Hey everyone, welcome to my new story! This is the third and final part of the series 'All This Time' about Albus and Gellert. Actually, I planned this to be a oneshot like the first two parts, but I realized very soon that it would be far too long for that, so I decided to split the story in two or three chapters. I hope you like it, please let me know what you think, that would be amazing!
The title is based on the song 'Unstoppable' by James Blunt.
I don't own the characters or places!
Full summary:
"Is it true?" Theseus asked, barely able to control the anger in his voice. "Did you help Grindelwald escape, Albus?"
He could feel everyone's eyes on him and breathed in deeply. Then he nodded. "Yes, I did." He didn't say anything else, but he also didn't have to. The looks on their faces told him everything he needed to know.
Theseus ran a hand through his hair, looking resigned. "Great. Just great. What did you think? This will have consequences! You can't just fight a group of Aurors to save the most wanted wizard in the world!"
"I know." He interrupted the younger man quickly. "That's why we're all here. Because of what I did. I won't make any apologies since I don't regret anything. I would do it again without hesitation." He looked at all of them seriously. "But I could use your help. We need your help. If you're willing to do this."
After Albus saved Gellert from the Aurors, the whole wizarding world is looking for him. It is just a matter of time until they will come and question Albus, who is known for his past with Grindelwald. They both know that they can't hide forever, which is why they need a plan. But will they be able to restore Gellert's reputation? And will Albus' friends help them?
The weather was warm and the sun shone over the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a little windy, but that was just normal for this time of the year. On the path to the Quidditch field, many students were chatting happily, discussing who'd win the game and play against Slytherin next time. Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Bets were made and especially the students of the two houses who were playing kept glaring at each other, the competition the only thing on their minds.
Well, or maybe not the only thing. Because in between all the students, someone else kept walking towards the Quidditch stadium. A man with auburn hair and a beard, clad in a dark grey three-piece suit and a long coat. He was also wearing a hat, but that wasn't unusual for him. Every time someone noticed him, he was greeted happily. Then, he smiled back and explained that he was feeling better indeed after being sick for the past days, thank you very much. Would he be teaching again on Monday? Of course, and did the students think of their homework?
The news that Albus Dumbledore was back spread like wildfire. Especially the Gryffindors were thrilled that their Head of House would come and see their match against Hufflepuff. This made them even more determined to win, something Albus had to smile about. He loved teaching and he also enjoyed being Head of House immensely. The connection he had with the Gryffindors was unique. When he'd first accepted the position, he hadn't been sure if it was the right thing to do. However, those doubts turned out to be unjustified very soon.
When he'd nearly reached the stadium, someone called his name and he stopped, waiting until Minerva McGonagall and Hendrik Abbott, the new teacher at Hogwarts, caught up with him. Minerva smiled warmly. "It's good to see you again, Albus. Are you feeling better?" She was the only person at Hogwarts who knew that he hadn't been sick, but luckily she didn't let it show. When it came to those things, Albus could always trust her.
"Very much so, thank you Minerva." He replied while they continued to walk slowly. "A few days of rest were exactly what I needed."
"We were worried when you suddenly didn't show up for dinner, Albus." Hendrik, a tall man with short blond hair and brown eyes, added and the concern on his face was real. "Before you went to class, you were completely fine and then this. The worst thing, however, was to explain everything to the students. You're their favourite teacher and they were all disappointed that your lessons didn't take place."
Albus chuckled at this. "I'm sure they were happy to get one more week for their homework." It had been easy to find out that they didn't find another teacher who could take over his lessons in the past two days. "And I would highly doubt that I'm their favourite teacher, as you call it."
"Nonsense!" Minerva argued without hesitation. "They all love your lessons. Far more than mine, I have to say."
"Maybe you're just too strict, Minerva." Hendrik threw in and exchanged a grin with Albus. "I heard two students talk about the long essay they had to write some time ago. Ten pages, that's very much for the beginning of the year!"
Minerva narrowed her eyes. "You should keep quiet in this conversation, Hendrik!" She scolded him, but there was a smile on her lips. "After all, you only started teaching a few months ago. Didn't your sixth years nearly blow up the classroom last week?"
"Look, we've already arrived at the Quidditch field. And there's Headmaster Dippet." Albus threw in quickly before they could start an argument. They got along well, but once Minerva and Hendrik found something to argue about, they could continue to talk about it for hours. In those situations, Albus preferred to leave and not listen to it the whole time. Right now, though, going away wasn't possible. Which was why he was glad to see the headmaster heading towards them .
"Albus, it's good to see you on your feet again!" Armando Dippet was a small man with white hair and a long beard. His brown eyes were shining in the sunlight and Albus could see curiosity in them. "We were all worried when we heard that you're sick again." At this, Hendrik looked at Albus meaningfully. "Maybe you should let someone check on your health, it's not normal that you always suffer from those headaches."
Albus smiled calmly, touched to hear that in fact many people were worried about his well-being. And maybe he was also feeling a little guilty because in fact, he'd lied to all of them. Not that he would let it show, of course. "I'm fine, headmaster." He said simply. "Most probably, it was just a cold. I went outside for a walk a few days ago and forgot my coat."
The headmaster nodded in understanding. "The nights are getting colder." He agreed. "Not long until the winter will start." Then he began to tell stories about the coldest winter he'd experienced in his life, giving Albus the opportunity to let his thoughts wander while he pretended to listen to the story. He'd heard it about five times before, so it wouldn't be too difficult to ask questions afterwards.
His mind wandered back to the events of the previous days. The strange vision he had in the hallway, one that made his heart race in fear because he knew that something terrible was going to happen. He'd only found Gellert with Fawkes' help, Albus knew that. The Phoenix was the reason why he could save the man he loved more than anything. Without Fawkes, Gellert would have died that day, that was for sure. There was no way that the Aurors would have just captured him. Not after everything he'd done in the past.
When he closed his eyes, he could still feel the terrible fear that had nearly overtaken his body after the attack and once he'd apparated them to the empty house at the outskirts of Hogsmeade. There had been so much blood... But Gellert was strong, which was why he'd survived. By now, he was getting better with each passing day and Albus knew that it was only a matter of time until his love had back his full strength.
However, the fear was still in Albus' bones since only a few days had passed. Even now he was afraid that something might happen to Gellert. Which was irrational, after all Gellert Grindelwald was one of the most skilled wizards of all times and now that he was getting better, he could defend himself easily. But maybe it was also something else that scared Albus. It was the first time that he left Gellert alone for more than just one or two hours. What if the other man decided that he didn't need him after all? What if Gellert was gone once Albus returned to the small house?
He wouldn't do that to you. After all, he said he loves you, he tried to tell himself. However, the doubts remained and soon, Albus found himself getting restless. While they watched the Quidditch game, he had to force himself to remain calm and not move in his seat every few minutes.
He was aware that Minerva was watching him from the corner of her eyes and Albus avoided to look at her sternly. He knew that it was just a matter of time until she would take him aside and want to talk about everything, but he hoped that he could avoid it on this day. He was too worried for Gellert. Next to that, Hendrik was also making comments during the game, most of them directed at Albus. Any other time, it would have made him feel extremely uncomfortable to be the goal of such advances, but right now he didn't care. He hardly noticed what Hendrik was saying.
When the Quidditch game was finally over, Albus jumped to his feet together with the other teachers and clapped loudly. Gryffindor won, which made him very proud. Even if his mind was clouded with worry for the future, he still loved to see the children this happy. Teaching had always been his passion and he knew that it would never fade.
After the game, the students as well as the teachers began to walk back to the castle. Gryffindor was going to celebrate and even if it earned Albus a few incredulous stares from the older teachers, there was no way he was going to forbid them a celebration party in their common room. They deserved it. But that also meant that he had to stay and keep an eye on them once in a while to make sure that nothing escalated... His heart ached when he realized that he couldn't return to Gellert just yet. On the other hand, he'd already announced that he might stay away for most of the day and Gellert didn't seem to be too bothered by it... Deep inside, Albus started to pray that his love would still be there when he returned and didn't change his mind after all.
They spent most of the walk to the castle in silence. Albus was aware that Minerva and Hendrik watched him from time to time, but he didn't let it show. He wasn't in the mood for a conversation, at least not with them. In his mind, he kept seeing blue eyes and blond hair...
He barely noticed it when Hendrik excused himself and vanished in the direction of his quarters after trying to start a conversation a few more times. Albus could tell that the younger man was frustrated, but he didn't really care in this moment. Which was unusual for him, that was true. However, he hoped that the others would blame it on his sickness and that he wasn't feeling completely well again.
"You could have been a little nicer to him, you know?" Minerva's voice ripped him out of his thoughts. He didn't even notice that they'd stopped in an empty hallway close to their quarters. This made images of the last time he'd been standing in a hallway like this appear, but he pushed them aside as fast as possible. "He likes you very much."
"Hendrik?" He quirked an eyebrow.
Minerva rolled her eyes. "You're incredibly distracted today. Yes, Hendrik Abbott. He's been trying to talk to you all day and you mostly ignored him." When she saw Albus' sheepish expression, she shook her head. "He's blaming it on you not feeling well. Like most others do." Her tone made it obvious that it wasn't what she believed.
"You don't." He stated and fought the urge to ran a hand through his hair.
She sighed. "I know something happened the other day, Albus. I don't think it's a coincidence that you have a strange vision, vanish and a day later, everyone is talking about the fact that Gellert Grindelwald escaped a group of Aurors, even if he was heavily injured." He already opened his mouth to reply, but she held up her hand. "I don't want to know what's going on or what you have done. The less I know, the better if anyone decides to ask questions. But if you need help, tell me. You're not alone in this, Albus."
He stared at the witch in front of him, surprised by her words. Slowly, a smile spread on Albus' lips. "Thank you, Minerva."
She laughed. "Thank me when there's a reason to do it. I haven't done anything yet."
"That's not true." He argued softly, not adding anything else. They both knew that without Minerva, someone could have gotten suspicious because of Albus' sudden absence.
She smiled. "Just let me know when you need help and I'll be there. And maybe you should go to the Gryffindor common room now and see if they didn't set it on fire yet. There's this boy, a Weasley, he's always up for all kinds of mischief."
He laughed, knowing exactly whom she meant. "I'll keep it in mind."
Then he headed towards the Gryffindor tower, still amazed by the fact that Minerva McGonagall was an amazing friend.
It was already late in the afternoon when Albus arrived at the Hog's Head. After staying with the Gryffindors for some time, he'd left them (once again) in Minerva's capable hands and excused himself, saying that he had an appointment to attend. It wasn't a real lie. He needed to talk to Aberforth. Most probably, his brother was already suspicious since he read about Gellert's disappearance in the papers.
As expected, the inn was empty except for the man standing behind the counter, cleaning it with slow movements. It was a habit Aberforth had developed over the years, one he couldn't quite get rid of, even if everything was already perfectly clean. He only looked up briefly when Albus entered, without any hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Didn't expect you to come here today." Aberforth noted. "You've made yourself rare these past days." It was true. After their return from Bhutan, Albus had started to visit his brother at least every two days.
"I didn't feel well." He said, repeating the lie he'd been telling all day.
Now Aberforth turned to him, raising his eyebrows sceptically. "You're never sick, Albus."
"Well, I was." He hoped that it sounded convincing. "I had to cancel all my classes in the past two days."
"I've heard about that." Aberforth crossed his arms. "Everyone's been talking about it. Together with the fact that a certain dark wizard escaped a group of Aurors who nearly killed him." Albus forced himself not to flinch when his brother emphasized killed very slowly. "It surprised me that no one seemed to see a connection between those two events."
"You do?" He leaned against a table close by, taking off his hat.
Aberforth laughed dryly. "Come on, Albus, I'm not stupid! I don't know how you did it, but you helped him out of this mess and now you're hiding him somewhere! Don't try to deny it, you've never been very subtle when it came to Gellert Grindelwald."
He looked at his brother for a few moments, taking in the disapproval in his eyes, mixed with anger. He sighed deeply. "I couldn't let him die there, Aberforth."
"I know you couldn't." Aberforth said simply, taking Albus by surprise. "That doesn't mean that I approve of what you've done." His brother clenched his fists and Albus knew that it was taking him all his self-control to remain this calm. "He's dangerous, Albus. Remember what he did to you. To your friends! What he did to –" He stopped, shaking his head, but Albus knew what he wanted to say. What he did to Aurelius.
"I know you won't believe me, but he changed, Aberforth." He said softly, fighting the urge to go to his brother and place a reassuring hand on his arm. He knew that it wouldn't be welcome right now.
"Changed." Aberforth scoffed. "He can't change! Don't you remember what he did in Bhutan? Someone like this can't change! Most probably, he's just using you to save his own skin."
He shook his head. "He's not like that." He replied softly. "I trust him." He couldn't even blame Aberforth for his outburst, knowing how much Gellert had hurt him in the past. However, he refused to believe that his love was only using him. Gellert wasn't like that.
"Then you're a fool."
"What are you going to do now?" Albus asked. "Telling the Aurors about what I've done?" He also wouldn't blame his brother for that.
To his surprise, Aberforth looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "You know that I would never do that, Albus!" He hissed, not trying to hide his frustration. "You're the only family I've left. I just hope that whatever you're doing will not end in disaster."
"I hope so too." He muttered, his own fears and insecurities daring to overtake him again. This made Aberforth's expression soften. "We still have to find a solution to all this."
"You should hurry up. I doubt that it will take long until someone makes the connection between your disappearance and the incident with Grindelwald." He wasn't sure if he just imagined the concern in Aberforth's eyes.
"I will." Unfortunately, he wasn't so sure how he'd manage that yet.
They remained silent for some time, both lost in their own thoughts. In the end, it was Albus who cleared his throat and stood up. "I should go. See how he's doing..." At this, Aberforth just nodded silently and with a dark look on his face. Albus had the feeling that his brother wanted to say something else, but he only watched in silence as he made his way towards the door.
He'd nearly reached the house when he heard a familiar cry. Albus looked around and it didn't take long for him to see Fawkes sitting on the roof of the house, watching him getting closer. In this moment, he was glad that he'd cast a spell so that only those who knew about the house could see it. By now, it was well known that a Phoenix accompanied the Dumbledore's.
Once Albus was close enough, Fawkes leapt into the air and settled down on his shoulder, making a content noise. Albus smiled and touched the Phoenix carefully, his nerves calming a little. He was still anxious that Gellert might have left after all, but with Fawkes it seemed easier to face the situation in front of him. He breathed in deeply and pushed the door open.
Inside the house, it was warm. The fire was still burning and to Albus' surprise, it smelled of a mixture of coffee and tea. This made his heart beat a little faster, but he refused to give in to the urge to go to the other room immediately. Instead, he watched as Fawkes jumped onto one of the chairs close to the fireplace and closed his eyes, falling asleep slowly.
That's when Albus heard a noise from the other room and went to see what's going on as fast as possible without looking stressed. What he saw there made him smile. Gellert was sitting on the bed, legs crossed and a book in his hands. He was reading, but when he sensed Albus' presence he looked up and a smile lit up his face. "You're late." Gellert noted, though he didn't sound annoyed. Rather as if he'd already expected it.
"It's not easy to get away when the Gryffindors want to celebrate and you're their Head of House." He said while taking off his coat and hat, trying to let it sound casual. The last thing he wanted was Gellert to notice how much being apart had bothered him all day. How much he'd feared to find the house empty.
"So your House won? Congratulations, I bet you were very proud." Gellert smiled and Albus did his best to return the gesture, but from the way his love frowned he knew that he didn't succeed. Gellert had noticed that something was wrong.
"I am always proud of them." He said before the other man could add something. "They were afraid that I'd miss this game as well. The first one was on the day when we met on the coast."
"If I would have known that I'd keep you from this, I would have chosen another day." The playful and slightly mocking tone of Gellert's voice made it obvious that he was trying to cheer him up.
Albus sighed. "We both know that it wouldn't have been possible, Gel." The nickname he'd always used when they were young slipped from his lips easily.
Gellert put the book aside and stood up slowly. "Alright, will you tell me what's wrong?" The concern in his eyes couldn't be missed.
"Nothing." Albus lied quickly. "I just missed you."
At this, Gellert's expression softened. "I missed you too, Liebling." He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around Albus' waist, placing a soft kiss on his lips. "The day was awfully long."
With Gellert's arms around him, the last tension left Albus. He leaned against the other man. "Mine as well. There were far too many questions." He didn't protest when Gellert led him back to the bed, making him sit down. Then he waved with his wand and two cups came flying from the other room, one filled with coffee and the other one with tea. Albus accepted it with a grateful smile and wasn't the least bit surprised to see that his tea was exactly how he liked it. When he glanced at Gellert, his love winked at him. Albus couldn't stop himself from taking Gellert's hand after this, making a thoughtful look appear on his face.
"I love you." Gellert said slowly, emphasizing every word. "More than anything."
"I love you too, Gellert." Albus replied softly.
"I won't leave you, so those voices inside your head can just shut up." Those words surprised Albus so much that he nearly choked on his tea. He heard Gellert chuckle quietly. "Oh come on, Albus. You can't expect me not to notice how nervous you were once you entered the house. You feared that I was going to disappear now that my strength has returned."
Hearing him say those things made Albus flinch. His throat felt dry and even if he now knew that it was really stupid, he couldn't shake off the fear that had accompanied him all day long. Instead of answering, he just nodded silently.
Gellert's expression turned soft. "You don't have to be afraid, Liebling. I will never leave you again." He made it sound like a promise. "I've made the mistake to leave you once. I won't repeat it."
When Gellert kissed him softly, Albus sighed. "I know that all those fears have been stupid. That's what I've been telling myself all day. We've already talked about this too. But anyway..." He shook his head slowly. "I was still afraid that you'd be gone once I returned here. That you've left, after all. Because there's only so much I can give you."
"Albus..." It seemed as if Gellert was speechless. He opened his mouth several times, looking for the right words, but nothing came out.
"I'm holding you back, Gellert." He said quietly, knowing fully well that his insecurities were speaking here. Gellert had promised to stay with Albus. He wanted to change. Albus trusted him. However, it was difficult to make all his doubts of the past years vanish only in a few days. "You could achieve so much in this world. But not when you're stuck with me. I can't -"
"Alright, stop right there." The overwhelmed expression on Gellert's face was replaced by a stern one now. "First of all, you're not holding me back. I'm here because I want to be." He reached out to touch Albus' cheek carefully. "I really need to find a way to make it clear to you that I won't leave, Liebling. I also don't want to achieve anything on my own. I want it all together with you, Albus. Wherever the path we take will lead us." The look he gave him after that was so soft that it made Albus' heart race. This time, however, not out of nervousness.
Gellert leaned in to kiss him softly and Albus closed his eyes. "I love you." He whispered against Gellert's lips. "I just don't want you to regret anything."
When he opened his eyes again, he found Gellert staring at him. "There's only one thing I regret, and that's leaving you all those years ago, Albus. I could never regret staying with you. I love you too."
He reached out to wrap his arms around Albus and he let the other man pull him closer without protest. In this moment, he needed the contact. The closeness. The security of Gellert's arms surrounding him. "How was your day?" He asked, partly as an attempt to change the subject, but also because he always wanted to know what Gellert was doing.
His love chuckled quietly. "Lonely. Long. I've been reading a book."
Now Albus couldn't hide his curiosity anymore and glanced at the book Gellert had placed on the nightstand. When he saw the title, he grinned. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?"
"You don't have many books here, Albus." Gellert muttered, sounding nearly embarrassed. "And I thought it would be good to find out more about Scamander and his creatures. Just in case we need his help."
Albus leaned back so he could see Gellert's face. When he noticed the faint blush on his cheeks, his smile turned soft. "You could just ask Newt about everything you want to know. I bet he wouldn't refuse answering your questions."
"I think he would." Gellert replied shortly. "He has every reason to do so."
"He's not like that, love." Albus threw in. But surely Gellert would know that, wouldn't he? After all, Newt had offered his help to both of them. And he promised to keep things secret.
"How was your day, Albus?" Gellert changed the subject without hesitation. "Aside from the Quidditch match. Did anyone say something?"
He held back a sigh and nodded. "Minerva made the connection. However, she promised not to tell anyone about it. And Aberforth knows."
When he mentioned his brother, Gellert's eyes narrowed. "What did he say to you?" He demanded to know.
"Nothing of importance." He replied quickly. Unfortunately, that answer didn't seem to calm Gellert. On the contrary, it seemed to make him even more suspicious. He could feel the tension in his lovers body.
"He reminded you of all the things I did in the past." It wasn't a question. "I'm sure he also said how much trouble I am. That I'm just going to break your heart again." Even if he tried to avoid it, a sad look appeared on Gellert's face. "Maybe he's right." The resignation in his voice made Albus' heart beat faster.
"No!" He protested loudly. "Don't even think of this, Gellert. Aberforth is wrong." He placed both hands on Gellert's face and forced him to look into his eyes. "He knows nothing about you."
"If all this goes wrong, I will hurt you again, Albus." Even if they were so close to each other, Gellert's eyes refused to meet his.
"And I will gladly take this risk." He replied simply. "We already had this conversation and we're not doing this again." They needed to get rid of all those insecurities. For what was to come, they had to be a team and not doubt their love for each other constantly. "It will all work out, Gel, I know it. We're a team. An incredible one, I have to mention. We could even conquer the world together." He said it in a playful tone, hoping that it would lighten the mood. It did. Gellert chuckled softly, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
"Sometimes, I think that you have too much faith in me." It was obvious that his love didn't like admitting this.
He shook his head sternly, a soft smile on his lips. "I know what you're capable of, Gellert. I know you. We can do so much together. We only have to trust each other for that."
"I trust you." Gellert replied without hesitation.
"Then stop thinking that you're not enough for me."
"Only if you will do the same."
For a few moments, they looked at each other in silence, letting the words sink in. Then they both moved towards each other at the same time, their lips meeting in a heated kiss. Like every time they kissed each other, Albus was amazed by how soft Gellert's lips were against his own. How warm his skin felt under his palms. How good it felt when Gellert's arms were around his waist, pulling him incredibly close. He could have stayed like this forever, just enjoying the feeling of being with the love of his life.
Unfortunately, the moment was over far too soon and Gellert pulled away, their foreheads resting against each other. "You're amazing, Liebling." Gellert whispered.
"You too, love." He smiled. "Just accept that I would never run away from you. I'm not strong enough for that."
"As if I would be strong enough to leave you." Gellert muttered. "I promise to stay with you for as long as you want me, Albus."
"Forever, then." He touched the other man's cheek softly. "Being apart from you was nearly unbearable those past years."
"I'm sorry that I left." Those amazing mismatched blue eyes met his own. There was nothing but seriousness in them. "It won't happen again." Gellert breathed in deeply. "Which means that we need a plan. They are looking for me and it is just a matter of time until they will come to you, considering our connection from the past."
Albus sighed, hating that they had to face reality again. "Newt and Minerva will help us. Aberforth as well, even if that's hard to believe for you."
"He hates me." Gellert repeated his words from earlier.
"He only wants what's best for me." Albus tried to explain. "He changed a lot lately. After everything that happened with Aurelius... I don't think he will tell anyone about us."
"That doesn't mean that he'll help us." Gellert argued. Albus knew that his hate for his brother wouldn't just go away because of a few words.
"I have faith in my brother, no matter what you say. He's not as bad as you think, Gel."
"That has to be seen." He knew better than to argue in this moment. Gellert wouldn't listen to him anyway. "We need to make a plan." Gellert emphasized again and Albus smiled sadly at the expectant look on his lover's face. Because for once, he didn't have a plan yet.
Albus decided to spend the weekend in the small house in Hogsmeade instead of returning to Hogwarts on Sunday. Since he often visited his brother on weekends, no one in the castle should question his absence. And besides, he didn't really care if anyone would. He couldn't leave Gellert yet. It was already bad enough that he had to go back to teaching on Monday. He didn't want to miss the hours he could spend with his love.
The day started completely calm. He woke up in Gellert's arms, feeling happier than in a long time. Gellert seemed to feel the same since he pulled Albus closer and smiled widely once he woke up. After lying in bed for some more time and a session of intense lovemaking, they got out of bed and made breakfast.
They talked much on that day, mostly about Albus' past. Now that Gellert was feeling better, he was a very good listener and interested in everything Albus had done. He kept asking about the tiniest details, things that didn't even seem important to Albus after all this time. However, Gellert insisted to know them anyway.
Gellert didn't talk much about his own past and Albus didn't ask any questions. He knew that his love felt uncomfortable because of all the things he'd done. He tried not to let it show, but it was weighing heavily on him. Sometimes, he told a few stories, but mostly about things he'd seen on all his travels – not things he'd done himself. Albus didn't mind, though. If Gellert needed more time to be able to talk about it, he would wait. The past years had proven that he was a very patient man.
It was early in the afternoon when Albus felt the atmosphere around the house shift. He'd placed many strong charms there and doubted that anyone could even get close to the house – except for someone who'd already been there.
Of course Gellert noticed his change in posture immediately. He raised his eyebrows and copied the movement when Albus stood up from where they had been lying on the bed together. "Are we getting a visitor?" Gellert asked when Albus reached for his wand and he nodded.
"I highly doubt that anyone who hasn't been here before can find the house." He said, seeing in Gellert's eyes that he understood what he wanted to say. Newt had been there before. Maybe he was coming for another visit. "But I think that we should be careful anyway."
"Maybe I should have helped you with the protection spells." Gellert muttered, his grip around the Elder Wand tightening.
"You think I'm not capable of that?" Albus quirked an eyebrow while he made his way to the door.
"You're the strongest and most skilled wizard I know." Gellert threw in. "But just think of what we could achieve together."
He did that. All the time. However, right now wasn't the moment to mention that. Instead, he just signalled Gellert to stay hidden in the other room while he made his way to the door. He could literally feel how much his love hated it to stay hidden while Albus opened the door, but there was no way around that. If someone else than their friends came to this house and would see that Albus Dumbledore was hiding Gellert Grindelwald, there was no way that it all would end without a huge fight.
So he just breathed in deeply, letting a calm expression appear on his face and opened the door the second someone knocked softly.
It was indeed Newt, standing in front of the door with one hand still raised from knocking. In his other hand, he was carrying the suitcase. He smiled when he saw Albus and looked over his shoulder once, most probably to make sure that no one was watching them. Once he was inside, Albus drew his wand and placed another protection charm on the house, just to be safe. Then he followed the younger man inside, just to see him taking off his coat in the kitchen.
"I hope I don't come at a bad time." Newt said sheepishly, a hesitant smile on his lips. "I just thought that I should see how you're doing once more." Albus knew that he didn't just want to check if someone had discovered their secret. Newt also wanted to make sure that Gellert didn't break his heart again. He felt oddly touched by this.
"It's good to have you here, Newt." Albus replied and instead of shaking the hand Newt offered, he hugged the other man shortly. "I appreciate your concern."
"So I assume everything is calm so far?" Newt asked while his Bowtruckle Pickett climbed out of his jacket and jumped onto the kitchen table, looking around curiously.
Albus nodded. "So far, yes. But it's just a matter of time until they'll come to question me."
Newt nodded seriously. "Theseus asked lots of questions when we saw each other yesterday. I didn't tell him anything, but I think he suspects something."
"Your brother is smart." Albus agreed thoughtfully.
"He'll come to you, Albus." Newt warned him. "He knows about your connection to Grindelwald. Or suspects something, at least."
"What does Tina think?" Albus asked curiously, fully aware that Newt was seeing the Auror very often.
"We don't talk about work that much." Newt held out his hand for Pickett to climb on. "But they're looking into everything."
"So I should expect two Aurors to visit me soon?" He let it sound lightly. "Or even two groups of Aurors? With the intention to talk to me or maybe something more?"
"They won't arrest you, Albus." Newt sounded horrified at this, guessing the unspoken meaning behind his words easily. Not that it surprised Albus, after all he was a smart young man. "They don't even have anything in particular yet."
"And even if they would have, no one is going to arrest Albus." Another stern voice said and Newt stiffened when Gellert appeared in the doorway to the other room, arms crossed and a dark expression on his face. "I won't let that happen." When he stood there in the black trousers and the white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and the top button undone, Albus' first thought was how handsome he looked. But then his eyes fell on Gellert's face and he understood why Newt was nervous. Gellert also looked dangerous.
"You won't put yourself at risk just because they want to talk to me, Gellert." Albus replied simply, knowing fully well that they'd talked about this many times before. He glanced at Newt, who was looking a little pale now. As courageous as he was at times, Newt was still a very careful and shy man. Being in a room with the most dangerous dark wizard of all times must be very uncomfortable. "We have to act smart."
"Nevertheless I won't watch anyone take you away from me." His love muttered darkly.
"That won't happen." He threw in and turned to Newt again, who swallowed. "Thank you for warning me about this, Newt."
"You don't have to thank me, Albus." Newt's attention turned to him again and Albus could tell that he was glad that he wasn't alone in a room with Gellert.
"But I do. We both appreciate your help very much." While saying this, he glared at Gellert, who was staring darkly at Newt. "Don't we, Gellert?"
"Yes, we do." His love muttered, not looking thrilled to have the other man here. The tension in the room was rising with every passing moment and Albus feared that it was going to escalate if he didn't do anything.
That's why he did the first thing that came to his mind. "Why don't we all sit down and have something to drink?" He suggested lightly, raising his wand to warm up some water. "We also have milk, just in case Teddy would like some." He added with a smile at Newt.
"Do you have anything valuable in this house?" Newt asked carefully. When Albus just shook his head, he nodded and opened the suitcase to let out the Niffler. The small creature jumped around happily until his eyes fell on Gellert, who just sat down on one of the chairs, trying to look casual. However, the tension in his body couldn't be missed. When the Niffler approached Gellert slowly, they all froze. Newt looked as if he was ready to save his beloved creature any moment, Albus just eyed the scene curiously and Gellert... he stared at Teddy with an unreadable expression on his face.
The Niffler moved towards Gellert slowly, taking in his scent. He stopped in front of his hand on the table and after a few moments, Teddy rubbed his head against Gellert carefully, making a soft content noise. The mixture of disbelief and dismay on his lovers face nearly made Albus laugh, but he held himself back in the last moment.
"Teddy likes you." Newt said into the silence, sounding amazed.
"It seems so." Gellert muttered, moving his hand carefully to pet the Niffler. Albus knew why he was so hesitant in his movements. The last time he'd been close to a magical creature had been the Qilin and that didn't end well.
Albus turned away to prepare tea and coffee silently, letting the other men alone with their thoughts. When he was finished a few minutes later and also sat down, Teddy jumped onto his lap, making Albus laugh. Newt joined his laughter and to his surprise, even Gellert chuckled. However, the smile on his lips vanished when the Niffler jumped back onto the table, a small shiny object in its paws. Albus also froze when he realized what Teddy had stolen from his pocket.
"You still have it." Gellert said quietly, reaching out to take the remnants of the blood pact from the Niffler. Surprisingly, Teddy let him. Did he still remember that he stole it from Grindelwald so many months ago?
"Of course I do." Albus replied and placed his hands on Gellert's, squeezing it softly. "I could never let it get lost."
The look Gellert threw at him in this moment was filled with so much love and longing that it made Albus' heart beat faster. He fought the urge to lean in and kiss Gellert, fully aware that they had an audience. "You're incredible, Liebling." Gellert's voice was low, but in the silence of the room it couldn't be overheard. A short glance at Newt's face told Albus that he knew what the last word meant, even if it was in another language. Gellert's hand closed around the blood pact and Albus knew that it would be very difficult to convince his love to give it back to him. The loss had always weighed heavily on Gellert.
"Tell us about your travels." He said to Newt, needing to change the subject. They would talk about the blood pact later, once they were alone again. Not now. "You plan to go to India next, don't you?"
After glancing at Gellert once more, Newt nodded. "There are rumours about a very rare creature that lives close to the ocean and prefers a warm climate. It was last seen in India not so long ago."
"What can it do?" Albus asked curiously.
"Apparently, it can create a bubble filled with air to breathe under water." Newt explained, the last tension leaving him. It was always like this when he talked about his creatures. His eyes were shining and he spoke faster, not able to get the words out fast enough in his excitement. It made Albus smile. "I know that a few plants or spells can achieve the same, but I think it's fascinating. They say that it looks like a small cat, but the fur is blue. Apparently, no one has ever managed to catch one since they're so fast and clever. Even after weeks of research, I didn't find a name to those creatures."
"Sounds really fascinating." He muttered with a nod. "Where did you hear about them?"
"I met a man on my last trip to China who told me about this." His eyes wandered to Gellert for half a second and Albus was sure that they all remembered Newt's last trip to that country and what he found there. "I've been thinking about this story a lot ever since and want to find out if it's true."
"Will you be travelling alone?"
Newt nodded. "Tina is too busy to accompany me. I thought about taking Jacob, but Queenie wouldn't be too happy if he leaves with me. They're so happy together."
"You said the creature prefers warm climate and always stays close to the ocean?" When Gellert asked the question, Newt looked at him in surprise, but he nodded.
"They call it syreni, which means as much as mermaid." Gellert explained, making both of them look at him in surprise. His lips twitched. "I've been in that area years ago and also heard legends about a very powerful creature living at the shores of the ocean. What I found was something else entirely. The description you got fits, but the fur is rather a mixture of grey and blue, depending on the light. And the eyes of the creatures are a brilliant green and seem to look right through you. I only got closer once because they are also very shy and mistrustful towards humans."
"Where did you find one?" Newt asked and pulled a notebook from his pocket where he began to write down everything Gellert said.
"I was in the south of Thailand at that time, but I can also imagine them living in India as well, the climate is very similar." Gellert explained and began to describe the place to Newt. Soon, they were lost in a conversation about those creatures and Albus watched them with a smile. He'd hoped all along that Newt would get along with Gellert, even if that hope had been clouded by doubts. Because there was no one who would trust Gellert Grindelwald easily, he knew that. Not after everything he'd done. After how much sorrow he'd also caused his friends.
Seeing Newt and Gellert talk now made him feel a little lighter, as if some of the weight on his shoulders had been lifted. He had never doubts that Newt would stand by their side when it came to a conflict, but knowing that he got along with Gellert was a great relief anyway. He only hoped that their other friends would see it like this as well. It would be harder to convince them...
Gellert reached out and took Albus' hand on the table and squeezed it, not caring that Newt saw it. Even now, when he was talking to Newt, his love was focused on Albus and how he was feeling. Albus squeezed Gellert's hand in return and didn't let go, feeling very happy in this moment.
Newt left an hour later, promising to let them know as soon as he heard something new from Theseus or Tina. They both thanked him for that, knowing that Newt was their best source of information for now. In return, they promised Newt to think of a way out of all this mess. Preferably without a fight.
Once the door closed behind the young man and he left the circle of protection spells surrounding the house, Gellert turned to Albus. "You didn't tell me that you kept the blood pact after the events in Bhutan." He sounded amazed.
He chuckled quietly. "You can't possibly think that I could just let someone throw it away. Not with everything it means to us." He emphasised the us.
"You kept it even though you thought that I hated you back then." Gellert's smile was sad.
"I never thought that you hated me." Albus shook his head. "Our connection has always been deeper than that. I didn't know how you felt about me." Who will love you now, Dumbledore? He took a step towards his lover and placed a hand over his heart. "But I always knew that I still loved you, even after all those years. That's why I took it. I couldn't part from it."
"I was devastated once that I realized it was gone after the events in Paris." Gellert admitted and placed his hand above Albus' heart in return. Just like he'd done it back in Bhutan. The gesture which ended their fight. "It meant everything to me." Sometimes I imagine I still feel it around my neck. The words Gellert had said in that restaurant came back to him. "It was the last thing I had of you. It always reminded me of our time together. Of the promises we made."
Albus swallowed at that, feeling the familiar pain in his heart when he thought of their past. However, the pain wasn't as strong as it used to be, now that he was with Gellert again. "I love you." He whispered, feeling overwhelmed by emotions. "I missed you all those years, Gellert."
"I missed you too, Liebling. And I love you." Gellert wrapped his arms around Albus' shoulders, pulling him closer and Albus hid his face on Gellert's chest gratefully. His hand wandered up and down Albus' back slowly, a comforting gesture.
"Let's make new memories of us." He whispered and began to place kisses on Gellert's throat and neck. "New promises. We've let the past define us for too long."
"Albus." Gellert whispered when his hands moved to his shirt, unbuttoning it slowly. He didn't stop kissing Gellert while doing that and his love returned the kiss hungrily once their lips met. Gellert's hands, which had been on his back until now, moved to the hem of Albus' shirt and lifted it without hesitation. Then Gellert already began to drag him towards the other room.
"We can be so much more than that." Albus muttered between kisses and breathless gasps. "This time, we'll not let anything break us apart."
"Never." Gellert vowed, pushing Albus onto the bed and moving so that he was on top. "I'm not strong enough to leave you again."
"Neither am I." He watched with wide eyes as Gellert took off all his clothes impatiently. "You're so beautiful."
Gellert's carefree laugh made his heart beat even faster. "Says the most beautiful man on this planet." He tugged at Albus' trousers. "Come on, I want to feel you."
Who was Albus to deny him that? Especially considering that he wanted Gellert as much as his love wanted him.
That day, they made new promises to each other, even if they never said them out loud. They promised always to stay together. To keep fighting for each other. To love each other.
Albus was happier than he'd ever been and he knew that Gellert was as well.
Even if he didn't like it, Albus returned to Hogwarts on Monday morning. He would have preferred to stay with Gellert, but his love insisted that he went back to teaching. If he vanished again for days, the Aurors would get even more suspicious and that was the last thing they needed. Albus agreed reluctantly, asking Gellert more than once if he would be fine on his own. Gellert had promised to wait for him seriously and Albus believed him. The tension he'd felt on Saturday was gone, which he was glad about. Being distracted at work could also make others suspicious because normally, that never happened to him. Professor Dumbledore was always focused on his students.
Once he entered the castle, he was greeted by many people and often asked if he was feeling better. Which he did. Albus also knew that it was showing, but he didn't care if anyone was surprised by him being so happy in a matter of days.
He met Minerva on the way to his classroom, knowing that it wasn't a coincidence. She greeted him with a smile and he grinned back at her.
"Good morning, Minerva."
"I see you're well, Albus."
"A little rest made me feel better indeed." He nodded, fully aware that there were others around who could listen to their conversation.
"That's good. Hopefully, you won't get sick again soon." The look on her face was serious and she lowered her voice. "I met with a few friends yesterday. One of them works at the Ministry. They're still questioning Grindelwald's followers, but so far, no one talked. They're thinking of using Veritaserum now."
His good mood vanished at this and he nodded grimly. "That's good, maybe they will find out more about his whereabouts." He forced himself to say those words.
"They are also considering to ask around once more. Especially people who were involved in the events in Bhutan." So they were really thinking about questioning him. Which he'd expected after everything Newt said.
"I think I should talk to my friends, then." Especially Queenie and Jacob. After all, she'd been with Grindelwald for quite some time. He would send a message to her as soon as possible.
"Good idea. And let me know if you need help." The last sentence was whispered into his ear and before he could reply, Minerva was gone.
He thought of it the whole way to his classroom. However, his thoughts were running in circles. Could they find out anything by using Veritaserum? Did Gellert's followers even notice something odd about him? And if so, could they make the connection? Gellert insisted that they couldn't, but Albus felt afraid anyway. It could ruin everything if one of them had been more attentive than Gellert thought.
Then he was already in his classroom and pushed all thoughts of this aside. He had to focus on his students. That was the most important thing right now. Luckily, it worked and he was able to get through the day without being too distracted.
He only thought of it again during his last lesson, where he was explaining strategies in a duel to his sixth years. He was in the middle of a monologue about analysing the steps of your opponent before he made them when it hit him and he paused mid-sentence. Only for a few seconds and not enough for anyone in the room to notice it, but it was enough anyway.
A plan was forming inside his head. One that might even work and, if everything went right, could restore Gellert's reputation.