Elphias knew that first day at Hogwarts. He knew he had found a friend in Albus. A friend who didn't care about his still slightly sick appearance. A friend who needed him as much as he needed someone. Elphias knew he loved Albus even then.
They grew up together, inside the castle walls. They watched each other learn and mature; Albus was the obvious attention-getter. He was brilliant. Elphias had always seen it, and was happy when others did too. Never jealous, Elphias. Loyal better described him. He learned as well. No doubt Albus' influence steered him towards his own academic excellence. That trip was supposed to be a joint learning experience. That trip never happened. Elphias understood. Albus had things he needed to take care of. He respected that. He would see him soon. Though he was sad. Hiding silent tears as Albus broke the news.
Albus wanted to go. He wanted to see the world with his best friend. He knew Elphias was hurt. Albus was hurt too. But family had to come first. Until he met Gellert.
Gellert understood Albus. Understood his potential, his ideas, his ability. Albus was impressed, taken by surprise. And somehow, the sadness he felt about Elphias departure melted away. Out of sight, out of mind.
Gellert was there for Albus. He listened, but more importantly, he agreed, understood, felt. Albus felt too. Something grew, and it felt so real. Something familiar. So attainable. Albus knew then that he would be there for Gellert, too. Understand him, be with him, feel him. That summer was full of brilliance. Passion. But nothing lasts forever.
Things went terribly wrong. Tragedy struck. No one could be blamed. But Albus blamed himself. Gellert was gone, taking with him a summer of memories. Albus was crushed. In his absence, Albus remembered Elphias. His most loyal best friend. His confidant. His shadow. And whatever felt real with Gellert wasn't. And he saw. He understood. He was here all along.
Elphias returned. He had indeed grown, matured, learned, Part of him, though, shriveled. He left without his best friend. He felt lost without Albus by his side. His heart slowly broke. It seemed he had missed his chance. Adulthood was on the horizon. His heart slowly broke. Worst of all, he understood. He knew why. But it still hurt.
The news had broken. Elphias knew what he was coming back home to; tragedy, sadness. Now was not the time to speak.
They met. The circumstance was bleak, and so their moods followed. A sadder occasion Elphias had never known. Afterwards, they spoke. 'How', Elphias wanted to know. And he came to know. Albus explained. He spared no detail, knowing Elphias needed the truth. Deserved the truth. Knowing it would hurt him, yet needing him to make an educated decision about Albus.
Elphias listened. Every word broke him. First he tried to contain his tears, but resolved and let them fall, heavy and quiet. He hated that he couldn't have been there for Albus. He hated that Gellert was the person Albus trusted the most, gave the most to.
But something in his voice, the way it quavered. The way his bright blue eyes shone with tears. The way he looked at Elphias told him he was sorry. He hated it all too. He wished it had been Elphias.
And so it was. Elphias had always understood, been there, been loyal. Albus finally realized. And Elphias knew this couldn't be different. They embraced. Both cried, sniffling into each other's' shoulder. It was understood. So much was understood.
But most of all, Albus realized what he had all those years, and what he would have now.
Elphias had loved Albus from the start. Albus had taken his time.
In the end they were happy.
In the end they understood each other.
Until the end, they were together.