Disclaimer: All of the characters and places used belong to J.K Rowling.
For the Greater Good.
There had been no exchange of words, no pleasantries or any acknowledgement of their past history together.
Gellert's dark, almost obsidian eyes met the light piercing blue eyes of Albus unflinchingly, both realizing that only one would walk away alive.
He remembers those beautiful ebony eyes that had before crinkled up in boyish laughter many years ago, now narrowed in distrust and hate.
There was no sadness, no hesitation in both. Only the knowledge that they were equals, both in skill and minds.
They had been equals; of course. Both top students, prodigies and idealistic young boys. Equals that had once discuss ideas, shared philosophy and dreamed of a brighter future together. For the Greater Good.
Wands were drawn. Spells were cast, both duelists dancing the graceful dance of death. Brightly colored flashes and cheerful bangs made the atmosphere seem strangely cheerful- reminiscent of a Muggle festival, albeit one that would end in death.
Like one of the many heated discussions about the plans they made during the sweltering summer under the shade of the big oak tree in Godric's Hollow. Sinister plans of obtaining the Deathly Hallows were disguised as boyish banter.
A gasp, a misstep. As one dancer fell limp, the dance ended.
The debates that had often ended in truce as their attentions were diverted to each other. A snappish reply turned into a hug, a stolen kiss.
In the end, one walks away, almost hurriedly, leaving the other where he fell on the ground.
Away from his friend, equal, enemy and beloved. Away from the man who had been both dear and hateful to him.
As the wizarding community celebrates the demise of the Dark Lord Grindelwald and the history books sing praises of The One who defeated him, Albus is oblivious to it all. He may have been the one who killed Grindelwald but in the end, it was only for the Greater Good of the wizarding community. Albus Dumbledore only wants to remember the past when they were both young and boys.
He never loved another as he loved the one who fell throughout his life.