The visit
The walls of Nurmengard prison stood tall and imposing, a grim testament to the crimes committed by its inhabitants. Albus Dumbledore stood before the heavy iron gates, his heart heavy with a mixture of trepidation and determination. He had kept this option for far too long, but the impending threat of Lord Voldemort's return left him with no other choice.
As the gates creaked open, Albus stepped inside, his footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. He followed the winding path, passing by the cells of dangerous and broken souls until he reached the one he sought. Gellert Grindelwald, once the object of Albus's affection and the source of so much pain, now languished in his confinement.
Gellert's piercing blue eyes met Albus's as the door to his cell swung open. A mixture of surprise and uncertainty flickered across his face before he composed himself, his features assuming an air of detached calmness. He looked... pathetic. There was almost nothing left from the boy Albus once knew. He was dirty, extremly skinny (did they even feed him here?), his hair way too long. He was obviously a lot older than when Albus last saw him. His eyes were unfocused, staring at the wall blankly until he heard Albus come in. But his eyes... his eyes were the same as when they were young boys. Much sadder, showing a lot of weight on his shoulders, but they never lost this thing.
"Albus Dumbledore," Gellert spoke, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" His voice was obviously sarcastic.
Albus took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. "Gellert, we need to talk," he said, his voice carrying a weight of urgency.
Gellert raised an eyebrow, his expression betraying a hint of curiosity. "Talk? After all these years, you choose now to reach out to me?" His voice sounded hurt and angry. "You never bothered to visit, even to send a letter, check on me. Not once. And now you came here. You need me. What for?"
Albus sighed"Voldemort has returned. His power is growing, and the world stands on the precipice of darkness. We need allies, Gellert. We need your knowledge and expertise to defeat him."
Gellert's gaze hardened, his jaw clenching. "And why should I assist you? After all, I was once your enemy. You put me here, you wouldve left me here to die if this foolish boy wouldntve became a danger to you and your weak friends!"
Albus's eyes bore into Gellert's, searching for any sign of the man he once knew. "Because deep down, I still believe in the good that resides within you. I still see that young boy in you, the one that was my dearest friend" he said softly. "Because I know the weight of your past actions and the remorse that haunts you. This is your chance for redemption, Gellert."
Gellert's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. "Redemption?" he laughed, sounding crazy, his voice laced with bitterness. "Do you honestly believe that I can atone for the lives I've destroyed? The pain I've caused? You have no idea what I've done, Dumbledore"
Albus took a step closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Yes, Gellert. I believe that we all have the capacity for change. And together, we can fight against the darkness that threatens to consume our world."
Silence hung in the air, pregnant with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Albus could see the turmoil churning within Gellert's eyes, the conflict between his past and the possibility of a different future.
Finally, Gellert broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper. "What do you propose, Albus?"
Albus's heart soared with a mix of hope and trepidation. "I propose that we work together again, Gellert. We will search for Voldemort's horcruxes, destroy them, and rally the allies we need to confront him. It won't be easy, and many will question our motives, but together, we can make a difference."
Gellert's gaze softened, a flicker of something resembling gratitude crossing his features. "You've taken a great risk by coming here, Albus," he said, his voice laced with a mix of bitterness and longing. "I will help you. But try to betray me and I won't hesitate to kill you" he said, even though they both know it wasn't true.
Albus nodded, a weight lifting off his shoulders. "Thank you, Gellert. I knew I could count on you."
A mix of emotions Albus couldnt recognize went through Gellerts face at that but he quickly put himself together.
As they left the confines of Nurmengard prison, stepping into the cool night air, Albus couldn't help but feel a surge of conflicting emotions. He had taken a monumental risk, both personally and professionally, by reaching out to Gellert. The past had a way of clinging to their every interaction, the wounds still raw and unhealed.
They walked side by side, the tension palpable, their conversation limited to the practicalities of their mission, Albus explaining everything to Gellert and Gellert asking a few questions. The silence between them spoke volumes, the unspoken words lingering in the air. Albus couldn't help but wonder if their shared history could ever truly be reconciled, if the wounds they had inflicted upon each other could ever fully heal.
Inside, he knew that this alliance was necessary, that their combined strength was their best chance at defeating Voldemort. But deep down, in the recesses of his heart, he couldn't deny the lingering embers of their past love. It was a burden he would carry, one that threatened to consume him if he allowed it.