Chapter 2
Becoming a champion of the Triwizard Tournament had catapulted him into a new level of fame - and a living hell.
The following Sunday morning, the Daily Prophet featured an article about the three champions, mentioning Albus more consistently than the other two. And ever since then, people wouldn't stop following him around.
Even Elphias, who was always a bit of a bother, had become more annoying than ever. Despite knowing that not participating would have dire consequences for his magical abilities, Albus was already regretting his decision to enter the tournament.
Albus felt suffocated by the sudden influx of attention and scrutiny that came with being a Triwizard champion. Every time he tried to sit down and gather his thoughts, there would always be someone watching him or coming up to talk to him. It seemed like he couldn't escape the constant chatter and questions about the tournament, his opponents, and his strategy.
Albus was reluctantly pulled out of his Astronomy class that he took with some of his fellow Gryffindors to attend the Wand Weighing Ceremony. As he arrived, he saw that Celeste and Gellert were already present. Albus couldn't help but feel a sense of unease around Gellert, especially after their last conversation. Nevertheless, he put on a polite smile and greeted both of them before taking his place on the sofa.
Professors Dippet, Montague, and Nacht entered the room and quickly explained why they were there.
Albus, Gellert, and Celeste nodded to show their understanding.
Albus was the first to be examined. The wandmaker took his wand and began to examine it closely, muttering to himself. Albus couldn't help but feel anxious as he waited for the verdict, hoping that his wand was in perfect working condition for the upcoming tasks. “Ah, ten inches–dragon heartstring and made of elm, correct?”
Albus nodded and watched as the wandmaker waved his wand, producing a shower of golden sparks that burst into a confetti ball that exploded and vanished. It was fascinating to watch. Celeste went next after Albus and her wand passed the test without any issues. Then it was Gellert's turn, and Albus watched as the wandmaker carefully examined his wand, muttering under his breath. Finally, he nodded in approval and handed the wand back to Gellert.
With that being said, the ceremony was over before he knew it, and Albus felt a sense of relief wash over him. At least this part of the tournament was done, and he could go back to his studies…
–
One Friday morning, Gellert finally worked up the courage to approach Albus at his table. However, his expression soured when he saw Albus laughing and smiling with two others, which made him feel some sort of weird emotion he couldn’t describe. Despite that, he decided to proceed and stood next to the table, hoping to catch Albus' attention.
Albus turned towards him and greeted him with a smile, unaware of Gellert's true feelings. Gellert tried to hide his jealousy and smiled back, trying to push aside his negative emotions.
"Hi Albus," he said, trying to sound cheerful. "Could I talk to you for a minute?"
Gellert noticed the way the black haired boy next to Albus glared at him and it made him feel uneasy, but he tried to ignore the boy and focus on Albus.
"Sure, what's up?" Albus asked, his friendly expression still in place.
Gellert took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "I was just wondering if you'd like to study together sometime," he said, hoping to sound casual.
Albus' smile seemed more pronounced. "Yeah, that sounds great. When were you thinking?"
Gellert felt a surge of relief and happiness. "How about tomorrow afternoon? We could meet in the library." Albus nodded in agreement, and Gellert couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of spending time with him. However, as he turned to leave the table, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched by someone, with a sudden urge to go back and pull Albus away with him.
Back at the table, Elphias looked at Albus with a look of disapproval. "Albus, are you sure about this?" he said in a disapproving tone, his eyes glancing over at Gellert at another table. Albus looked at him with a confused expression, not understanding the reason for Elphias' sudden change in attitude.
"Why? What's wrong with him?" Albus asked, looking back and forth between Elphias and Gellert. It was true that Gellert could be considered as creepy and dangerous at times, but frankly Albus had to deal with enough as it is.
“Didn’t we warn you about him before?”
“Didn't I promise you before that I will be safe?” Neither Horace or Elphias responded.
—
The next few weeks flew by swiftly, as if swept away by a gust of wind, and all too soon, the looming first task was drawing near. Albus could feel the weight of anticipation building within him, for he remained in the dark about the nature of the task, and that uncertainty filled him with a certain trepidation.
The once harmonious atmosphere within Durmstrang seemed to crack under the weight of competition, with Hogwarts students exchanging mutual disdainful glances with the other rival schools in the crowded hallways. The air buzzed with a sense of rivalry and anticipation, fueling a growing animosity that could no longer be ignored.
Whispers and hushed conversations permeated Beauxbatons as well, as students shared their opinions and speculations about the students of Hogwarts. The unfamiliarity of their fellow competitors sparked curiosity, mixed with a hint of scepticism.
Some marvelled at the reputation of Hogwarts, while others indulged in rumours, painting the Hogwarts champion with both admiration and doubt.
And with that, Albus found himself constantly surrounded by a sea of Hogwarts students, their gazes filled with suspicion and mistrust. The Durmstrang students, fueled by rivalry and prejudice, seemed determined to hex him and sabotage his every move. It was an exhausting battle, one that Albus had grown weary of.
Amidst the whirlwind of preparations, Albus had found some sort of happiness in the company of Gellert Grindelwald. They had shared moments of joy and laughter, forging a connection that both thrilled and troubled Albus. It was during their stolen rendezvous that Albus discovered Gellert to be the enigmatic hand behind the symbol etched into the wall beside the school library, and he had to constantly remind himself that this was a dark wizard in the making.
Under the cloak of secrecy, away from prying eyes of the public, they met in various hidden corners of the castle - on the stone bridge that’s covered in snow, within deserted classrooms, or even within the confines of Gellert's deserted dormitory. On occasion, when they desired complete privacy, they sought refuge within Albus' chamber nestled amidst the carriages. These clandestine encounters deepened their bond, like whispers of a forbidden affection that danced in the shadows of their shared world.
While Gellert had gleaned a wealth of information about Albus—through his incessant questioning and their shared experiences—Albus remained largely ignorant of Gellert's own background.
Gellert had delved into the depths of Albus's life, uncovering intimate details that spanned tragedy, loss, and the complex dynamics of his family. From the haunting legacy of his father's imprisonment in Azkaban to the profound impact of Ariana's struggle as an obscurial, Gellert held a tapestry of Albus's past within his grasp. He had even learned of the mythical tale surrounding the Dumbledore family and the enigmatic phoenix that came within their lineage.
In stark contrast, Albus found himself standing on uncertain ground when it came to Gellert's own personal history. The enigma that shrouded Gellert's past served as a reminder of the barriers that existed between them, preventing a complete understanding of each other's journeys. It was an asymmetry that intrigued and unsettled Albus, raising questions about the depths of Gellert's experiences.
Albus didn't want to entertain the idea that he might be developing genuine feelings for this man. The mere thought of it sent a sharp pang through his mind, causing him discomfort and confusion. It was a notion he tried to dismiss, not wanting to delve deeper into the emotions stirring within him. The internal struggle was enough to make his head ache, urging him to push aside any burgeoning sentiments that threatened to disrupt the equilibrium he had carefully built.
On the 22nd of November, just as the champions were settling into their breakfast, they were abruptly summoned to a separate room. The tension in the air was palpable as they entered, finding themselves face to face with their respective headmasters, the commentator, and the judges. Professor Nacht, with a very serious expression on her face, addressed the trio collectively.
“As you may already be aware,” she began, his gaze shifting from one champion to another, “the first task is set to commence tomorrow. The moment of truth, where you will showcase your skills, bravery, and cunning in front of the entire three schools. Grindelwald, I expect good things from you - considering that you’re representing my school.”
Albus's attention went to Gellert as he searched for some consolation in the face of the uncertainty that surrounded them. Gellert's friendly smile pierced the tension as soon as their eyes locked. It was a quiet conversation filled with implicit understanding and common resolve.
Albus could not help but have a momentary sense of solace in the German’s company, as though their relationship went beyond the confines of the competition.
Celeste watched their exchange with a raised eyebrow and a sly grin. Her enjoyment appeared to allude to a deeper understanding, a consciousness of the complex emotional web entwining the other two champions. Albus didn’t understand her smugness, but Gellert seemed to.
There was always a flurry of anticipation whenever Albus entered one of the great Hogwarts carriages, marvelling at the magical enchantment that made them bigger inside than out. Despite his worn-out appearance and lack of interest for such interactions, it appeared that his very presence sparked a rush of well wishes and enthusiastic efforts at conversation from his classmates.
In the midst of this noisy population, a strong voice broke through the noise. The headmaster himself, Professor Dippet, called out for Albus as he made his way through the crowd. Thankful for the chance to get away from the never-ending line of well-wishers, Albus hurried toward the revered headmaster.
"So the first task is tomorrow morning," Professor Dippet said as soon as they entered another deserted room, his tone grave. "I just wanted to know if you're ready."
Albus took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He wasn't sure if he was ready, but he knew that he had to be. "Yes, sir," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll do my best."
"I sure do hope you will, my boy," Professor Dippet said, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and firmness as he gazed down at Albus' weary posture. “Hogwarts has to win for once.”
The smile that adorned Professor Dippet's face carried a touch of reassurance, as if to remind Albus that he wasn't alone in this daunting endeavour. It was a reminder that the headmaster believed in him, even when doubt threatened to consume his own thoughts.
Albus met Professor Dippet's gaze tiredly. "Thank you, sir," Albus replied, doubt reigning in his mind, and planning to get some early sleep.
–
Elphias rose before the sun on the morning of the first task, determined to rouse his best friend from slumber for an early practice session. He cherished their time together, for it had become a rarity in recent times.
Annoyingly, Albus seemed preoccupied, entangled in the company of loads of people desperate to talk to him and Gellert Grindelwald. Elphias couldn't comprehend the appeal, for he saw only danger in the man. Deep down, all he wanted was to protect Albus from harm.
With these thoughts weighing heavily on his mind, Elphias made his way to Albus' dormitory, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridors. Knocking gently on the door, he hoped to find his friend awake and willing to join him.
As the door creaked open, revealing Albus with sleep still clinging to his eyes, Elphias couldn't help but notice the weariness etched upon his face. Concern and affection mingled within his heart, urging him to speak his mind.
"Albus," Elphias began, stepping into the room, concern etched upon his face.
"Elphias," Albus greeted him, inviting him into the room while yawning softly. "W-What brings you here so early?"
Elphias, with a touch of urgency, guided Albus to an armchair by the crackling fire, mindful of his friend's weariness. "I wanted to get you to practise for the first task in a few hours," he explained gently, his voice laced with determination.
Albus, still rubbing his eyes in an attempt to chase away the remnants of sleep, looked up at Elphias with a mix of gratitude and confusion. "But it's so early," he mumbled, struggling to fully awaken but got up anyway, taking out his wand and started practising with Elphias for hours on end.
As the first rays of dawn began to paint the sky with hues of pink and gold, Elphias recognized the need for sustenance. "Shall we break for breakfast, Albus?" he suggested, a hint of hunger evident in his voice. Albus nodded, his stomach rumbling in agreement.
Leaving the warmth of Albus’ room behind, they made their way to Horace's room. Knocking gently on the door, they awaited a response.
"Horace," Elphias called out, his voice carrying a gentle urgency. "It's time to rise and join us for breakfast."
Moments later, the wooden door creaked open, revealing three other Slytherins that were asleep and a dishevelled Horace, his glasses askew and long brown hair tousled, wearing his nightwear. He groggily peered at his two friends, still half-asleep. "Breakfast, you say? Ah, yes, I suppose I could use some sustenance…" he yawned.
They ventured toward the Great Hall through six inches of snow, their steps echoing in the empty corridors. The scent of freshly baked pastries and steaming porridge filled the air and very few students.
Seated at their customary table, Albus, Horace, and Elphias watched as the Great Hall gradually filled with students, their voices blending into a symphony of anticipation.
As the room reached its bustling peak, the professors made their grand entrance, their authoritative presence commanding attention.
A nervous energy coursed through Albus' veins as the professors called out for the three chosen champions. With a shaky breath, he rose from his seat, bidding farewell to Horace and Elphias, who offered words of encouragement and wished him the best of luck in the upcoming task, accompanied by hundreds of people looking at him.
Gathering his resolve, Albus made his way towards the designated meeting point, his heart pounding in his chest. There, he spotted the figures of Gellert and Celeste, awaiting his arrival. They all looked at each other, nodded, and walked towards the field.
The first task was literally a trial by fire.
As the champions stepped onto the field, a wave of scorching heat washed over them. The ground beneath their feet crackled with intense flames, dancing and flickering with a mesmerising yet dangerous allure. Towering walls of fire encircled them, forming a daunting arena of blazing infernos.
Albus tensed as he heard the shuffling of a vast crowd echoing from the stadium above, barely seen through the weather. The murmurs and anticipation of thousands of spectators filled the cold air, mingling with the crackling of flames and the distant roar of excitement. It was a stark reminder of the increasing pressure resting on their shoulders, the weight of expectations and the eyes of the wizarding world fixed upon them.
They were to be called into the tent where they’re to await their turn in and to get exclusive information about the task from the headmasters, commentators, and Bulgarian ministry assistants.
The Ministry assistants, dressed in ornate robes adorned with intricate symbols, offered additional insights and strategies tailored to the specific challenges they would face. Their knowledge and expertise were invaluable, providing the champions with a glimpse into the depths of the task that awaited them. Albus noticed how two of them were eyeing him with disgusted looks.
Amidst the camaraderie and shared anticipation, the champions absorbed every word, their minds racing with possibilities and strategies.
“Mr. Dumbledore, you’re up first.” the minister said.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Albus exchanged glances with Gellert and Celeste. Gellert, his eyes gleaming with determination, placed a reassuring hand on Albus's shoulder. Celeste, her expression serene and focused, offered a small nod of encouragement.
And with that, Albus stepped into the grand arena, the colossal stadium erupting into thunderous applause. The atmosphere crackled with electric anticipation, as the crowd's cheers reverberated through Albus's very core. The magnitude of the moment filled him with a blend of exhilaration and trepidation.
Gellert fought the urge to steal glances at Albus from inside the tent. The flickering firelight cast enchanting shadows on Albus' face, accentuating his captivating features. He knows that he’s never cared deeply and passionately about anyone other than himself before this, he just couldn't help but be drawn to Albus’ ethereal beauty, as if he were a masterpiece brought to life.
The air crackled with unspoken words and unexplored emotions. Gellert's gaze wandered, caught in the mesmerising dance of flames, only to be irresistibly drawn back to Albus, who seemed to glow in the fire's warm embrace. He deliberately sat down next to Celeste. Each stolen glance at Albus deepened Gellert's admiration, his heart stirring with an unfamiliar longing.
Without knowing, the cannons blew.
And so, the first task started.
Up high where Elphias and Horace settled into their seats in the crowded stadium, and their gazes fixed on the daunting arena below. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the crowd buzzed with excitement and nervous energy. They were both anxious and proud, watching their best friend embark on the first task, knowing the danger that awaited him.
As the trumpet blared, signalling the start of the task, flames erupted, licking at the sky with fierce intensity. The heat washed over Elphias and Horace, a physical reminder of the trial Albus now faced. They clenched their fists, their hearts pounding in unison as they willed him to succeed.
The sight of Albus walking in the centre of the arena ignited a spark of admiration within Elphias and Horace and quite literally everyone else. Yet, as the fire danced and roared, they couldn't help but feel a gnawing worry deep within their souls.
Albus was the first one up.
With every daring manoeuvre, every spell cast, and every obstacle overcome, Elphias and Horace's pride swelled. They watched as Albus navigated the treacherous flames, his movements graceful yet calculated. With spells no one has ever seen before erupt in the flames, the crowd adoring and cheering Albus on. Each heartbeat in the stadium seemed to synchronise with their own, a collective prayer for his safety.
Time stretched, until finally, Albus emerged from the inferno, triumphant and unscathed, his eyes blazing with a mix of relief and exhilaration as he wielded his wand. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers echoing through the air, mingling with Elphias and Horace's heartfelt cries of joy.
They watched with bated breath as the judges conferred, their eyes trained on Albus, who stood with composure. Elphias could feel his heart pounding, anticipation and hope intertwining within him. The tension in the air was thick, and a hushed silence fell over the stadium.
The Hogwarts headmaster's disappointed and angry voice boomed through the stadium, announcing Albus' score as he glared at some of the judges.
"Twenty-nine points for Mr. Dumbledore!"
Elphias' heart sank, disbelief etched on his face. The crowd erupted into a mixture of gasps, boos, and shocked whispers. It seemed that the Beauxbatons headmaster and the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement’s scoring had elicited a strong reaction, disbelief rippling through the sea of spectators.
Elphias exchanged a bewildered glance with Horace, their eyes mirroring the shared confusion. They couldn't fathom how Albus' exceptional performance had garnered such a comparatively low score. The unfairness of it all hung in the air, a bitter taste on their tongues.
A mixture of Hufflepuffs and Slytherins seated nearby exchanged heated whispers, their voices laced with anger and disbelief. Elphias caught snippets of their conversation, their words echoing through the air.
"But Albus performed magic you could never have thought of!" a Hufflepuff exclaimed in frustration.
His attention piqued, Elphias turned toward them, listening intently. Another voice, this time a Slytherin girl, responded with equal fury. "Yeah, I know! I'd give all ten points to him if it were me," she said dreamily. She pointed downward while holding her friends’ hand. "Look! Not even an injury! It's totally unfair!"
Elphias felt a surge of gratitude toward these people who recognised Albus' exceptional skill and the unjust treatment he had received as many different whispers carried out through the whole stadium.
Cannons thundered once more, their resounding booms reverberating through the air. Elphias couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness as he watched the attention shift to Gellert Grindelwald, the blond figure who had captured the adoration of the thousands in the crowd. The sight only deepened his frustration, as he couldn't fathom why Albus held such fondness for Gellert and chose to spend time with him.
In Elphias' eyes, Gellert Grindelwald was an enigma, a bewitching presence that seemed to entrance those around him. The adoration he received from the crowd confused Elphias, for he failed to see the qualities that drew Albus to the young wizard. Gellert's charm and charisma masked a dangerous nature, one that Elphias sensed but couldn't quite put into words.
Gellert's mastery of the dark arts was undeniably impressive, captivating even Elphias with its raw power. Despite his reservations, he couldn't help but acknowledge the skill and precision displayed by Gellert during the task. The dark magic performed was both awe-inspiring and chilling, leaving a lingering sense of unease in its wake.
However, Elphias was steadfast in his conviction that admiration for Gellert's magical prowess did not equate to liking the man himself. He couldn't shake the sense of apprehension that enveloped him whenever Gellert was near.
Nevertheless, Gellert came out unscathed and was awarded thirty-nine points, announced by Professor Nacht. Ten more than Albus. An applause erupted in the stadium.
And finally, Celeste emerged from the tent accompanied by a loud cannon, her presence commanding attention and wand at the ready. Elphias couldn't help but recognise her as an exceptional individual who far surpassed the likes of Grindelwald. As she emerged from the raging flames, he noticed a lone, minuscule scratch on her arm, evidence of the fierce battle she had endured. It would surely affect her score, Elphias thought.
Despite the minor injury, Celeste was awarded an impressive thirty-six points for her performance. It was a well-deserved recognition of her skill, strategy, and unwavering commitment to the task at hand. In a surprising twist, it was Albus who received the lowest score, despite his performance.
Whispers filled the air at this realisation, and eyes turned towards the Bulgarian and French judges, their expressions revealing a clear fury.
The atmosphere in the stadium became tense as the crowd recognized the apparent bias of the judges. Murmurs of disapproval echoed, as the audience couldn't fathom how such a remarkable performance from Albus could be overlooked. It seemed as though personal animosity clouded the judgement of the German judges, casting a shadow of doubt over the fairness of the competition.
Down on the ground, Albus maintained his composure, refusing to let the unfairness affect him. He would not let this silly competition get to him after all… but the money would help his hard working mum.
As Albus collected his thoughts, he was interrupted by a slight bump to his shoulder. Turning his gaze, he found Gellert standing there, his face adorned with a smirk. "Nice performance," Gellert commented, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Albus looked back at Gellert, mustering a smile. Despite his initial inclination to retreat to his private chamber, he found himself enjoying the company of the Durmstrang champion. Ignoring the never-ending rumours surrounding Gellert from both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students and even Hogwarts, including the doubts expressed by Elphias and Horace, Albus chose to focus on the present moment.
"Your performance was nice too," Albus responded, his voice sincere, not noticing colour on his cheeks. In that fleeting exchange, he acknowledged that there was more to Gellert than the rumours and speculations.
And so that Tuesday carried on, the headmaster of Durmstrang announcing the second task to take place in the third week of February at dinner. Albus breathed a sigh of relief, momentarily grateful for the respite it offered. However, the temporary calm did little to deter the constant stream of people vying for his attention.
As soon as the task concluded, Elphias and Horace were the first to approach him, their faces filled with pride and relief. They enveloped Albus in warm embraces, expressing their unwavering support which didn’t last long as he was crowded within mere seconds. The number of well-wishers and curious onlookers multiplied, making it increasingly challenging for Albus to find a moment of peace. Even Gellert and Celeste, the other Triwizard champions, garnered their fair share of attention.
Albus soon realised that being a Triwizard champion meant surrendering any semblance of free time. His days were soon going to be consumed by training, strategising, and enduring the constant scrutiny of others. The weight of expectations and the unrelenting demands on his time left him yearning for moments of solitude.
Seeking solace, Albus would retreat to his thankfully private chambers, craving the comfort of his bed. The sound of crackling fire accompanied him as he collapsed face down on the soft and plush bed, desperate to find respite in the exhaustion that engulfed him.
He would often lose consciousness almost instantly, his tired mind offering no time for leisurely reading before bed. Sleep would claim him for a restless six hours, tossing and turning all night and leaving him with a lingering sense of weariness and lightheaded upon waking, bracing himself for the day ahead.
–
Dear Al, 24th November, 1897
I trust this letter finds you well amidst your studies at Durmstrang. How have the days there been treated you? Ari’s holding up fine, so do not worry yourself too much… you have other worries. Everyone here at Hogwarts asks about you from each house. The absence of the sixth and seventh years has left the castle feeling empty, without Quidditch captains and Head boys and girls.
The Daily Prophet this morning has been saying you got only twenty nine points yesterday… Winning this tournament and gaining one thousand Galleons to our family vault would mean the world to mum. As you may have heard from her letters written to you, she has been working tirelessly since father's passing in that wretched place.
Your brother,
Aberforth