The next chapter! I hope you like it, please let me know what you think! And I'm sorry that it took me so long to write it. But the past months have been crazy. I've started to work last month and now I don't have that much time to write anymore. I'll try to write the next chapter faster.
In this chapter, we'll get another time jump. There will be some more in this story, but it's essential to the plot.
I don't own the characters or places!
"And then one of them asked me how we knew each other." Gellert explained and smiled slightly. "Of course they all knew that I've been working in the library those past two years. So they also knew that we're friends. Seemed like they wanted to know how we got to know each other."
"What did you tell them?" Albus asked curiously. It was Friday afternoon, which meant that it was the end of Gellert's first week as a teacher at Hogwarts. And the end of Albus' first week as Transfiguration teacher.
Gellert chuckled. "Just that we're old friends. Nothing else." He rolled his eyes. "They're third grades, Albus. I don't need to tell them anything about my personal life." Suddenly, his expression turned thoughtful. "It looked like they miss you."
Albus smiled. "I bet they'll love you soon, just give them time. It's always difficult when a new teacher shows up." It was true, his first weeks also hadn't been that easy. However, the mistrust of the students vanished as soon as they realized that Albus was a really nice teacher. And that he could show them many new things. "And they're still seeing me in their Transfiguration lessons."
"That's not the same." Gellert muttered thoughtfully. "Maybe Defence Against the Dark Arts doesn't suit me that well after all."
"Says someone who's been here for a week." Albus shook his head. "Be patient. Everything will be fine, I'm sure of that."
"I hope you're right." Gellert admitted and for a few seconds, the confidence he showed around others vanished and doubts were obvious on his face. However, the expression vanished again very fast. Gellert didn't like showing vulnerability when others except for Albus were around. And now they were walking through the corridors of the castle, which meant that they could meet others every second.
"I am." Albus grinned.
Gellert's eyes narrowed, but he was also smiling. "Since when are you so confident?"
"I just know that you'll be the perfect teacher, Gel." Albus said simply and led Gellert to the Great Hall. Slowly, Gellert was getting used to walking towards the teacher's table together with Albus. On his first day, he'd hesitated, but no one except for Albus had noticed his insecurity. And then Professor Dippet had introduced the new Professor Grindelwald and he'd shown nothing than confidence in front of the students.
At the beginning of this year, there had been another surprise. Next to his new position as teacher of Transfiguration, Albus was now also Head of Gryffindor. When Professor Jacksmith had retired, she'd asked Professor Dippet to give that position to Albus. He'd agreed immediately, even if Albus had doubts about this. After all, he was only teaching at Hogwarts for two years. And he was far too young to be Head of House. However, the students had been thrilled by this turn of events, which made some of his doubts vanish again. That and Gellert's incredible technique to distract him. Of course only when they were alone.
"Will they ever stop staring at us?" Gellert whispered while they were walking through the hall.
"Maybe." Albus whispered back and smiled slightly. It was true, every time he was with Gellert, the students were staring at them. They'd also stared at Albus in his first two years, but never like this. Sometimes, he wondered if the children could see that he and Gellert were more than friends. But then he scolded himself inwardly. They were very careful and there was no way that the students could see through them that easily.
"It's disturbing." Gellert muttered and Albus could see some tension in his shoulders.
"We're authorities here." He reminded him. "And you're a new teacher. They always get more attention."
"And I've heard that you're one of the most popular teachers here." Gellert threw in.
Albus frowned. "Who told you that?"
Gellert didn't get a chance to answer his question. In this moment, a young girl stood up from the Gryffindor table and walked towards them. Albus recognized her from his Defence Against the Dark Arts classes last year. Her name was Madeleine and she was prefect of Gryffindor. "Good evening, Professor Dumbledore." She smiled at him and then looked at Gellert. "And Professor Grindelwald."
"Good evening to you too, Madeleine." Albus replied with a smile. "How was your first week at school?"
"Very good, thank you for asking, sir." She said and Albus could see hesitation on her face. "It's my last year at school and I want to make the best of it."
"You should enjoy your time here." Albus agreed. "It's over sooner than you think."
She nodded. "Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you." Now he was sure that she was hesitating. And she looked at her feet shyly.
"You can ask me anything you want." When she glanced at Gellert uncertainly, Albus knew why she was feeling uncomfortable. Apparently, she wanted to discuss whatever was going on with him in private. "Or do you want to speak to me in my office?"
"I can just leave you two alone." Gellert said simply and continued to walk towards the teacher's table. Not before mouthing 'See you later' to Albus.
When Gellert was gone, Madeleine relaxed slowly, but some tension still remained in her shoulders. "We don't have to discuss this here." Albus said softly and gestured for her to follow him. The Great Hall wasn't crowded yet, but a few students followed them with their eyes curiously.
Albus led her to an empty classroom and leaned on the table. "So what is going on?" He asked with a smile. "I assume that it's important when you're asking me on a Friday afternoon?"
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't want to disturb you." Now Madeleine looked really uncomfortable.
"You never disturb me. I'm your Head of House, which means that you can always come to me when there are problems or you have questions. I thought that I made that clear on Monday." Honestly, he thought that all the students knew that by now. In the past two years, some children had come to him with their problems, even if he hadn't been Head of House by then. Albus also knew that a few students of the other houses were disappointed now because he belonged to Gryffindor.
"You did. Actually, I wanted to talk to you next week. But I've been thinking about it all day and when I saw you walking in together with Professor Grindelwald..." She shrugged. "I couldn't stop myself."
"It's fine." He assured her again.
"It's about Finn." Albus knew that Finn was her boyfriend. He was in her year, also in Gryffindor. And when he was right, he was having a few problems at school. His grades weren't that good, especially at Transfiguration. One evening, Albus had heard Professor Jacksmith complaining about him. Apparently, they didn't get along well. "He's worried that he won't be good enough this year. I told him to talk to someone because of his problems, but he's too shy to do this. And his worst subject is Transfiguration. Since you're teaching that now and you're also Head of House, I thought that it was a good idea to mention his problem to you now."
"Does Finn know that you're here with me now?" Albus asked slowly, already assuming what she was going to ask next.
She nodded. "He wasn't thrilled, but in the end, he agreed. He knows that he needs help."
"And you want me to help him with Transfiguration." Albus concluded and when she nodded, he frowned.
"He's not that bad. It's just that he's too shy. And his insecurity is making everything even more difficult for him."
Albus already knew his answer to her question before he'd given it. "If Finn wants my help, he should speak to me personally." He said slowly and her expression turned sad. Apparently, she understood his words as a no. "I can't help him when I don't know where his weak points are. And I'm sure we can figure something out." He smiled warmly and for a few moments, Madeleine just stared at him.
Then a wide smile appeared on her lips and she squealed. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore! I'm going to speak to him right now!" She declared loudly, but Albus stopped her before she could leave the empty classroom.
"Don't tell anyone else about this, please."
"I promise." She nodded fiercely and he knew that she would keep this conversation to herself. Mostly because it wouldn't be good for Finn.
When Albus returned to the teacher's table, Gellert was looking at him curiously and Albus told him the whole story. Without talking, of course. By now, they could communicate without words effortlessly.
Gellert grinned once Albus finished his explanation. "You're too nice, love. It's no surprise that the students love you."
Albus shrugged. "I bet you would have done the same."
"I would." Gellert agreed immediately. "But that doesn't change that you're a very brilliant person."
"You too, Gel." Albus whispered back and smiled at him.
Later that evening, they were in Albus' quarters together. They didn't even need to discuss that they would spend most their time there. Luckily, Gellert's own rooms weren't that far away, so he could come over without being seen. Especially at night.
"So tell me about your first week." Albus whispered and sat down on the bed next to Gellert.
He raised his eyebrows. "I already told you everything. What else do you want to know?"
Albus chuckled. It was true, Gellert had told him nearly everything that happened in his first lessons. "How are you feeling about all this? From your stories, I had the impression that you like teaching."
"It's still so strange that so many young people listen to what I have to say." Gellert sounded amazed, something Albus had heard several times since they'd come to the school together.
"You should be used to that. After all, you taught Ariana." Albus noted.
"You taught Ariana. I was simply helping." Gellert muttered and smiled slightly. He reached out for Albus and pulled him closer.
"That's not true." Albus argued and chuckled when Gellert wrapped his arms around him tightly. "We both did our part."
"If you say so." Gellert began to place kisses on Albus' neck.
"I bet you'll be a good teacher." Albus continued, trying not to get distracted by Gellert's actions. "I heard a few students talking about your first lesson the other day. They were really enthusiastic."
"You helped me to plan that." Gellert reminded him softly.
"But it was your idea." He insisted. "I only helped with the procedure."
Somehow, Albus knew that Gellert rolled his eyes now. "In the past two years, I've heard so many stories about Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons from you, it shouldn't be a surprise that I have ideas."
"Doesn't change the fact that you'll do a good job." Albus whispered and turned around to face Gellert. When he saw the soft smile on his lips, his heart began to beat faster. Even after all this time Gellert still had this effect on him.
Albus leaned forward and kissed him softly. However, the kiss turned more passionate soon. When Gellert began to unbutton his shirt, Albus sighed contentedly. "I love you." He whispered between the kisses.
"I love you too, Albus." Gellert muttered and his hands wandered to Albus' trousers.
Just in that moment, a knock on the door echoed through the room. Both Albus and Gellert froze in their positions and looked at each other wide-eyed. In the past two years, this happened before on a few occasions, but it still managed to surprise them.
"I'll see who it is." Albus muttered and searched for a robe so he didn't have to button up his shirt again. When he was decent, he crossed the room and opened the door.
A young, nervous-looking student was standing in front of him. Albus knew him from one of his lessons, but right now he couldn't remember his name. He only knew that he was from Hufflepuff, his scarf confirmed this.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Professor Dumbledore." The boy stuttered. "But this letter for you arrived and I was told to give it to you."
He held out a small piece of paper and Albus took it. Who was writing to him now? And why did the owl arrive in the middle of the night?
He smiled at the boy. "Thank you very much. And have a good night."
"Good night, sir." He couldn't leave fast enough and Albus listened to his footsteps for a few more moments before he closed the door again. When he turned around, he saw that Gellert had left his bedroom and was leaning on the doorframe to the living room now.
"A letter?" He asked in surprise when he saw the paper in Albus' hand.
He nodded. "Though I don't know who's writing now."
"Only one way to find out." Gellert said simply and sat down on the small couch.
Albus sat down next to him and opened the letter slowly. Next to his name, the envelope didn't say anything else. When he saw who'd written the letter, he grinned. "It's from Nicholas."
"Flamel?" Gellert moved closer to look at the paper as well.
"He's happy for us." Albus whispered when he'd read the first half of the letter.
"And he wants us to visit around Christmas." Gellert added thoughtfully.
"Sounds good." Albus muttered while is eyes were already wandering over the other half. Then he inhaled sharply.
Now to the bad news. When you were staying with us, you mentioned the Dark Arts and eastern Europe a few times. And I promised to keep my eyes and ears open to possible news. Now I have heard something quite disturbing. It might just be a rumour, but I am not so sure. Apparently, a young couple has been attacked close to Durmstrang Institute. By people who have studied there until a few years ago. They knew each other, so they could identify the attackers. And a name has made me suspicious. One of the attackers should be called Dimitri. I have heard you two mention that name a few times. I thought that you might be interested in those news. It could not be proven who has attacked the young couple. It was said that they were too shocked by the attack and confused them with people they knew.
I do not know if this is of any use to you, but I needed to tell you this. Do not do anything stupid. Keep calm and wait until things are clearer. It is of no use to act hastily now. I will continue gathering information. Stay safe! And enjoy your time at Hogwarts.
Best wishes
Nicholas Flamel
When they'd finished reading the letter, Albus and Gellert looked at each other silently. Albus had a dark feeling about this and from the look on Gellert's face, he knew that he thought the same.
"When they're attacking wizards now..." Albus muttered and Gellert nodded.
"If they really did that, they knew each other. The plans didn't include attacking other wizards."
"Only if they could cross their plans." Albus muttered darkly and when Gellert nodded again, he sighed. "Of course no one could identify the attackers."
"Saying they were confused because of the attack is clever." Gellert agreed.
Albus looked at the letter in his hands again. "Seems like we have to keep waiting."
"I hate that." He grumbled.
Albus smiled slightly. "I know you do. But there's nothing else we can do."
"I know." Gellert sighed.
"We can write a reply tomorrow." He placed the letter on the table and stood up. "Now there's something I'd rather do." He held out his hand and pulled Gellert towards the bed.
"I told you that you shouldn't worry, Gel." Ariana said with a satisfied grin on her lips. It was Sunday afternoon and they'd gone to Hogsmeade to see Ariana and Aberforth. In the past year, the Hog's Head had become a very popular inn in Hogsmeade. It wasn't as crowded as the Three Broomsticks, but they were getting there.
"And I said the same." Albus added with a wide smile.
Gellert rolled his eyes. "You're insufferable."
"You love us." Ariana argued.
Now Gellert sighed. "I do." He looked around carefully and when he noticed that no one was looking, he kissed Albus on the cheek. "And it's really great, I could really get used to that."
"I bet you're both awesome teachers." The smile on Ariana's lips faded. "Sadly, I'll never get to see that."
"You would be incredibly bored by our lessons." Albus argued immediately. "After all, you already know all those things."
"And you've got the best private teachers." Gellert added and winked at her. "The other students would be very jealous if they knew that."
Their attempt to cheer her up seemed to work. The smile returned to her lips and she chuckled. And Ariana even blushed. "I'm sure I would never get bored by your lessons. There's still so much I need to learn."
"And we're doing our best to help you with that." Albus replied.
"You've only got time on the weekends. And not even every week."
"Every other day, Aberforth is helping you." He reminded her.
"It's different with you." Ariana muttered sheepishly.
"Soon, we won't be able to teach you anything new anymore." Gellert threw in. In the past year before he'd started to work at Hogwarts as a teacher, Gellert had lived with Ariana and Aberforth. Well, in the same building, which meant that they saw each other nearly every day. And then he'd taught Ariana when Aberforth was busy. In this time, Ariana had made very much progress. She was a fast learner.
"And then you can decide what you want to do in your future." Albus hoped that this would distract her, but now her expression was thoughtful.
"I don't know." She sighed.
"You don't have to know it yet." He tried to cheer her up again. "There's still so much time."
"How's Snowflake?" Gellert said suddenly and Albus glanced at him from the corners of his eyes. When he noticed Albus' look, Gellert grinned.
This attempt to change the subject seemed to work. Because suddenly, Ariana couldn't stop talking about her cat anymore.