Somewhere in the depths of the Forbidden Forest, a phoenix alighted on the ground and used its beak to pick a glimmering, amber stone out of the dead leaves that lined the forest floor. The Battle of Hogwarts was over, so there was no one to see the wisp of fire rise into the sky and head toward Nurmengard.
It landed in the topmost tower, and the layers of flame fell away to gray robes, half-moon glasses, and a long, silver beard with matching hair. Being an unregistered animagus had its perks, for sure, and what better place than Nurmengard for a reunion.
To say his last plan was a failure would be a gross understatement. Even Albus himself had to admit that. In the end, it cost him far more than he had ever intended to give up.
He spun the stone once, then twice, and paused. With a deep breath, he turned it a third time.
Before him appeared the boy he had once known, the way he was in his early twenties—not quite a man and certainly not the shell he had grown to be before the end. His eyes were the same vibrant, steely blue as always, glimmering with an unnatural light. His golden hair was swept back in kempt waves with nary a strand out of place.
"I was wondering when you would come for me."
The voice was just as Albus remembered it, soft and alluring while being strong and unwavering, a combination he never truly understood.
"You look well," was all he could manage to say, as entranced as he was by the figure in front of him. They were so close again, yet he knew if he reached out to try to touch him his hand would close on nothing but air.
"Of course I do. You, however, look like shit. Really, Albus, I understand that growing old is a hassle, but you could at least try to keep some sort of appearance. Brush your hair, at the very least."
"Your death...the way you died...it's my fault. I'm sorry—"
Gellert held up a hand to stop him, and Albus obediently let his words trail off.
"Did you really bring me back from the dead just to whine at me? Are you quite done yet?"
Albus nodded.
"Surely you have a reason for summoning me here. What news do you have?"
"I have found someone with much more potential than I expected, more than Tom Riddle even. Powerful. Intelligent. Well-loved and respected. It will take some work, but I think this could be exactly what we've been looking for to bring our dream into fruition."
"You have the Resurrection Stone, obviously. And the Elder Wand?"
"In my possession, though it does not belong to me anymore."
Albus fished a package of candy out of his robes and plucked one from the bag.
"Sherbet lemon?" he asked, holding it out in his palm.
Gellert glared first at the candy and then met Albus' gaze. He crossed his arms as he looked away and said, "Hilarious."
"Oh, that's right. Forgive me. Then, I shall eat one in your honor." Albus took out an extra candy, unwrapped them both, and popped them in his mouth.
"Disgusting." Gellert heaved an exaggerated sigh. "What of this new plan? Bound to work better than the last, I hope?"
"Oh yes. It was done appropriately this time, conditioned from a young age. The benefits of being Headmaster of Hogwarts. There are, I'm afraid, some people I will be forced to remove from the picture first. There's no helping it. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good."
"What makes you so sure this one will work out?"
"I've vetted this one quite well beforehand. Grew up with Muggles. Well-versed in both worlds. Fought in the Second Wizarding War, defeated Voldemort, and is now on the way to a cushy job at the Ministry of Magic. It'll take more work than previously, but, with a little prodding and a couple convenient tragedies, she could be just what we need."
Albus glanced sideways at the shade, who appeared to be lost deep in thought. After a few minutes, he asked, "Will you come with me?"
Gellert's lips twitched and slowly pulled into the sort of half-smile Albus remembered quite fondly. "Miss the rise of the very first Dark Lady? I think not."
Still smiling, he started to fade from view and eventually was gone. Albus tucked the Resurrection Stone into a chip in the rock in the corner of the room where it would be safe. There was no reason, anymore, for anyone to visit Nurmengard.
Albus became the phoenix again, stretching his wings in the window of the tower as much as the structure allowed. He was comforted by the fact that, after everything, they would still be together. Gellert would travel with him the way the dead always did: silent and unseen.
Author's Note: This is the end! I'm almost sad that it's over. I've had way more fun with dark/manipulative!Albus than I imagined I would. I think it's a natural role for him to fill, and I'm a big fangirl for Gellert Grindelwald, so being able to bring him into this was just a ton of fun for me. :3 If you've enjoyed this, please review!