Chapter 4
A.D.
Albus had successfully been able to make his way over the castle grounds — with only a few stares, most people actually seemed to avoid looking at him, and he couldn't tell whether it was out of disrespect or fear— and was left wandering the forest surrounding the place. He'd never been as grateful for the summer as he was now; even with the sun beaming brightly in the sky, it remained a pleasant temperature underneath the trees.
Even though he'd left the castle behind quite a while ago, he kept his guard up just in case. He couldn't believe that leaving had been this easy and was sure that there was some sort of trap waiting for him.
The walk did one good thing: it had cleared his head. And he could finally recall properly what had happened before he got here. At least most of it. He remembers travelling through Czechoslovakia—through the Bohemian forest, to be exact. And he'd found what he was looking for, but what exactly happened after he took it was a blur. But he was sure that the answer to how he landed himself here was somewhere within this blurry mess called his memories, and that he would soon uncover those bits too.
On his way he also noticed that his hair was longer. That man really had no decency left!
Where was he even going?
Perhaps he'd reached a safe enough distance to create a portkey and get as far away from here as possible, though he hated to leave his research behind, but there was just no telling what Grindelwald had done with it. If it even still existed.
Just as he turned to look for something he could use, the leaves behind him rustled, and Grindelwald stepped out.
He looked different. Rattled. Maybe a bit wild, like he had run here. Perhaps he had. But there was something else too. Albus had thought that the other would be mad at him for the push, or perhaps sly about capturing him. But instead, the other seemed worried.
"I don't think a walk this long is very healthy in your current condition. I'm starting to think you might have a concussion."
Grindelwald didn't say it in an arrogant, all-knowing kind of way, or as a mock. No, he said it like Albus' mother used to.
But why should he have a concussion? Or…is that what happened?
Suddenly, the remaining fog over his memories lifted.
Right, he took the plate and started to feel dizzy. Was dizzy the right word for what he had been feeling? He wasn't sure, but it had definitely been something similar to dizziness. He grabbed the stand for support, but– well– he's pretty sure he fainted.
But how would he know that?
"Did you follow me?"
Grindelwald straitened his clothes and took a step towards Albus, who had to concentrate on not taking one back. His fight or flight was more keen on the latter at that moment. He told himself he preferred running to fighting because he was just not prepared for a duel yet, but a small part in the back of his mind told him he just didn't want to fight Gellert. A part he chose to ignore.
"Well yes, I couldn't just leave you wandering on your own like this, you're clearly in distress."
I wonder why. Why was Grindelwald acting like this? Wasn't I time to stop this act? It clearly didn't work.
"That's not – why do I even bother? What do you think this will get you?"
"Liebling –" Another step.
"Don't." The younger looked like a kicked puppy
"I get that you are mad that I discontinued our trip. But I think this shows that it was really for the best! We can always go back later…"
"I'm not going anywhere with you. I'm going home, Grindelwald. I'm done playing a part in—whatever it is you are trying to do here." Albus could see Grindelwald's blood boiling, he'd pushed too far. Perhaps he couldn't escape a duel any more.
"And where exactly is home? Hm, love? Where will you go? I am your home." He crossed the last bit of distance between them. Albus had to use all his strength, not to flinch when he came so close that he could feel his breath on his cheek. A hand came up to caress his face, gently. "And you're my home."
Grindelwald leaned in and kissed him. The elder didn't know what to do, and before he could make a decision it was over.
"If you insist on going, I have no choice but to accompany you."
The redhead was about to protest when he saw something attached to Grindelwald's shirt. Something silver, with two drops of blood dancing in the centre.
But you can't recreate it without the ritual. Albus had studied it for such a long time and he was sure that there was no way for Grindelwald to just recreate it without Albus being an active, conscious and willing participant.
...
Oh.
Of course.
Well, that's embarrassing.
"Let's just go back. " The other smiled over his seemingly successful persuasion.
" We need to talk about something." And just like that, the smile vanished again.
A. D. G.
Albus had arrived at the address on his brothers letter and found himself standing in front of a rather shabby looking pub. Only he couldn't find it in himself to actually go in now that he had finally arrived.
He hadn't seen his brother in so long. And even though this wasn't really his Aberforth he was sure he couldn't hold back the tears if he saw him. Hell, he was already teary eyed just from the possibility of seeing him.
He couldn't do this could he? If he broke down crying in his brothers pub, it would ruin everything. No information, no going to this Gellert, hell, perhaps he would be declared a lunatic (Though that wouldn't be a first time, just in this universe).
He couldn't go in there, he wanted to, but couldn't.
He went to buy an owl instead, the professor surely wouldn't mind if his own was spared the way to Nurmengard.