A/N: I should be writing other (and more important) things… But here we are. When I go back to Bargains Over Tea it's going to get a bit dramatic and I don't feel like writing that right now. Fluff and fun only in this one-shot!
"Grindelwald."
"For the third time, call me 'Gellert'." The number seemed random but the boy had indeed kept count.
The two teens stood at the entrance to the Dumbledore residence.
"Right. Gellert." Albus was reminded, in truth he kept forgetting the other's first name, his mind always seemed to be elsewhere when talking with him, "What can I do for you?"
The pair had just been introduced the night before by none other than Bathilda Bagshot, the boy's great-aunt and the Dumbledores' neighbor.
The two stood in a relative silence as Gellert seemed to gage how to phrase his next words. He wished to be delicate, and it was a bit embarrassing for him to be setup in such a way, "It seems as though my aunt believes I should get to know one Dumbledore in particular a bit better." His mismatched eyes flickering between the blue.
"Oh?" Albus questioned, coming to realize the other man was most likely referencing courting, "Oh." His tone sadden as he realized that it could not possibly be in relation to him, despite how much he wished it was.
Gellert tried to control the damage, taking the other's tone as disinterest, "To be honest I wasn't sure, but Aunty was insistent that we would make a good pair. She eased my mind and, well, here I am."
"I see." Whatever had saddened Albus seemed to leave his mind, for he smiled, "She is something else." Thinking how Bathilda could be.
Gellert couldn't help smile back, feeling much more relaxed, "That she…"
"Ariana." Albus called over his shoulder.
Gellert watched with confusion as a young woman walked over to them.
"Yes Albus." She was a pretty blond, her voice wistful. As she saw the stranger at the door her stance became a bit more guarded, eyes becoming apprehensive.
"This is Bathilda's nephew I was telling you about." Albus introduced, "My sister, Ariana, though I'm sure your aunt has already told you all about her."
At their neighbors name, Ariana seemed to open up ever so slightly.
Albus continued, informing his sister, "Bathilda believes the two of you should spend time together. Would you be willing to speak with him?" He sent a wink Gellert's way.
The blond only gave a weak smile in response.
Ariana saw the interaction, she saw the way Gellert look to her brother, "Of course, but…" She attempted.
"Not to worry." Albus comforted, leaning closer to whisper so only she could hear, "I will not be far but I also promise not to hover."
"If you insist." She then addressed Gellert, "Do you mind speaking with me?"
"It is the reason he came." Albus answered for him, "Now off with you both, I will bring my work into the other room."
As he worked the pair seemed to hit it off very quickly. Albus could hear voices exchange with one another, laughing and getting on like old friends. It was rare for Ariana to be so comfortable with strangers, but this man was different. He had the most inviting personality, so much so that it even drew Ariana from her shell.
"Who are you?" Albus heard a stern voice ask. Aberforth must have returned from the yard.
Albus quickly stood from his work, coming to their defense, "Bathilda's nephew." He quickly explained pulling his brother away, "Can you help me make tea?" He did not want to intrude on their date.
After Albus explained all, Aberforth crossed his arms, "I don't like him."
It had been the response Albus had expected, "Even a king would not be good enough for Ari in your eyes."
"As it should be." Aberforth seemed to suddenly realize, "We should be watching over them."
"I have been keeping an eye." Albus informed, "He has been a gentleman."
"Knock Knock."
The brothers jumped.
Gellert was standing in the doorway, "I'm sorry to startle you." He said, though he smiled as though he was not at all sorry, "I need to be off." And though there were two, his eyes had never left Albus, "It was nice to see you again."
Aberforth looked between the pair, wondering for a moment why he was not being minded in the slightest.
"It was nice to see you too." Albus replied, his voice sounded distant to his own ears.
From the look on this strangers face and the tone of his brother's voice Aberforth finally realized.
The man left and Aberforth shook his head, looking to his obviously struck brother, "Bloody hell. And they call you the smart one?"
Ariana skipped in before Albus had a chance to question his brother's words.
"He's gone?" Aberforth asked her.
Ariana nodded, "I invited him over tomorrow. He was quite taken."
"And how could he not." Albus agreed, though his heart sank, "If it is you what man wouldn't be."
"Oh, I am sure there are those who wouldn't be." She reminded before walking away.
"Are we alright with his visit tomorrow?" Albus questioned, unsure of how he felt himself.
"He keeps Ariana calm and it leaves room for us to get more work done. So long as he doesn't get in the way I am alright with him being here."
Albus was shocked by the swift change of heart, "Just a moment ago you disliked him."
"Just a moment ago I was reminded yet again that my brother is a complete idiot." Aberforth taunted, "At least I can bury my worries. If it is you, nothing will come of it." And with that, he too left Albus to his thoughts.
The very next day Gellert came just as promised. And as the day before Albus was the first to greet him, though this time he had been waiting.
The blond seemed to be dressed in his finest, a single flower in hand.
"Good Morning."
"Good Morning." Gellert replied.
"What a lovely flower." Albus noted, feeling a tinge of jealousy, "I have not seen one that color before."
Gellert smiled, holding it out to Albus. He seemed intent on having the other take it and Albus did, admiring the flower before taking a deep breath, "I'm sure she'll love it." He exhaled, holding it back out toward the blond. "Ariana." Albus called once again over his shoulder for his sister, this time his voice seemed more reluctant than the day prior.
She came rushing in, "Oh." She exclaimed, seeing who it was. The scene before her was comical. Her brother standing there holding a flower out to their visitor, the other man with the most dumbfounded expression on his face.
Albus looked back at the flower still in his hand, he was surprised Gellert had not taken it back from him. He decided to help the other man, "Gellert has brought this for you." Albus held the flower out to his sister.
"Did he now?" She said, shooting Gellert a look as she took the flower from her insistent brother's hand.
Gellert shrugged, completely at a loss.
"I will leave you two in peace."
Gellert cleared his throat, remembering why he had come, "Actually, Ariana was going to teach me to knit today." He paused, "I was hoping you would join us."
Albus snorted, "It is kind of you to offer. But-" He gave his sister a kind look, she seemed to be having so much fun spending time with this stranger, he did not wish to interfere in any way, "I am bright enough to know when I am not wanted."
"Yes, very bright." Ariana noted a bit sarcastically.
Albus nodded, not catching her tone, "As yesterday, I will be in the other room if you need anything."
He heard his sister take charge of the situation right away, telling Gellert, "Well? A promise is a promise, I will teach you to knit and we will see what becomes of it."
The day passed by-
Albus had always found that writing passed the time quickly, he was only ever reminded of how much time had gone by a stiffness that grew in his wrists.
He stretched.
Maybe it was time to check on the lovebirds. They had been awfully quiet…
Albus stood from his work and walked to the sitting room. There he found the pair working together side by side. It was a heartwarming sight.
Ariana seemed to notice her brother first, she nudged the other man. Gellert looked up from his almost completed work, hiding it slightly from view.
"I'm sorry. I…"
Ariana hushed her brother, "Don't be, we were almost done. And then after I will start dinner."
"How have you been fairing with your lesson." Albus asked the blond.
"He's done well." Ariana answered for him, showing her own work off.
The chains of yarn were tight and even, it was a perfect single sock.
Albus was familiar with his sister's work, "Very nice." He praised, before turning to Gellert, "And what have you been making?"
And it was reluctantly revealed.
A matching pair to Ariana's sock.
Well… 'matching' was being kind.
"A sock." Albus tried to compliment, letting the other know he could at the very least make out what it was meant to be.
Gellert seemed to pout at the difference of praise.
"Albus, be kind. It was his first time." Ariana chided.
"I said nothing." Albus defended, walking toward them, "May I?" He held out a hand and Gellert placed the sock in his grasp, looking away as Albus inspected his work thoroughly. "It has character, a great emotion to it, you really put your all into this." He smiled, handing it back.
Gellert took it back, "I'm glad you think so, they are for you when we are done."
"Really." Albus lit up, looking between the pair.
"Yes." Ariana beamed, "I told Gellert yesterday how much you love a pair of nice socks and he asked if I could teach him how to make them."
"That is-" Albus was at a loss, he felt as though his words left him as he looked at the other's face. His heart beat so fast within his chest he was sure his face cheeks would turn the most telling shade of red. He turned to Ariana, "It is forward of me to say but if you marry him I will not have to be without such a kind individual in my life."
"It is forward of you." Gellert leaned toward the other man, "But I believe I can be more so, for I had hoped perhaps we could become closer than brothers."
"Then I have a secret to share with you." Albus leaned in to match Gellert.
"And what would that be?" The blond asked innocently.
"It would not be a hard feat to accomplish seeing as Aberforth and myself have never been close."
Gellert's face fell and he leaned back in his chair.
Ariana buried her face in her hands, rubbing her eyes. It was no longer a wonder to her that Albus had never courted anyone at Hogwarts, not if he was this dense. She pondered for a moment before asking, "Albus? Do you think Gellert could stay the night?"
"WHAT?" Both boys turned sharply to her.
"That is completely unacceptable." Albus shook his head, "It is out of the question."
"But I want to spend more time with Gellert and, well, I worry for his safety walking the strange path to Ms. Bagshot's alone in the dark."
"I will be-" Gellert tried to object, but Ariana kicked his foot, "Ow."
"I am sure Gellert will be fine."
"Please." Ariana asked sweetly.
"No."
"I promise you won't regret-"
"No."
"Why are you speaking to Ari in that tone." Aberforth asked, walking into the sitting room.
Albus was glad to have someone on his side, surely Aberforth would understand his point of view, "Ariana would like Gellert to spend the night." He updated his younger brother on all he had missed.
Aberforth shrugged, "As long as he promises to help with chores in the morning I'm fine with it this once."
Albus's mouth hung wide, "Did you not hear what I said?" He walked over to his brother, huddling closer to speak privately.
"Yes, I heard. He doesn't have to share her bed. Have him sleep on the floor, I don't care. Remember, we can use him to keep her busy and calm while we get work done."
Albus sighed, he had gotten a lot done these past two days, "Alright then." He turned back to the pair, "You win, Ari. Gellert, would you please help her cook dinner while I finish my work."
Ariana practically jumped, grabbing Gellert's arm and leading him into the kitchen behind her, "Send a letter to your aunt right away to let her know." She told him happily.
After dinner Aberforth retired early.
Ariana, though so insistent on having Gellert stay late, also claimed an early night.
This left Albus and Gellert alone.
The two shared an awkward moment of silence before Gellert spoke, "You were a welcomed surprise for my trip."
"How so?"
"I have heard things about you."
Albus did not wish to know what kind of things, most of what had been circulated around Hogwarts was not good and awards could only do so much to clear his family name, "What do you enjoy to do? Aside from knit." Albus attempted to change the subject.
Gellert seemed to understand, "Well I have become more and more fond of one puzzle in particular."
"Which is it?" Albus asked with interest, he too enjoyed a good riddle.
"The puzzle pertaining to the three brothers."
"That is a story." Albus smiled, "But I must admit that I am surprised you know of it, it was my favorite as a child. My poor mother, I asked her to read it to us every night, much to Abe's dismay." He froze, feeling as though he may have shared too much, "So, what is the puzzle the story holds?" Albus asked.
"One day soon maybe I will tell you." Gellert left the promise open, "Please explain to me the newest publication you are working on."
"How did you know it was an article?"
"I am a fan of your work, your writing." Gellert could tell how this affected Albus, "Do not tell me you were unaware that you had fans?"
And to save himself from the question, Albus stood to retrieve his writing.
Gellert read it over, and thus began one of the nicest conversations Albus could remember to date.
The pair talked and talked, never staying on one topic for long as they quickly found just how much they held in common.
And for that time Albus found himself forgetting that this man was currently the suitor of his sister.
The pair reluctantly retired to Albus's room.
And though part of him felt it may be best, Albus refused to have Gellert sleep on the hard floor. There was just enough for the two in the warmth of Albus's bed.
Despite the space, Albus felt a hand on his waist, a strong arm curling around him.
"It's a bit chilly." Gellert explained.
Albus slowly sat up, turning to face his bedmate, "I think I know how to remedy that." He whispered into the dark.
And in that darkness Albus could just barely make out Gellert's face, perhaps his eyes were playing a trick on him but it seemed as though the other's face became wicked.
"So you understand?" Gellert asked devilishly.
"How could I not." Albus wondered, for it was quite clear to him what Gellert was after, what he was asking of him.
Gellert sat up, bringing his face closer to the other's, "I was trying my absolute hardest to make you understand."
Albus tried to steady his breath, but he only managed to make the breaths come out more uneven, "I'll do it right now if that's what you want."
Gellert shivered slightly, that was exactly what he would want.
And how the other man's body shook, Albus could no longer deny him.
As Gellert leaned forward in the dark, Albus turned away, placing his feet on the floor and getting up from the bed.
"What are you doing?"
Albus casually walked over to the end of the bed, grabbing another warmer blanket before returning, "Here you are." He handed it to Gellert.
Gellert took the blanket, "Thank you." He watched as the other smiled kindly at him, "You- you are so interesting."
"Thank you."
"Truly, I need to know more about you." Gellert was in awe. He had never met anyone quite like Albus, unique and brilliant…but also very very oblivious.
They pair continued to speak to one another, side by side in the dark, until sleep overtook ending the conversation for them.
The next morning Gellert, as promised, helped Aberforth outside with his chores.
Albus was making breakfast for everyone when Ariana entered the kitchen, "So, how did it go?"
"Well?" Albus was unsure how sleep could go any better or worse, "Restful."
"So, do I have a brother-in-law in my future." Ariana asked him slyly, taking over the cooking for him.
Albus laughed, "Of course not, you do not have to worry about me stealing the heart of your suitor."
"My suitor?" Ariana's face fell, "Why should I worry…" Then the unthinkable dawned on her, "So you mean to tell me you had an attractive, intelligent, eligible and interested man in your bed and you did nothing." And from the look on her brother's face, Ariana's assumption was correct, "Had you really not considered the possibility he could be interested in you?"
"…"
"Albus."
"…"
Ariana waved her hand in front of his face.
It seemed to snap him back into reality, "I'm sorry." He swallowed hard, "Would you repeat that? It's early and my ears seem to still be asleep."
"Well perhaps this will wake them up. Gellert and I have been trying to let you know, perhaps a bit too gently, that it was you and he Bathilda thought would make a match." Ariana repeated, "We thought it was humorous at first but now it's just gotten… sad."
"Ariana?"
"Yes?"
"Do you mind if I leave breakfast to you."
Ariana giggled, "Yes, I'll be fine. Go go." She urged.
Albus left, walking to the barn. Aberforth seemed to be doing some last minute organizing before coming in for breakfast.
"Is Gellert still here." Albus asked his brother, looking inside the barn, unsure of what he would do if the other was in fact still there.
"He just left not too long ago. You know-" Aberforth began.
But Albus was gone, trying his hardest not to run to Bathilda's.
Her house was not far, but when he reached the door he found himself a bit out of breath. Albus knocked on the door, quickly catching his breath before the door opened.
Gellert seemed surprised, "Albus? Is anything the matter?"
Albus flushed, "You did not stay for breakfast." Was the only thing he thought to say.
"I did not wish to overstay my welcome."
"We- I like having you join us."
Gellert raised an eyebrow.
Albus franticly shook his head, finding it difficult to say what he truly wished. Wandlessly he conjured a flower and held it out to the other man.
Gellert's eyes went wide at the feat, taking the flower into his hand, "Impressive"
"Do you understand?" Albus asked.
Gellert bit his lip and smirked ever so slightly, he seemed to have mischief in his eyes.
Albus felt his heart beat quicken at that look.
"Auntie." Gellert called, his eyes never leaving Albus's as they looked at him with confusion.
The witch walked to the door, "Yes dear, Oh, Albus. How are you this morning?"
Gellert handed his aunt the flower, "Albus has brought this flower over for you."
"Oh how lovely." She took it without question.
"I-" Albus almost protested, but there was no way he could tell the woman that it was not for her. It was for Gellert, though it did not seem as though his feelings had reached the blond… or perhaps worse, it was possible Gellert no longer desired him.
"Yes. It was very nice of him." Gellert turned his eyes to meet with beautiful blue, confirming to the other that he indeed understood his intent, "It is a thank you for bringing us together."
