A/N: Though this is needed to progress the story along, it may be hard for you to read hence my trepidation at posting it (as it's been completed for a few weeks). This will deal w/ GG and begin to create an understanding that is necessary for the chapters that deal w/ WWII & the heart wrenching events that transpire between Albus & Minerva that ultimately shape their relationship for years later – so….don't kill me (I'm only trying to keep him true to character/canon that enables a way for MMAD to ensue so have an ounce of faith).
Chapter 10 Return to Hogwarts (1929)
August 2nd, 1929
"No Reginald," Albus dropped the bag filled with galleons onto the counter, "I will hear non of it. I know you and Rebecca have lost several acres to fire, including your eastern woods."
He shook his head, "Yes, we have. But our ancestral agreement stands and I will not start having you or anyone whom you deem fit to pay for their wand."
"Then look at it as an early gift to the newest member of the Olivander lineage."
Reginald opened his mouth, but stopped when he saw Albus' set expression, finally nodding. "Thank you, Albus."
"Quite welcome," He leaned forward, voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Now fix your family wards, especially along the eastern side of the estate."
"How did…?"
The door opened, and Albus reached into his cloak and pulled another small pouch out and threw it upon the counter as Reginald pulled the bag of galleons out of sight. "Here is your supply order, hope you find all you were looking for with a few additions."
Reginald nodded and then turned to the newcomer, "Can I help you, Sir?"
But the man in purple robes was already stepping back out of the shop, as Albus turned around.
"Peculiar." Reginald said, but his mind was already on the raw leather supply bag in front of him and with a swish of his wand, he enlarged the bag and peeled the leather back. Eyes growing large at the contents, "Wonderful. Simply wonderful." He said, Albus' attention still focused on the door.
"Albus?"
Slowly, Dumbledore pulled himself back to the confines of the shop. He could have sworn the man who had just left was Gellert, though it had been over thirty years since their paths had crossed while he had been in Northern Germany conducting a five day symposium. He shook his head, banishing the thought. It did not do to dwell in the past.
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Albus flipped the page, eyes scanning the text as he mentally began formulating a response to the letter within his pocket as he absently sipped some fire whiskey.
"Albus." The voice was soft, familiar and far too comforting as hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. "You are looking quite fit."
Albus slowly turned around, his body steeled to prevent reaction as his eyes landed on Gellert's lithe and colorfully clad form. "It's been a long time, Gellert."
He nodded, "It has." His eyes darting to the seat next to Dumbledore, "Mind?"
For a moment…he saw a shadow of the past as Gellert set his glass down and moved to sit next to him, carefree and loving…and then it was gone. "And if I said yes?"
His rich laugh echoed throughout the small bar, his voice dropping as he spoke in with his thick German accent. "Then you'd miss the opportunity to hear of my exploits regarding the Deathly Hollows."
Despite himself, Albus was intrigued. "So, you've continued looking?"
Gellert nodded, "Of course, have you not?"
They stared deep into the other's eyes…the truth lay bare…and Albus was forced to nod, unable to lie to him. "Yes."
"Well…" Gellert leaned forward, "Any luck?"
Albus watched the light dance off his eyes, noticing the way he held himself… "What one have you found?"
Gellert chuckled, "As perceptive as ever." He took a long swig of fire whiskey, "I see your research has not dulled all of your skills."
"Quite the opposite I'm afraid," The contents of his drink swirling lazily in his glass as he answered. "And the question?"
"I shall answer, but you – I have heard tales of such amazing exploits, coincidences, and of course your research. But what of your personal life?" Gellert asked, leaning closer, his voice dropping several octaves. "I have heard nothing of a new lover."
Albus could feel his body want to respond to the velvet voice less than three feet away, despite the large gap of time since it had graced his ears. "I believe that would be a question best asked amongst friends." He tartly replied, swallowing the remainder of his whisky.
"And to think," Albus felt a hand running up his thigh, and then a soft spell wash over him a moment before Gellert's words did the same. "Do not worry, the rest of the bar believe we are still conversing of our travels, but I was hoping to entice you to join me upstairs as I have a small room above this bar for the day and it has been many years since I have felt …satisfied."
Albus dropped his hand to stay Gellert's, "There is far too much history, my friend."
"Yes, there is history, but…" Gellert squeezed his leg, fingers digging into his inner thigh. "I am not interested in that today."
"Nor am I interested in what you are offering." Albus replied, and made to stand, but Gellert applied ample pressure onto his leg, forcing him to remain for another heartbeat.
Grindlewald eyed the wizard before him, a slow smile grazing his face. He had missed Albus, his power, the feel of his magic and his witty humor. "I have missed you these past years Albus. Does that not count for something?"
"It does but you must realize that it has been well over thirty years since we last met and though I may have forgiven you for Ariana's death, our lives can never return to what we once had, we have become far different people." Albus' eyes drilled the man before him, "We tried to recapture what we thought we had in Germany, but it was not meant to be Gellert. I have often wondered how I would react upon seeing you again, and I find that I would be content to be your friend, but not…"
Gellert raised his hand, halting Albus. "Then we shall part ways as friends, and perhaps one day that is all I shall want from you too."
Albus nodded, "It was good to see you, my friend."
Gellert stood, "Perhaps one drink upstairs and I shall show you my research on the Deathly Hallows and what I have found while you regale me with your findings before we part ways once again."
Albus stared up at him for several moments, and then found himself gathering his papers together, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Lead the way."
Several hours later, and an empty bottle of fire whisky lay empty on the table between the two wizards laughing heartily at one of Gellert's exploits. Tears of laughter still in his eyes, Albus stood. "Thank you for the evening, Gellert."
"My pleasure, Albus. If you are ever near Austria, please feel free to stop in and see me." He stated, standing too.
Albus smiled, "I shall. Until then, stay safe and though you may know of the wizard who holds the fabled wand, I must ask you again if you are entirely sure."
Gellert stepped a bit closer extending his hand out, and drawing a diagram in the air between them. "This…" He pointed to the picture, "lays upon the knot on the nub of the wand."
"Do be careful, Gellert." Albus said, looking deeply into his friend's eyes.
Gellert met his stare and before Albus could react, Gellert's lips were upon his…hands combing through his hair, pulling him closer as his mouth opened to protest…a tongue was plunging into his mouth, suckling his tongue and despite not wanting to, or desiring to…it had been a long time since anyone had kissed him with such fervor or wanton desire and he felt himself moaning in response.
Gellert pushed Albus backwards across the small room, until his back was against the wall…hands were already trailing down the front of his robes, the silk rubbing across his length…and it quickly hardening in response. "I want you, Albus." Gellert whispered into his ear as he nipped along his neck before pulling Albus around, so now he was against his back. "I want to fuck you and hear you call my name."
"We…can't…" Albus mumbled trying to fight his body's desire that was washing over him, "Gellert." He cleared his throat, but then he felt Gellert's breath against his neck…and the cool breeze licking his skin as Gellert's hands began running down his naked chest, his robes now gone…as were Gellert's as his chest pressed into his back. "Do you still want me to stop?" He breathed against Albus' neck while his hands ran down his legs and back up…inching closer to his shaft that leapt in response.
Albus' fingers spread along the wall, as he fought for a breath.
"Albus?" Gellert rubbed his own shaft and balls against him. "Do you…" He moved against him again. "Want me…" And again, "To stop?"
Albus felt his body jerk in response, and he whispered, "No. Merlin…Gellert…please…"
"Please…what, Albus?" He asked as he drew his hand back up Albus.
Albus felt his head fall back, tears in his eyes…his breathing labored as his raw voice said the words he had sworn he'd never say again. "Fuck me."
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Albus woke with a start, the world snapping back into focus as the memories from the previous night crashed into his consciousness. Before he glanced around the room, he already knew he was alone, and felt like pulling the pillow over his head and letting the world go by for a day.
But all his thoughts were null and void as Fawkes burst into the room, circling overhead. You asked that I find you at the rising hour.
Albus closed his eyes, as he took a deep breath before gritting his teeth and sitting up. His head instantly pounding from ingesting far too much fire whiskey last evening, "Thank you, my friend."
Fawkes landed beside Albus within a heartbeat, and nudged his side with his head. The world will not and has not ended, Albus. But, as you may believe it has, perhaps a word or two from Emily shall help lift thee spirits.
Albus gently stroked the bird's soft feathered head, down his strong back and then repeated the processing as he pondered his familiar's words. "Perhaps, my friend, but I believe a warm shower and a strong cup of tea shall do wonders too."
At this, Fawkes stepped back before hopping toward the headboard where he wrapped his talons around the iron, and wrapped his wing over his head. His soft cooing the only noise in the room as Albus permitted his eyes to fully adjust to the bright light streaming in through the grungy windows.
He noticed a parchment setting beneath his wand, both lying upon the desk across the room. With a swift wave of his hand, both objects shot across the room into his waiting fingers. His eyes quickly scanned the familiar writing, his heart and brain clashing as he assimilated the words.
A,
I do hope you have gotten a few hours of sleep by the time this note finds you, though I do not regret the reason for your overall lack of sleep. I have an appointment in Edinborogh this morning, but I would very much like it if you could join me for lunch at McGreevy's as I'd like to finish our discussion regarding the location of the DH as we seemed to veer off course last evening. Speaking of which, the smile has not left my face since I have awakened. Friendship seems to be a paltry comparison to what our other options could entail. If you feel inclined merely write yes on the parchment, if not – I shall await our next encounter
G
Albus starred blankly at the parchment feeling torn. He then summoned his robes, pulling the letter from his inner pocket – the Hogwarts emblem catching his eye. He opened the letter, rereading its contents.
Mr. Dumbledore,
I was quite surprised to learn of your interest in our Transfiguration teaching post and would like to meet with you on August 3rd at 11:00 am at Hogwarts to further discuss your future as a professor here at Hogwarts.
Sincerely,
Armando Dippet
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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Albus extended his hand out to Armando, gripping his firmly. "It is good to see you again, Armando."
"And you Albus, please…" The Headmaster indicated the chair opposite of the desk. "Have a seat."
Albus nodded as he sat, Armando walking around the desk, talking. "I must admit to being slightly taken back when I saw your letter expressing interest in the Transfiguration post." Armando drew out his chair, sitting. "As you have never expressed interest prior to now. And I find myself wondering why now."
Albus met Dippet's stare with his own piercing blue one until he allowed the corners of his mouth to curve upwards. "I have found that though my current life lends to continuing research, I have found my daily life lacks meaning."
"And what do you believe you will find here at Hogwarts that you haven't found elsewhere?"
"A chance to help shape the minds of our future, and perchance gain inspiration from their imagination to help continue to drive my research."
Armando eyed the man across from his desk, wondering. Albus Dumbledore was a noted alchemist, researcher, founder of the twelve uses Dragon's Blood and here he sat opposite of him…wanting a job at Hogwarts.
The interview progressed over the next hour and a half and finally Armando realized the time, "My apologies Albus, it is getting to be time for lunch. Would you care to join me and the other professors who are still in residence?"
Albus smiled at the current Headmaster of Hogwarts, while shaking his head. "I'm afraid not Armando as much as I would love to, I have a previous engagement for lunch."
Armando nodded, though was slightly disheartened as he had hoped to further continue their conversation over lunch. "I do hope you shall make it in time, as it is just past one."
"Quite," He reached down and pulled his watch out from the depths of his pocket, Armando's eyes riveted upon the swirling face as Albus uttered. "Then I shall have just enough time." He stated, standing as he snapped the golden cover back over the face. "Armando," He extended his hand out, smiling, "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule Headmaster, it was most kind."
Dippet stood, brown eyes smiling as he took the younger wizard's hand in a quick, yet firm grasp. "And I thank you for your interest, and…" He began stepping around the desk, "I would be quite interested in you joining our staff and shall send an engagement letter tomorrow detailing out the terms of employment."
Albus chuckled, "I accept and await the formalities."
The two men strode toward the door, "I must say Albus, that was quite an interesting watch you have there." He nodded towards his pocket, "Don't believe I've ever seen one like it."
The gargoyle sprang open as Albus responded with a coy smile lighting up his face, "It was given to me by my Grandmother in honor of graduating from Hogwarts."
Armando and Albus stepped upon the roving staircase to descend from the second floor, "Do you know where she purchased it?"
Albus glided off the last step and onto the worn flagstone, "She was not keen on giving me the information on who crafted it." He turned to Dippet, "Though I must say that it has done a marvelous job over the years of keeping time."
Dippet nodded, "It did appear to be a fine instrument."
"Yes, quite…" Albus paused in step as if in thought, and forced a frown to line his features, "But on occasion I do find that it skips minutes."
Armando raised his eyebrow, "Skips minutes?"
"Yes," Albus affirmed, "Many moons have passed since I have paid it heed and worry for I have found that though it skips minutes, it apparently holds them in equal measure."
"And still you have found this watch useful?"
Albus allowed his rich laugh to echo off the slate stone, "Immeasurably, Armando." The large wooden door sprang open as he repeated, "Immeasurably."
Dippet shook his head, "I fear that perhaps that it was a far better gift for you, than me. As it would never do for me to have a watch that does not keep proper time."
"I believe my Grandmother did well in her choice of my gift," He stepped into the sun as he softly whispered. "Quite well." Before turning back to Armando, "Thank you again, Headmaster."
"I shall be in touch with you shortly, Albus." Dippet stated, and with a quick pat on the other man's shoulder, he turned to go back into the castle…and then as if drawn he turned to look back, only to see the lush green grass and worn path to the front gates and not a sole else. For Albus was gone. He quickly scanned to the left and then to right, leaving a befuddled Headmaster to wonder how in Merlin's name the wizard had vanished from the grounds of Hogwarts through the anti-apparition wards. Wards which he would be sure to verify after lunch…
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Albus felt the Aetes Tempus charm fade as he apparated to Edinborough, instantly noticing the different vibration that encompassed this city versus the quiet grounds of Hogwarts. Within seconds his eyes were roving the small streets, looking for McGreevey's, his heart beating loudly in his chest at the thought of seeing Gellert. His soul uplifted at the notion of being able to feel alive again…to feel loved…and he found himself stepping around the corner, his feet barely touching the ground as he noticed the old carved sign blowing defiantly against the wind McGreevey's.
A smile burning from the depths of his eyes, when he felt a heavy hand curl around his shoulder and a deep voice pull him from his reverie. "Albus…"
He felt his breath hitch wishing it were the voice of another as his smile froze upon his face as he turned and was standing face to face with his ill-tempered scottish friend. "Malcom." He clasped the man's hand, "It has been some time, how is Elise and your two sons, Calum and Rory?"
Malcom leaned back, laughing, "Aye it has been a wee bit of time since our paths crossed. Calum joined the Chuddly Canons this year as a chaser, he's playing time has increased five fold since the season opener. Rory graduated from Hogwarts this past spring," He shook his head, "And he has just left to take on an apprenticeship in the art of Arithmancy. Elise has taken up her mother's Apothecary shop just over three years ago here in Edinborough. And our youngest, Minerva…"
Albus couldn't stop his brow from furrowing, "Minerva? A daughter?" At Malcom's nod the next question stumbled from his lips, "She can't be too old, for it has not been a quite a decade since our paths crossed in Germany in the early 20's."
"Aye, and I believe my wee lass may have been a by-product of my return home…" Malcom stated, head shaking. "I have never thanked ye for what ye did for me back then."
"No thanks is required nor wanted, Malcom. I am merely glad to have had the opportunity to help." Albus stated sincerely, though his mind on the bar at the end of the street.
"But…" Malcom's face turned serious, his thick Scottish accent breaking across his words. "I want ye to kno' how much it means ta me." He nodded toward the bar, McGreevey's, "At the very least, let me buy ya a drink."
Albus went to decline, but the prideful look within his eyes stilled his tongue and he merely nodded with only a semi-enthusastic reply, "By all means Malcom, lead on." Malcom opened the door, stepping through followed by Albus whose eyes immediately took stock of the clientele within, hoping to see Gellert…but found only a scant few patrons, none of whom was the one he was looking for. And then he saw a trace of residual magic on a table in the corner.
"Do you mind?" Albus asked indicating the one in corner.
Malcom shrugged, "Not at all." He took a step towards the bar, "What are you having?"
Albus could hardly focus on Malcom's words, his mind on the table less than ten feet away. "Ahhh…fire whisky."
Malcom turned to the bar, as Albus took the handful of strides to the table. A slight frown gracing his face at the faint words.
If you have traveled this far, then know this – your name shall grant you access through my wards.
"He thinks this a mere game?" Albus grumbled to himself and upon hearing Malcom gathering the drinks off the bar, Albus waved his hand, causing the last remnants of the magic to dissipate, leaving naught but the sturdy oak table and two wizards grasping their chairs. One light-hearted and free, the other giving off a similar appearance, but it was merely a mask to hide the pain that was beating through his veins and into his soul.
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The hour was late when he stepped through the door at the Hallow, and his heart heavy. He barely registered hanging his cloak upon the hanger nor his feet wearily taking him to his sitting room, but as he sat – the fire sprang to life and Gerty had already delivered a cup of steaming tea.
Without much thought, he summoned the well worn journal from Gran…and found himself thumbing through page after page of questions and answers. At first he had used the book religiously, until one afternoon he realized how fast the pages were disappearing. Now…he flipped to the back and thumbed through the handful of blank pages that remained, perhaps fourteen – meaning 28 front and back. And he found himself calling the quill, and scratching a question across the bottom of the page.
You once spoke of a man you had loved while in school before Bernard, did you ever stop loving him?
"Hello, my boy. It has been too long." Her voice pausing, and Albus could almost feel her stepping towards him, looking. And her words would appear to confirm it, and though he asked three times how she knew how he looked, she had yet to answer once. "Though from your countenance I'd say not long enough. Who is she?"
Albus swallowed hard, and stared at the paper trying to force himself to make the correction…but time continued to tick by until her feint script reappeared.
"Albus? If you wish an answer, you must be willing to answer too."
At this he gave a heavy sigh, and found his eyes trailing the moon before he penned a response. I don't want you to be ashamed.
Her laugh was like a cool balm to his soul as it echoed through him, "Don't be silly, my dear. I'd only be heartbroken if you did not speak the truth."
And so Albus picked up the quill and quickly scratched down an abridged version of his tale…how he had met and had a son with Melinda and that they both died. Kendra's and Ariana's death…and Gellert. How they had not seen each other for thirty years and it felt as though it had been yesterday…
But the fact remains that on some level I still harbor deep feelings for Gellert.
"And you no doubt always will, Albus. But that does not mean that you won't find love in another."
Her words bringing tears to his eyes, splashing the parchment as he wrote the words from his heart. But do I dare hope for love Gran? For every person whom I have loved has either died or… the quill jumped as he forced his hand to remain steady, they have broken my heart and withered a part of my soul.
At this he waited an eternity for a response, one that he would not understand for years later – and even then he hoped that she had not foreseen one of his darkest hours, but her words said otherwise. Her voice was broken, on the verge of tears as she whispered, "I am soooo sorry my boy. For I believed it the witch…"
The witch? Gran?
Her voice was ethereal as her neat script scrolled across the page, "You have found one love that I daresay you will love for many years, and whose path is far different than yours. For that, and for when your paths and his collide, I am truly sorry. Remember, Albus, the oldest of magic begins with hope…and love. And I shall still harbor the hope that you shall find solace and love in one other's embrace."
Have you seen this person?
"Yes."
He waited for additional information and after an eternity he asked, Well, who is it?
"A person with a sharp intellect, a quick wit, and a deep and caring heart."
Those adjectives could fit Gellert.
"Time shall see, my boy." Her voice was becoming distant, "Time shall see. May the days between now and then be kind to you, Albus. Goodnight." He stared at the words a moment longer and was about to close it when, a handful of words in red appeared underneath the black ink. "And congratulations on your appointment at Hogwarts."
……Chapter 11….Minerva's first year at Hogwarts 1932…