The moon shone brightly, illuminating the courtyard with a serene glow. However, to someone who grew up in the Wizarding World, this was the sign of a bad omen. Though he usually didn't believe in such nonsense, his teacher had put strong emphasis on this particular thing. He smiled grimly as he remembered all the Astronomy lessons he slept through. Where had all the time gone? A chill went over him suddenly. Aberforth Dumbledore pulled the cloak tighter around himself. It would do nobody any good if he suddenly caught an illness. He quickened his pace, his boots falling silently upon the paved stones. He had an appointment to keep.
There she was! For an instant, Aberforth thought she wouldn't be here. After all, she was one of the most unpredictable people he ever knew. Though he had to conceal his inner glee, he didn't hesitate in embracing his beloved warmly. With the war raging on around them, she was the only stable thing in his life. But, for her safety, he would be willing to give her up. However, his beloved pulled away stiffly, turning her back on him. For all his rage against his older brother, he couldn't help but feel just as helpless as he did back on that day when his sister was killed. Pushing those thoughts away, he concentrated his attention back on the woman.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" The question was finally voiced after a period of silence. Her brown eyes looked back at him, glinting with tears. Despite the situation he was in, Aberforth couldn't help but admire her under the moonlight. He reached out a hand, but held it back when she didn't accept it. The moments he spent with her would always be precious to him, whether he was alive or dead. Silently, the hate against his elder brother strengthened. If he didn't start this whole damn thing with Grindlewald, then none of this would have happened! Deep in his heart of hearts, he knew that it was childish to think this way. But, he ignored his voice of reason.
He took a deep breath and nodded in response to her question, unable to answer with his voice. Aberforth rubbed his eyes harshly, wanting to conceal his watering eyes. He hadn't cried since his sister's funeral. He smiled ruefully. This would probably be the last time he would ever cry. What could be more depressing than losing the love of your life? "You should go soon," he murmured, looking everywhere but at her. She would be safe with her family in Japan. He sincerely hoped that Grindlewald's influence didn't spread that far. Unable to stand the tension between them anymore, he pushed her forward gently. There was no point in dawdling.
She turned back around abruptly. No words passed between them. All was said and done before this highly anticipated meeting. He closed his eyes when he heard the ipop!/i that accompanied Apparating. The war casualties were high. Despite being a Muggle-born, she was a powerful witch. Aberforth wasn't sure if Grindlewald was going to target her or try to recruit her. Either way, he didn't care. He just didn't another loved one to die on his behalf. Rubbing the pendant at his neck absentmindedly, he turned back to head towards the Hog's Head. Just recently, he had purchased the bar to help support his newfound family. Guess luck was against him again.
He twirled his wand around him, sending a silent patronus towards his elder brother. Albus had requested a message of when he had "done the deal", so to speak. His hands clenched together, his nails biting into the soft flesh of his palm. The pain was a relief to his bleeding heart. Even though he despised him with every fiber of his being, Aberforth still had to obey Albus Dumbledore's orders. He was in charge of the war, after all. Yet again, Albus was dancing into the spotlight while he was left back in the lonely shadows. However, the sooner the war was done, the quicker he would get back to his beloved. Spurred on by these thoughts, he left the ground of Hogwarts.
"Good luck, Kun-Loon. I know that we will meet up again." Looking up at the stars one last time, Aberforth Dumbledore walked back to his home alone. He had a war to fight.
Hi there! This is my first fanfic, so please don't send me any flames! Also, if anyone is interested in being a beta reader, please contact me! I am in desperate need of one. Oh, and one last thing, please review!