This idea has been on my mind for about two years now. Some time ago, I decided to give it a try and write a few lines. Actually, I wanted it to be a oneshot, but soon, I realized that it would be far too long then. So I've decided to split it into four chapters. I hope you like the new idea, it would be amazing if you let me know what you think! Those of you who have played Hogwarts Legacy might notice that I've used a few Professors from the game, simply because I've just finished it and enjoyed the plot so much. But don't worry, no spoilers ahead. I just thought that it might be possible that they'd all still be teaching during Albus' time at Hogwarts. I replaced Headmaster Black, though, because in all my former stories about Albus and Gellert, I've already used Headmaster Dippet and I just love him so much.

I don't own the characters or places!

It was Albus' last year at school when it was announced that the Triwizard Tournament should take place at Hogwarts again. The news came somewhat as a surprise to him. During all his studying, researches and his duties as Head Boy, he simply forgot that this was also going to happen while he was still at school. Since magical sports, and especially such a brutal event, weren't something he was interested in, he normally ignored those things.

Elphias, on the other hand, was beyond excited when they made their way back to the Gryffindor common room on their first evening back at Hogwarts, right after Headmaster Dippet had told them about the tournament.

"I'm wondering who our champion will be." Elphias said with a grin. "Since everyone from the fifth year on is allowed to throw his or her name into the Goblet of Fire, there might be a few promising candidates!"

Albus chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm. "If they want to participate, you mean." He said thoughtfully. "I can't imagine why someone would wish to risk his life like this. People have died during those tournaments. Or at least been hurt very badly."

"But if you win, it's quite special. And you get lots of galleons."

"Of course that's all you're thinking about." He rolled his eyes, but was still smiling. "We'll see how it goes. Make ourselves comfortable and watch those who are chosen trying to complete their three tasks."

"Don't forget all the people from the other schools who will stay here at Hogwarts for the school year. I bet it'll be exciting, I've heard so many things about the students from Beauxbatons." Elphias had always been fascinated by that school, considering that Nicolas Flamel, one of his favourite scientists, had been a student there a long, long time ago.

"Don't forget Durmstrang." Albus reminded him. "We'll also have them here."

Now his friend didn't look so happy anymore. "Yes, well, let's see how that goes."

The excitement when the groups from the two other schools arrived was palpable. Albus didn't share that euphoria of his fellow students. When the last Triwizard Tournament had taken place five years ago at Beauxbatons, he'd been too young to belong to the group who went there. He'd never regretted not being able to go. He'd preferred to have the tournament at Durmstrang now, since it would mean the usual quiet at Hogwarts remained.

Unfortunately, it didn't and Albus found himself running after a group of young students both from Gryffindor and Slytherin, trying to get the best look at the ship from Durmstrang Institute, which should arrive at any moment. During what seemed to be a race, the third years tried to overtake the others constantly, leading to lots of chaos on the stairwells of the castle. When they were finally outside and no one had fallen over the disappearing step on the stairs to the second floor, Albus breathed a sigh of relief. He wondered where the prefects from Gryffindor and Slytherin where. Normally, looking after their students in such a situation would be their job.

Finally outside and sure that the students would stay calm while watching the newcomers arrive, Albus made his way over to where Elphias was already waiting for him on the side of the courtyard which looked towards the lake. Together, they watched as the ship from Durmstrang rose from the water elegantly.

Having read stories about their methods of transportation, Albus wasn't surprised, but he was impressed anyway. Someone with much skill must have cast the spell over that ship to allow traveling like that.

"I can see you turning it over in your mind." Elphias whispered next to him. "Just ask them how the spell works. And if they won't tell you, figure it out by yourself. I bet that will occupy you for a few days."

"I was just impressed by the view." He muttered, ignoring his friend's quiet laugh.

"Come on, let's move. We'll have a better look at the carriage from Beauxbatons when we're closer to the castle." Assuming that Albus would just follow him, Elphias made his way through the crowd that had gathered. However, he remained standing for a few more moments, watching as figures appeared on the ship, readying smaller boats with which they would move to the land.

He arrived at Elphias' side just in time to see the carriage of Beauxbatons land in the courtyard. "Nothing to figure out there." Albus whispered in amusement. "Unless you want me to get a Pegasus."

"It wouldn't suit you." Elphias muttered with a grin. "Come on, let's go inside again. I'm sure you don't want them all to see you staring. And when they're all busy here, we'll at least get a good place in the library. We still have a few hours until dinner."

Together, they walked back into the castle. Of course not without Albus staring down the Prefects from Gryffindor and Slytherin, who were standing amongst the crowd.

That evening in the Great Hall, the excitement was even bigger than before. Because now they would see the students from the other schools for the first time. Albus smiled at the busy chatter all around them and exchanged a look across the hall with Selena Clearwater, the Head Girl from Ravenclaw. She looked amused and when their eyes met, she grinned. Albus smiled back at her.

He also searched for his brother Aberforth, but couldn't see him at the Gryffindor table. He hoped that he wasn't skipping dinner again, his brother loved to disappear from time to time, not liking all the attention he got because of their last name. Something Albus had gotten used to years ago.

Then Headmaster Dippet stood up and slowly, everyone in the Great Hall fell silent. Again, he said a few short sentences about the Triwizard Tournament that would take place at Hogwarts this year. And then he introduced the other schools.

Beauxbatons was first and when they entered the hall with their blue uniforms, led by a beautiful woman with long, blond hair, the cheers were incredibly loud. Albus also clapped with a smile, though he didn't share the general enthusiasm. Most of the students from Beauxbatons were girls, but he could also spot a few boys among them. They were by far outnumbered, though. The Beauxbatons sat down at the Ravenclaw table.

Then the party from Durmstrang came and everyone fell silent again. When the entrance of Beauxbatons had focused on beauty and peace, it was obvious that Durmstrang wanted to demonstrate their strength. It resembled soldiers, how they walked through the hall determinedly. They were led by an old man in uniform. And right behind him walked the most beautiful young man Albus had ever seen.

He was tall, had blond hair and blue eyes. The features of his face were sharp and he looked around as if he wanted to take in every detail of his surroundings. His gaze was sharp as well. Curious and calculating. And then suddenly, he looked directly at Albus and their eyes locked.

For a few moments, it felt like the world had just stopped surrounding him. He'd never seen someone this handsome. Who was so intriguing, simply by walking through a room.

Then the students from Durmstrang had walked past them and were seated at the Slytherin table.

"That was scary." Elphias whispered when they'd passed them. "Did you see that look? It was like he couldn't wait to burn this whole place to the ground."

"Indeed…" Albus muttered, still thinking about the blue eyes. Later that evening, he found out that the young man was Gellert Grindelwald, one of Durmstrang's best students.

The next morning, Albus was on his way to breakfast when suddenly, someone called his name. "Mr. Dumbledore, over here!" It was Headmaster Dippet who stood in the entrance hall and waved at him, together with Selena Clearwater, as well as four other people.

Albus recognized the headmistress of Beauxbatons, Madame Bremont, immediately. She was wearing a long, dark red dress with a matching cloak, her blond hair was tied back strictly. When her eyes fell on Albus, he thought that he could see a calculating look in them. Next to her stood Mr. Tarov, headmaster of the Durmstrang Institute. Just like last evening, he was wearing a dark uniform. The look on his face was unimpressed when he took in Albus' arrival.

Next to them stood two students, obviously feeling as unwell in the company of the three principals as Selena did. The young lady from Beauxbatons was introduced as Victoire Auclair and next to her stood Gellert Grindelwald. He was eyeing Albus with an unreadable expression on his face.

"May I introduce Albus Dumbledore?" Professor Dippet chatted happily. "He's our Head Boy, together with dear Ms. Clearwater over here. A very intelligent young man, I need to mention."

"Headmaster Dippet is clearly exaggerating." Albus interrupted him politely and with a smile, knowing fully well how embarrassing it could be once he started praising someone too much. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Welcome at Hogwarts."

Dippet laughed. "You're too modest, Albus!" He turned to the others with a grin. "He's won so many prizes so far, his last discovery were the uses of –"

"I'm sure there will be enough time to talk about my researches in the future, Professor." Albus threw in quickly. "I'm sure we all want to be on time for breakfast. We don't want to miss our first lesson. Selena and I have Defense Against the Dark Arts this morning."

Selena nodded eagerly at this. "I'm sure Professor Hecat would be disappointed if we're not there punctually. After all, it's our last year with her." Her smile was innocent when she turned to their guests. "I'm sure we can show you around later today, if you're interested in a tour."

"That's exactly why I called you here!" Professor Dippet exclaimed. "Since you're Head Girl and Head Boy, I'm sure you can help our guests if the need arises."

"Of course, Professor." Albus said. "That won't be a problem."

"There are many things to discover at Hogwarts." Selena agreed. "Maybe we can meet this afternoon."

It was Victoire from Beauxbatons who returned her smile. "That would be great, thank you." She spoke with a heavy French accent, but her English was flawless anyway.

"Then we'll see you later." Albus nodded at them when it became obvious that Dippet wouldn't say anything else. "Will you join us for breakfast?"

Victoire was the first to head towards the Great Hall, all the while chatting with Selena about their journey to Great Britain. She seemed to make friends quickly. Unlike Gellert Grindelwald, who was walking next to Albus silently, glancing at him from time to time. "The headmaster seems to think very highly of you." He said in the end. "He couldn't stop praising you even before your arrival."

"He likes to exaggerate." Albus shook his head. "You'll get used to that with time."

"He seemed pretty convinced about everything he said. Quite a scholar, aren't you?" He said it in a mocking tone, as if it was something bad.

Albus looked at him, unimpressed. "I think we can agree that the way I spend my time is none of your concern." Luckily, he spotted Elphias sitting at the Gryffindor table, giving him the perfect excuse to say goodbye to Grindelwald. "If you excuse me now? I'm quite busy. Studying, you see." And without waiting for a reply, he headed towards their table, feeling Gellert's eyes on him the entire time.

During breakfast, he kept thinking about the short encounter. Either it had been this awkward because Gellert didn't know what to say, or he really thought that Albus' way to spend time was ridiculous. In the end, he decided that it didn't matter. After all, they would stay at Hogwarts for a few months and after that, they'd go their separate ways again.

In the afternoon, Albus and Selena were on their way to the Great Hall to show around their guests. Elphias accompanied them, curious about the newcomers. Especially a certain student from Durmstrang, who'd stared at Albus through narrowed eyes during breakfast and lunch. He'd ignored Grindelwald, instead reading the Daily Prophet and chatting with a few other students. Aberforth hadn't been at both meals and slowly, Albus was starting to feel worried. He knew that it was unnecessary, though. Most probably, his brother was somewhere on the grounds, spending time alone instead of bothering to talk to anyone else. He'd never liked the school and the other students much.

When he saw that next to all the girls and boys from Beauxbatons, a small group of young men from Durmstrang was waiting for them, Albus sighed inwardly. Somehow, he suspected that this wasn't going to be a nice trip. He smiled at the group anyhow.

They showed them around the castle first, even walking all the way up to the Astronomy tower. Albus loved this place, always coming here when he needed to be alone with his thoughts. Right now, though, there wasn't a chance to even think of much. Excited chatter was filling the air and all around him, the others admired the view.

"It's magnifique!" One of the girls from Beauxbatons exclaimed. "Such a view!"

"We can even see your ship." This was directed at the group from Durmstrang, who'd followed all their explanations silently so far. Gellert Grindelwald was leaning against the railing, just like Albus did himself, and the others had gathered around him. He wasn't sure if they really were Gellert's friends, since he seemed to be as impolite to them as to everyone else. However, there was also something very alluring about him. Not his personality, of course, but Albus had to admit to himself that Gellert Grindelwald was beautiful. With his blond hair that framed his face and the blue eyes. This close, he could see that there were mismatched, one was a little lighter in colour.

Suddenly, Gellert tore his gaze away from the view and looked directly at Albus, as if he'd sensed him staring. A smirk appeared on his lips and Albus didn't look away for a few more seconds. When he did, it was to turn to Elphias next to him. "We should leave soon. I wanted to stop by in the dungeons on our way back. There's something I need to discuss with Professor Sharp." He was the current Potions master at Hogwarts and during the holidays, Albus had found something in his studies that bothered him.

"Then let's go." Elphias agreed, obviously not feeling well in their current company. Albus couldn't blame him. The students from Beauxbatons were all very nice, but the group from Durmstrang already screamed trouble.

Albus turned to Selena. "Will you be alright without us?"

She nodded. "We're almost done anyway. Go and have fun, Albus."

He grinned. "I will."

"And say hello to Minerva from me, if you see her." Minerva McGonagall was two years under them and one of Albus' few friends.

"Consider it done." He promised. He also wanted to speak to Minerva. Since the beginning of the school year, there hadn't been much of a chance so far. His duties as Head Boy took quite some time and then there were also their visitors.

He and Elphias didn't come far. They were about to head down the first set of stairs when a voice stopped them. "Off to learn again?" Of course it was Gellert Grindelwald again, walking towards them casually. He was grinning, but there was nothing friendly in that expression. It rather looked patronizing. Something both Albus and Elphias were used to. Which was also why they just turned to him slowly, as if this conversation was the most normal thing in the world.

"Why would you care?" Albus asked back and raised his eyebrows. "As I said before, that's none of your business."

Grindelwald rolled his eyes. "Are you always this boring? Learning in your free time. Do you even know how to have fun?"

"I think our definitions of fun are quite different." He replied simply.

"You can't become a great wizard just by reading everything in books, you know?" Gellert crossed his arms. "You might be your headmasters favourite student, but I'm sure you're not half as good as he claims."

"How would you know?" Albus asked. "You've never seen me do anything with my wand so far."

This earned him a laugh. "Maybe because you're too afraid to show it? Since it would prove that I'm right?"

Albus stared at him sharply. "Keep your conclusions to yourself, will you?" He thought that there was something like surprise on Gellert's face, but he didn't take the time to look at him more closely. Instead, he whirled around and continued to walk down the stairs, Elphias right next to him.

"He's such an idiot." His friend muttered.

"He is." Albus agreed, already trying to figure out how to prove Gellert Grindelwald wrong.

"This is a bad idea." Elphias whispered. "The worst you ever had and that means something. Because you always have bad ideas, Albus."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Always?"

"Well, alright, sometimes. But that's not the point right now." His friend looked anxious. "You can't just throw your name into the Goblet of Fire to prove Grindelwald wrong. There has to be another way."

"Maybe my name won't be picked. Then no one has to know about what I did." He threw in. "The chances are low. Did you see how many people already threw their name in just today?" They'd been sitting in the Great Hall for hours, watching who'd decided to try his or her luck in the Triwizard Tournament. The biggest surprise of all had been Selena. Albus would have never guessed that she'd like to take part in such an event.

Of course Grindelwald had also thrown his name into the Goblet, all the while staring at Albus with a challenging look on his face. He wasn't sure why it bothered him so much. Albus knew how to live with those looks. With people talking badly about him. It had gotten better in the past years, but there were still some comments at times. So why made Grindelwald's looks his blood boil?

Why did they make him do stupid things? Like throwing his name into the Goblet of Fire in the middle of the night.

Which was indeed a very stupid idea. Elphias was right about it and Albus knew it. However, he couldn't let that idea go. He was good with magic of all kinds, so it was likely that he'd survive the tournament. Who knew, maybe he could even win this thing?

He took a deep breath and threw the piece of paper with his name into the Goblet of Fire.

The day before the candidates were announced, Albus found himself sitting at the lake, reading a book. The weather was still warm for late autumn and he enjoyed the feeling of the sun on his face. Elphias had stayed in the Gryffindor common room, saying that he had a terrible headache and wanted to relax for some time. In secret, Albus thought that he rather wanted to speak to Selena on his own. This year, there would be a yule ball at Hogwarts due to the tournament and Albus knew that his friend wanted to dance with her. It would be the perfect opportunity, asking her before everyone else started to think of this subject. Maybe Albus should also search for a partner. He could ask Minerva. They always got along well. While practicing spells together, they harmonized perfectly. Most probably, it would be the same with dancing.

His thoughts were interrupted when a shadow behind him announced that he had company. Unpleasant company, Albus thought from the feeling of it.

He didn't look up when someone sat down in the grass next to him. "It's beautiful here. Amazing view."

He still didn't look up. "I think from your ship, the sight is even more impressive. After all, you have a perfect view on the castle."

This earned him a chuckle. "Who said that I want to look at your big, old castle? It's just the same as Durmstrang, only with more towers."

"And surrounded by mountains and lakes." Albus threw in thoughtfully. "Not that much of a difference there as well."

"We don't have that much sun over there. That's a pleasant change for once."

Now he did look up from his book, only to eye Gellert skeptically. "Don't tell me that you like to be outside and enjoy the weather." He said. "Shouldn't you rather spend your time inside, working on all the skills you're always talking about so proudly?" Albus had heard him talk about all the magical skills he possessed a few times by now.

"And shouldn't you be in that library of yours, studying?" Grindelwald asked back with raised eyebrows.

Albus held up his book. "I am studying."

"Dosen't look like your usual stuff for classes, though." Gellert leaned forward to read the title. "Advanced Interactions Between Magic and Alchemy. Sounds complicated." However, there was also a hint of curiosity in his voice.

"It isn't." Albus argued and shook his head. "Not if you understand the basics. And it isn't for school. It's for my personal studies."

"The ones your headmaster was so proud of." This time, there was disdain in his words.

He shrugged. "I don't care what Headmaster Dippet thinks. I'm studying because I like it. There are so many things we still don't understand."

"You want to figure them all out." It wasn't a question.

He smiled slightly. "I can at least try. And don't say it's a waste of time. I've heard that you're also doing researches in your free time."

"Which are completely different from the things you do." Grindelwald muttered. "Mind your own business, Dumbledore."

Albus quirked an eyebrow. "You get to ask questions and once I mention something you do, you basically tell me to shut up. That's not very nice."

"Nice." Gellert echoed. "Who says that I want to be nice? I'm not here to make friends. We all aren't. We're only here for the Triwizard Tournament."

"You should go back to your classmates then. Prepare for said tournament. Who knows, maybe your name will be called out?" He closed his book and stood up, knowing that he couldn't find any peace outside, even if Gellert left now. "If that happens, I wish you good luck. They say only someone with much skill can win this thing."

"Or survive it." Gellert added, looking at Albus through narrowed eyes. "They say that you're good with magic as well. But I've never seen you use your wand before. Tell me, Albus, are all the things the people say only rumors? Are you so keen on studying because it's all you can do?"

He only smiled. "You have no idea what I'm capable of." Without another word, he turned around and left. He could feel Gellert's eyes on him the entire time.

The conversation with Grindelwald kept circling in his mind. Had it been his imagination or did he try to start a polite conversation at first? And why should he do that? Because so far, all he'd done was insult Albus. Like he'd also done it at the end of their conversation when he'd questioned Albus' skills with a wand. Was he trying to provoke him on purpose? If so, what use did it have for him?

Maybe he's as curious about you as you're about him, a voice inside his head said. He could understand this pull between the two of you as little as you do yourself. He dismissed the thought immediately. Because he wasn't fascinated by Gellert Grindelwald. He was far too self-obsessed and ruthless. Albus had heard the stories of how he terrorized younger students at Durmstrang, always talking about insane ideas of making the world better. Meaning Muggle-free. He could never like someone who thought this way.

When they sat down at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall the evening the Goblet of Fire would announce the participants of the Triwizard Tournament, Albus tried not to look towards the Slytherin table. He didn't want to see Gellert's face, especially not when he was already occupying so many of his thoughts.

Next to Albus, Elphias looked nervous. "Are you sure that it was a good idea to throw your name into that thing?" His best friend whispered anxiously. "I mean, what if you're chosen?"

"More than thirty students threw their names into the Goblet of Fire." Albus reminded him quietly. "The chance that my name will be picked is incredibly low."

Elphias nodded, but he didn't look convinced. The look of concern on his face grew when Headmaster Dippet held a long speech about the challenges the Triwizard Tournament presented. "But it is also a chance." He said in the end, looking around seriously. "A chance to show strength and courage. However, most importantly, it is a chance for our schools. We're not only here to compete against each other, but also to form bonds between Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and Hogwarts. Friendship is one of the most important goods. If you find it, treat it well. Also when this event is over and you all return to your own schools." He looked at the students of the other schools for a moment.

"But enough of that. Let's see whose names the Goblet of Fire will present us this evening." Professor Dippet clapped his hands in excitement and the Goblet of Fire, which had been standing next to him during his speech, its flame relatively calm, roared to life.

Whispers erupted in the Great Hall and the last bets about the candidates of the different schools were made. Albus just exchanged a silent look with Elphias and he knew that they were both thinking the same. There was one candidate for Hogwarts who shouldn't be chosen.

Professor Dippet held out his hand, a look of concentration on his face and then, the first piece of paper flew into his hand. It was elegant and even from the distance Albus could see that the paper was a light shade of pink. "For Beauxbatons, Miss Victoire Auclair." The headmaster announced and cheers erupted in the hall. The young woman Albus had met on their first day at Hogwarts stood up, a wide smile on her lips. However, her shoulders were tense, indicating that she was also a little nervous about being chosen. When she walked towards the podium to stand next to Professor Dippet, the headmistress of Beauxbatons whispered something into Victoire's ear and her shoulders straightened.

"For Durmstrang" Professor Dippet continued once the cheers had lessened "Mr. Gellert Grindelwald."

"Oh my, that's not a surprise at all." Elphias whispered next to Albus while they both clapped their hands politely. Albus tried to ignore the smug look Grindelwald threw in his direction before standing next to Victoire. It was too obvious what he was thinking. Gellert was sure that he would win the tournament no matter what happened.

"Now to Hogwarts." Headmaster Dippet continued and his eyes roamed over the students sitting in the Great Hall. Behind him, the other teachers also looked far more attentive now. Albus could even see Professor Fig, teacher for Magical Theory, exchange a look with Professor Hecat. Did they also bet on who'd be chosen or were they just curious? Maybe he could get to know more about that later. Ever since he started with Magical Theory in his third year at Hogwarts, Albus and Professor Fig had been relatively close.

When the paper landed in Professor Dippet's hands this time, he didn't read it out immediately. Instead, he hesitated for a short moment and Albus thought that he could see a frown pass his face. Then, with a quiet voice, he read out the last name. "Albus Dumbledore."