Prologue: The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore
*July 31, 1943*
It was a hot summer day that slowly approaching upon the month of August and the grounds of Hogwarts castle seemed to be enjoying the weather upon this day. A magnificent castle with myriad spires and towers, countless windows that glittered in the afternoon light as the sun bathed the gray stone with sunshine just as it reached directly overhead. The grounds around the castle were a bright, emerald green and lush as it thrived in this warm weather, reaching all the way down to the edge of the lake where several young merfolk were leaping out of the water as they played.
The next school year would be starting up in just a month and so there was still time to get it ready for the returning students. Hardly anyone was in the castle at this point in time, except for the gamekeeper who lumbered out of his small hut on the grounds as he patrolled the edge of the forest with his young apprentice. Though not even of age yet, this boy was already towering over his teacher, twice the size of a normal man with a thick head of shaggy, black hair and the start of a beard already growing on his chin. He lumbered behind him as he carried the food that would be needed to give to a recently sick unicorn.
While inside the castle, the caretaker stalked the hallways that he long since memorized… leaving only a single teacher whose worry was starting to settle in while he kept an eye on what was happening in the rest of the world.
Aside from them, the only other person who was within the Hogwarts grounds was a middle-aged man who just walked through the main gates as he headed up to the castle. He was a tall and very thin man with long hair and a short beard of dark red color; while the eyes behind a pair of dirty lenses of his spectacles were a brilliant, soul-piercing shade of blue and a very grumpy disposition. He huffed slightly, this hot weather doing little to improve his mood.
He entered the castle as he made his way up through the corridors and secret passageways, remembering the way since childhood when he first went to this school, though not one he had taken since he dropped out in his sixth year.
He didn't tell the annoyed caretaker why he was here, but he had a goal in mind when he went off to a certain wing of the castle where the sunshine was blazing in through the windows and warming everything in sight.
"Bloody hells," he grunted as he wiped the sweat from his brow before he finally reached the hallway he was looking for, "Does he ever leave this place?"
He stopped outside of the classroom and knocked loudly.
After a few seconds of waiting and no one answering he rolled his eyes.
"Merlin… what's gotten into him?" he asked himself grumpily as he forced the door open. "Oi! Albus!"
He was standing in the brightly lit, sunny Transfiguration room, which looked almost unrecognizable without students to fill the empty desks. Of course, he had seen it empty plenty of times during his school days when he was forced to stay behind for detentions. He looked around a little more before he heard noises coming from the very back to where an office was and he rolled his eyes.
"Of course," he said darkly.
Without bothering to knock this time, he opened the door and walked right into the office, which was much darker for the drapes were drawn shut and left the room in semidarkness. There were shelves full of curious silver instruments that made funny little noises as they whirled about and emitted little puffs of smoke sitting upon small tables around the room. There were shelves on the walls that were groaning underneath the strain of books—several of them looking like library books—as well as different schedules pinned to the wall that revealed detailed lessons for all years as well as plans for an upcoming tutoring lessons for those who were struggling with these lessons.
Right next to the door was a large, golden perch where a beautiful bird sat. A crimson bird the size of a swan with stunning scarlet and gold plumage was sitting there as it slept with his head under its wing, it's glittering golden tail as long as a peacocks swayed slightly while its golden talons gleamed from the sunlight that he let in when he walked in.
But he ignored all of that as his eyes were drawn to the man sitting at a small desk, a scattering of newspaper clippings spread out in front of him as he leaned over to look at them.
Albus Dumbledore was turning over several pages of the clippings and looked at them with grave concern, not even paying attention to the fact that he had a guest. But rather than make himself known, he leaned up against the door and waited until Albus could not pretend that he wasn't there.
"Good afternoon, Aberforth," Albus sighed without looking up at him. "It's been a long time."
"A few years," Aberforth stated casually as he watched his elder brother continue his examination of the clippings as he looked around the room—trying not to look too interested in the curious instruments.
Albus barely paid Aberforth any attention as he focused on the task at hand. He had just placed the article that was on the front page, just that morning, and added it to the ever growing pile.
GELLERT GRINDLEWALD: DARK WIZARD STRIKES AGAIN IN EUROPE!
The rest of the articles were just as grim. Showing pictures of the mad wizard and with the Ministry struggling to find methods of dealing with this growing threat.
"Enjoying the news recently?" Aberforth asked as he strolled over to the desk to have a look at what was drawing Albus's attention.
Albus sighed as he moved another clipping so that he could look at the one underneath it as it read:
MINISTRY OF MAGIC TO RESPOND TO GROWING PUBLIC FEAR
"What's his end goal?" Aberforth asked. "It's like he's just jumping around from place to place."
"That is a good question," Albus confessed as his eyes were drawn to the picture of Grindlewald as it caption above it asked: WHERE IS GRINDELWALD? IS ANYONE SAFE? "Right now, I believe that he is more focused on gathering followers before he comes out completely into the open."
"Not for lack of trying," Aberforth stated darkly as he picked up a clipping and looked at it as it stated: GRINDLEWALD ATTACKS INTERNATIONALLY! RISKING WAR WITH MUGGLES! "At this rate, it won't be much longer before he brings the wizards out of hiding."
Albus picked the clipping out of his brother's hands as he rejoined the other pieces. The clippings and pieces of parchment were scattered over his desk in such a way that it looked like a mess to most. However, to Albus, it was as if a very complicated puzzle and he was struggling to make the pieces all fit together in a way that made sense. With a simple drawing of the Deathly Hallows in the very center of this mess with the other pieces seemingly connected to that one drawing.
"He started off with only small attacks," Albus said out loud, more to himself than to his little brother, moving another few pieces of paper that each read out: HOGWARTS SCHOOL INCREASES SECURITY and another picture of Grindelwald that had the words printed out in bold: GRINDELWALD SPREADING FEAR WORLDWIDE!
Instead he looked to some older records and went on quietly, "He crept into society through small attacks that couldn't be traced in any way. But then…?" he moved those papers for others underneath and added, "Lists of various dark materials were being bought or stolen from illegal channels. It wasn't reported, obviously, but soon it grew from that. Grindelwald, who was gaining influence in Germany, has now spread quickly towards France before stretching through Eastern Europe and down to Britain. They are even saying that he may have contacts as far as North and South America. Eventually, people have noticed and the first murders were taking place."
"And the bastard is leading his fanatics across Europe as he commits mass-slaughter and is on the verge of exposing all of wizardkind to the Muggles," Aberforth grunted as he walked around the desk to look more at the little instruments. "Merlin's beard, even I know that!"
Albus sighed as he ran a tired hand through his short beard and asked, "Why are you here, Aberforth? Be honest. You've gone out of your way to avoid me, why come straight here?"
"No reason," Aberforth grunted as he picked up one of the instruments so that he could examine it. "I just came by because I wanted to see if what everyone was saying about you was true?"
"And what is that?" Albus asked dully, though fully aware of what he was about to say.
"Oh, nothing special," Aberforth said as he dropped the instrument back onto the desk and added, "Just that they say that one of the 'greatest'," he sneered at that last word, "Wizards in the world was letting Grindelwald run all over the world as he kills wizards and muggles alike. Oh, in case you missed that, they seem to think that was you."
Albus froze at that as he looked up at him, not daring to bring himself to answer.
"So, while we're on the topic, why don't you tell me something," Aberforth asked with a frown. "I'm tired of people asking me what I think that my dear big brother is planning for Grindelwald. Like hell if I know that! But that does bring up a good question. What on earth is going on through that so called brilliant head of yours?"
Albus didn't answer him as he leaned over his desk in such a way that it was as if he needed the desk to support himself. Albus would be lying if he said that he didn't secretly hope that if he stayed quiet long enough then Aberforth would give up.
Aberforth's frown became more pronounced the longer the silence went on before he asked, "You idiot. You're the only one who stands a chance against him in a one-on-one duel! Everyone's going on about it, anyway! So why not get it over with, already?"
"You make it sound so easy," Albus frowned, not looking up. "I've been trying to put a stop to his plans but…?"
"So then why are you spending your time here in school?" Aberforth asked sharply. "You two were nearly equal in power and now you're scared that you're going to lose to him?"
"Not at all," Albus countered. "I believe us to still be evenly matched. Perhaps, I may even be a shade more skillful…"
"Modest as ever," Aberforth grunted with a click of his teeth. "I'm just trying to figure out what you're planning here."
"Because one does not simply go looking for Grindlewald and expect to find him," Albus said firmly.
Silence fell upon both men.
"Don't tell me you forgot, did you?" Aberforth demanded quietly, "What happened to our family the moment you brought that—bastard—home?"
Albus's head finally shot up and gave his brother a cold look as he stood up to his full height as he asked coldly, "You really think that I could?"
"Honestly, when it comes to you, I don't know," Aberforth answered him truthfully. "I don't know what's going on inside that head of yours. And if you don't tell anyone, how are we supposed to know?"
Albus only looked on, his anger fading as a grim melancholy took hold, all the fight draining out of him as Aberforth waited for an answer.
"I know what he is capable of," he reminded him. "Of that, I hope you can believe me. But I have no intension of allowing myself to be blinded to his true nature again. That much, I swear. But moving against Grindelwald isn't as easy as going out and see if I can find him."
He closed his eyes as the ghost of a memory played out in his mind.
"Now Albus," Mrs. Bagshot said kindly to him as she brought a young man with thick, golden blonde hair and a merry smile as his aunt brought them together. "This is my nephew Gellert. He'll be staying with me for the time being and I thought that you could be able to show him around Godric's Hollow for me?"
"Hello," the handsome young man said with a mischievous smile, "My name is Gellert Grindelwald."
Albus felt his curiosity rise, glad to have someone to speak to who didn't swear at him or shy away like his siblings. He didn't know how long that he would be staying for, but it will be nice to have someone else to talk to for a time as he held out his hand to shake.
"Albus Dumbledore…"
Albus gave his head a little shake as he forced his eyes open and left the past behind.
"Defeating him won't be easy," he repeated as Aberforth groaned and ran a hand through his stringy hair in frustration.
"Do as you wish," he said as he turned around and showed himself out, "Don't know why I bothered coming."
"Be careful on your way back, Aberforth," Albus called as the door closed loudly behind him and Albus collapsed in his chair once more, feeling exhausted. He leaned his elbows upon the desk and ran his hands over his face wearily before he picked up another clipping and gazed at it without a trace of emotion. He must have read all these papers enough times to memorize them and the words were slowly beginning to repeat themselves.
But he wasn't reading them this time. Rather, he was more focused upon Gellert's face. It still held that hint of merry amusement that it once held. Yet, now…? It was nearly unrecognizable with those cold eyes and a portion of his handsomeness having faded due to his age and whitening hair.
He then dropped the picture sadly as he leaned back in his chair, trying not to dwell on that face. He knew that he needed to be stopped. Yet, while he only knew him for two months, he knew that Grindelwald was an outstandingly talented and powerful wizard. It was going to take more than a simple trick or plan to defeat him. He then opened up one of this drawers and pulled out a list that he had made some time ago of what he knew of Grindelwald's talents.
Talentedly Magical: (Extremely skilled with great knowledge of advanced spells.)
Dark Arts: (Both highly knowledgably and considered the most powerful Dark Arts practitioner in history.)
Of course, that much Albus knew. After all, his experiments at Durmstrang were so twisted and dangerous that even Durmstrang's tolerance was pushed too far and he was expelled. That should have been a clue to him right away to just what kind of nature that Grindelwald truly possessed.
Master Duelist: (Duelist of tremendous, almost unrivaled skill. Has said to be confident, focused, disciplined, and a master of combative sorcery.)
This was also proven time and time again. Albus looked to another article that stated that Grindelwald was able to duel groups highly trained Aurors before escaping. All the Aurors either dead or gravely injured. One of the surviving Aurors stated that he could create a Shield Charm that was able to repel a barrage of spells that were fired at him by around twenty-four Aurors at once.
Which led him to the next step of his list.
Charms: (Mastery and vast knowledge of charms. Could already cast a Disillusionment Charm to become invisible at seventeen. Also master of wandless and non-verbal spells.)
Transfiguration: (Exceptionally proficient in the field of Human Transfiguration. Master of creating disguises for prolonged periods of time.)
One of many reasons that tracking him has been so difficult. He frowned as he continued down his list.
Occlumency: (Incredibly accomplished Occlumens. Able to fully conceal his true thoughts from Legilimens.)
Divination: (Rumors that he has talent as a Seer. However, if true, he does not appear to be an expert in this magical field.)
Intellectual Genius: (Incredible level of intellect. Great knowledge of magical history and lore, especially on magical artifacts. Expert strategist and tactician, with uncanny ability to create intricate and brilliant plans.)
And perhaps the most dangerous talent that he had.
Charisma: (Exceptional leader. Able to create an army of wizards large enough to rebel against the International Statue of Secrecy.)
Albus shivered slightly as he remembered that. Even as a teenager, he was highly talented in manipulating others and charming them into joining his cause. It was because of that Albus fell victim to his charms as well.
When he looked back to today's article, he only just realized the date and he blinked as he realized what today was. He threw the list onto the desk to join the rest of the papers before he began to pace the office for a time until his steps carried him over to the window and opened the hangings. He blinked a little from the bright light as he looked out at the grounds, which revealed a grand view of the courtyard below him—and even to the lake in the distance.
His movements must have awoken his companion, however. For he soon heard a soft note from Fawkes and the Phoenix left his perch and glided over to sit upon his shoulder. The bird gently rubbed his head against Albus's cheek as he sang, and Albus smiled wearily at him as he ran a single finger across his beautiful plumage, taking great comfort from his song.
"Ah music," he sighed as Fawkes sang softly for him and he closed his eyes against the bright light. "A magic all of its own."
It was as fine a gift as he could have asked for. For he had forgotten that today… today was his birthday.
*July 31th, 1881*
It was during a very hot, muggy day did a pair of new parents in the charming village of Mould-on-the-Wold welcomed the birth of their firstborn son into the world. The young couple of Percival and Kendra Dumbledore thanked the healer who came out to help with the birth and waved her on her way before they turned their full attention to their son.
Percival Dumbledore was sitting next to their bed as he held his firstborn son while the love of his life was resting next to him. She was exhausted, with her hair a sweaty mess as he gently brushed the stray hairs from her beautiful face.
She opened her eyes at his touch and beamed at the sight of him before turning her attention to the baby boy in his father's arms, who was cooing up at the sight of them, blinking blurrily from the light.
"You were amazing, my dear," he told her gently as he took her hand and kissed her fingertips in an endearing way. She smiled back tiredly as she reached up with another hand and moved the blanket that her newborn son was wrapped slightly so that she could look at him.
"A healthy baby boy," she sighed blissfully. "What a relief."
"Yes," he chuckled as he held his little boy up so that Kendra could see their son's face. "And he's perfect. Just like you, my dear."
"Romantic as ever," she chuckled, secretly thrilled every time he doted upon her. Her husband never passed up an opportunity to tell her how much he loved her and it never failed to bring a smile to her face.
"Now, all that he needs is a name," Percival said softly as their son slowly drifted off to sleep and he passed him over to his mother's waiting arms.
"I know that it's traditional for wizard boys to take their father's name," Kendra told him, "So we could have Percival for his middle name."
"I like it so far," he chuckled as he moved to join her in bed as he thought it over. The two looked at each other as they began to debate back and forth, speaking mostly in whispers as the little boy snoozed on peacefully.
"Ok," Percival said, looking close to laughing now as their conversation was now taking them around in circles. "We both want to name him after our fathers. Wulfric for my father, and… Brian after yours?"
"What's wrong with that?" Kendra asked.
"But Brian?" he repeated, "Not really a wizarding name?"
"What would count as a wizarding name to you?" she asked with her eyebrows raised and he grinned back.
"Something… different," he reminded her. "How about this? We give him Brian and Wulfric for middle names as well?"
"You want our baby to have a ridiculously long name like that?" she asked incredulously, "I can only imagine what he'll think of us when he grows up. He'll be wondering just what we were thinking if he tries to write that name on a test paper."
"Hey, it'll be unique. Just like him," Percival told her. "His first name… and then… Brian Percival Wulfric Dumbledore?"
Kendra looked doubtful as he shrugged and added, "We'll figure out the order later. We should be focusing more upon his first name anyway. What do you suppose that should be?"
Kendra thought it over for a moment as she rocked her little boy. "It should be as unique as the rest of his name," she said thoughtfully. "He's going to have a bright future too. We're going to make sure of that. So it should represent that…"
Percival waited eagerly to see what she came up when he saw her eyes turn bright with inspiration.
"I got it," she said beaming, "What do you think… about Albus?"
"Albus…" Percival said thoughtfully and stroked his chin. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
He then reached over and wrapped his arms around both his wife and child as he told her, "I love it."
(Are you surprised to see which story won? I confess, I thought that we would be seeing a lot more votes for the idea of Hagrid throughout the years, but the truth is that the poll was neck and neck almost the entire time. It was a close one, but the idea of a prequel for Beside Me… Always won out in the end. Also, don't know if you noticed, but Hagrid did make an appearance here if you were paying attention.
Now, like I said before, this story is mostly going to be from my own guesses and speculations so it shouldn't be considered canon. Just my own idea of what could have happened for Dumbledore through the years. I am also aware of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and of looking more into Dumbledore's history there and I may have to add those parts in later on in the future in bonus chapters. But I do hope that you will be looking forward to them.
As for his name. I can't say for sure if that was how he got his name. But I'm guessing that they were from both of his grandfathers on both sides. With a family name such as Dumbledore and his father's name as Percival I don't think it's unreasonable for his grandfather on his father's side to have a name like Wulfric. And his mother Kendra was Muggleborn so I can see her father having a pretty simple name like Brian. And from what I've seen, Albus, Harry, and Teddy all had their middle names after their father so I was just guessing for that one.
And when I think of Dumbledore's parents, I see a couple who never really grew out of the honeymoon stage. I see a couple who were very much in love and they shared it with their children. I see them having as this wonderful, teasing love up until what happened with Ariana.
Also, for Dumbledore's birthday? I was just taking a wild guess there. I know that he was born in 1881 and that it was sometime during July and August. But J.K Rowling said so herself that Dumbledore was her favorite character. So why not give him her birthday? Also, I thought that it would be a nice touch if he and Harry share the same birthday as well.)