Albus hurried down the brightly lit sidewalk, wincing at the glow emanating from the electric street lamps. The Muggles in Godric's Hollow had insisted on keeping up with the rest of the world and the lights had been installed while he'd been away at school. He'd always been amazed at the things the non-magical community had invented in order to improve their living conditions, but this new street lamp was not appealing whatsoever. Not only was the light too bright, but everytime Albus walked under one, it began to flicker.
He sighed. He wished there was some way for him to put the light out and then put it back after he had passed. Something that would be inconspicuous. He sighed again. This is what happens when you get stuck in a quiet little town with nothing to do.
He rounded the corner of a squat brick wall and pushed open a white gate, walking up to an old house with softly lit windows.
He'd been here a few times since the summer had begun, and even though he had an open invitation, he still felt the need to knock on the door.
The door opened to reveal a young man, no older than sixteen, that Albus didn't recognize. He had a mischievous look about him that was most intriguing.
"Can I help you?" he asked, a single eyebrow raised.
Albus hesitated for just a moment, taken off guard by the unexpected person answering the door, before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize Bathilda had company." He stuck his hand out, not one to forget his manners. "I'm Albus."
The young man immediately grasped his proffered hand, shaking it firmly. "Gellert. Bathilda is my aunt."
Albus nodded, lowering his hand and wiping the sweat that had accumulated on it against his trousers. "Yes, I've heard her mention you. You attend Durmstrang, is that right?"
Gellert ran his fingers through his hair, sweeping it to the side. "Well, I did. I… dropped out to focus more on my own pursuits."
Albus pursed his lips, raising his eyebrows. "I see," he said, not quite sure what to make of what had been said.
Gellert gestured behind him. "Well, we're sitting down for dinner, so you'll have to excuse me." He began to close the door.
Albus stuck his hand out to stop it from closing. "Sorry, but I just needed to borrow a few books. I would only be a moment. I promise."
The boy crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side. "Wow, this is a rather inappropriate time to drop by for something as trivial as that, don't you think? Could you not come back tomorrow?"
Albus dipped his head. "My apologies, I wasn't aware that she had a guest, or that she ate dinner at a set time; she usually forgets."
The boy examined him—Albus shifted on the spot—before laughing, lightening the mood considerably.
"Yes, she does at that." He turned and shouted over his shoulder, "Aunt Bathilda, there's an Albus here for you. Or, he's here for your books, rather."
Albus heard the scraping of a chair and the shuffling of feet, and a short woman bustled into the room with outstretched arms.
"Oh, Albus, do come in. I should have known that it had to be you knocking at my door at this hour."
Gellert stepped to the side as Albus stepped in and allowed himself to be wrapped in the warm embrace of the older witch.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Bathilda."
She waved him off. "Nonsense, nonsense. You know you're always welcome, my dear boy." She looped her arm through his and led him to a set of pocket doors that she slid aside with a flick of her fingers.
"Gellert, dear," she said, as the man retreated. "You'll need to help Albus find the books he needs, as you don't seem to be able to put any of them back."
Gellert turned on his heel. "Of course, Aunt," he said with a forced smile. "It will be my pleasure." He strode into the library and Bathilda waved Albus in while she headed back to the dining room.
"So, why have you come here so late in the evening?" Gellert asked.
"I have to take care of my sister during the day. It's the only free time I have," Albus said, his attention drawn to the piles of books scattered on every surface in the room. He walked amongst the tomes, his fingers brushing the covers as he read the titles.
Guide to Godric's Hollow
Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy
He stopped at one that lay open on the desk. He didn't have to see the cover to know what it was.
"You're reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard?"
Gellert walked over and snapped the book closed. "Just a little bit of light reading."
Albus closed his eyes. "And then he greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, equals, they departed this life." Albus opened his eyes and tapped the book. "The Tale of the Three Brothers; teaching young witches and wizards everywhere that Death always wins in the end."
Gellert shrugged. "Or that Death can be cheated, if you're smart enough."
Albus pursed his lips. "Yes, that too, I suppose. But even the third brother was eventually ready to leave this life for the next."
They lapsed into silence, both staring at the book.
"Of course, it's just a silly children's story," Gellert scoffed, with a little too much gusto, breaking the silence. "As if one could really escape death."
"I don't know," Albus said, picking up the book and running his hand along the spine. "Flamel managed it. It doesn't seem so farfetched."
Gellert studied Albus's face. "So, you think there could be more to the story, then?" He leaned in, as if sharing a secret.
Albus eyed him, allowing a small smile to tug at his lips. "Do you?"
Gellert backed away, shaking his head. "No, of course not. Don't be ridiculous."
Albus nodded. "In that case I'll grab the books I came for. This one and the one on genealogy should do for now."
"Ah—wait one moment. I was reading that one," Gellert said, pointing at the children's book that Albus held to his chest.
"Yes, but it was just for light reading, was it not? Just 'silly children's stories'. Surely you don't still require it?" he asked innocently.
Gellert laced his fingers together behind his back. "You strike me as intelligent man, Albus. Have you ever heard of the Deathly Hallows?"
Albus smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "I thought you'd never ask."
Written for QLFC
Montrose Magpies- Chaser 2
Prompt: Pairing- Albus/Gellert
Optional Prompts:
(dialogue)"Wow, this is a rather inappropriate time to drop by."
(time period) dinner time
(exact word count) 1113
WC:1113