Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum

Selective Gellert Grindelwald. This is a secondary blog; all follows and follow-backs will be from @sixvisxpacem

[1899-fanart]

The old lovers meet again, and both know that they are still in love, although neither wants to accept it.

Nothing against Mads' Grindelwald, it's just me in love with the duo between Jude and Johnny since 2018. And yes, I still feel cheated and disappointed after WB forced Johnny to resign.

[he-who-ignites]

@regretismyconstantcompanion

[he-who-ignites]

Temptatio

@regretismyconstantcompanion, continued from here: X

"....Gellert..... Are you really happy to make that offer to me? I must admit that I'm beyond tempted to accept....."

“Then you should yield to temptation,” said Gellert, the smile gracing his full lips in equal parts beatific and seductive. You should yield to me, he did not need to specify, certain Albus vivid mind and imagination would readily supply those words in Gellert’s very own voice and cadence.

“What good has it ever done you to deny yourself what you covet with every fiber of your being? What good has it ever done you to lie to yourself?”

[valarhalla]

My favorite ultra-specific character type is "this fucked up little man clearly just needs a consensual BDSM relationship and some therapy and he'd be fine, but that is very much not what happens in this story."

[he-who-ignites]

@regretismyconstantcompanion

"All I shall say is that I'm happy to offer you just that, dear Albus."

[he-who-ignites]

A Forbidden Wish

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Albus’ eyes slipped closed as Gellert traced lines against his skin, shivering beneath his touch. It was heavenly. Everything he had wanted since the moment his eyes first laid upon this boy. It was everything. Too much and yet still not nearly enough. He felt a slight heat rise up in his cheeks, wondering if his desperation for Gellert was too much, too soon and yet somehow this moment felt perfect. “Gellert.” His whispered was spoken reverently only moments before Gellerts lips crashed against his once more. He wrapped his arms around him tightly, knowing that he never wanted him more than an arms length away. In fact, he never wanted to let him go from his embrace. His entire body was consumed with need and desire, adoration and devotion. Love. He loved Gellert Grindelwald and by Merlins kind mercy, Gellert loved him! Him! He felt the slight burn of tears behind his closed eyelids, overwhelmed momentarily by the thought but then Gellert was teasing his bottom lip so wonderfully and thoughts seemed to drift away as he just gave into the moment. Albus felt the tug of his clothes unravelling, delighted to wonder in the spark of Gellerts magic and wandless at that. They were so delightfully well matched! He could never get enough to feeling this boys magic, for it was almost becoming as familiar to him as his own. He smiled against his lips before a soft gasp spilled from him as Gellert pressed closer. He could feel his heated skin pressed against his and he shivered in arousal. “Better. Better. Yes, much better!” He nodded with a soft contented sigh, gazing up at Gellert. He wanted, needed, everything. The world beyond them had drifted away and his entire world had narrowed solely to this marvellous boy. His heated kisses, his wandering hands and the warmth of his skin pressed against his.

“We’re of the same mind, then,” said Gellert, the smile gracing his lips knowing and fond.

And he could conceive of nothing more intoxicating, nothing more addictive than the exquisite gasps and moans he was eliciting from Albus, than the adoration and awe suffusing his appealing countenance, his very essence.

Although he preferred to remain firmly in control of his own impulses and desires, of his every reaction to the outside world, he welcomed Albus’ eagerness, welcomed how he burned for him, transparent and true to himself– a crimson twin flame to the ice-blue inferno he’d soon unleash upon his enemies.

“For this is where you are meant to be – in my arms, at my mercy.” He sucked a firm kiss into the tender spot behind Albus’ ear.

He moved his hands to Albus’ shoulders then and pressed him further against the trunk of the tree they stood beneath, until it seemed that the distinct shape of the Deathly Hallows pendant between them was engraved on their chests.

Even so, Gellert wouldn’t mark Albus just yet, at least not in a manner visible to the mortal eye.

Preferring to reap in the vast benefits of maintaining his steeled self-control, Gellert fully intended to take his time to savor this – savor Albus: He would do so by unraveling him thread by thread, by melting away his composure, his every mask and self-deception; he would to strip Albus of any semblance of coherence, transfigure the sorrow and pain weighing down the singularly brilliant man in his arms into bliss in its purest form.

Ever-so-discreetly, between open-mouthed kisses to Albus’ ear, neck, and collarbone and gentle nips, Gellert adjusted his position until their legs were neatly intertwined, applying just the faintest pressure against the juncture of Albus’ thighs.

“You, dear Albus, are an utter delight,” he whispered in his ear. “And I shall devour you, just as you’ve asked me to.”

[he-who-ignites]

Towards Greater Things

@seekingabettergood

Gellert Grindelwald pretended to be oblivious to the whispers and murmurs coursing through Hogwarts’s Great Hall as he strode towards the ancient Goblet of Fire, to the eyes boring into his back, greedy for a spectacle and the illusion of power they were hoping to taste.

Granted, at least half of the students eligible for the Triwizard Tournament were prudent enough not to place their name in the Goblet of Fire and risk their life for a hollow title, yet it was clear none of them carried the mere potential to challenge the status quo after additional years of honing their magic and mind.

They were not driven by ambitions grand enough to be deemed in need of a harsh lesson in humility, and the justified fear of the weak had always been appreciated as an amplifier for the propaganda designed to keep their more powerful brothers and sisters in line.

The chains crafted from ties of blood and potent emotions were often sturdier than those of iron or steel: Neither the Incarcerous nor the Fulgari charm could restrain a heart determined to embark on a path of self-destruction once the one in whose chest it was beating had been fooled into disregarding the grand picture and focusing exclusively on the obstacles and goals that lay right before his feet.

For that reason, no matter what had dissuaded those students from vying for the opportunity to participate as their school’s champion, not a single one of them would return to their family at the end of the school year unmarked by the glorious and grotesque farce they were about to witness, especially once Gellert succeeded in exposing the Triwizard Tournament at such.

Placing the slip of parchment with his name in the Goblet of Fire with a confident grace bordering on irreverence, Gellert turned on his heel and winked at a physically attractive witch from Beauxbatons he had quickly recognized as the most influential among the social leaders of Durmstrang’s French rival school.

His lips curved up in a mischievous smile when the witch blushed and her eyes glazed over with bashful coquetry.

Then, as though neither gesture had been intentional on his part, he strode back to his peers from Durmstrang, proceeding to jest with the wizards who admired and those who envied him alike without sparing her a second glance.

***

Despite the at times excessive comforts Hogwarts appeared to be offering to its students and guests in such abundance, finding a location suitable for fulfilling his need for privacy turned out to be a nerve-gratingly challenging endeavor.

Even the library, a place commonly shunned when there were neither exams to study for nor assignments demanding extensive research to complete, offered him no respite from the crowd of nosy individuals from all three magical schools gathering around him wherever he went.

If only they had the decency and dignity to follow him discreetly.

Alas, the tranquility of not being bothered so often was a privilege of the unremarkable.

Concealing his irritation behind impenetrable Occlumency walls, Gellert thus parried the most prying and insolent among their questions with cryptic half-answers and disarming charisma and wit that made them stumble over their words and retreat in fear of further embarrassing themselves in front of him and the other students present.

The others he inquired about their respective countries and schools, encouraging them to speak about his fellow competitors and rivals without explicitly asking them to do so.

The Beauxbatons champion, as it turned out, was unlikely to be more than an ignorant pawn of the very system seeking to profit from his mortal struggle. Even so, he might have his uses as a diversion, and whether he perished or escaped death by the skin of his teeth, Gellert had every intention to weave his fate into a poignant tale furthering his own ambitions.

It was by the time he had compiled a rudimentary portrait of both other champions that a flash of vibrant auburn crossed the periphery of his vision.

“I’m sure you’ll allow me to have a word with my fellow champion,” he excused himself with a conspiratorial grin, and made his way towards the wizard chosen to represent Hogwarts.

With several published articles under his belt and sinister rumors adhering to his family name like viscous tar, Albus Dumbledore was a wizard Gellert most looked forward to competing with.

“It appears luck favors me tonight, Albus Dumbledore,” he mused in lieu of a conventional greeting. “I’ve been looking forward to conversing with you. May I have a moment?”

Intense mismatched eyes fixed on Dumbledore’s, ready to dissect his emotions, his thoughts, the innermost recesses of his mind and soul.

[he-who-ignites]

The Turning of Nightmares and Stars

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Albus shook his head slightly with a soft smile, his cheeks becoming heated as Gellert praised him softly. “I am no marvel Gellert, but simply a wizard in love, who would do anything for those he loves and cares for the most.” He reached out and stroked Gellerts cheek with reverence and affection, soaking up the unguarded gaze that Gellert granted him. Albus knew that without a doubt, he would do anything that Gellert requested of him. They needed to maintain a united front. Now was not the time to disagree with one another, when they had so much to lose if they were not careful. They needed to grasp this opportunity that they had been given, to change the future that this older Albus spoke of. It lingered so closely, events that were going to change and destroy all of their lives. They couldn’t let it come to pass. They couldn’t! They needed to protect Ariana and ensure he and Gellert remained together. Parting was unthinkable, not so quickly after they had found one another. Albus knew he wouldn’t let Gellert go without a fight and that’s why he knew he would do anything his husband asked him to. “Of course I trust you, Gellert. Nothing could ever hope to change that. I don’t care what this stranger has to say about the events of the future he comes from.” He knew this ‘stranger’ was technically him and yet, he could not let that cloud his judgement. Gellert, alongside Ariana and Aberforth, would always be his priorities. The thought of fighting with his husband in the way his future self described was unthinkable. How could he ever let such a thing come to pass? “I’m certain that he will help us, in whatever way we ask of him.He is the one that has made this incredible journey back to us. Surely he will be willing to work with us in whatever way we need.” Albus knew it might not be quite as easy as that. The older Albus had been through devastating times and clearly had not arrived here in the best state. Just what had happened to him, for surely it must go well beyond the events he had already told them about. He had so many questions and not nearly enough answers but he would hold himself back, for now, until he and Gellert had devised a plan. “You will not doom Ariana, nor myself, Gellert. No matter what happens, we are in this together. It is us that must overcome the future that looms over us all. We can’t let it come to pass and we won’t. Not if we’re together. With the help of our time traveller, we will be able to avert what he has warned us about. We will repair the future, for us all.” Albus wasn’t sure he was quite as confident as he hoped he sounded but he did have faith that he and Gellert could overcome anything, as long as they were together.

Ever-so-slightly, Gellert allowed himself to lean into Albus’ tender caress, to relish the reverence it was imbued with, the bashfulness adorning Albus’ features and his brilliant blue eyes.

“Your compulsive modesty is misplaced, dear Albus,” he chided him with the utmost affection, pressing a kiss to his palm. “An incurable romantic you may be, but you’re no common fool. The myriad of emotions you carry in your heart are an enhancement of your rational mind, not a diminishment. Where those adhering to the belief that intelligence can only thrive in dungeon devoid of artistry and similar ‘distractions’, your mindscape is vibrant with color. A magnificent painting rather than a soulless abacus. Granted, it may render you more vulnerable to ploys prying on your rich emotions. Nevertheless, there are times I find myself envying you for that soulful heart which sees beauty even in a frozen wasteland.”

He would protect that delicate radiant heart with the very callousness he had come to regard as his second nature, ensure that the brunt of the moral burden inherent to his cause would firmly rest on his unyielding shoulders.

After all, what difference would it make to stain his hands with further blood, when he had long grown immune to the harrowing self-doubts and guilt such acts inspired within the innocent?

“You cannot fathom how I cherish those sentiments,” he stated fondly. “Your faith in me, your devotion.”

Albus’ words may be lacking in emotional conviction at this stage, yet Gellert had no reason to doubt his resolve to do what was necessary, to assume good faith when assessing Gellert’s own words and actions as he did so.

Albus’ refusal to paint him as villain despite the numerous recent temptations  to assume the worst of him – despite his absence in the future Albus’ life –  was proof of that.

“You should know the reason I was expelled from Durmstrang,” he declared, gaze once more sober and intense. “Contrary to what I’ve led my unsuspecting aunt to believe, it wasn’t but a harmless misunderstanding. Nor do my actions paint me as a saint. Do you wish to know regardless? Learn what cruelties I am capable of?”

His mismatched eyes bore into Albus’.

[he-who-ignites]

Daring Trysts

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Gellerts reassurances set Albus slightly at ease, even though the blush across his cheeks only blossomed deeper at the wicked smirk Gellert was offering him. Oh yes, he could never forget any of the wicked and wild things they had gotten up to during their summer together. Not just the endless letters they’d send to one another any time they were apart, but sneaking out at all hours, Gellert staying over in his room on two occasions and Albus staying over in Gellerts room once too. They hadn’t had the chance often to indulge but it had been enough for Albus to know that he still loathed waking up alone. “No, I haven’t forgotten.” Albus admitted, for he hadn’t forgotten a single moment of the few blissful months they’d shared together that summer. Those weeks still filled his dreams and daytime fantasies often, somehow providing both comfort and torture at the same time. How often did he fall asleep in front of the Mirror of Erised, longing for a future that couldn’t be or a return to those few months where he had been genuinely happy for the only time in his life? “But I still wouldn’t wish to burden you unnecessarily, especially when I have very little news to share.” The mention of the crow had softly smiling. He was already quite taken with him. “Remaclus is getting all the affection and love and treats that Fawkes gets so I can assure you that I’m coddling him too much as far as you’re concerned.” Albus knew he doted on his own familiar and he had quickly adapted the same behaviour to their new guest. He was Gellerts crow afterall and Remaclus had become quite settled in already, sharing Fawkes perch most nights already. He was quite enjoying watching the two become closer and they’d taken to cleaning each others feathers when they thought they didn’t have an audience. Gellerts outstretched hand had Albus freezing on the spot for a moment, eyes widening slightly. He hadn’t been expecting such an affectionate and familiar gesture, despite their reunion a few days earlier. The kiss between them still made him smile whenever he thought of it, which was likely far more than he should. He reached out before he could stop himself, taking Gellerts hand for a moment as he approached him. Why did he suddenly feel like he was 17 again and they were meeting out in the meadow away from prying eyes? “Not much has changed since you visited at Hogwarts. Harry is ….impatient to move things along. He’s anxious to return home, worried at what he might find waiting for him. He’s not a fan of listening or taking suggestions and he’s already escaped on more than a few occasions. He’s avoided Tom so far, which is a small mercy but he has interacted with at least one other member of the faculty and two visiting officials from the Ministry.” Albus had been extremely displeased, wondering if he should tie a magical leash around the boy. How had his future self dealt with him? “I didn’t know they were even at the school before Harry went missing. Slughorn had invited them so his favourite students could liaise with them and make contacts.” Albus couldn’t watch the boy around the clock, even though he was trying to. He had his own classes to teach and commitments that he could only get out of so often without raising suspicion.

The blush spreading across Albus’ features was delectable, an exquisite treat Gellert would once savor to the point of over-indulgence.

It was Albus’ admission, however, that pleased Gellert immensely, more, perhaps, than he ought to allow.

Had his Occlumency shields been formidable in his adolescence already, he had nigh-perfected them at this stage – enough to maintain an impenetrable wall of sturdy steel between his rationale and the phantom of a reckless youth.

A summer of exhilaration and madness it had been indeed, its culmination all the more ruinous due to the scorching, all-encompassing adoration preceding the instant Albus had betrayed him.

And yet, who could have fathomed that the future of them both would remain entangled in threads spun decades in the past? That any blood they spilled with their wands pointed at one another’s throat would only advance the schemes of a common tyrant?

At least on that front, the visions prompted by the time-traveler’s arrival left precious little room for interpretation.

Albus’ hand was warm and smooth and deceptively delicate as he heeded his invitation as though in a nostalgic daze, tempting Gellert to succumb to the spell he himself had cast upon his former lover.

But now was not the time, not when the stakes were by far higher than his pride, than his ability – and willingness – to place his trust in an individual rather than the potential of a collective.

Albus’ account had him clicking his tongue in mild disapproval.

“Stubborn boy,” Gellert tutted. “I take it you’ve resolved whatever misunderstandings his antics may have sparked among those present? For now, that should suffice.”

It was far from a permanent solution, however, and he thus made a mental note to speed up his own plans for reining in their volatile asset.

“Tell me about Tom’s behavior,” he prompted. “Has he displayed any… interest in our time-traveler?”

[gellertalbus-deactivated2025041]

[regretismyconstantcompanion]

@he-who-ignites

[he-who-ignites]

Rekindled Sparks

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Oh. Albus knew that he was staring far too intently as Gellert spoke with a low chuckle. His eyes widened ever so slightly as Gellert traced his lower lip with his tongue. The simple gesture set Albus’ heart and body aflame with need and desire and for the briefest moments in time, he felt as though no time had passed at all. That they were somehow back in Godrics Hollow, sharing a meal at his kitchen table and both quite desperate to sneak their way upstairs to be together. He’d never been with another. Gellert had been his first. Not after the troth was destroyed. Not after the duel that ha cost Gellert his freedom. There had been witches and wizards that had tried over the years but it had always been unthinkable to him. The ultimate betrayal, despite the state of their relationship. Perhaps he should have moved on but in truth, he hadn’t wanted to and he had always known that anyone he allowed in his life in that way, would always be second best to Gellert. That hadn’t seemed quite fair and so, he had remained alone. At times, the isolation and loneliness had felt unbearable but still, he had endured. They hadn’t been gifted long to be together. 2 months. Such a short period of time, especially for one that had lived as long as he had and yet, those weeks had changed his life forever. They were still his greatest joys and his most painful memories, forever trapped together. Despite what it had cost him, he could never regret the time shared with Gellert for despite the long life he had gone onto live, it had been the only time in his life where he had known true happiness. Was there any chance that he could know it again? “You are determined to be the death of me.” Albus laughed in soft delight, both of them knowing exactly what Gellert was doing to him. He wasn’t even going to try and hide the warm blush across his cheeks nor the way his eyes seemed to sparkle in heated appreciation. “And I must confess, I wouldn’t mind at all.”

Albus’ reactions, the deepening of that becoming blush, the vehement desire in his expressive blue eyes and his confession, were as predictable as they were delightful.

How Gellert had grown bored of individuals turning themselves into transparent imbeciles as they fawned on him, leaving him without a single puzzle to solve, without a single line of intricate code to decipher. The modicum of potential some of them may have held in his eyes for a fleeting moment morphed into disillusionment and scorn as they so eagerly exhibited every facet of their simple-mindedness, their infuriating banality.

Many times, Albus, too, was like an open book to him, yet every glimpse so generously offered was a thing of beauty, an inexhaustible source of stimulation, an invaluable gift.

The complexities of Albus’ mind and character did not vanish into nothingness whenever he unraveled and dissected them, never diminishing the joy and fulfillment Albus’ company brought him.

“Then I shall grant you what you wish,” Gellert declared. “I shall be your death today. Your petite mort. That is, once you’ve earned such reward from me.”

After they had finished their late breakfast, Gellert took his time as he paid for their meals, engaged in further polite chit-chat with their host, and helped Albus into his coat when Fräulein Gschwendner had retreated to her kitchen, knowing that the absence of any sense of urgency on his part as he prolonged Albus’ torturous wait would make the moment he gave Albus the intimate experience he craved all the more rewarding for them both.

Gellert then led Albus back onto the snow-covered street, his pace measured and unhurried as they headed towards Gellert’s temporary flat. Indeed, there was no prior warning whatsoever when, just as they had made their way past the local museum, Gellert yanked Albus into the narrow alleyway separating the building from the adjacent bakery and Apparated them back to his bedroom.

“Pity you won’t remain dressed for much longer; I do like seeing you in my clothing,” The words were a deep, tantalizing murmur against Albus’ ear as Gellert crowded him against the wooden armoire, sending the hat, scarf, and coat he had lent Albus’ to the drawer and hanger he had taken them from with a snap of his fingers.

Tracing the shell of Albus’ ear with his lips and teeth, he suddenly bit down on his tender earlobe.

[morton-vald]

The actual order of those scenes. 

[he-who-ignites]

@regretismyconstantcompanion

“I’m very flattered, Professor.”

[gellertalbus-deactivated2025041]

no i will never forgive warner bros for not giving us these two gems together in a scene longer than 10 seconds.

[regretismyconstantcompanion]

@he-who-ignites

[he-who-ignites]

Daring Trysts

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Albus relaxed immediately once Gellert reassured him that he was well and there was no urgency to their meeting. He had truly been concerned by the way he had been summoned. “I’am glad you are well, I was concerned.” Albus offered him a small smile, watching as Gellert stepped forward. He felt temptation creep in, to move into his arms but he held himself back, unsure if such a familiar and affectionate greeting would be welcome. “Firstly, his name is Remaclus.” Albus had not had a chance to tell Gellert his crows name before. “No, he’s been an absolute delight. Although I do fear that he and Fawkes have become rather attached to one another already, they enjoy napping together on the perch or on top of the bookcase when they’re trying to hide from the students who come in and out of my office.” Perhaps he had been mistaken not to write, since Gellert was questioning his lack of correspondence. “I didn’t send any letters. I started to write some but I wasn’t sure if they’d be welcome. I mean, I know you told me to write to you. And I didn’t… well actually I did. I started to write you half a dozen letters but I didn’t really have any significant news and I wasn’t sure if I should refrain and I didn’t know if you’d be too busy to write back to me and I didn’t want to risk the letters somehow being intercepted during these very delicate times and so the letters I started I threw them into the fire and then cast a spell to ensure they couldn’t be somehow put back together again.” Albus felt the heat rise in his cheeks as he realised he was rambling as though he were seventeen years old all over again. What was wrong with him? He was a grown man for Merlins sake. If the earth could open up and swallow him whole, he would appreciate that very much. Was there a spell that could achieve that? He made a mental note to look for one and if there wasn’t such a spell, he’d create one. “I’m sorry if I worried you by not writing. I was just trying not to be a ….” Burden. He didn’t want to be a burden. “I didn’t want to be any trouble.”

Gellert raised his brows, content to do nothing else to dissuade Albus from rambling on and on, from – as Albus himself was likely to assess the mannerisms he displayed – digging his own proverbial grave by admitting to more than he had originally intended to.

Although Albus was neither the first nor the only individual affected by his charisma, his magical and mental prowess, his gaze, to the point that being in his presence alone compelled them to bare to him their innermost thoughts and secrets and vulnerabilities, Albus’ own extraordinary qualities and honed composure had always distinguished him from his unremarkable peers.

As per the reports and rumors his Acolytes and allies had been carrying to Gellert’s ears over the years, Albus hadn’t ceased honing those fine qualities despite his apparent absence from the stage of politics and worldly power.

Albus had bared his mind and soul to him all those years ago, readily entwined their fates with powerful blood magic, and become the sole object of Gellert’s utmost adoration.

Albus’ betrayal had left him jaded and more devastated than he had been willing to concede even to himself.

And yet, despite himself and the frigid pragmatism he was capable of employing, Albus’ most recent actions and words, his intriguing naming choice for the crow entrusted to him, made Gellert willing to test him once more and reassess his dated conclusions, even though he would be doing more meticulously –  more ruthlessly – than ever before.

“Have you perchance forgotten, then, that I delighted in any trouble you were once in the habit of bringing to my doorstep at scandalizing hours?” he inquired, his smirk downright wicked as he took in the becoming blush adorning Albus’ features.

“Hence, while I’m certain Remaclus has been relishing your attention and care, I must insist you refrain from coddling him too much.”

And beckoning Albus closer with an outstretched hand, he commanded, “Now, come here to me, Albus, and trouble me as I’ve asked you to when we last spoke.”

[he-who-ignites]

Daring Trysts

regretismyconstantcompanion​:

Albus was immediately concerned when Gellert sent his flock of crows to get his attention and request his presence in the forest. The sight was magnificent, even if it was -slightly- horrifyingly foreboding and sinister. He would have delighted in the delicateness of the spell casting, if his stomach hadn’t been churning as he wondered what in Merlins name could be wrong, for Gellert to call him like that. He had spent the past week almost expecting to see him appear on his window cill and been quietly disappointed each day. No letter had come either and so Albus had refrained too, not wanting to appear too eager (or desperate) for contact with Gellert again. He had started to write several letters but tossed each parchment in the fire, knowing it was likely better to keep contact with a minimum for now. Any letter could put them at risk if it were someone intercepted by someone. Besides, he didn’t wish to become a burden on Gellert again. The last thing he needed was to worry about returning unnecessary correspondence. The crows led him to where Gellert was waiting, leaning up against an oak tree, casually as if he were waiting for a train or a cup of coffee. “Gellert? Are you alright?” Albus could hear the slight frantic tone in his own voice, trying to calm himself. He ran his eyes over Gellert looking for any clear sign of injury but quickly realised the man himself was fine. “Your invitation via crow had me quite worried, I must admit. Have things changed? Is everything alright?” He resisted the urge to move in to hug him, feeling the slight chill in the air between them. Had he done something wrong? 

Albus prompt arrival at his sight pleased Gellert more than he considered prudent to acknowledge, let along act upon.

And yet, when he proceeded to dissect Albus’ facial expressions, body language, and tone in a calm, detached manner and with meticulous care, finding only concern and insecurity, the spark of hope igniting within him at such findings proved to be an incorrigibly stubborn thing.

Had Albus truly neither heard of his Italian allies’ predicament nor contributed it by proxy, that his lack of communication had had a separate cause and was in no aspect related to his movement?

Those unclouded blue eyes tempted him to believe that even now, Albus was wholly incapable of lying to him.

Ever-so-subtly, his simulation shifted into a more genuine brand of nonchalance as he took a step away from the tree towards Albus.

“I apologize for startling you,  Albus,” Gellert said, “for I merely sought to ask you the same. Has the crow I gave you been lacking as a letter carrier?”

There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he elaborated, “Granted, he’s always been a needy thing, yet I should hope he still possesses the swiftness and capability for discretion that prompted me to choose him for this task.”

[he-who-ignites]

Daring Trysts

@regretismyconstantcompanion

More than a week had passed, and Gellert had yet to receive a letter from Albus keeping him informed about the young time-traveler’s condition, about the most recent developments at Hogwarts in its whole.

A faint frown of displeasure marring his aristocratic features, he thus entrusted Vinda with relaying his instructions to the Alliance recruits presently compromised in Verona and with aiding them in person until the most imminent threat had been dispelled while Gellert himself returned to Magical Britain, a flock of magnificent crows trailing him like a sinister omen.

Should Albus have betrayed him a second time, making a mockery of the tentative trust he had extended to him, he would show no mercy toward the man confronting him as an enemy in several visions.

And yet, although his mistrust and cynicism had augmented as he had matured, he was well-aware of the necessity of questioning what could be mere dictates of habit and impulse.

He would, therefore, refrain from judging Albus until he had determined the truth for himself.

Once he had decided on a suitable meeting place within the depths of the forest bordering the edges of the castle grounds, he drew his wand.

His grace was that of a veteran conductor as he weaved his intricate spell, implanting his orders in the birds’ minds until they morphed into a mesmerizing tune they delighted in dancing to.

The entire flock departed, then, and spread out, locating their feathered comrade currently in Albus’ hands and guiding him to the center of the forest.

A picture of nonchalance as he learned against the trunk of an ancient oak tree, Gellert lay in wait.

[gellertalbus-deactivated2025041]

To find greatness you must travel alone.

[regretismyconstantcompanion]

@he-who-ignites

[bluecrownedbird]

Grindeldore commission finished 💖

© Melli ~ Don’t share/repost without credit please.

[he-who-ignites]

@regretismyconstantcompanion​

[linguistness]

Choose a German dessert / sweet snack

Spaghettieis (top left)

Schokokuss-Brötchen (top right)

Waffel (middle left)

Berliner/Krapfen (middle right)

Rote Grütze (bottom left)

Dampfnudel/Germknödel (bottom right)

no thanks

Voting ended onMar 18, 2023

[he-who-ignites]

@regretismyconstantcompanion