It felt strange.
Not a bad strange, just… strange.
Albus could feel the fingernail against the soft skin of his back, tracing unrecognisable patterns into his flesh.
"What are you doing?"
The finger paused for a moment, before continuing.
"Gellert?"
When he still received no answer, Albus slowly moved onto his back, staring up at his lover as the Alpha growled a barely audible warning, before continuing to scratch across the more delicate skin of Albus's midsection.
"Gellert, what are you- "
"- Sssshhh."
Trying to relax, Albus stared up at the ceiling. After a few moments of silence, he frowned. Those random patterns no longer seemed random, in fact, it felt like Gellert was writing something.
"Are you… writing on me?"
"Mmmm."
"And… what are you writing on me?"
"Guess."
"… I love you Albus?" He made sure to make his tone as teasing as possible, despite desperately hoping that it that was true.
"No." Gellert's tone was harsh, "Pay attention." He whispered into the omega's ears, a shiver running down Albus's spine, "Just feel."
Slightly hurt, but trying not to show it, Albus closed his eyes, putting all his concentration into feeling the letters Gellert was writing into his skin.
Up, diagonal down, diagonal down and down.
M.
The hand lifted away for a bit before returning once again.
Down.
I
Another pause, before up, diagonal down, up again.
N.
Even as Gellert was tracing the next letter, Albus was fairly certain he'd figured it out, and his heart fluttered for a moment
M
I
N
And E
Mine.
Grindelward was tracing the word 'mine' into Albus's skin over and over again.
Mine.
Mine as in, Albus belonged to the other wizard, like a possession, like a treasure, something to be hoarded away somewhere.
It was almost a pleasing thought that Grindelward wanted him so much that he was tracing the word 'mine' into Albus's skin repeatedly.
"Mine?" Albus whispered, a little breathlessly.
"Yes. Mine."
The sharp fingernail was still writing against the skin of Albus's stomach, as Grindelward kissed along Albus's jaw, up to his lips.
Pulling back just a bit, odd eyes stared into blue ones.
"You're mine." Grindelward growled, before closing the distance again.
The kiss was rough, and Albus couldn't help the loud moan that broke free. When the kiss finally broke, Albus cupped Grindelward's neck with both hands, so that they were once more, looking into each other's eyes.
He smiled, lips swollen and bright red.
"I'm yours."
…..
Albus woke from the dream (or was it a nightmare) with a loud gasp, face flushed as tears building in his eyes.
It had been so long since he'd dreamed of Gellert, especially in that way. After the trauma with the birth of Newt and having to give him up for adoption, the memory of Gellert as anything more than his friend, was often tinged with pain.
It was then, with a jolt, that he remembered what day it was.
First day of term… where Theseus Scamander would be entering Hogwarts and seeing him for the first time since Albus visited his home all those years ago.
Hopefully, the boy wouldn't remember him.
…
"Gryffindor!"
Albus clapped along as Theseus bounded over to the Gryffindor table, internally groaning when he realised he would have to speak to the boy later.
"Albus?" The Headmaster leaned over as the Sorting Ceremony continued, "Are you alright?"
"I just… hoped this day would never come."
….….
"Good evening." Albus tried not to let the nerves show in his voice, "My name is Professor Dumbledore, and I am the Head of Gryffindor, and your Transfiguration Professor."
He couldn't ever remember being this small and wide-eyed. Every year, he swears the first years get smaller.
"The rules of our house are simple. Rule-breakers will have points deducted, serious incidents will result in detention spent with either a professor, or if you're very unlucky, me." He tried not to look Theseus in the eyes, "Breaking any of the Headmaster's rules that he set out before dinner, will result in expulsion. It has not happened since I took on this role, and I sincerely hope that one of you won't be the first."
He gestured back at the entranceway, "As I'm sure you all heard, the password is Godric. Your Heads of House and Prefects will inform you of any changes to this password. Forget it, and you will not be allowed in… unless you have some very kind friends."
"There are two staircases. One leads to the boys' dormitories, and the other to the girls. Boys are not permitted into the girls' dormitories… for any reason, am I understood?"
They were a little young to be thinking about sneaking into each other's rooms, but it never hurt to remind the older students.
Of course, he also failed to mention how the girls could come into their rooms.
The Founding Members of Hogwarts were far too trusting of girls.
"Now, we do have house-elves here, but they are not your personal slaves." It never hurt to remind the pure-blood families of this, "You will make your own beds and keep your own areas tidy. The house elves will take care of dirty laundry, that is all."
"But- "
Albus turned his best withering gaze on one of the pure-blooded newcomers. They were always the ones who resisted this change the most.
"I repeat." He began quietly, "You will make your own beds and keep your own areas tidy. Am I understood?"
Any students who may have been thinking of trying to get away with this, bowed their heads and nodded.
"Good." Albus clapped his hands together, his usual smile back on his face, "Now, it is rather late, and classes will be starting tomorrow afternoon. You will get your timetables at breakfast, so please don't be late."
The students all dispersed, with the older students helping the younger ones find where everything was…. Except for one.
"Can I help you Mister Scamander?"
Theseus narrowed his eyes at the Professor, "You're Newt's mother." He stated matter-of-factly, "You never came back."
Albus sighed wearily, waving away the Head Boy, who was coming closer. "It's… complicated."
"… I'm sorry." Theseus muttered, "Mummy said that I was rude to you the last time you came around."
"It wasn't just you…" Albus sighed, "… I don't think Newt was ready to meet me just yet."
"Which was my fault. I was the one who told him."
Albus had to agree with that one, but he would never say it out loud.
"I'm sure that when Newt is older, he'll understand why I decided it was best to leave him be."
Theseus clearly didn't believe him but nodded anyway. "He really wants to see you again." He shrugged, "Think about Professor. For him?"
Before Albus could scold him for his tone, the first year was gone.
Go back.
Albus shook his head.
He couldn't put Newt in danger like that.