in a gold apron that had a dancing elf on the front of it. Diggory was in a state of disarray running about organising the presents under the tree, Albus was certain that he had changed the position of them at least 7 times since he had woken, and he had spent the entire morning assisting Iris with the layout of the table.

“What time will the guests be here?” He asked, balancing an armful of the gold goblets in his arms and depositing them on the immaculately made up table.

“Any moment now!” Iris stressed, hurrying up and down the room straightening up any lopsided decorations with her wand.

Albus set to work putting a goblet on each set out placemat, careful not to shift the napkins that Marigold spent a good hour tediously folding into various magical creatures for each guest. When he was satisfied Albus took a step back to admire their work, the moment was short as it wasn’t even a minute later that they all heard a loud knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Albus offered, noting that everyone seemed to have their hands full. Marigold winked at him and he left the living room and quickly made his way to the front door, struggling for a few seconds to open it before it finally swung open to reveal two familiar faces: Violet Creston the woman with brightly coloured hair that he had met during his interrogation by Travers, and none other than his oldest friend Elphias Doge.

“Elphias!” He cried, “this is a surprise!”

“I could say the same thing,” Elphias beamed, hugging him in delight. “Blimey Albus, I’m so glad to see you again!”

“We’ve met before,” Violet said when they moved apart, Albus reached out a hand.

“A pleasure to see you again,” he said kindly. Marigold stuck her nose out from the living room with a wreath placed around her head at a slant.

“Albus? Are you- Violet! Elphias! How wonderful that you could come!” She cried, rushing forwards to hug them both.

“Don’t knock em off their feet Mari!” William scolded teasingly from the doorway before coming to join his daughter in greeting. “Merry Christmas to you both, do either of you happen to know Albus here?”

“Oh yes,” Elphias said grinning. “Me and him go way back.”

“We met once briefly,” Violet added, accepting the offer of a paper chain crown from Marigold. William looked relieved.

“Let’s not keep them standing Mari love,” William coaxed, inviting them into the living room with a gesture. Marigold apologised and took Violet by the arm.

“So Violet, how is the Auror work coming along?”

“Slower than usual, in fact it’s rather dull at times..”

When the girls had left, Albus took the opportunity to steal a glance at Elphias who grinned and patted him on the back and they followed Violet and Marigold into the living room where William was pulling a Christmas cracker with Diggory in what was turning into a tug of war.

“Never thought I’d see you at an affair like this again Albus,” Elphias muttered over the commotion of the contest, Marigold had started cheering for her husband while Iris shook her head disapprovingly at the sight.

“Honestly William, act your age love!”

“It’s blooming Christmas Iris!” Shouted William joyfully, giving the cracker a particularly good pull which almost made Diggory lose his balance. “Don’t be a Dementor!”

“Nor did I,” Albus smiled. “I didn’t know that you knew Marigold Elphias.”

“We worked together a few years ago,” Elphias supplied, offering him a flute of champagne. “Mostly we are just on owl terms now but it’s still nice to-“

“WILLIAM FOR GOODNESS SAKE! YOU’LL KNOCK OVER THE TREE!” Screeched Iris.

Albus turned just in time to catch a glimpse of Diggory losing his grip on the stubborn Christmas cracker and falling backwards into a box of decorations. Marigold leaped up to help her husband while William inspected the cracker which didn’t show a single tear despite their battle with it.

“How extraordinary!” William exclaimed.
“Iris you’ll never believe this cracker-“

“WILLIAM, YOU ARE A SIXTY SIX YEAR OLD MAN NOT A FOURTH YEAR IN HOGWARTS!” Yelled Iris. Albus snorted into his champagne before spluttering when bubbles went up his nose. Elphias roared with laughter as Marigold offered him a handkerchief.

“Who’s not acting his age now Elphias?” Marigold asked smugly, Elphias pulled a face at her until his eyes trailed back to him. “Blimey, is Albus wearing a tie?”

“Yes indeed he is,” Marigold said fondly, coming over to straighten it on his chest. “I bought it for him, do you like it?”

“Blooming hell,” Elphias said, finishing the last of his champagne. “Never thought I’d see the day when he wore one again!”

The talk of ties suddenly reminded him that he hadn’t given Marigold his present. Albus set down his empty flute and went to a cabinet in the corner that he had set the purple box on, picking it up after a slight hesitation.

“Merry Christmas Marigold,” he said quietly, a wave of embarrassment coming over him when the box left his hands and it was too late to avoid seeing her reaction. “Elphias, if I’d known you were coming..”

“Don’t worry about it Albus,” Elphias reassured him. “The same goes for you truth be told!”

“Open it love!” Diggory urged, giving her a peck on the cheek and wrapping an arm around her waist.

“Alright alright!” Marigold said, finally managing to remove the ribbon keeping the box closed. Albus wasn’t sure whether to look away or not, Marigold’s vocal reaction soon put his mind at rest.

“Oh my.. Holy mother of Merlin Albus this is lovely!” Marigold cried, pulling the hand knitted purple sweater out of the box and holding it up to admire it. Albus had tried his hand at adding Hippogriffs to it and though several had come out a little wonky, it looked better than he had originally thought. And Marigold didn’t seem to mind so that was the main thing!

“Bloody hell Albus, I didn’t know that you could knit!” Elphias said gobsmacked while Marigold pulled it over her head and smoothed it down, it fit like a treat.

“It’s just a hobby really,” Albus said shyly. Marigold looked almost emotional, Elphias looked impressed and Diggory fiddled with the cuffs on the sleeves which had got caught on Marigold’s bracelet. He was taken aback when Marigold pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you Albus,” she said warmly. Elphias initiated a round of applause which he tried to unsuccessfully wave off, before long Diggory and Marigold had joined in and Iris stuck her head around the living room door to throw in her two sickles.

“The turkey is ready!” Iris announced. “William could you go to the cellar and get that bottle of wine we were saving?”

“Thank Merlin, I’m blooming starving!” Marigold said, fixing her wreath before digging into the box of decorations that Diggory fell into and pulled out three more. “Right you boys, no one eats unless you have the proper attire, come on put them on!”

“You heard her,” Violet laughed, taking a wreath out of Marigold’s hands and putting it on top of Elphias’s head who pretended to be annoyed.

“Alright alright it’s on! Albus put yours on, no one misses out.”

Albus accepted his from Marigold and put it on his head, it was a little itchy but he wasn’t about to complain.

“YOU LOT ARE SLOWER THAN A DRUNK ELF! IT WILL BE COLD BY THE TIME YOU REACH THE TABLE!” William shouted from the dining room. “MARI, YOUR MUMS DONE THAT STUFFING YOU LIKE!”

“We better hurry up,” Marigold chuckled, tucking Diggory’s hair behind his ears and kissing his forehead. “COMING!”

Albus followed them into the dining room and took his place beside Elphias at the meticulously decorated table which had become laden with dishes. Bowls of sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, a tray of sausages wrapped in bacon, roasted potatoes that were still steaming from the oven and a magnificent turkey in the centre of the table next to a jug of gravy and a pile of Yorkshire Puddings.

“Shall we say a prayer?” William suggested. “Oh sacred Merlin, we thank you for this feast and pray that it will be every bit as tasty as it looks..”

“And we pray that dad doesn’t pinch all the stuffing,” Marigold muttered, Albus heard Elphias chuckle next to him and his lip twitched. With the prayers out of the way, they finally dug into the most delicious meal that Albus had eaten since his Hogwarts days. He had three helpings of everything including some of Marigold’s beloved stuffing, pulled Christmas crackers with Elphias and Violet, laughed until he was in stitches when William and Diggory became engaged in another cracker contest which was put to an end by Iris after Diggory fell off his chair before finally indulging in a rich slice of fruit cake with brandy cream.

With everyone fed and satisfied they had retreated into the living room to fall into easy small talk, but after an hour of discussing the Wizengamot Warlock Crisis with Elphias he slowly retreated back to the conservatory to see the Phoenixes, more specifically the one he had taken a liking to.

“Merry Christmas to you,” Albus uttered quietly to the brightly coloured bird, the Phoenix croaked and rubbed against his arm, it’s red feathers were almost illuminated in the light. Albus glanced out the conservatory doors as he continued patting the Phoenix, it was still snowing. The woods surrounding the house at the edge of the extensive lawns had gained a white dusting, it looked like a scene from a Christmas card that Bathilda might have sent him.

“WILLIAM GET THE BLOODY HELL OFF THAT CHAIR! BONES DON’T HEAL EASILY AT YOUR AGE!” Iris shouted from the other room followed by muffled laughter. Albus smirked fondly at the image of Iris pulling a tipsy William off the chair with a howling Marigold, Elphias, Diggory and Violet as spectators. Then the Phoenix next to his newfound favourite let out a terrible screech and attempted to fly up into the air, only prevented by the chain around its leg keeping it restricted to the perch.

“Hey, it’s alright!” Albus said soothingly, but the Phoenix was having none of it, he tried to catch the attention of the black eyes that had no interest in him or his reassurance, but instead were fixated on something outside the conservatory with a look of terror.

He glanced out the conservatory doors for any sign of movement. It was only after the Phoenix gave another screech he decided that it was best to go and investigate. Maybe it was a deer? Albus opened the locked doors wordlessly and stepped outside into the crisp snow. Not a sound could be heard apart from the Phoenix wailing and the distant chorus of God Rest Ye Hippogriffs from the living room, he quickly realised that William must have started up another chorus.

Albus trekked out further into the snow with his wand at the ready, the moon was fully visible and shone over the house like it was its sole purpose. A crack in the woods drew his attention and Albus peered into the trees for any sign of movement. With a cautious glance back at the house he walked to the brink of the woods and muttered a spell and his wand lit up, the woods were the only part of the grounds that the moon didn’t touch.

“Hello?” Albus called into the darkness beyond what his wand could reach. He could have sworn he heard something..

Then the wind changed, and he caught onto a scent that he hadn’t known in years coming from the dark of the woods. It filled him with a mixture of adrenaline, dread, and the familiar hopeless longing, but a newly discovered fear for what it could mean for those that he considered his friends who were still blissfully unaware and singing carols to their hearts content.

Albus opened his mouth but he couldn’t say his name. He couldn’t do anything expect stare into the darkness and pray that he would reveal himself, the scent of peppermint wrapped himself around him in a restrictive embrace that made him feel like he was choking. A faceless shadow in front of him moved, and in a desperate bid he focused all of his strength into forming words.

“G-“

BOOM

He fell to the ground with a bang and for a moment his vision went blank.

Albus looked up at where he saw the shadow and squinted in his effort to make out a face. There was a crackle of leaves and a crack before the shadow in front of him disappeared only to be replaced by a radiant glow from behind. Albus scrambled onto his feet and turned to see the house ablaze and surrounded by cloaked wizards who had circled the conservatory housing the Phoenixes, it was the only part of the house that wasn’t on fire but for a terrible reason.

“STUPEFY! WILLIAM, THEY ARE TAKING THE PHOENIXES! STUPEFY STUPEFY!”

Albus watched in horror as Iris came charging out of the burning house with Elphias and Marigold hot on her heels, Violet was already duelling with one of the cloaked intruders while William tried desperately to put out the fire. Without a second thought, Albus bolted towards the house at full speed, several of the thieves saw him coming and tried to stun him which he easily deflected, one even made a try with a killing curse that flew past him by a mile.

“STOP!” Iris screamed helplessly, a protective wall had been set up surrounding the conservatory by the intruders and seemed almost impenetrable. Albus joined Elphias and Marigold in firing every spell he could think of that might break it, but by the time they managed to tear it down the intruders were gone along with all of the Phoenixes.

“Why??” Iris sobbed, falling to her knees in the snow at the sight of the empty conservatory, Albus was frozen in horror.

“How the hell did the bastards know they were here?” Elphias yelled angrily, though not directly at anyone. “How could this have happened? Albus, where were you? I didn’t see you leaving the house?”

“I.. I thought I saw something in the-“

Marigold let out a terrified wail.
“Diggory? Where’s Diggory?”

Albus had never seen her so frantic.

A beam from inside the burning house collapsed destroying a portion of the wall and Marigold turned back to look at the wreck with tears streaming down her face, her dark hair frazzled and parts of it singed from the flames. Albus could have pinpointed the exact moment she realised what had happened because it was the exactly at the same time he did himself.

“Diggory? Diggory.. no NO! I HAVE TO GET IN THERE!” Marigold screamed, Albus ran and grabbed her by the waist to stop her from returning to the burning building. She screamed in a way that he had last heard from Aberforth the day that Ariana had died, and it was no less bloodcurdling.

“Marigold you can’t go back in,” he groaned through his tears. Elphias realising his slackening grip came to the rescue, holding her by any part he could grab as she tried to wrestle free.

“LET ME GO! I HAVE TO SAVE HIM!”

“You can’t Mari,” William croaked from where he knelt hunched over in the snow as he wheezed, the smoke taking its toll on his lungs. “I’m so sorry love, it’s too late..”

“DON’T SAY THAT! ELPHIAS LET ME GO! ALBUS.. ALBUS PLEASE!”

“You can’t Marigold,” he whispered as the house burned on, spitting out bits of debris that it had burned to its liking as the snow continued to fall, the small flakes doing nothing to put out the inferno. “You can’t help him, he’s.. he’s gone.”

Marigold wailed louder than ever before. Albus couldn’t hold back the tears. Diggory dead.. it couldn’t be! And on Christmas..

Then in the midst of the terrible despair a bright shot of green light flew over the burning house from the woods on the other side of the blaze, the stream of light flew to the centre of the sky before exploding and forming the words SEASON’S GREETINGS in curved handwriting that like the scent of peppermint, Albus knew only too well.

Chapter Text

GRINDELWALD’S CRONIES ATTACK RESIDENCE IN PARIS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, PHOENIXES STOLEN AND 1 MURDERED

Reported by Abigail Inchwell

It is with terrible sadness that we report that Grindelwald continues his savage campaign across Europe, this time at a French residency on none other than Christmas Day. A family were celebrating the happy occasion when disaster struck at just past 7. We regret to inform you that the house was destroyed and many Phoenixes that were taking shelter on the property were also stolen, along with 1 guest in attendance being murdered. Those who survived the ordeal include Iris and William Clarke, Marigold Finchley, Violet Creston, Elphias Doge, and our own infamous Albus Dumbledore who is notorious for his connection to the dark wizard.

Considering the terrible circumstances, some might think Dumbledore’s presence at the scene of such an awful crime is more than a little suspicious. Our newest senior reporter headed out to get the public opinion on the matter when the news broke loose in these world first exclusive reactions.

“It’s obvious that Dumbledore had something to do with it,” one said. “I don’t know why they employ him at Hogwarts, I wouldn’t feel safe sleeping under the same roof as him!”

“It’s ridiculous that people aren’t adding it up!” Seethed another. “That Albus was mighty good at magic back in the day, very much the power hungry type. I reckon that he’s clinging on for any scrap of relevancy he can find by helping his old buddy Grindelwald commit these crimes, shame on Hogwarts for giving him a job!”

We also managed to get statements from those who know Dumbledore personally, including this very brief word by his brother, Aberforth Dumbledore who we managed to speak with before he threatened various amounts of violence against our reporter who ventured into his place of work to catch a word. See below for more including exclusives with Hogwarts Professors who work with Dumbledore on a close basis.

“My sainted brother is attracted to power and fame like a moth to a flame. That’s all I’ll say, now get the bloody hell out of my pub!”

- Statement by Aberforth Dumbledore hours after the attack

“Oh I know Dumbledore very well, we work together at Hogwarts, very arrogant he is too.. I can say with my wand on my heart that I wouldn’t be at all surprised if these rumours are true, a troubled soul he is!”

- Statement by Larson Gaunt, Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts

Readers will not be surprised to hear that Dumbledore’s die hard defender Elphias Doge also wished to get his word in on the matter with a statement that we will post below, but strongly advise you to take with a grain of salt. The time will come when one must ask themselves, Doge very much included, how long can a man be defended when the evidence against him is so high?

“I know Albus like he is my own brother. The continued barrage of attacks against him are utterly atrocious and completely untrue. I have spoken extensively on my views in earlier issues surrounding Albus and my experience with him, but it sadly seems like the Prophet has a fixed narrative. I hope the lot of you come to your senses!”

- Statement by Elphias Doge, a man with such obsessive loyalty to Albus Dumbledore one might find it troubling

“It’s bloody ridiculous,” said an ex colleague of Doge. “Everyone who gets within 10 feet of Elphias knows in half a minute that he is the President of the Albus Dumbledore Defence Squad and makes no attempt to hide it. He doesn’t need to walk around wearing robes that say I WORSHIP ALBUS DUMBLEDORE because it’s an open secret! I remember the pair of them as schoolboys, Albus strutted about the place like a proud stag with his arms filled with his prizes and Doge simpered along behind him in pathetic awe. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was discovered that he had a Dumbledore shrine hidden somewhere.. I’m actually more surprised that Doge hasn’t decorated the front of his house with a portrait of him!”

- Statement by ex colleague of Elphias Doge, Dumbledore devotee

“I bloody told you didn’t I!” Gaunt said smugly throwing down the paper on top of his empty breakfast bowl. “I warned you lot that Dumbledore wasn’t to be trusted and did any of you-“

“Shut up Larson,” Marigold snarled, her eyes were cold and bloodshot in the same way that they had been since the funeral. Albus had suggested that he didn’t come back to Hogwarts for awhile but she wasn’t having it and insisted that he returned.

“How shameful,” Gaunt taunted. “I’m surprised at you Marigold! You of all people shouldn’t be siding with the man who could very well be the reason that your husband is dead, or are you already a member of Doge’s Dumbledore Defence League?”

“Why the hell were you giving interviews to the Prophet?” Marigold cried as her eyes welled up with tears.

“That’s quite enough Larson.” Professor Kirkwell cut in. “I see that the holidays haven’t made you any less unpleasant.”

Gaunt snorted. “Well, I can see that I’m going to be overruled by Dumbledore’s great defenders, what a pity.. to side with a man who resulted in a muggle’s death-“

“I SAID SHUT UP!” Marigold yelled, slapping Gaunt across the face.

There was a stunned silence in the hall followed by nervous laughter and muttering, Albus decided that it wasn’t best to linger in case he made the situation worse by his presence.

“Albus where are you going?” Marigold called after him, but he didn’t turn back and instead hurried down the isles of tables even faster until he was out of the doors and at the foot of the staircases. He didn’t stop until he had reached his office and the latch was firmly closed behind him, a state of such strong unawareness of his surroundings had overcome him that he didn’t realise that Edith Creevey was standing by his desk until he had taken off his tie.

“Edith..”

“Hello Albus, how are you?”

“I.. have no idea.”

Albus sank into his desk chair and gestured for Edith to sit in the one opposite. He couldn’t think of anything to say. What was there to talk about after such a terrible tragedy?

“I suppose your wondering why I am here Albus,” Edith began. “It’s just that.. well.. we need your help.”

Albus closed his eyes and imagined Aberforth and Ariana in happier times. He had been thinking about them a lot recently, not that it was any less painful, but it was a lot less painful that considering returning to the mirror, something that he hadn’t been able to bring himself do at all since his return.

“Help with what?” He asked while his mind swam with visions, Aberforth and Ariana laughed over a chocolate frog that she was trying to catch with little success. He had almost forgotten her innocent childlike wonder over the smallest of things..

“We think we know why Grindelwald is after the Phoenixes Albus.”

He opened his eyes at that.

“And why could that be?” He asked tiredly. “Gellert was never the sort for exotic pets Edith.”

Edith dug into her coat and pulled out a file before handing it to him. “You are aware of the magical properties of Phoenixes correct?”

“Yes,” he said airily while flipping through the file which was dedicated to the powers of Phoenixes. “Impressive strength, Valuable feathers, incredibly difficult to tame and tears with healing powers.”

Edith clicked her fingers. “That’s exactly it Albus, the tears. We believe that he’s planning on concocting an experiment with them.”

“If Gellert wanted to heal himself he is well versed in magic to allow him to do so,” Albus said passing back the file. “Why steal dozens of Phoenixes for something he could do with a flick of his wand?”

“That’s not it Albus.” Edith explained. “A few weeks ago we managed to capture one of his followers while on a raid, it took a bit of convincing to get them to talk but… the short version is that Grindelwald believes that by combining Phoenix tears with the power of dark magic he can create a potion that will make him invincible, one step away from immortality that sort of thing.”

“Like the stone?” Albus suggested, Edith nodded. “Something like that. Did he ever talk about wanting to own it?”

“We were more focused on the wand,” Albus admitted, his thoughts trailing back to their summer in 1899. “He mentioned the stone several times, at one point he wanted to make an army of Inferi with it but the logistics were off.”

“It seems like he’s moved on from that entirely,” Edith said flatly. “Travers and Eustace managed to track down where they took them, Travers was against me asking you for help since you apparently turned them down once before..”

“I did.”

Edith pulled her chair up until she was directly before him. “We need you Albus. You’re the only one who knows him, knows how he works, and if he succeeds in making this potion then we won’t stand a chance.”

Albus lowered his head. “I can’t move against him. It’s complicated to explain.. we made a.. binding contract in our youth that means we can’t fight each other.”

Edith raised a brow. “Like a Blood Pact?”

“Exactly.”

“Well shit.”

They both looked to see Marigold standing in the doorway, her face damp with tears but determined. Albus had the sudden urge to give her a hug.

“I want to help. When do we leave?”

“Marigold,” Edith said gently. “I don’t think it’s best for you to-“

“Oh stop it Edith!” Marigold said angrily. “My husband is dead, that smirking blonde murderer is the reason behind it, do you really expect me to just sit here and knit scarves while he plots to become invincible?”

“You’re a teacher Marigold.” Edith tried again, but Albus knew she wasn’t going to get anywhere. “You can’t just leave your job!”

“Good thing I’ve got someone to cover my class then,” Marigold said at once. “Albus get your coat on,”

“Marigold I can’t.. I made a-“

“A blinking Blood Pact I heard,” Marigold said impatiently. “That doesn’t mean you can’t help us rescue the Phoenixes.”

“Marigold-“

“Albus what’s wrong with you?” Marigold shouted. “Diggory is dead, my parents don’t have a house anymore and their Phoenixes have been stolen, Europe is getting ripped apart by a power hungry madman and you won’t do anything to stop him just because he’s your ex boyfriend?”

Albus stopped to consider what she said. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, she made a valid point. His being on the sidelines while Gellert committed atrocities and plotted to become invincible wasn’t the best look.

“I can’t fight him Marigold,” he said quietly. “The Blood Pact restricts-“

“Fair enough, but it doesn’t bloody restrict you rescuing Phoenixes does it?” Marigold snapped at him before turning to Edith. “When do we leave?”

“As soon as possible,” Edith replied. “Our team is waiting for us in Hogsmeade to Disapparate, it’s a secret base in Switzerland. We’ll set up camp, scout the area and try to find a way in, free the Phoenixes and hopefully take down a good number of his followers.”

Marigold made a noise of approval. “Sounds like a plan.”

Albus bit his lip. It would be too shameful to refuse. Besides, it was unlikely that Gellert would actually reveal himself, he was the sort of person who wanted to see the end results and not the preparation leading up to it. He had just reached for his coat when Marigold touched his arm.

“I’m sorry Albus,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to snap at you, I’m just..”

“It’s alright,” he muttered softly. Marigold dabbed her eyes.

“Right well.. I’ll see you both down there.”

The door clicked shut and he was alone with Edith who had turned a shade of pink.

“Listen Albus, about our almost date..”

In a flash he was reminded of their doomed Hogsmeade drink, the memory of roses and candles hit him like a spell and he chuckled.

“Oh yes.. don’t worry about it Edith, it’s all water under the-“

“That’s the thing Albus,” Edith burst out, “I’m glad we had that talk, you remember the one?? Actually, I’ve found myself a partner..”

Albus blinked in surprise. “I’m happy for you Edith, that’s great news! Merlin knows we need some at the present.”

Edith smiled. “You’ll have a chance to meet them, they are coming on the Phoenix raid with us as part of the team, actually you probably have already.”

“Travers?” Albus said in shock. “Wow, that’s not who I expected-“

Edith laughed and patted his shoulder as she bundled up her belongings and walked towards the door. “I have standards Albus. Besides, he loves himself too much to love anyone else!”

Albus couldn’t dispute that. In the short time he had known Travers, he seemed very much the work oriented type. He tucked his wand into his pocket as the door clicked shut for the second time leaving him alone in his office. It was going to be fine.. Gellert wouldn’t even be there.. and even if he was they couldn’t fight each other anyway.. but he could hurt his friends. Albus gave a shiver and scribbled a note explaining were he was going before leaving his office at last.

“I’m still not happy about this!” Travers said for the fifth time since they had formed a circle around the Portkey in wait of its activation. Along with Travers, joining them on the quest to rescue the Phoenixes was Eustace Potter, Violet Creston, Edith Creevey, Marigold who looked prepared for battle and him in his reluctance.

“I don’t trust bringing him with us! I swear on the name of Merlin if he betrays us-“

“Oh shut up Torquil,” Edith said, putting an arm around Violet’s waist and resting her head on her shoulder in a close embrace. Albus realised in an instant who her new partner was, and he couldn’t have been happier to know that it wasn’t someone as insufferable as Travers. He made a mental note to ask them when they had got together if they survived…

“I’ll watch him like a hawk if it makes you feel better Torquil,” Marigold said sarcastically while shuffling from one foot to the other. “When does the Portkey leave?”

“It should be at any second,” Travers instructed, checking his pocket watch. “You all know the plan, I took the time to set up camp at a lodge not too far away from the warehouse holding the creatures. Eustace and I will check the area and look for a way in, then when night falls we break through the barrier, release the birds and leave. Understood?”

“Yes boss,” Violet said grinning.

“It’s starting to light up!” Marigold cried, sure enough the Portkey had started to gain a growing beam of light which gave Albus the indication that it was about to leave. He quickly grabbed a corner and felt the pull of his feet lifting off the ground, after a few seconds of spinning he was thrown head first into a new pile of snow.

“That was fast,” he muttered, standing up with a wince. Travers looked amused.

“Right then,” Marigold said loudly. “When do we go?”

“Soon,” Travers replied. “Eustace and I will head down now and try to figure out a weak point in the barrier and then we’ll come back for you.”

“We could just come you know Torquil,” Violet said. “Mari and me could come with Albus-“

“Dumbledore stays here until we return,” Travers snapped. “I’m not even happy about him being here in the first place!”

“Suck it up Torquil,” Marigold groaned, tying her hair back in a ponytail. “What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

Travers huffed and stalked off with Eustace on his tail, Violet winked at him before walking off to the cabin linked arm in arm with Edith. Albus sat down on a snow covered log and rubbed his hands together in the chilly air. Of all the places Gellert could have chosen!

“Albus? Are you alright?” Marigold asked, coming to sit down beside him.

“Yes, just a little chilly.” He chuckled. Marigold dug into her pocket and produced a pair of woollen gloves.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, slipping them on. Marigold breathed deeply and wrapped her arms around her stomach.

“Look,” she said finally. “I know that you still love him, but you’re going to need to put aside your feelings Albus. He’s not the boy you knew anymore.”

“I know.” He muttered, starting a campfire with a click of his fingers, two mugs filled with hot chocolate appeared in the air which they both took. Marigold took a long sip before asking, “what was it about him that made him so special?”

Albus stared at the flickering flames in thought. An arrogant teenage boy trapped in a village looking after two siblings he had resented joined by another equally as arrogant teenage boy, two brilliant young minds coming up with grand schemes to transform the world.. or so he thought.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I guess it was.. he saw me in a way that no one else ever had, he was charming and understanding..”

“A looker by any chance?” Marigold asked. Albus nodded. Merlin was he!

“That’s all very romantic Albus, but I would strongly implore you to pack up whatever emotional baggage you are still carrying. He’s not that teenage boy anymore and neither are you.”

“I don’t know Marigold,” he said quietly, gripping the mug of the dark sweet liquid. “Sometimes I feel.. like he’s still with me, it’s almost like I have to do a double take to make sure that he’s not following me.”

“It’s like that with me,” Marigold muttered, breaking up a twig in her fingers. “I’m always outside that house.. watching it burn.. knowing.. t- that Diggory was still.. oh Merlin.”

Albus put down his mug and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, she leaned into his chest in broken sobs and he could do nothing but hold her and make gentle sounds of reassurance. Just then Violet returned from the cabin with two bowls of soup.

“I thought you both might like- are you alright Marigold?”

Marigold sobbed in response. Violet put the bowls on the end of the log and pulled Marigold into her arms for a hug.

“Why don’t you go and get some rest Albus?” Violet said softly, rubbing circles on Marigold’s back. “I’ll watch her.”

Albus glanced at Marigold. “Are you sure? I can stay if-“

“I’ll be alright,” Marigold muffled. “Go and lie down Albus, you’ll need your strength for when Torquil and Eustace return.”

After a final look of uncertainty Albus left the makeshift campfire and walked up the short snowy path to the cabin, the door was nearly as creaky as his own in his office at Hogwarts but he closed it as quietly as he could in case Edith was already sleeping.

“Albus?” Came a tired voice, sure enough Edith stood in baggy pajamas at the door of one of the rooms.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t want to wake you..”

Edith rubbed her eyes. “It’s alright, is Marigold okay?”

“Violet is watching her,” he replied, taking off his snow covered coat and hanging it by the door. Edith smiled fondly.

“She’s lovely isn’t she?” Edith said, her eyes twinkling with affection. He was happy for her truly, that feeling of being in love was wonderful, as long as it didn’t end in the way his had!

“When did you two get together?” He asked, shaking out his boots over the doormat.

“Shortly after we met up actually,” Edith said, leaning against the doorway and watching him peel off his frozen socks. “Eustace invited me to work on the Grindelwald case and it sort of went from there.. I fancied her from the beginning to be honest!”

“I’m happy for you Edith,” he said truthfully. Edith sighed happily and floated back into her room, the door closed itself behind her with a sound like a silver bell. Young love was wonderful wasn’t it?

He finished shaking out his clothes and changed into a pair of pajamas laid out for him by the front door, his were less big on him than Edith’s thankfully. After lining his boots next to hers to dry he went into the nearest empty bedroom and almost immediately threw himself down on the mattress which was softer than it looked which compensated for the scratchy sheets, but it didn’t matter. It must have been no more than five minutes before he fell asleep to the distant sound of Violet and Marigold striking up a chorus to I found my love in Diagon Alley which gave him the reassurance that Marigold must be feeling a little better, and that was something.

CRACK

Albus woke with a start.

He didn’t need to be fully awake to know that something was different, even as he stumbled out of bed he knew something was off. Was there always a beaming light shining through his window? With a groan he pulled on a purple cardigan that he suspected belonged to Edith and dragged himself over to the window to inspect the cause of the light, it was such a surprise he had to do a double take.

A silvery Patronus in the form of a dragon was beating its wings silently against the invisible wind, it’s white eyes fixed on his window. Albus bolted to his door so fast in an attempt to get outside that he twisted his ankle and had to limp the rest of the way. Once fully outside, he had a glance around for the owner of the Patronus. The campfire was dead and empty and already covered over with snow, Marigold and Violet had been gone a long time. The dragon continued to beat its wings and Albus couldn’t help but move towards it as if pulled by an invisible rope. It really was quite beautiful..

“Albus..”

“Hello?” He squeaked, moving his head around wildly to try and locate who had spoken. The snow had started to fall again and he wished that his cardigan was thicker.

“Albus..”

Surely.. surely not.

“Albus..”

Could Patronuses talk? And that voice..

“Hello?” He repeated, stepping closer to the dragon until he was in arms reach. The dragon threw its head back in a silent roar and bared its teeth, he didn’t even have time to reach for his wand before it swallowed him whole and he was sucked into a mist of silver that turned as cold as the snow. For a moment he felt and saw nothing. Was he dead? Could this be limbo? Surely not, if it was wouldn’t his mother come running out and whack him with her stick for his behaviour in Godric’s Hollow?

Then the mist cleared, and Albus found himself on a high cliff surrounded by dark waves with no sign of land other than what he stood on. The mist floated upwards and joined the sky which was already a colour of thick grey, crackling with the electricity of a thunderstorm.

“Hello?” He called out, ignoring the choppiness of the waves lapping against the bottom of the cliff in a threatening manner. Why was he standing so close to the edge? It was only as he moved further down and away from the ledge when the dragon Patronus burst out of the sky in a burst of energy.

Albus watched in awe and terror as it flew past him and landed a fair distance away from him and covered its body with its wings before spreading them wide to reveal a figure stepping out of the silvery form. He almost forgot how to breathe at the sight of the immediate mischievous smile he was met with.

It was Gellert.

He was a fair amount older and with longer hair that was slicked back behind his ears, a black shirt with gold cuff links and matching trousers and to his disbelief, the purple heather tie that he had given him on his 17th birthday.

“Albus, it’s been awhile my friend.”

Albus couldn’t move. “Don’t come any closer!” is all he managed to get out as he realised that he didn’t have his wand on him. Gellert tilted his head boyishly with the same smile that had made his teenage self weak in the knees.

“Why?” Gellert asked, slowly walking up the rocky ledge towards him as the waves below them raged on. “We know each other do we not?

Tears prickled at the corner of his eyes. “I thought I did,” Albus said, it was getting harder and harder to keep looking at him. Gellert dropped the grin and his face turned serious.

“Do you ever think about the hours we would spend in her garden planning a future that you would never be a part of?” Gellert asked, still walking towards him. “Of the world we could have created together?” He stopped walking. “Why did you betray me Albus?”

Albus shook his head. “I didn’t betray you Gellert, you betrayed me.”

“Oh yes indeed,” Gellert said softly, his voice singing like an ethereal melody. “I never did get round to asking how her funeral was, did you get my flowers?”

Albus didn’t reply. He was too busy trying to find the playful boy who he had spent so many days and nights with in Gellert’s mask like features, it was as if all the warmth had been burned out, even his eyes didn’t glow like they used to.

“It isn’t too late you know,” Gellert said quietly, stepping before him until they weren’t a feet apart. He was so close Albus could smell the peppermint from his shirt collar.

“Move back,” he said weakly, his façade crumbling like chalk. Gellert smirked and pulled their blood pact out of his collar and dangled it in the air.

“We’ve been here before Albus, you can’t fight me any more than I can fight you.”

“I can try,” Albus said desperately, trying to summon up any inner strength he had left. Gellert tucked the blood pact back down inside his expensive shirt and raised a hand to cup his neck, a pale thumb traced along his jawline and Albus couldn’t help the whimper that escaped his throat.

Gellert grinned.

“Some things never change Albus. You can deny it all you want, but I can see the truth just as clearly as you can.”

“And what truth is that?” He croaked as Gellert leaned closer until his breath tickled his ear.

“You still love me.” Gellert whispered, allowing his nose to brush against his ear before he pulled back to gauge his reaction. Albus considered denying it but he knew that there was no point.

“I knew it.”

Gellert moved forwards and in an instant their lips were joined for the first time since that tragic summer.

His first instinct was to fight it and push Gellert off, but the hunger and longing that had been steadily rising and gaining power like rising lava came back to him all at once and Albus found himself giving in. It was desperate, Albus clung to the front of Gellert’s shirt like a starved man as he felt a hand gripping his hair when the kiss deepened, and for a short moment everything that had happened in the moment Ariana was killed faded into a long forgotten dream.

“Ari? ARI NO!”

The wails of Aberforth clutching onto the lifeless body of Ariana cracked the dam of his weakly formed barriers and came hurtling back towards him with new aggression, the paleness of her arms and the stillness of her doll-like face as her eyes stared into nothing were enough to force him to pull back.

“You’re evil,” he shouted, pushing Gellert back from the kiss with a shove. “Leave me alone.”

Gellert laughed. “Who put that idea in your head Albus? That brother of yours? What a stupid boy he was too.. shall I pay him a visit in that charming little village he’s staying in?”

“You’ll never hurt my family again!” He cried, his voice was stronger now. Gellert laughed again, an awful menacing cackle that made his skin crawl.

“You’re not exactly in a position to talk yourself Albus. What about your sister? It’s a bit rich considering that there is a good possibility that you are the reason she’s-“

“SHUT UP!” He yelled, pushing Gellert hard enough that he lost his footing and fell backwards. Albus watched as he hit the jagged rocks with a thud before he stopped moving, his eyes closed and a thin trail of blood running down his forehead.

Albus felt such sudden disgust with himself that he felt sick. A terrible tightening feeling was wrapping itself around his stomach it felt like his heart was trying to wring itself dry.

“Gellert?” He whispered, getting down on his knees beside where he lay. “Gellert are you alright?”

He hadn’t noticed Gellert’s hand slipping into his pocket.

“STUPEFY!”

The spell hit him square in the chest. His eyes grew wide in surprised shock as he was lifted off his feet and blown backwards towards the edge of the cliff, disappearing over the edge just as Gellert pulled himself to his feet with a burning look of loathing. He closed his eyes and fell, hitting the water at a hundred miles like concrete, the cold look in Gellert’s eyes being the very last thing he remembered before disappearing under the icy waves.

Chapter Text

“Albus? Albus wake up!”

“For Merlin’s sake Dumbledore wake up!”

Albus opened his eyes to Marigold and Travers standing around his bed. Marigold was wearing a cream nightdress and Travers a dark robe with a matching cap, and unlike Marigold he looked very pissed off.

“At bloody last!”

“Oh calm down Torquil,” Marigold hissed, coming to help him sit up. His sheets were soaked with sweat and his hair was plastered to his face, but where was Gellert?

“Are you alright Albus?” Marigold asked, offering him a glass of water. “You were screaming and shaking, half of me thought you were dying!”

“Or possessed by a demon,” Travers muttered. Marigold shot him an angry look which made him leave the room.

“How did I.. did I leave the room?” He asked faintly, his sight still blurred. “It’s just I was outside and I saw..”

“You didn’t go anywhere Albus,” Marigold said plainly. “You haven’t left this room all night, I would’ve heard you if you did. I think you just had a bad dream.”

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. So he hadn’t seen Gellert then.. it hurt but at the same time it was a blessing.

“WE LEAVE IN 5 MINUTES!” Travers shouted from the hallway, Marigold rolled her eyes.

“Merlin, a right insufferable git he is! Will you be alright now?” She asked with concern. Albus took a shaky sip of water and tried his best to smile.

“Yes, I should be fine now. Thank you Marigold.”

Marigold squeezed his lap and left the bed. “You know Albus, once this is all said and done do you fancy getting a Butterbeer at the Truffles Truce? It’s getting a little repetitive our Firewhisky visits don’t you think? It might be nice to venture out a little.”

Albus was immediately reminded of his last outing with Edith, it had ended well had it not? If he didn’t count the part where he was blasted through the Hog’s Tavern door by Aberforth..

“I’d love to,” he said warmly. Marigold smiled and opened the door to the hallway.

“Wonderful! What do you say to Saturday? I should be finished marking my sixth year’s assessments by then.”

“If we survive then I’ll be there,” Albus joked. Marigold laughed and left the room to the barking of orders from Travers. He changed his soaked bedsheets with a lazy wave of his wand and changed into a black jumper paired with black trousers, with what they were about to do he didn’t really need to make an effort did he?

“DUMBLEDORE!”

“I’m coming!” He called into the hallway, his shoes tied themselves and after grabbing his wand he left the room and ventured out into the snow to catch up with the team.

“Right then,” Travers barked when they were all gathered outside. “Eustace and I have found a weak point in the barrier on the north side. We will break in through there and rescue the birds, but the place is heavily guarded. I must warn you now that by taking part in this mission you are willing to risk your life. If anyone wishes to back out, your time is now.”

They stood in silence for a good 20 seconds before Marigold let out a loud sigh.

“For goodness sake Torquil can we get on?”

Travers smirked and fastened his coat. “Indeed we can. I wouldn’t have let any of you leave if you had wanted to anyway..”

Violet stuck out her tounge. “Well aren’t you nice.” Edith nudged her gently as Travers clapped his hands.

“Right then, let’s be on our way.”

“Feeling alright Albus?” Marigold asked, falling beside him as they made their way down the hill towards the barrier.

“Could be a little better,” he admitted. “Marigold if he shows..”

“You won’t have to fight him,” Marigold repeated. “We’ll just get Torquil to do it!”

“I heard that Marigold,” Travers called over his shoulder. Marigold grinned.

“Good, I’d hate to think you were going deaf!”

At last they reached the barrier to find that the section that they were going to use to get in had already been broken, and more baffling still was the lack of guards surrounding the warehouse.

“It’s a trap Torquil,” Eustace muttered. “They want us to try and get in, mark my words they will be waiting!”

“How the hell did you get an outstanding in your OWL’s again Eustace?” Travers said sarcastically. “Even an elf could have figured that out!”

“Leave him alone Torquil,” Edith said, letting go of Violet’s hand to pull out her wand. “It’s not like we aren’t armed!”

“What? And you think they won’t be?”

Marigold clicked her tounge loudly. “Can you both be quiet? Come on, before they actually do realise that we are here!”

Albus moved past Travers to follow Marigold through the gap in the barrier, choosing to ignore him muttering “they probably already do” and stepped over a rotting branch on the other side of the shimmering wall. Once they were all inside the protective circle, Travers came to the front of the group once more to show his authority.

“We will get in there,” he said pointing to a side door at the corner of the warehouse. “Once inside set to work with freeing the Phoenixes, they might have enchantments on them so be prepared for anything.”

“Yes boss,” Marigold muttered, already walking towards Traver’s designated side door. “Can we begin or would you like to wait until next Christmas?”

Albus walked ahead of a grumbling Travers to catch up with Edith, her arms were swinging as she walked and he knew that she was thinking of Diggory, of doing something to hurt the man who had taken him from her, and he was going to help her do it. Once they reached the door Marigold pulled on the handle hopelessly and to no ones surprise it was locked.

“Oh for goodness sake.. right Albus stand back, REDUCTO!”

“MARIGOLD YOU BLOODY IDIOT!” Screeched Travers who bolted forwards but it was too late, the side door was blown off its hinges in an almighty clash, unfortunately this also alerted the guards that they were there.

“What the hell did you do that for?” Travers hissed, his face white with anger. Marigold blew him a kiss and skipped inside the warehouse, casually stunning a guard as she went. Albus was finding it hard to contain his admiration. He followed her inside the warehouse and couldn’t believe how many Phoenixes there were, at least a hundred Phoenixes were caged on perches, all magnificent in their size and colour and their eyes as black as the night. One Phoenix squawked as it saw him and Albus couldn’t believe it, it was the same one from the conservatory in Paris.

“Right!” Barked Travers. “Albus, Violet, Marigold, you set to work freeing them, Eustace, Edith, you’re with me!”

“Like hell!” Cried Marigold, shooting a jet of red light at a guard which made a run for her. Albus decided that there was no time to waste and hurried around the warehouse freeing Phoenixes left and right. Guards were filing into the side door they had broken through and Albus knew it was only a matter of time before they were overpowered. Jets of light were flying through the air just as much as the Phoenixes they had released, He came before the perch of the Phoenix that had squawked at him and gave it a stroke before blasting off the chain around its leg.

“Go on,” he urged, giving it a nudge. “Quickly before they catch you again!”

The Phoenix didn’t move and continued to stare at him, suddenly a streak of green light flew past his ear and the Phoenix screeched in anger. Albus watched in awe as it spread its wings and flew full force at his attacker, the guard screeched at the bird which had begun to claw at his eyes, Albus raced forward.

“That’s enough!” He cried, the Phoenix turned to look at him in mid air, this gave the guard time to take a swipe at him which proved to be a vital mistake. The Phoenix dug it’s beak into the guard’s eyesockets, blinding him.

“Albus come on! We got them all let’s go!” Edith shouted, still in the middle of a duel with a guard. Albus shot a stream of spells at them, knocking down at least 7 with the Phoenix right beside him, Travers grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and yanked him towards the door.

“DUMBLEDORE! THIS IS NO TIME TO PLAY THE HERO!” Travers roared. Albus looked around for Marigold and saw her already halfway through the door, he whistled to the Phoenix and he ran after her, dodging spells as they went.

“TORQUIL LOOK!” Edith shouted, pointing to the other side of the warehouse where at least 30 guards were racing towards them, some firing spells at the fleeing Phoenixes which were headed for the same gap in the barrier that they were running for. Albus fired spells at random over his shoulder and continued to run, Violet was already on the other side of the barrier with Edith close behind.

“GO GO GO!” Travers screeched as killing curses flew towards them from the masked guards, Edith made a dive for the barrier and made it by inches, Violet dragging her through to the other side while simultaneously deflecting curses by guards who were trying to seal the rift they were escaping from.

Eustace hexed a guard who tried to jinx him and joined Violet and Edith on the other side, Travers continued to fire spells at guards who were trying to recapture the last of the fleeing Phoenixes. Albus turned to see Marigold running a short distance behind him, her long hair blowing in the wind as unforgivable curses soared over her head, a wide smile of glee plastered across her face. He was nearly at the barrier now. The Phoenix was still beside him and he didn’t need to beckon it to follow, Travers slipped through the barrier and missed a killing curse by a hair.

“KEEP RUNNING ALBUS!” Travers roared, continuing to deflect curses. With a look at the Phoenix Albus leaped towards the gap in the barrier, then he felt hands grabbing at him, pulling him through by any part of him they could get a grip on.

“MARIGOLD COME ON!” He shouted, rolling over in the snow to see that Marigold had nearly reached the barrier, she was still smiling for whatever reason, Albus didn’t think it was the right circumstance when you were being chased by guards working for a mass murderer but who knows? Maybe it was a coping mechanism? Just whatever got her to the other side of the barrier would do.

“Are we still on for that Butterbeer Albus?” Marigold cried gleefully, shooting a spark of blue over her shoulder. She was nearly there, she was almost within arms reach and then they could seal it..

The Phoenix beside him screeched.

Albus saw the raising of a wand from a cloaked guard and a jet of green light, his scream of warning got caught in his throat as the spell hit its target.

Marigold’s smile fell, her face gave a look of shocked surprise as the curse made impact with her back, her eyes found his and he saw sudden terror before her knees gave way and she fell, skidding to a halt at the other side of the barrier just as the seal was closed.

Edith screamed. Violet raced towards the barrier and threw herself against it repeatedly in an attempt to reach Marigold’s lifeless body on the other side, Travers made an odd sound of shock and Albus felt like he was going to pass out from the pain that was shooting through his stomach. Then the guard who had killed Marigold slipped in the snow and hit the ground causing them to lose their hood.

“No..” Albus whispered as he realised who it was.

Larson Gaunt sat up and looked him directly in the eyes before his face broke into a cruel smile.

“NO!” Edith screamed as she saw the face beneath the hood. “MURDERER!”

Gaunt laughed and walked towards where Marigold’s body lay on the other side of where they stood, Albus stared in horror as Gaunt knelt down beside her and pushed her hair out of her face, then he looked up at them and shook his head.

“We need to go!” Travers said, all trace of his façade of authority out of his voice, he sounded every bit as broken as Edith. “Albus, take Edith, Eustace..”

“ALBUS LET ME GO!” Edith sobbed, still trying to reach the barrier as Albus pulled her away with what little strength he had left. He had to keep going.. he had to keep moving.. if he didn’t then he would have gone back and broken through the barrier to lie beside her, not caring if they killed him or not.

He pulled Edith along beside him with all of the strength he could muster, the unforgiving icy slopes making it a rough task as they slowly climbed the hill leading away from the warehouse and unforgiving destruction. Only when they had all reached the top did he look back at the scene behind him. Guards on the other side of the barrier were still trying to break through the seal to reach them, a few stray Phoenixes were still making their escape flew over the hills to a blissfully naïve freedom with no inclination for the loss that had just occurred. He could hardly see the exact spot where Marigold lay, her heart shaped face full of terror in the split second that she had left to realise her fate.. her last moments on earth were full of fear and hopelessness, all at the hands of Gaunt.. and him.

How many had died because of one summer? How many families murdered, muggles condemned, countless lives torn apart all because he had fallen in love with someone so demonic? And to say that he hadn’t been warned would have been a monstrous lie. The height of insult to his brother, their ill fated sister, both of their parents who gave their lives to protect her and the unlimited warnings he had received in the years since his shameful romance.

“Albus..”

A hand touched his shoulder and he didn’t look up. He was getting dangerously close to passing out as it was.

“Albus we need to go,” Travers said in a voice that was the closest he had heard to being gentle. “It’s only a matter of time before they break through or worse.. Grindelwald could be on his way here as we speak.”

“We need to go back for her,” Edith whispered, holding onto Violet’s arm so tightly Albus thought that she might be restricting the blood flow. “We can’t just leave her down there!”

“We can’t Edith,” Eustace said in a broken voice. Albus flicked his eyes up to look at them all. Battered bloodied and bruised, even Travers was sporting a mighty cut on his right cheek. They looked as though they had fought in a war.

“He’s right Edith,” Violet croaked, trying to reassure her girlfriend. “If we go back then we will all die, and then this will have been for nothing.”

“I don’t care!” Edith wailed. “Marigold-“

“Marigold wouldn’t have wanted that.” Travers said determinedly. Eustace nodded in agreement the way he always did whenever Travers said anything, Edith rubbed her puffy eyes and said nothing except from muffled gasps as she buried her face into Violet’s shoulder.

Albus felt a new level of emptiness. Marigold who had been the first one to accept him at Hogwarts.. to offer him company and a place to turn.. her hopeful outlook on life being condemned to such a cruel end at the hands of their shared colleague and a man that he had inspired and encouraged to commit such awful acts.

“This is my fault,” he mumbled, ignoring the way that their eyes turned to him. He didn’t need their pity or reassurance that it wasn’t, he had fired the spell just as much as Gaunt the day he coined the catchphrase For The Greater Good in Godric’s Hollow.

“Albus you can’t say that..” Violet began sympathetically, raising a hand to his shoulder that Travers pulled off.

“No he’s right.”

“Torquil!” Breathed Edith in appalled shock.

“How could you say such a horrible thing!” Violet said angrily, rounding on a stony faced Travers.

“He’s right!” Travers said defensively, refusing to back down from the challenge Violet presented. “If he hadn’t been in Grindelwald’s pocket as a boy then none of this would be happening. Europe wouldn’t be in tyranny, a hell of a lot of people would still be alive and Marigold would be too!”

“That’s wicked Torquil.” Violet seethed, Albus had never heard so much resentment in her voice. “To say something like that..”

“But..” Travers interrupted loudly in a tone that told her he wasn’t finished. “The fact that he is here now proves that there must be something redeemable. Listen to me Dumbledore,” Travers said sharply, turning to him before getting down to his level. “Do you want Marigold to have died for nothing? Because if you give up now then that is exactly what you are doing. Make sure that it was not in vain, otherwise Grindelwald wins.”

“Hear hear,” muttered Eustace which earned him an annoyed glare from Travers.

“We need to go now,” Travers announced, glancing back down the hill towards the barrier which was hanging on by a thread. “We’ll go back to Hogsmeade, Edith, Violet, you know who to contact. Eustace you’re with me, Albus- wait what the hell is that Phoenix still doing here? Shoo!”

“Leave him,” Albus said quietly, looking at the majestic bird that had perched beside him. Travers gaped in disbelief.

“It’s a he now? So you intend to keep it? Marigold wouldn’t have-“

“Marigold would have loved it.” Edith said croakily, taking Violet’s hand before reaching out towards his in preparation to Disapparate. “For god’s sake Torquil show some bloody compassion!”

Travers looked stunned and for a moment his lips parted as though he was going to say something before deciding against it, he snatched Eustace’s hand who took his until they were all joined in a circle, the Phoenix fluttering in the centre.

“On the count of three then,” Travers said. “One..”

“It’ll be alright Albus,” Violet said in a voice barely above a whisper. Albus couldn’t reply and instead squeezed her hand. The Phoenix flapped his wings airily in the centre of the circle, great black eyes stared into his with such intensity he had to look away.

“Two..”

Albus looked over his shoulder at the barrier behind them, spells were still being fired at the place that they had escaped from and he knew it was merely seconds until the protection collapsed. He tried not to think about Marigold who still lay in the snow surrounded by strangers, her eyes staring without seeing up at the shimming canvas of the barrier, perhaps looking past it to the sky.. wherever she was now Albus did not know, but he hoped that they were being kind to her. Merlin knows that she deserved so much more than she got.

“Three.”

A shadow of a silvery Patronus took shape at the foot of the hill in the form of a dragon, and Albus didn’t have the time or the care to do a second take before the scenery changed and the woods morphed into stone brick cottages and buildings, the scent of butter beer and jumbled chatter of Hogsmeade village pulling him into the present.

“Is everyone alright?” Travers asked breathlessly. They had hit the ground more roughly than intended and were now sprawled across the lane surrounded by curious shoppers who had stopped to take a look at them.

“Merlin what on earth?”

“Goodness gracious, they look half dead!”

“Is that a Phoenix?”

“What’s all the commotion? Make way make way.. WHAT THE HELL?”

Albus opened his eyes to see Aberforth leering over them in a filthy splattered apron, his face twitching furiously and a speckled goat peering out from behind his legs.

“Evening Aberforth,” Travers said in the most dignified manner he could manage. “A few of us might require a little medical assistance..”

“Do I look like a blooming St Mungo’s healer to you?” Boomed Aberforth incredulously. “Would one of you care to explain what the bloody hell is going on?”

“Special mission..” muttered Eustace, his hands wrapped around his stomach which was weeping crimson. “Grindelwald..”

“Shh!” Hissed Travers furiously, aiming a kick at Eustace which missed by miles.

“Grindelwald?” Aberforth said loudly, glancing at him quite obviously and Albus couldn’t ignore it. Thankfully the bystanders that still remained were more fascinated by the Phoenix sitting in his lap than any mention of Grindelwald.

“Albus helped you?”

Travers nodded reluctantly. “Dumbledore was of.. valuable assistance in the mission.”

“He was brilliant,” Violet said softly, wrapping a scrap of torn fabric from her shirt around a cut on Edith’s arm. “After Marigold..”

“Who’s Marigold?” Aberforth asked.

“A member of the team,” Edith choked through tears. “She’s.. shes..”

“Dead.” Travers filled in, but there was no malice in his voice. Aberforth looked taken aback.

“Well that’s.. I’m sorry to hear that.. I suppose you lot will be needing cleaned up after that ordeal, the Hogwarts Hospital Wing is closest, I’ll send some owls.”

“Thank you Aberforth,” Travers said gratefully. Aberforth grunted in response.

Albus looked at him and their eyes met. For the first time in years, he felt like they were on level ground. Aberforth gave him a nod before disappearing inside the Hog’s Tavern with a goat on his heels.

“I’ll contact William and Iris once we reach the school,” Violet said as she rubbed soothing circles into Edith’s back. “They need to be told.”

“And I’ll inform the Prophet,” Eustace added, sitting up against a lamppost. “Travers, could you give me Abigail’s details?”

“Certainly,” Travers replied.

“Albus are you alright?”

It might have been Violet or Edith who said it, Albus didn’t know before found his body giving out. For a moment he imagined Marigold sitting beside him, a grin on her face as she told a joke that her father had once shared at a Christmas dinner, perhaps after a rendition of a song she had begged him not to perform, her joyous laughter was the only thing on his mind before he passed out to the world around him.

Chapter Text

“Albus? Albus can you hear me?”

He opened his eyes. He was in a very bright room, his first thought being that he was dead and waiting in limbo to pass on, it was only when his vision become clearer he realised that the room he was in was filled with beds. He was in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing.

“Ah then,” Headmaster Phineas Black said with a gentle smile. “How are you feeling? It was a close call from what I heard!”

Albus only had one person on his mind. He glanced around helplessly at the beds around him, Travers was asleep in a bed two down from him with his arm in a sling followed by Eustace who was sitting up and reading a newspaper, he thanked Merlin that Edith and Violet were no where to be seen. At least that meant that their injuries weren’t serious.

“Where are Edith and Violet?” He blurted out frantically. “And where-“

“Albus, relax my dear boy,” Professor Black said placing a firm hand on his chest. “They are both just fine I can assure you. Both are understandably distressed but that is to be expected after what you have all accomplished.”

He almost didn’t dare to ask. But what if there had been some miracle?

“And Marigold?” He asked with closed eyes, there was silence until he heard a low sigh from Professor Black which turned the small sliver of hope in his stomach to bile.

“I’m dreadfully sorry Albus.”

“It was Gaunt,” he whispered. “He.. killed her. He was working for Grindelwald the entire time!”

“Yes, it appears that we were fatally mistrusting where Mr Gaunt is concerned,” Professor Black said quietly. “You will be pleased to know that he has been relieved from his duties as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher..”

Albus didn’t care. Gaunt had worked with Marigold, shared a table with her, lived and taught in the same castle as her only to kill her.. the pain was so unbearable he felt weak from it.
“This of course leaves an opening.”

He opened his eyes, Professor Black was staring at him with a look of expectancy.

“Me?” He said flatly. “You want me to take over Defence Against the Dark Arts?”

“I can think of no one better or more worthy,” Professor Black replied. Albus couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

He should have been overjoyed.

This was what he had been longing for through all of those cold lonely years trapped in his leaking cottage in Chittlehampton with no one but Mr Matthews and Mrs Partridge for company, a real position in the Wizarding World and a steady income.. and he felt absolutely nothing.

“Don’t you think that might be a little unpopular?” He asked emotionlessly. “I’m not exactly the man for the job, I mean half of the Wizarding World thinks that I’m still conspiring with Grindelwald..”

Professor Black raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“I trust you haven’t seen the latest edition of the Prophet then?” Professor Black said reaching into his robe to pull out a folded paper, Albus sat himself up and reached out a hand and unfolded it.

On the cover was a picture from the Christmas dinner he had spent in Paris at Marigold’s parent’s house. They were all gathered round the table in front of the glorious feast with Elphias wrapping an arm around William’s shoulder, Diggory sitting in his chair with a beaming Marigold on his lap and him sitting in the middle between Elphias and Diggory while wearing a paper crown that Elphias had forced him to wear after he won the cracker prize. Iris was at the edge of the frame holding a bottle of Firewhisky with had turned black and grey like the rest of them, their joy still evident despite the discolouration. Albus could have cried but under the watchful eye of Professor Black, he forced himself to read on.

HERO HOGWARTS TEACHER PERISHES IN FIGHT WITH GRINDELWALD’S FOLLOWERS WHILE PARTICIPATING IN RAID
Reported by Abigail Inchwell

Marigold Finchley was until quite recently a normal teacher at Hogwarts, always keen to lend a listening ear or a hand of help to any who required it, she was by all accounts a devoted worker who loved her job. After the death of her husband at the hands of notorious dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald who sent his followers to attack a residence she was spending Christmas at, she decided to take up arms against him by joining the fight to take him down. Assisted by her close friend Albus Dumbledore who many will already recognise, the pair travelled with a special squad dedicated to hunting down the dark wizard to infiltrate a base holding a great number of Phoenixes which Grindelwald had stolen in an attempt as we have been told, to gain immortality through harnessing their powers by force. It was during this raid while rescuing the rare birds that Mrs Finchley lost her life to the hands of one of Grindelwald’s devoted followers by the use of the Killing Curse. Albus Dumbledore is claimed to have done everything in his power to try and rescue Mrs Finchley during this raid, and apparently went above and beyond to rescue the Phoenixes at great risk to his own life. It appears dear readers, that we have been sorely mistaken about where Mr Dumbledore’s loyalties lie, and we hope that on behalf of the Daily Prophet and all who hear of his bravery that he accepts our heartfelt apology.

“They switched up fast,” Albus grumbled, tossing the paper onto the bedside table and hitting the Phoenix sitting there on the beak with it by accident. He squeaked in surprise.

“What is he doing here?” He asked, Professor Black smiled.

“Charming creature isn’t it? The bird refused to leave your side even when the Phoenix specialists tried to take it away, gave one of them a bloody good peck!”

The Phoenix croaked and bowed his head so he could stroke the feathers on his neck. Albus smiled just as a tear rolled down his cheek.

“I’ll leave you to it then Albus,” Professor Black said getting up off the bed, “or should I say, Professor Dumbledore.”

Albus nodded as he left, the Phoenix blinked as the great doors of the hospital wing clicked shut.

“I suppose you will need a name,” he said quietly, the Phoenix squawked in response and flapped his wings in excitement, tipping off a jar of ink that he hadn’t noticed was sitting behind him. Albus watched as the jar rolled to a stop on the floor before his bed, the dark liquid spilling out at an alarming pace as his eyes fell onto the label that although it had been splattered with ink, was still very much readable.

FILBUS FAWKES FOOLPROOF INK

Something clicked. It was like a fire that had been extinguished long ago being reignited by a higher force, the Phoenix seemed to sense the change as it hopped off the bedside table and came to sit on his shoulder. Albus glanced up at the bird’s dark eyes and smiled.

“How do you feel about Fawkes?”

The Phoenix opened his beak and sang, a a pure unfiltered melody that rang through the hospital wing and echoed off the walls long after it had ended, it wasn’t until the sun had began to set that the ghost of the aria finally fell silent.

The village of Godric’s Hollow had changed little since he had left it, perhaps a little more overgrown, the street lamps were wrapped in ivy and a wall that he didn’t recall being there stood where the old post office had been but apart from that he might as well have gone on a day trip. It was early and light was only just peeking through the clouds, he had thought it was best considering he was being accompanied by a Phoenix, something muggles certainly weren’t accustomed to by any means, but he also had his first lesson as Professor Dumbledore, teacher of Defence Against the Dark Arts.

“Come Fawkes,” he said in a hushed voice, leading the Phoenix towards a familiar row of cottages, Bathilda’s hadn’t aged a day. Fawkes let out a low squawk and landed on her fence while he creaked the gate open and made his way up the overgrown path, his eyes falling on a particular spot on her lawn for a split second before he moved back to her front door and rapped on the new door knocker twice.

“Albus? What a lovely surprise!”

Bathilda opened the door to let him in with her familiar smile, she was in a flowery nightgown and her hair was tied up under a cap and Albus felt sudden guilt that he might have come too early.

“I’m sorry if I’m a little early..” he began, Bathilda kissed his cheek and led him into her kitchen that still smelled of lavender.

“Nonsense Albus love, it’s a treat to see you again! Congratulations on your promotion by the way, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it in the Prophet!”

Albus smiled and took a seat in one of the kitchen chairs, Bathilda rushed off to receive a pot of tea which poured itself, she returned to the table with a cardboard box under her arm.

“So Albus, how have you been?” She asked airily, taking a seat and placing the box on the table, Albus took a sip of his tea before placing the cup back onto the saucer.

“Better some days, worse others,” he replied honestly. “I’m really just taking it one day at a time Bathilda, that’s all I can really do now.”

Bathilda nodded understandingly. “Of course Albus love, I’m so terribly sorry to hear about what happened to Marigold, such a lovely woman she was.”

Albus took another sip of tea to distract himself. “Yes she was,” he said quietly. Then his eyes shifted to the box near Bathilda’s own saucer. “What’s that?”

“This? Oh it’s just a few things that I was sorting out a few days ago, I needed the space in Gel- the spare bedroom and I found them.. I thought you might like to take a took?”

Bathilda shifted the box over to him. Albus peered inside and was immediately greeted with the picture of him and Gellert that Bathilda had taken on her front lawn the day they had their first kiss. Beneath it were several letters, including some that he himself had written about their plans for muggle domination and finding the Hallows, he felt sick with shame.

“He left in such a hurry that morning.. he must have forgotten to take them with him.” Bathilda said fondly, picking up a lone picture of Gellert in a dark coat with his arms folded and his wand in hand from the side of the box, Albus couldn’t meet her eyes.

“Bathilda, about those letters.. I don’t believe in that view anymore-“

Bathilda’s eyes softened.

“Don’t worry Albus love, I understand. Underneath it all the pair of you had a good relationship didn’t you?”

So she had heard them then.

“Yes,” Albus sighed, putting the letters back into the box. “I suppose we did.”

“He adored you Albus,” Bathilda said softly, reaching out a hand to place it over his. Tears began to prickle in his eyes. “What you two shared, however brief it was, know it was real.”

“I’m going to have to go after him eventually you know.”

“I know dear.”

“I.. I don’t know how I’m going to do it,” he managed to get out before the tears came. Bathilda got up from her seat and came around the table to give him a hug.

“I’ll always be here Albus. If ever you need a listening ear or a cup of tea, you’ll always know where I live. It’ll be alright love.”

Albus wiped his eyes with his ragged tartan handkerchief. “I better get going Bathilda. I have my first class today and I don’t want to be late.”

Bathilda released him from her grasp and picked up the box. “Of course dear, would you like to take these with you?”

Albus snuck a glimpse back into the box at the picture of the two boys he couldn’t even recognise. Gellert stared back with that quirked lip that he always had, as if he was daring him to refuse. He was going to have to refuse him eventually when the time inevitably came, why not start now?

“No that’s alright,” he said finally. “They belong with you, they belong in the Hollow.” Bathilda gave a knowing smile.

“Do come and visit again soon Albus,” she called after him as he clicked open the front door with a creak, Fawkes was still sitting on her fence though rather impatiently, Albus knew it was time to leave.

“I will, goodbye Bathilda, and good luck with your new book!”

The door closed and Albus was struck in the face by a large red wing. Fawkes was trying to grab at his collar to pull him along the street faster than he was walking, the sun was almost fully risen so it wasn’t the worst idea. The last thing he needed was to get arrested for having a magical creature in full view of the muggles!

“You do know that you’re a bad influence?” He teased the bird. Fawkes blinked and let go of his collar and flew ahead a short distance, it was magnificent the way that his feathers caught the light..

How strange it was to be leaving the Hollow with nothing but a Phoenix, but then as far as villages came, it had certainly seen a lot in its time since Godric himself had lived there. Albus began to hum as he walked, his mind focused on the lesson he had planned ahead. It was a second year class, that surely couldn’t be that difficult to handle? Aberforth was a little difficult at that age but that was just him wasn’t it?

Suddenly an elderly looking owl swooped down from behind a tree, Albus held out a hand as it dropped a crumpled letter into his hand, hissed once and flew off. He broke the seal and unfolded the letter to read the neater than usual scrawl that lay within.

Albus.

I read the Prophet article. I’m sorry to hear about Marigold, she didn’t deserve what happened to her. I’m glad that you finally stood up against Gilroy, not saying that I’m not still angry at you because i bloody well am, but this is a step in the right direction. Oh and congratulations for the job promotion, mother would have been proud.

Aberforth

P.S. THIS DOESN’T MEAN THAT I’M LETTING YOU OFF THE HOOK ABOUT THAT EXTRA TEN GALLEONS!

Albus smiled and put the letter into his pocket. Maybe some wounds didn’t run too deep after all..

Fawkes squawked loudly. “Alright I’m coming!” He said, pulling a face at the Phoenix which hovered some distance away from him. With a new spring in his step they left the Hollow, Fawkes flapping his radiant wings in the morning sunlight until they were deep into the woods beyond the village. Eventually they ventured so far up into the hills that even if he had decided to turn and look back whether in sudden curiosity or a jest of nostalgia, he couldn’t have made out the thatched cottages or Bathilda’s garden or the spot on the Church wall or any of the places that two boys had adopted as their usual haunts during that fateful summer in 1899 even if he tried.

Chapter Text

30th June 1997

Albus had known the very minute that he had stepped foot into the Inferi infested cave with a hesitant but determined Harry by his side that he would not be leaving as the same man. Even as they crossed the gloomy waters and Harry pointed out that he saw a hand emerge in the dark depths as they sailed, their path led by a ball of light to the small island that held their prize, it was going to be a new challenge that he had never faced despite his endless victories and chance triumphs. And now they stood standing before a basin filled to the brim with a glowing green potion that for all his wisdom he could not decipher what harm it would cause to the drinker, all he knew for certain is that he would be finding out imminently.

“You remember,” he urged as they stood facing each other on the opposite sides of the basin, their faces illuminated in a haunting green glow. “The condition on which I brought you with me?”

He scanned Harry’s face expectantly, the way his jaw clenched and his eyes wavered with hesitation, Albus knew that the boy was trying to conjure up a way to talk him out of the inevitable. When it came to the well-being of others, Harry was equal to his parents. Especially Lily.

“But what if?” Harry said eventually, Albus cut across him and pressed on, their time was ticking short.

“You swore did you not, to follow any command I gave you?”

“Yes but-“

“I warned you did I not, that there might be danger?”

“Yes but-“

There it was, the usual Potter stubbornness. Albus felt a tug of appreciative fondness for Harry’s concern over him, an uncommon kindness that he inherited from his mother.

“Well then,” he said brightly, picking up the empty goblet and ignoring the look of horror on Harry’s face. “You have my orders.”

Harry, selfless and brave as he was offered himself up to sample it, but Albus would hear none of it. It had to be this way. After a short bought of argument he tipped the goblet into the basin and filled it with the potion, the green liquid sloshing about in the cup as he raised it towards his lips before pausing in toast.

“Your good health, Harry.”

After giving him a final look, he allowed his eyes to linger at the lightening shaped scar on Harry’s forehead before he tipped the potion down his throat and closed his eyes. An instant sensation of numbness was quickly overcoming him which he suspected was to lull the drinker into a false sense of security, and he decided that he should make haste with the potion in case the effects took place and Harry went back on his word.

Without opening his eyes he fished the goblet back into the basin and when it had reached a new level of heaviness, he repeated the action he had done only moments before. When the goblet was empty he did the same and quickly refilled, not opening his eyes once as he drank, the numbness in his body was getting stronger even as a feeling of dread was seeping into his pores, not unlike the way one felt when a Dementor attack was close to occurring.

It was only when he was halfway through his fourth goblet that Albus felt something change and he lost his footing, staggering blinding forwards until he felt himself hit the side of the basin and slide down to the uneven ground, the goblet rolling out of his hands as a cackle of cruel laughter invaded his senses.

“I’ll give you once last chance you idiot, move now and no one needs to get hurt.”

“Aberforth move!”

“NO!”

Then another voice cut through the vision like glass, briefly halting the confrontation he was being forced to watch, Albus had forgotten how his brother used to look as a boy..

“Professor Dumbledore can you hear me?”
Albus couldn’t open his eyes. He almost seemed to be fixed on the sight before him against his will, the way Aberforth was squaring up to an increasingly agitated Gellert in their mother’s beautifully decorated kitchen in Godric’s Hollow.. if they were still arguing that meant that Ariana was still alive.. but what if..

He realised in that moment what the potion would do, and he was completely powerless to stop it. This was a new level of torture unlike any he had undergone.

“Professor?” Harry’s strong but shaken voice came again, slightly louder than the first time. “Professor can you hear me?”

Albus was trapped. The vision leaking into all corners of his mind leaving no chance of sanctuary, and he still couldn’t open his eyes. Gellert and Aberforth were still facing each other and his teenage mouth was moving of its own accord, trying to force his brother out of the way so that they could reach Ariana, Gellert’s eyes were becoming more snake like by the second in a way that he had never remembered before.

“I don’t want..” he finally managed to croak, his voice distant from the vision which let him know that it had reached Harry. “Don’t make me..”

Two voices were screaming in his head, both at Harry but with very different tunes outside of the vision which continued to torturously unfold, etching closer to the duel which killed his sister.

One was pleading for it to end, his mind cleared and all trace of his youthful foolish self out of his conscience and the other praying with every last fibre that Harry would not give in to his demands, the Horcrux was essential to defeating Voldemort and their mission could not be thrown off course by an old man’s weakness.

“CRUCIO!”

The screams in his head only got louder as he was forced to watch as Aberforth fell to the ground, incapacitated by Gellert’s curse who was leaning over him with a cruel menace. Even as he tried to pull his friend and lover off, grabbing any part of him he could get a grip on, begging him that it wasn’t part of their doomed plan and that it wasn’t the way, anything that might make the vision come to an end.

“I don’t like.. want to stop..” he moaned agonisingly, his fingers so numb he couldn’t even feel his nails digging into his aged palm, not even on his blackened hand which should have been burning.

“You.. can’t stop, Professor.” Harry said thickly, his voice strained with effort. Albus was torturing the boy as much as he was torturing himself. “You’ve got to keep drinking remember? You told me you have to keep drinking. Here..”

He could do nothing more but whimper as he felt Harry tipping his head back to force more of the potion down his throat, the image of Aberforth screaming in pain only heightened the more the green substance entered his system, and it wasn’t long until he was in sync with his brother, his throat ripped raw. What a sight for poor Harry who was only doing as he had instructed.

“It’s not a choice of family Albus, it’s a choice of the greater good. But if your brother wishes to narrow it down to that then so be it, it’s between him or me, us.”

How heartless Gellert had looked. So this was what Aberforth had been seeing?

“It’s all my fault,” he sobbed, covering his head with his shaking hands. “Please make it stop, I know I did wrong, please make it stop and I’ll never, never again..”

A shot of green light narrowly missing Aberforth by inches.. then they were duelling all at once. Albus shook uncontrollably as he felt Harry forcing him to swallow more of the substance causing his pain. He deserved it. After all he had done and caused for love..

“Don’t hurt them don’t hurt them,” he moaned while his inner voice screamed at a teenage Gellert in desperation as the duel bled on, his brother fighting for his life in a situation that was not his making. “Please, please, it’s all my fault, hurt me instead..”

“Here drink this, drink this, you’ll be alright,” Harry begged, shoving the goblet to his mouth once more, Albus hadn’t been counting the exact number of times it had touched his lips.

He heard the distant sound of the crystal goblet scrape the basin as the duel carried on more ferocious than ever. To make it even worse, his perspective of the vision gave him a full view of Ariana coming down the stairs, her beloved Niffler toy poking out from between her pale arms.

Albus screamed. Harry, a boy who had seen so much pain and misery in his short life being forced to bear witness to his shame, what was he subjecting him to?

His inner voice screamed at Ariana as she walked shaking down the hall leading to the kitchen, her skin crackling with magic the way it had always done, he begged her to turn around and go back upstairs, away from the carnage and her fate which drew ever closer with every passing second..

“I want to die! I want to die! Make it stop, make it stop, I want to die!”

He could have sworn that Harry stumbled as the well used goblet was raised to his lips for the umpteenth time. How could he make it up to him? What time did he have left to even try?

“Drink this, Professor, drink this..”

The spells being fired grew louder, and Ariana reached the doorframe while he drank the potion, she stepped into the dust and array of bright lights and quickly became invisible to him just as he emptied the goblet, his screams of anguish were soon drowned out by one that was unmistakable.

“KILL ME!” He howled until the piercing scream stopped and the dust cleared, paving way for Aberforth kneel next to Ariana’s body with his head in his hands, Gellert looking down on his siblings with cold contempt.

Albus drank the last goblet of potion in silence and then rolled face down to the ground, his mouth was slightly open and his spectacles were lopsided, but he didn’t have the energy to fix them. The memory of Ariana’s body being lifelessly scooped up into a wailing Aberforth’s arms was fresher than ever, and in that moment he wished more than anything that he could take her place. It should have been him.

“No!” Harry croaked, shaking him with panicked urgency. “You’re not dead, you said it wasn’t poison, wake up!”

His eyes flickered. A burning thirst was licking at his throat as the vision faded away with the Dissapparation of Gellert from the kitchen and a pile of debris falling from the ceiling, but his will to live was almost nonexistent. He felt Harry continue to shake him, clammy hands gripping his thick robe in a bid to draw him back to the present, and here he was cowering over a memory that was of his own creation by his foolish actions.

There it was, a boy who had banished a dark wizard off the face of the earth while he was still an infant, watched his friends die and the closest person he had ever known to being a parent, saved endless lives with his heroism and refusal to bow down in his determination to make sure that his parent’s sacrifice was not in vain and then there was him. Putting all of that loss at risk of being for nothing. Harry had always been the better man than he was.

A teenage Gellert smirked at him from behind his eyelids in a taunting manner. The message was clear. Was he really going to allow himself to give up at the final hurdle?

“Water,” he rasped, opening his eyes to look at Harry who sighed visibly with relief. He sat in pained silence while Harry made feeble attempts to summon water to the basin which seemed to empty every time the goblet was brought to his lips.

“Sir I’m trying, I’m trying!” Harry stammered, raising his wand to the goblet to try and fill it with water directly to no avail. Albus rolled onto his side with rattled breaths and glanced weakly at the bank of the lake. Voldemort had planned it to be this way..

“Harry..” he whispered faintly as he watched him stumble down to the edge of the lake out of the corner of his eye, one arm extended to fill the goblet with water which he brought back and ended up throwing over his face. Despite the mistake, the icy sensation was a relief. The moment of tranquility was short lived when the water behind him started churning with the rising of bodies, an army of Inferi at Voldemort’s disposal. For a brief moment he was reminded of Gellert’s suggestion that they create one themselves in the early days of their planning to take over the world.

“Petrificus Totalus!” Yelled Harry, shooting spells wildly at the dead battalion that descended upon them. Albus fumbled about blindly for his wand knowing that it was only a matter of time before he was overpowered.

“SECTUMSEMPRA! SECTUMSEMPRA! SECTUM-“

And then Harry was overtaken, his wand rendered indisposed in slimy hands as he was carried down towards the water to meet a grisly fate that he wouldn’t wish upon anyone, and Albus knew it was now or never. He grasped the handle of his wand and in a split second fire emerged from the end of it, circling the island and forcing the Inferi to drop Harry who scrambled up to stand beside him as the flames licked the waves and warded off any who might’ve dared to reach them. Harry’s safety was paramount above all else.

“Sir,” Harry panted as they clambered back into the boat which began to move once they were seated, the ring of fire still circling them. “Sir I forgot, about fire.. they were coming at me and I panicked!”

“Quite understandable,” he replied faintly, his blackened hand throbbing under his robe which he had pulled down to cover it. His head was spinning, nearly all of his energy was going into keeping the ring of fire going until they reached the bank. Harry jumped out immediately once they reached land and turned back to help him climb from the boat, the moment he was on even footing Albus sighed and leaned back against the decaying wall.

“I am weak,” he said rather obviously, it was a strange sensation, of course his hand had been a nuisance for nearly a year but this was something else.

This was personal.

Harry, considerate as always, offered words of reassurance while pulling his injured arm over his shoulder to help lead him out of the cavern. When they reached the wall, he slipped his free hand into his robe to try and locate his knife.

“The archway will have sealed again..” he said quietly, feeling the glide of the blade against his fingertips. “My knife..”

“There’s no need, I got cut on the rock,” Harry said at once. “Just tell me where..”

“Here,” he said pointing out a specific spot in the grimy stone. Albus watched sadly as Harry wiped his arm into the wall which faded away at receiving its payment, the smell of the sea filled his lungs once more and he felt the urge to savour it in a way he never had before. The waves were every bit as gloomy as the lake, but he had a strange sensation of peace even as his muscles ached and screamed for mercy, it was the silence before the storm.

“It’s going to be alright sir,” Harry kept saying over and over long after they were back in the water and swimming back towards the rock, one arm gripping his robe to keep him above the waves which Albus was endlessly thankful for. “We’re nearly there.. I can Apparate us both back.. don’t worry..”

Despite the icy water piercing him like knives, Harry’s words of comfort were more reassuring than anything. Albus smiled weakly against the throw of the waves and thanked Merlin for his company.

“I am not worried Harry,” he said as they drew closer to the rock which beckoned them with every toss of water which tried to throw them off course. “I am with you.”

And he meant it.

Their arrival in Hogsmeade was a little bumpy, for all of Harry’s best efforts he was still quite green in the profession of Apparating, but Albus did not complain, they were alive.

“We need to get you up to the school sir,” Harry wheezed, his voice croaky from swallowing seawater. “Madam Pomfrey..”

Albus leaned back against a dimly lit lamppost with a grunt. The village was quieter now, the only noise that stood out was coming from the Hog’s Head further down the lane, Aberforth always did like to put on a show. A jab of pain shot through his chest and he had to make a grab for Harry’s shoulders to keep himself upright. A thunderous boom came from the sky, the grey clouds churned with discontent as every part of him ached with the after effects of the potion. His eyes met Harry’s, and it was in that moment that he knew the time had come for Severus to keep his word like Harry had. Perhaps if they had more time he would have checked in on his brother.. all he could do now was beg his forgiveness.

“No,” he said at last, his weakened voice startling Harry who did his best not to show it. “It is.. Professor Snape whom I need.. but I do not think I can walk very far just yet..”

“Right, sir listen.. I’m going to knock on a door and find a place you can stay-“

“Severus.” Albus repeated clearly, Harry could not misunderstand the importance of the request he made. The future of the mission was resting on it. “I need Severus..”

He did not miss the way Harry’s face twitched in annoyance at the mention of Severus’s name. After a brief resistance and an interaction with Rosmerta who kindly offered to lend them brooms and informed them of the new addition of the Dark Mark above Hogwarts, they were on their way.

“Harry, put on your Invisibility Cloak.”

“But sir-“

Albus said nothing until he had mounted his own broom, his long robes creasing awkwardly on either side while his beard got caught on his belt. There was no time for protest now.

“Your word Harry,” he said more tiredly than he would’ve intended if he hadn’t been so weak. Harry opened his mouth and closed it, pulling on his cloak and kicking off from the ground, his feet were deliberately left uncovered so that Albus could keep track of where he was as they flew towards the castle, the Dark Mark looming overhead like an unwelcome spectre. He wordlessly removed the enchantments surrounding the castle and they made their way up to the Astronomy Tower where the mark was most present. As soon as they touched down, he turned to Harry with his words prepared.

“Go and wake Severus. Tell him what has happened and bring him to me. Do nothing else, speak to nobody else and do not remove your Cloak. I shall wait here.”

“But-“ Harry protested, his green eyes shining in the dimmed light with concern. He never had trusted Severus had he?

“You swore to obey me Harry.” He said firmly, leaving no room for any argument. “Go!”

Albus watched as Harry raced for the door before a distant noise on the other side caused them both to pause. Harry turned round to look back at him and Albus waved him to the corner with his blackened hand as the door blew open, in a flash he immobilised Harry without a word as a pale face broke through the darkness, his wand raised defiantly. Even knowing his intentions, Albus felt an immediate sting of pity for the boy who was being punished for his father’s failures.

“Good evening Draco,” he said pleasantly as though being held hostage precariously close to the edge of the Astronomy Tower was a daily occurrence. He observed with curiosity the way that the boy glanced around the tower for any sign of movement other than him, his jaw twitching with paranoia for any Order of the Phoenix members who might’ve been hiding behind a corner to ambush him.

“Who else is here?” Draco said suddenly, puffing out his chest to face him looking every bit the schoolboy bully. Albus tilted his head as though he was lost in thought.

“A question I might ask you. Or are you acting alone?”

That made Draco pause. Albus noticed the way that his eyes shot up to the mark in the sky with a flicker of fear, his face was nearly as pale as his hair by that point. Was Lucius aware, even at that very moment while he was bound in chains in Azkaban, that his son was being forced to pay for his sins?

“No,” Draco hissed. “I’ve got back up. There are Death Eaters here in your school tonight.”

It did not surprise him. The boy didn’t seem the type to go in for an attack unless he had insurance.

“Well well, very good indeed, you found a way to let them in did you?”

“Yeah,” Draco said triumphantly, though his tone did not quite match the successful figure he seemed to be trying to portray. If Albus didn’t know any better, he might even have said that he looked faint. “Right under your nose and you never realised!”

“Ingenious,” he said softly, closing his eyes. “Yet forgive me, where are they now? You seem unsupported.”

Draco hit a stammer and began to explain in jumbled words about how they met resistance and would join him at any moment but Albus was only half listening, instead he was picturing Fawkes sitting on his perch and praying that he would escape before they reached the Headmaster’s office.

“I came on ahead.. I- I’ve got a job to do!”

Albus opened his eyes to meet the terrified boy’s gaze. “Well then, you must get on and do it my dear boy.”

Draco froze, his wand arm still out stretched, he was clearly unused to being put on the spot. Albus saw the conflict tearing him apart and it only increased his compassion for him.

“Draco..” he said quietly, his lips quirking into a smile. “Draco, you are not a killer.”

As he expected, defiance came.

“How do you know?” Draco snarled, jabbing his wand at him like a knife. “You don’t know what I’m capable of! You don’t know.. you don’t know what I’ve done!”

A clear picture of a bottle of mead and a cursed necklace came to the front of his mind along with a bed bound Ronald Weasley and Katie Bell, and his empathy for the shaking boy in front of him faltered for a long moment.

“You have been trying with.. increasing desperation,” Draco’s face gained a little colour purely from embarrassment. “To kill me all year. Forgive me Draco, but they have been feeble attempts.. so feeble.. to be honest, that I wonder whether your heart has really been in it.”

More defiance came. Hurried explanations about how his heart was in his attempts, several tries at intimidation along with an explanation about the fixing of a vanishing cabinet to allow the Death Eaters into Hogwarts, something Albus would have been quite intrigued about if the time wasn’t so limited. It only made him want to get to the point where they discussed how to get the boy out of his troubled situation all the more urgently.

“So,” he said after a short silence. “Let us discuss your options Draco.”

Draco laughed pathetically. “My options!” He all but shouted. “I’m standing here with a wand! I’m about to kill you!”

“My dear boy,” Albus chuckled, leaning heavily against the wall until he was slumped. “Let us have no more pretence about that. If you were going to kill me, you would have done it when you first disarmed me, you would not have stopped for this pleasant chat about ways and means.”

Draco gasped for an answer. “I’ve got to do it!” He trembled, his wand arm shaking so badly Albus was surprised that he hadn’t dropped the thin stick weakly grasped between his fingers. “I’ve got to do it! He’ll kill me! He’ll kill my whole family!”

“I appreciate the difficulty of your position,” he said gently. And he did. What the boy was facing was terrible for a person of any age, but especially for one so young. After all, he was of a similar age Draco was now when he had made terrible mistakes that the Wizarding World spent decades paying for, it was not too late to save this boy from a similar fate and save a soul from being torn apart the way Gellert’s had.

He immediately offered protection for his parents, hoping it would reach Draco’s conscience and force him to reconsider, it was almost strange, the night he was almost entirely certain that he was to meet his end he was in a battle to save a young man’s soul. Perhaps this was his final chance to do some good, to reach this boy the way he could not reach Gellert and later Tom Riddle?

“They thought I’d die in the attempt, but I’m here.. and you’re in my power and I’m the one with the wand..”

Albus thought he seemed to be attempting to talk himself into it.

“And you’re at my mercy..”

He shook his head at once just as a rattle of footsteps on the staircase hurried him on. “No Draco. It is my mercy, and not yours that matters now.”

Their eyes met and the façade behind Draco’s eyes dropped. Slowly, ever so slowly his wand began to lower, and Albus felt a faint tug of hope against his heart. It only took a moment for it to be snuffed out when four dark cloaked figures stormed into the room. Draco’s shackles were raised in an instant along with his wand.

“Dumbledore cornered! Dumbledore wandless, Dumbledore alone! Well done Draco, well done!”

“Good evening Amycus,” Albus said as though on cue. His imminent end was no reason to forget his manners. “And you’ve brought Alecto too.. charming.”

The woman snorted rudely in response, then the fight over who got to kill him began. Albus noticed with great dismay that Fenrir Greyback was amongst the group, the smell of blood and rotting flesh coming off him in waves was an unfortunate giveaway. He prayed with an even greater intensity that Severus would catch wind of the Death Eater’s arrival.

“I’ll do it, the boy doesn’t have the stomach-“

“NO! The Dark Lord was clear!”

“Draco, do it or stand aside and let one of us!” Alecto screeched, Draco looked as if he was seconds away from passing out. Albus peered over to the corner where Harry was concealed, perhaps he should have temporarily blinded him too, so much death he had been forced to bear witness to..

The door creaked and Albus looked past the squabbling Death Eaters to see Severus Snape swishing to the centre of the room, his long robes trailing after him. He could have sworn that Draco gave a sigh of relief as Severus’s eyes swept over the scene before finally falling onto him, clouded with a mixture of anger and regret at what they both knew was coming.

For a moment the stony faced Severus disappeared, and he saw the thin 11 year old boy who had stomped up to the Sorting Hat with a miserable expression before slouching down to the Slytherin table after receiving news of his house, his eyes never leaving the red headed girl who sat tables away from him next to a young Sirius Black who was grinning from ear to ear. She had only been sitting two away from James Potter, the man she would go on to marry and have a son with.. the boy that Severus and so many others would give so much to protect. Albus knew that his reasons for protecting Harry were very different from Severus, the other man’s main motivator being his unrequited love for Lily Evans and the unfortunate tragedy of his overhearing of the Prophecy putting Voldemort on the path that would claim the life of the woman he loved.

How similar they were in many ways. Both of them had fallen in love at a young age, both allowed it to consume them and cause immeasurable suffering and yet both were determined to set it right. Albus pondered over the thought that he had more in common with Severus than he had given him credit for.

“We’ve got a problem Snape,” Amycus growled, pushing past Draco who was shaking like a leaf. “The boy doesn’t seem able-“

“Severus..”

Six sets of eyes turned to look at him but there was only one that mattered.

Perhaps he had subconsciously always known it would come down to this, he had gotten his first serious inkling when he had placed that cursed ring on his finger and narrowly avoided death only due to shared skills, but it was seeing Ariana coming down the staircase during his vision that cemented his choice. This had to be done. Not just to give the Wizarding World and Harry a fighting chance, but for his own sake too.

For too long he had avoided facing his past mistakes, too many years spent avoiding that long ago summer which he only touched upon briefly once again during the duel in 1945. He had to see them again. To beg, no plead for their forgiveness, starting with Ariana but most of all to his mother, for failing her most dreadfully and breaking his promise to care for them all. Albus realised that he was not begging Severus for death, but for his final chance to set things right with his family.

Severus did not reply. Instead he pushed past Draco roughly who squeaked in surprise at being treated so poorly, it must have been humbling for a boy who was raised to believe he was royalty. The Death Eaters fell back in eager stunned silence, each of them watching the back of Severus to see what he would do next, Fenrir had bared his grimy teeth in anticipation.

Their eyes never left the other. Albus mourned at the anger in Severus’s face and wordlessly asked him one final favour. He knew he asked too much, but he couldn’t leave without knowing he was departing from his allies with reassurance.

“Watch over them.”

He didn’t move his mouth and nor did Severus, but the barely noticeable almost nod let him know that the message was received. That only left one final thing for him to do. With a feigned look of fear, he spoke in a trembling voice.

“Severus… please…”

A wand appeared from under dark robes and was raised to point at his chest. It wasn’t a moment later before the incantation was uttered in a clear voice.

“Avada Kedava!”

Albus saw a jet of green light appear from the end of Severus’s wand. Then everything seemed to be in slow motion, the curse slowly gaining ground on him before it finally made impact. In the split second he had left, a voice rang through the darkness like a melody, not unlike Ariana’s before the life drained from his body and he fell from the tower below the glowing sigil of Lord Voldemort.

Chapter Text

Albus opened his eyes to the sight of a bright cobblestone path surrounded by pearly pillars with light shining through every gap between them. In the first ten seconds that his eyes were open he had two conscious thoughts. The first being that he was not in pain and the second that he was on the ground. Without a single grimace Albus lept up with far too much agility for a man who was 115. It was then that he realised that not only was his hand no longer blackened by the curse, but it held far less wrinkles than he knew it usually had. Not only that, his long silver beard was gone and replaced with one that barely tickled his chin.

His desire for a mirror was instant, barely a second after the thought popped into his head a grand mirror appeared in front of him giving himself a full view of his appearance. He looked at least 70 years younger, his hair was dark with the awkward curl sticking out from behind his ear, his skin was far clearer and his eyes shone with a new lease of life. He wore a dark blue sweater and green trousers made from velvet material that he could never have afforded at that age, but he welcomed the new addition with open arms. There was a sweetness in the air that Albus couldn’t describe. It was comforting like the smell in the air when bread was baking, and it only seemed to get stronger the further down the bright path he walked. A lightness was in his step that he had been a stranger to for nearly a hundred years. Was this what peace felt like?

“What took you so long Albus?”

If he wasn’t already dead he might’ve had a heart attack. Ariana stood in the middle of the cobblestone lane in a blue dress, her hair wavy and long down her back with her skin shimmering in a lively glow. A little distance behind her came their parents, his father beaming cheerfully arm in arm with their mother who looked peaceful in a way he had never seen in life.

“Hello Abi,” Ariana said softly, her voice twinkling like a song. Albus instantly broke down into tears and sank to his knees.

“I’m so sorry..” he said at once between sobs. “Oh Merlin.. I’m so sorry.. it was all my fault, I never should have left you like I did!”

“Albus..”

“How could I have-“

Ariana placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her with watery eyes. She looked exactly like a porcelain doll.

“I forgave you a long time ago Albus,” Ariana said quietly. “You mustn’t continue to beat yourself up over it.”

“It’ll never be alright,” he muttered, standing to face his parents. “Mother, I let you down. I promised I would look after them and I-“

“You made amends years ago my boy,” Kendra replied, reaching out to stroke his cheek with a gloved hand. “The things you have done in the time since have surpassed all of our expectations. Everything you have done for that boy..”

“You know about Harry?” He asked, they all nodded enthusiastically.

“We’re proud of you son,” Percival said firmly, clapping him on the shoulder before pulling him into a hug. He felt Ariana wrap her arms around his back and it wasn’t long before his mother joined in too. Together again after over a century. It was funny the way things worked out wasn’t it?

When they parted, he shared another minute with his parents before they started walking off down the cobblestone path arm in arm, leaving him alone with Ariana. She squeezed his arm playfully and began to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” He asked, she smiled and shook her head.

“Nothing, just.. you look so old Albus!”

“Believe me, I have looked older,” he replied affectionately, allowing her to take his hand and lead him down the path after their parents. “You’ll never guess, I made it onto the Chocolate Frog cards!”

“Yes I know,” Ariana squeaked excitedly, her long hair waving in the warm breeze. Albus looked above him to admire the sky, it was the clearest shade of blue he had ever seen. He glanced at Ariana as she babbled happily about how she and their parents had been watching over him and Aberforth over the years while they walked back up the path, Albus occasionally waved at people he recognised along the way. She showed no sign of being in pain, nor of any uncontrollable magic ruling her. She looked happier than Albus had ever seen her, it was such a pity that it had to be in this state of living, or more accurately existing.

“It’s so great Albus, we can do whatever we want and it appears, there’s all sorts of magical creatures.. we can even ride dragons!”

Albus smiled as the memory of Hagrid attempting to smuggle Norbert resurfaced. “I hope you haven’t been on them Ari,” he said laughing. Ariana stuck her tounge out at him.

“What a spoilsport you are Albus, of course I have! But I prefer the Hippogriffs. I go flying with a man named Sirius nearly every day..”

“Sirius?” He squawked in surprise, nearly forgetting what state of existing he was now in. “You know Sirius?”

“Everyone knows him,” Ariana said casually, leading him under an archway to a courtyard full of people, nearly half of them he recognised immediately. “He’s one of my favourite people to hang around with, well him and Marlene, she’s like my best friend.. Hey MARLENE WAIT UP! Sorry Albus would you excuse me?”

“By all means,” he encouraged, watching with pride as Ariana skipped off towards Marlene who noticed him looking her way and winked.

“I was wondering when you would come along.”

It couldn’t be..

Albus spun to see Marigold Finchley standing behind him, her long dark hair filled with flowers and her eyes with tears. This was a reunion he hadn’t expected!

“Marigold..”

“Albus oh my.. it’s been so long!” Marigold choked, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his shoulder. They stood like that for a long time. When they moved apart, Albus could do nothing but smile.

“Where do I start.. I- it’s so good to see you!” He beamed, Marigold gave a half sob and hugged him again.

“And you, but why don’t you start with what took you so blooming long to show up?” Marigold joked, throwing an arm around his shoulder as they walked. Albus smiled at the teasing and tried to figure out a good place to start, he had the feeling that he would be telling the story many times over in the near future so it would help to perfect it now.

“Well..” he said finally, deciding on a starting point as Ariana whizzed past them with Marlene on the back of Sirius’s motorbike with a merry faced Sirius roaring with laughter in the driver’s seat. “I suppose it really kicked off when I moved into classroom 3C and started teaching full time..”

There were many happy times that they never got to experience in life that followed.

He grow closer with his parents, discovered that his father had a shared interest in the magical properties of dragon’s blood, took daily walks with his mother and Ariana got her field to run free in, often with a magical creature that she had sneaked away from Marlene. Albus even got a chance to see Nicolas Flamel again. Despite all being well, he continued to watch over the mission that was unfolding in life, and his pride over Hermione, Ron, and especially Harry grew yet again. Best of all, Severus appeared to be keeping his promise to not only watch over them, but to ensure that the harm inflicted by The Carrows at Hogwarts was limited.

Yet there was one person that for whatever reason he felt inclined to check on now and then despite the decades since their last form of contact, and it was after spending countless hours teaching Ariana about the magical properties of Phoenixes that he decided to have one of his checkups, but this one was different from all of its predecessors.

Gellert was hunched over in his prison cell under a thin blanket, his gaunt skull like face poking out from the corner, a ghost of the blonde haired vision he had been in his youth. Albus had been watching him for no more than a few seconds when Voldemort appeared in the crammed cell, his white face and red eyes a stark constant to Gellert’s half sunken sockets. To his surprise, Gellert merely smiled at his unexpected visitor as though in greeting, thin traces of his mischievous smile dancing around his aged mouth.

Albus knew why Voldemort was there. Why should he stay and watch as Gellert undoubtedly betrayed him and directed Voldemort to desecrate his tomb in search of the wand? What reason would he have not to? There was no question that the imprisoned man hated him.

“So,” Gellert said, his voice rattled with age. “You have come. I thought you would, one day..”

Here it came. Albus didn’t even want to stay and hear of his corpse being sold out. He started to pull his mind out of the vision when Gellert said something so bizarre he had to do a double take.

“But your journey was pointless. I never had it.”

Voldemort’s anger rose to such a level Albus could feel it where he was in the beyond. Gellert looked almost amused despite being in the company of the most dangerous dark wizard only next to him, but why hadn’t Gellert told him of the wand’s location? What did he have to lose from it? If anything he was putting himself in danger by pretending.

“You lie!” Voldemort screamed, inching closer to Gellert who had pushed down the blanket covering him to reveal a shabby prison uniform with the number 598 on the chest pocket.

Albus took the opportunity to glance around Gellert’s cell. There was a clutter of empty tin cans, several half finished with spoons sticking out of them with the contents rotting, a few articles of mouldy looking clothing that the Gellert he knew would have jumped off the top of Azkaban before letting them near his skin and a modest pile of newspapers that were the nearest items to where he was curled up. An old article at the top of the pile caught his eye as it had fingerprint marks on the sides of it from being held, which gave him the impression that it was the one Gellert had been most attentive to reading. Albus noticed with surprise that his face was plastered on the cover along with a bold title that flashed in black and white.

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE DEAD, EXPERTS CURRENTLY UNSURE OF CAUSE BUT MURDER OFFICIALLY HASN’T BEEN RULED OUT

Reported by Barnabus Snickle

A heroic figure to many who was seemingly untouchable in knowledge and power, a legendary man in the Wizarding World and beyond with achievements so extensive there are too many to count, which is why the news we desperately regret to give may come as a great shock. Longtime Hogwarts Headmaster and figurehead in the magical community Albus Dumbledore was tragically found dead on the grounds of Hogwarts last night.

At a little past 8, the beloved Headmaster was found below the school’s Astronomy Tower first believed to be unconscious before it was confirmed that he had passed on. The exact details of his death remain a mystery that is still being uncovered, but credible eye witnesses at the scene report seeing Dumbledore flying on a broomstick up to the tower no more than 10 minutes before he was found at the bottom. It is not known how Dumbledore met his end, nor why he was flying on a broomstick at such an age but we will keep you updated as the story continues to unfold.

Several say that Harry Potter who many will know as the Chosen One, was seen running away from the scene of the possible crime before returning to Dumbledore’s side to grieve, causing many to question whether Dumbledore’s death is actually the result of being pushed by Potter himself. Could Potter, desperate for relevancy, have actually taken it upon himself to end the life of his Headmaster who many sources say he had a close bond with? Or perhaps Dumbledore, aware of his age and precarious position in life decided to go for one last jaunt on a broom to relive his youth before jumping from a tower of the school he had served with such loyalty for decades? Experts are leaving all possibilities open until the cause of death is uncovered. Witnesses who were at the scene of Dumbledore’s resting place report hearing Harry Potter pin the blame on Severus Snape, a man who Potter by all accounts has had a bitter rivalry with since his day of arrival at the famed school. We reached out to several who knew Dumbledore for comment.

“I’ve known Albus for decades. His death is a heartbreaking tragedy that our world will be reeling from for years to come.”

- Statement by Horace Slughorn, Hogwarts teacher and friend of Dumbledore

“Albus was and still is one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His friendship is something that I have cherished since I was a boy, and I will miss it more than I can ever say. I doubt very much that Hogwarts will ever again have a more devoted Headmaster than he was.”

- Statement by Elphias Doge, Dumbledore’s devoted sidekick of more than a century

“Why the hell are you coming to my pub to ask me if I’m going to attend my brother’s funeral on the same night that he died? Of course I bloody am you absolute- (CENSORED) now do me a favour and piss off to let me grieve!”

- Statement By Aberforth Dumbledore, brother of recently deceased Albus Dumbledore

Albus had been so busy looking at the newspaper article and the ones surrounding it nearly all of them to do with him, including a torn out obituary titled ALBUS DUMBLEDORE REMEMBERED by Elphias Doge that he hadn’t realised Voldemort was getting closer to Gellert who had started laughing in his face.

“Kill me then Voldemort,” Gellert jeered tauntingly, “I welcome death! But my death will not bring you what you seek..”

“LIES!” Voldemort screeched, red sparks shooting out of his wand and singeing holes in Gellert’s blanket which already looked a sorry state. If Gellert had just told him where the Elder Wand was, Voldemort could have been on his way by now. He was prolonging his suffering and in all likelihood making Voldemort want his death to be more painful by taunting him. And why? Why protect him in death? After everything that they had been though..

“YOU KNOW WHERE IT IS GRINDELWALD, YOU WILL TELL ME-“

Gellert laughed again. “There is so much you do not understand Tom.”

Albus watched as Voldemort grabbed the front of Gellert’s thin prison uniform and slammed him into the wall, a trickle of blood appeared at the corner of Gellert’s head that began a slow drip into his lap. Though dazed, Gellert showed no sign of submitting.

“Kill me then!” Gellert challenged toothlessly, the spirit of his rebellious teenage self on full display. Albus felt oddly touched at the show of loyalty he was seeing. All to protect his grave..

“You will not win, you cannot win!”
Then Gellert leaned forwards until he was looking directly into Voldemort’s red eyes before he spoke in a fierce voice that didn’t show his age.

“That wand will never ever be yours!”

That did it. Voldemort drew his wand and in a flash of green light Gellert was thrown back towards the wall still grinning madly, his body crumpling as Voldemort disappeared in a black vapour.

“Albus? Albus you’re far away love!”

He looked to his right to see his mother standing next to him with a vase of Lilies, her face creased with concern.

“Were you checking in on the boy again?” Kendra asked. “Or was it the new Headmaster?”

“Neither,” he answered truthfully. “It was nothing really.”

“Mother do you want to come on a Hippogriff ride with me and- oh hello Albus,” Ariana said with a smile turning to face him. “Albus what’s wrong? You look shaken.”

“It’s nothing,” he said quietly, waiting until their mother was out of earshot. It was only then that Ariana gave him a “what’s really going on?” Look.

Albus sighed and leaned against a marble wall. “Gellert is dead. I just saw it.. Voldemort killed him.”

“Damn,” Ariana said, tucking a blue Hyacinth flower behind her ear. “How do you feel about it Albus?”

He rubbed his eyes. “I don’t know.. Voldemort came to him looking for the Elder Wand..”

“And he sold you out?” Ariana filled in with a look of scorn. “Damn him! What a-“

“No he didn’t Ari,” he replied. “The opposite even, he taunted him and refused to give the location, saying that the wand would never be his.”

Ariana raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“Well then, that tells you one thing Albus.”

“And what’s that?” He asked, Ariana looked as though it was obvious and he wasn’t catching on.

“It means he doesn’t hate you Albus, despite what you think.”

“I was so sure that he did! It hadn’t even crossed my mind that..”

“You should go and see him Albus.”

That made him pause. He stared at Ariana just in case he had misheard, when she said nothing and stared back he gave a nervous laugh.

“Your joking Ari,” he chuckled without real humour, Ariana looked as serious as ever.

“I mean it Albus,” she said plainly, working more flowers into her hair which looked like one of Mrs Partridge’s flowery vases from his time in Chittlehampton as a young man. “I suspect he’ll be stick in limbo if he’s been allowed to come near here, maybe that final act redeemed his soul a little?”

“I.. it wouldn’t be right Ariana,” he mumbled, shuffling his feet as he lulled over the idea. It was ludicrous!

“After everything that happened, that summer and the duel.. our bond was the reason I lost you.”

Ariana went quiet for a moment. In that time all that they could hear was the distant laughter coming from the courtyard and the screech of a motorbike. Finally, she drew breath.

“That’s not entirely true Albus.”

“It-“

She held up a hand. Albus fell silent at once.

“The Obscurial was killing me. You know I was dying already..”

“But the duel..”

“What if a spell didn’t hit me Albus? What if my magic simply broke free before rebounding?”

That was something he hadn’t considered. But it still didn’t excuse all that had transpired.

“But what if-“

“Even if I was hit by a spell, whoever it came from, I forgave all of you a long time ago.” Ariana said softly, placing her delicate hand over his. Albus noticed that a daisy chain bracelet was weaved around her wrist. How could he have treated her so poorly?

“Ari I’m so sorry,” he said quietly, tears filling his eyes. “If I could go back now and change it, spend more time with you instead of on those stupid prizes and Ministry events..”

“Then you wouldn’t be you Albus,” Ariana said with a small smile as she squeezed his hand. “Go and see him. If for no other reason then to clear the air and make peace, would you do it for me?”

Albus looked her in the eyes for any sign of insincerity. She was as she had always been, wide eyed and innocent and never wanting to cause harm to anyone, Albus knew that he would be spending the rest of his eternity making up for his failure to protect her in their past life.

“Are you sure?” He said slowly, waiting for her to change her mind. She gave him a hug and kissed his cheek.

“Absolutely.”

Albus bit his lip as he made up his mind. Perhaps it was necessary to free them both from their chains. If he was going to begin again, nothing could be left unspoken. It was at that moment that a rustling on top of the wall behind them drew their attention followed by an excited squeal from Ariana, a Niffler had poked out and taken her golden hair clip.

Albus laughed as she chased after it, she looked over her shoulder to wave at him before disappearing through a pillar, her laughter ringing clear long after she was gone. Albus stood up straight and stretched before starting the walk back down the cobblestone path, humming as he went. Maybe a final meeting was what they both needed. After all, what harm could they do to each other now?

At the end of the path he drew a deep breath before walking through the cloudy vapour which seemed to go on for an eternity until the mist cleared and he found himself in a pure white train station, completely empty of passengers and people except for one who sat on a glowing bench at the end of the platform.

Like him, Gellert looked a lot younger than the age he had died at. His hair still had traces of blonde and he wore his usual black billowy shirt with matching trousers, the purple heather tie that he had gifted him so long ago was around his neck matched with cuff links that were made out of purple gems. His jawline was as sharp as it had ever been.

Albus swallowed nervously and began to walk towards him, his feet were not making any noise and he was unsure if Gellert had even noticed he was there. To break the ice he cleared his throat, Gellert glanced up at him and moved down the bench by half an inch in surprise.

“Hello Gellert.”

“Albus.. I wondered.. I didn’t think that you would come.”

Albus breathed deeply and took his hands out of his pockets as he moved closer to the bench. Even in death, Gellert looked a little nervous.

“Neither did I. For a moment anyway, but my sister convinced me.”

Gellert tilted his head in surprise. “Ariana did?”

“She was most insistent,” he chuckled. The corner of Gellert’s lip quirked before settling, Albus could tell he was still unsure.

“May I?” He said calmly, gesturing to the spot beside him on the bench. Gellert glanced around for a moment as if he had been talking to someone else, he likely hadn’t gotten much human interaction in Nurmengard.

“By all means.”

Albus sat down lightly and placed his hands in his lap. Gellert didn’t move up to close the decent sized gap between them and instead stared straight ahead at the platform sign opposite them, he moved the position of his hands several times as if he didn’t know what to do with them, nor how to start a conversation. Albus decided that it would be better if he initiated.

“I suppose I came to say thank you,” he said quietly, half turning his head to look at Gellert who stopped twitching his hands at the sound of his voice. “For what you did.. or more what you didn’t do, you might have bought Harry some more time by not telling Voldemort about the location of the Elder Wand.”

“You know about that?” Gellert asked, turning his head to look at him fully. Albus nodded. There was still a nagging question on his mind that needed answering, and what better time than the present? It was all the time in the world to them.

“Why didn’t you just tell him?” He enquired, his eyes moving over Gellert’s face. “You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble, saved yourself point blank even..”

“I suppose I didn’t want to,” Gellert said slowly, each word drawn out as he chose them. “Why should he have gotten it anyway? He wouldn’t have won it.”

“But I thought you hated me,” Albus said under his breath, watching Gellert as he loosened his tie by a fraction. Gellert shook his head.

“I have never hated you Albus. Even after our duel.. I tried for many years, decades even, but I eventually stopped. We shared too much you and I for me to hate you.”

Albus sat stunned. This was not the declaration he had expected. All the years spent thinking that Gellert thought of him as a sworn enemy for taking his sacred Hallow, that he was sitting in Nurmengard plotting his downfall and wishing for his death instantly eradicated.

“But if you didn’t hate me,” Albus continued, leaning back against the bench, he could have sworn that Gellert had been sitting further away when he had first sat down, “why did you continue with your crimes when you knew what I thought about them? Why didn’t you stop?”

Gellert closed his eyes. “You won’t believe me if I tell you Albus.”

“Try me.” He replied plainly. This needed an explanation.

“Truth be told, I wanted to back out many times.” Gellert said in a low voice, his eyes still closed. “But I suppose that I felt that it had gone too far, too many people were on board to possibly end my involvement in it. So I remained as I was.”

“Would you change it if you could?” Albus asked, Gellert opened his eyes and looked at him with a conflicted expression that eventually shone with regret.

“There are many things I would change Albus.”

Albus sighed. “I suppose we’ve all done things that we regret.”

Gellert leaned back against the bench and folded his arms. “Some more than others.”

Then either out of nostalgia or the sheer absurdity of the fact that they were sitting secluded in a gleaming train station in the middle of limbo they began to laugh. Eventually Albus cleared his throat and wiped his eyes, oh how things had ended up!

“All of this..” he said softly, watching the shimmer of a train as it shot past them on the other side of the platform. “All the drama, loss, time spent wondering and wasting, all because of one summer..”

Gellert chuckled. “It wasn’t all bad was it?”

Albus tilted his head thoughtfully. He’d be lying if he said it was. Some of the memories from that summer were some of the happiest he knew, but they tended to get smeared in with the bad. Maybe now he would have an easier time separating them.

“No it wasn’t,” he said eventually, Gellert’s lip twitched upwards in quiet relief. “But there are many parts of it that I would do differently.”

“I agree,” Gellert replied, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. “For a start I would have duelled that brother of yours I day I arrived in- Albus I’m kidding!”

Albus genuinely couldn’t tell if he was or he wasn’t, but maybe it was just Gellert’s humour. He always had been a rebel, and it wasn’t like Aberforth and him were going to meet any time soon. His brother still had an important role to play in the mission. The grand clock on the wall opposite them chimed, and they took it as their cue to stand. For moment they did nothing but stare at the other, a level of kinship restored between them and a weight off their shoulders that had been in place since 1899.

“I’m glad you came Albus,” Gellert said quietly, looking at him in a way he hadn’t done in years. Albus felt a faint tinge in his chest that he hadn’t felt for decades and he knew that their time had to come to a close.

Without a word, he moved forwards Gellert until they were no more than a foot apart before pulling him lightly into a friendly hug. A final thank you for his last minute part in the mission on the right side of the tide. Gellert froze for a split second before his body became soft and his grip on his back tightened with warm affection. For that small duration of time, they were seventeen again.

After a little longer than he had planned Albus moved away, not missing the way Gellert’s eyes flickered to his lips when they were far enough apart that his face was in view again. But as he had learned a long time ago, temptation was his weakness. He allowed himself a brief indulgence of the thought before it moved over him and he took a step back with a nod, Gellert seemed to understand.

“Albus? Marigold asked me to tell you that a red haired woman and a man with glasses are looking for you, how long shall I say you’ll be?”

Gellert looked past him in the direction of the voice, his teeth gritted with disguised guilt. Albus turned to see Ariana poking out of the misty vapour, the Niffler in her arms holding the golden hair clip that it had stolen.

“Thank you Ari, tell them I’ll be just-“

“You should go to them Albus,” Gellert said moving back and gesturing him towards Ariana who was looking at him with interest.

Albus furrowed his brow. “You’re not??”

Gellert smiled, and Albus knew.

“Tell them I’m sorry,” Gellert muttered, coming forward to take hold of his arm. “For all of it, especially her,” he gestured at Ariana.

“I will.”

“Albus? She’s going to wonder where we are!”

Albus laughed under his breath. “I’m coming Ari.”

And with a final shared look that said “to be continued” he turned away from where they stood at the bench and began to walk back towards the vapour and an impatient Ariana who was struggling to keep hold of the active Niffler. He had nearly reached her when a thought popped into his head.

“Gellert?” He called, turning back to look at where he had stood only moments before, Gellert had retaken his seat on the bench and crossed his leg over the other in the exact way he had done in Bathilda’s kitchen during their first meeting.

“Did Dunamis ever come back to you?”

Gellert said nothing and continued to look at him, a mist of his own starting to appear around the bench where he sat.

“Perhaps.”

And then he smiled his mischievous smile before fading into the fog that was coating the bench, rendering both it and him invisible. Albus watched until it had completely cleared and the bench was empty as though it had never been used at all.

“What? Why didn’t he come?” Ariana exclaimed, stepping out of the vapour for a brief moment to stand on the platform beside him. Albus took her hand in his.

“He didn’t need to. We made peace, just like you wanted us to, remember?”

“But I thought-“

“Gellert’s soul still has mending to do,” he explained, trying to shake off the Niffler which had taken a liking to the buckles on his shoes. “Maybe one day he will find it within himself..”

“Then will you tell me what you two got up to that summer?” Ariana teased playfully, pulling the Niffler off his leg and putting it on her shoulder. Albus laughed.

“Perhaps one day,” he said as they walked back through the vapour and landed back on the cobblestone. “It’s not as if we are short on time!”

“So I won’t give up hope then,” Ariana sang, putting an arm around his shoulder. “What are you going to do now?”

“Continue to watch over Harry,” he said at once. “The war still needs to be won, but I have every faith that he and Aberforth will play their parts.”

“Honestly Albus, you couldn’t be any slower if you tried!” Marigold said sarcastically, running down the cobblestone towards them, her face pink with glee.

“What’s happening?” Ariana inquired, Marigold laughed and leaned against a pillar.

“Oh it’s just Lily, she wants your help Albus. James and Sirius are having a motorbike contest to see who can go the fastest and she wants you to get them to stop, the engine is driving her mad!”

Albus imagined a roaring motorbike and a stern faced Lily Potter with fondness.

“Tell them I’m just coming,” he said to a cheerful Marigold who sped off down the cobblestone to deliver her orders.

“JUST DON’T TAKE YEARS!” She yelled joyfully.

They watched her go, Ariana fell in line beside him as they walked in sync up the white cobblestone, the sweet melody of a choir vibrating off the pillars as they walked. The sky above them was more blue than ever.

“Albus?”

“Mm?”

“Will he come looking for you again? Gellert I mean?”

In truth, Albus didn’t know the answer. He didn’t even know if Gellert’s soul was saveable, but by any stroke of luck his last act of redemption to protect his tomb and the Elder Wand at the cost of his life would have done something in it’s favour. He knew one thing for certain, Gellert still had work to do before the thought could even be considered.

“I don’t know,” he replied honestly as they walked under an archway to see James and Sirius trying to do a backflip on Sirius’s motorbike, much to Lily’s desperate protests.

“FOR GOODNESS SAKE JAMES, ACT YOUR AGE!” Shouted Lily over the roar of the engine, James and Sirius threw their heads back with laughter.

“Oh lighten up Lils!” James called over to his wife who had resigned to sitting on a marble wall with a fond expression of love. He followed Ariana over to the same wall that Lily had perched herself on to watch the spectacle before them that was getting wilder by the second.

“Honestly Albus, you should try and talk some sense into them!” Lily scolded, but she was smiling.

“I wouldn’t even try,” Albus replied, enjoying the look of wonder on Ariana’s face as James succeeded in performing a flip on the bike with Sirius clinging onto the handlebar for all he was worth. Eventually Lily slid off the wall and went over to confront her husband who held his hands up and pointed at an affronted looking Sirius. Ariana placed her hand in his and Albus squeezed it.

“Albus?”

“Mm?”

“If he did try to come back, would he even know where to find you?”

Albus didn’t even need to think about it to know the answer. And as James and Lily left the courtyard hand in hand followed by Sirius who was moving the motorbike, he knew it was something he would be holding onto even if it never happened, even as a vision of Aberforth’s eventual arrival and his horror at the prospect popped into his head.

“He wouldn’t need to look for me,” Albus replied smiling, jumping off the wall and turning to help Ariana down, the Niffler hopping into her arms expectantly with the golden clip in its paws like a precious prize. “He knows.”