Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. All rights go to respective owners.


Chapter Summary: Even after decades of no contact, Albus still loves Gellert, but ultimately can't save him from himself.


Legendary

Their love was toxic. It burned and consumed everything it touched, leaving desecration in its wake. But despite the passing years, the love Albus had for the man standing before him had not diminished.

And he was quickly learning that was a problem. It seems it was not reciprocated, nor likely ever had been.

"Gellert!" Albus shouted, his voice echoing in the empty street of some small forgotten town in Europe. "You must end this! You can still walk away."

Gellert sneered at him, his features twisted and harsh. Looking at the corrupt man, who used to be his friend (and so much more), broke Albus' heart.

You have to save him! Albus thought furiously. There aren't any other options!

But that wasn't the truth. It wasn't even close. There were other options — and whole nations were okay with him using them. They even encouraged it. But this was the better option; the safest…

Safest for who? a malicious voice whispered in his mind.

Albus abruptly turned his attention back to Gellert, who was shouting at him.

"You are foolish, Albus!" he was saying. "How could you have forgotten everything we have ever worked for!"

I can still reach him, Albus thought, desperately trying to save the hope that was fading fast in his heart. I can still save him.

"Gellert, enough! Please, my friend!"

Albus watched numbly as Gellert lifted his wand. Albus' eyes widened in shock. He recognized that wand. After all, Albus had researched it, and its companions, enough to recognize it by sight.

It was the Elder Wand.

Gellert had found one of the Deathly Hallows!

"It's for the Greater Good, Albus! It's my only choice."

But it's not!

Albus raised his own wand in response, all feeling seemed to spiral away. He now only felt cold determination.

"This was never your only option. It's time to end this, Gellert."

And he did.

(Although, years later, the love that had infected his heart had yet to fade.)


Prompt (Star Gazers Club — The Golden Snitch): Write about a character of your choice trying to save someone they deeply care for, but ultimately failing.

Optional prompts: (word) spiral; (quote) "There are no safe choices. Only other choices."; (emotion) hope; (word) truth

Word count (not including title and author's notes): 331

A/N — Thank you for reading. I'm coming up on my 2-year anniversary here on FFN and I just wanted to say that I appreciate each and every one of you! If you are waiting for an update to "Tides of Fate," your (extreme) patience will soon be rewarded. Thank you again!