Chapter 3
Albus awoke on that fateful Wednesday morning, a sense of unease permeating every fibre of his being. The room spun around him as he attempted to rise from his bed, feeling an overwhelming dizziness that eclipsed even the discomfort of his persistent nausea. His pointy hat and dishevelled black Hogwarts robes lay scattered on the floor, remnants of the previous night's weariness. Even his wand, usually carefully placed on the bedside table, had found itself unceremoniously discarded amidst the chaos.
With trembling hands and a heavy heart, Albus struggled to regain his composure. His limbs felt unnervingly numb, unresponsive to his desperate pleas for control. Tear-filled eyes met his reflection in the mirror, his usually tidy auburn hair now a complete mess, sweat clinging on his face, a visage filled with both confusion and concern. The weight of uncertainty bore down upon him, the haunting question persisting—could this be the telltale sign of the dragon pox that his best friend had endured? Did he do too much with his wand yesterday at the task?
He collapsed onto the cold wooden floor.
As he lay there, overwhelmed by a mix of fear and vulnerability, Albus contemplated his next steps. Should he seek immediate help from the school healer or hastily send an owl to his mother, who used to nurse him back to health as a schoolboy? The options felt both close and frustratingly out of reach as his body weakened, unable to support even the simplest of movements.
Albus's trembling hand closed around his wand, a lifeline in his time of distress. Summoning all his willpower, he managed to pull himself up from the disarrayed floor, using the sturdy table that had served as a platform for his studies as support, accidentally knocking over a pile of letters that had sat on the desk. With a determined yet unsteady gait, he reached out to grasp the quill and ink, settling into the chair with a heavy sigh. Perhaps, just perhaps, he was overreacting.
The weight of exhaustion settled upon Albus as he sat at his desk, his body and mind drained of energy. The mere thought of engaging in his usual studies felt like an impossible task, and the thought about it only made his head hurt. It pained him to admit that this would be the first time in ages that he would miss a class, breaking his streak of perfect attendance. Glancing at the hand-me-down watch from his father that adorned his wrist, its hands pointing to a mere eight past six, he realised that time was slipping away, the minutes ticking relentlessly onward, giving him less and less time to decide.
As Albus stared at the watch, a mix of frustration and resignation washed over him. He knew deep down that his physical and mental state necessitated rest and recuperation. To push forward in his weakened state would only result in further setbacks. He got back up a couple of minutes later, trembling, and went back to sleep, only to be bothered again in hours to come.
–
Elphias and Horace entered the bustling Great Hall, their gazes scanning the room in search of the familiar sight of their friend engrossed in his book. To their surprise, Albus was nowhere to be found. A pang of concern tugged at Elphias' heart as he exchanged a worried glance with Horace.
Shrugging off their initial unease, assuming that they’re just overreacting. They took their seats at their usual table, attempting to quell the growing worries in their minds. Perhaps Albus simply wasn't feeling hungry that morning, they reasoned. However, as the breakfast session progressed, the absence of their friend continued to weigh heavily upon them.
Throughout the day, Elphias and Horace attended their morning classes, which was Potions and Herbology with a mixture of Beauxbatons students with Hogwarts students. They couldn't help but notice Albus's absence in either of them. The worry deepened with each passing hour.
In the corridors between classes, a hushed whisper filled the air, and Elphias couldn't help but notice that it revolved around Albus's name. Even students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, attention suddenly towards Elphias, approached him with questions, their curiosity piqued by Albus's sudden absence.
"Elphias... Do you know what happened to Albus by any chance?" a pretty Durmstrang blonde girl asked, her eyes searching his face for any hint of information.
Elphias shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. I have no idea," he replied, his confusion evident at the sudden attention. Before he could continue, the girl lost interest and walked away, joining her friends. They cast hostile glances in Elphias's direction, as though he had committed some grave offence.
Horace, standing beside Elphias, let out a weary sigh. "Don't worry about them, El," he reassured his friend. "They're just looking for answers on their precious Albus and perhaps blaming someone else for his absence makes them feel better. We'll figure out what's happening with him."
Elphias nodded decisively, his determination shining in his eyes. "I'm going to his dormitory during this free period to see what's up," he declared, his voice resolute.
With a shared understanding, Elphias and Horace parted ways as Horace headed off to his class, leaving Elphias to go outside in the snow towards the Hogwarts carriages. As he made his way towards Albus's dormitory, his mind raced with questions and concerns.
–
Gellert continued his stroll through the castle, his steps measured and deliberate. He noticed the urgent whispers and rampant rumours that seemed to permeate every corner of the school. It didn't take long for him to realise the cause behind the commotion—Albus.
A wry smile played on Gellert's lips as he scoffed at the notion of others vying for Albus's affection, as if he'd ever give them his attention. In his eyes, none of them stood a chance, for he believed that his connection with Albus ran deeper than anyone could comprehend. The thought of thousands of others attempting to pursue Albus bothered him greatly.
Word had spread that Albus, who had never missed a class before, had secluded himself in his room all day. Gellert's gaze hardened as he turned yet another corner, catching snippets of conversations filled with blushes and infatuation directed towards Albus, asking each other what if they'd go to his chambers and see him. Did these people have any respect?
As his footsteps carried him forward, Gellert's thoughts shifted to Albus’ best friend – Elphias Doge, a presence that seemed to cling to Albus at every opportunity. Gellert's eyes narrowed whenever the person in question was rushing right past him, who didn’t even seem to notice Gellert there.
Gellert did not care if they'd been friends for a long time. Soon he would destroy that friendship. Doge’s apparent affection for Albus did not sit well at all with Gellert, it was easily noticable. It was as if Doge dared to challenge his claim on Albus, and it piqued both his interest and annoyance.
Observing their interactions, Gellert couldn't deny the subtle glares exchanged between himself and Doge. It fascinated him to see the depth of Doge's attachment to Albus, even if the ginger remained blissfully oblivious to the feelings swirling around him, focusing fully on his studies. However, the thought of Doge being with Albus ignited a spark of possessiveness within Gellert. He couldn't bear the idea of someone else claiming the one and only boy who had become the centre of his universe.
In the depths of his mind, Gellert toyed with the notion of taking action. His thoughts churned with a mixture of intrigue, jealousy, and determination. While Albus remained unaware of the emotional web being woven around him, Gellert harboured an undeniable desire to influence the course of Doge’s connection with Albus and gain his affection once more.
–
"Albus? Open up!" The urgent voice of Elphias penetrated the haze of Albus's weary mind, accompanied by a relentless pounding on his door. Startled, Albus's swollen eyes shot open, his heart racing. He fumbled for his wand, his trembling hands clutching onto its familiar wooden grip. With a deep breath to steady himself, he aimed his wand at the door with shaking hands, whispering the incantation.
"Alohomora."
The sound of the lock clicking echoed through the room as the door swung open, revealing Elphias standing there, worry etched across his face. Without a word, Elphias hurried to Albus's side, a steadying presence in the midst of the young wizard's turmoil.
“You weren’t at your morning classes, everyone is talking about you,” As Elphias assessed Albus's condition, concern filled his eyes. "What's happened, Al? You look pale and unsteady. Are you alright?"
Albus's voice was weak, barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know, Elphias. Something's wrong. I woke up feeling incredibly sick, and I couldn't even get out of bed. I thought... I thought I might have dragon pox."
Elphias's brows furrowed in genuine concern, his own permanent dragon pox scars revealing in the dim light of the room.. "Dragon pox? Merlin's beard, are you certain? You’re sure it’s not just a fever?”
Albus nodded, his eyes brimming with a mixture of vulnerability and frustration. He curled up into a ball, seeking solace and support in the safety of his own embrace. Sniffing softly, he opened up to Elphias, his voice filled with confusion and despair. "Elphias, I don't know what to do. Yesterday, I was fine, and now... now I'm not. But I can't just miss classes. It feels impossible."
Elphias sighed, his gaze filled with concern and understanding. He shook his head disapprovingly, unable to bear witness to Albus's deteriorating state. "Albus, if you need a break, then for Merlin's sake, take one!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency. "Look at yourself. No wonder you're feeling unwell. You can barely move, and it's clear that you're pushing yourself too hard."
His words resonated within Albus, stirring a mix of emotions. A part of him recognized the truth in Elphias' words—the need for self-care and respite. Yet, the weight of expectations, both internal and external, still burdened him.
"I... I'm afraid," Albus confessed, his voice wavering. "What if I fall behind? What if I disappoint everyone?"
Elphias's expression softened, his eyes filled with compassion. He moved closer to Albus, offering a reassuring presence. "Albus, you are not defined by your ability to meet every expectation placed upon you," he said gently. "Taking care of yourself is just as important. You won't disappoint anyone by giving yourself the time and space you need."
Albus looked down, his body trembling with a mix of exhaustion and discomfort. Elphias reached out, gently pulling the blanket back to cover Albus's neck, offering a small gesture of comfort and protection.
Seeing the gravity of the situation, Elphias made a resolute decision. "I will go and fetch the Durmstrang healer," he stated firmly. "It's clear that you can't walk, and attempting to drag yourself to the hospital wing will only worsen your condition. Apparition also cannot work on school grounds."
Without waiting for a response, Elphias swiftly retrieved his wand from the table beside Albus. With a sense of urgency, he left the room, wasting no time as he hurriedly made his way to the third floor, where the Durmstrang healer resided.
As he navigated the corridors, Elphias's mind raced with worry for his friend. He was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to alleviate Albus's suffering. Every step felt heavy with purpose, as he pushed himself to move faster, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and determination.
It turns out that Albus just has a really bad fever, not dragon pox.
The days turned into weeks, and the diligent healer continued to attend to Albus's needs under the strict orders of the headmaster. The news of Albus's illness had attracted a flood of concerned students from each of the three schools, all eager to offer their support and well-wishes. However, some of the Durmstrang professors stationed at his door stood as a firm barrier, ensuring that only Elphias and Horace were granted access to Albus's dormitory, as per his own wishes.
Occasionally Gellert was permitted entry if he happened to arrive at the right time, and the right time meant that Elphias was not there.
Every time Gellert walked in when Elphias was there, a smirk would play upon his lips as he observed the way Albus's undivided attention was on him, while Elphias, unable to conceal his disdain, cast scowls in Gellert's direction, unknowingly fueling the satisfaction that was in Gellert's eyes.
Gellert, fueled by a mixture of affection and determination, took it upon himself to ensure Albus's well-being extended beyond the confines of his dormitory. Each morning, he would slip into the Great Hall before Doge, procuring a tray laden with breakfast delicacies, making sure to grab Albus’ favourites. With careful steps, he made his way back to Albus's dormitory through the constant blizzard outside, a small smile gracing his lips.
As he entered the room, the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, casting a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gellert approached Albus's bedside, his gaze filled with quiet thoughtfulness as he watched the boy before him. With gentle hands, he placed the plate within Albus's reach, ensuring every detail was catered to his preferences.
Albus ate the carefully prepared breakfast gratefully, Gellert's eyes remained fixated on him, his gaze unwavering.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Gellert engaged in conversation, his voice soft and soothing.
And so, Albus had a lot of time to write to his brother and mum these past two weeks, even though he had no energy, pouring his thoughts and experiences onto parchment helped him calm down. Though he had neat handwriting, some letters were messed up due to his neverending shaking hands.
As December approached, relief washed over the schools, signalling Albus's gradual recovery. On the fifth day of the month, he mustered the strength to return to his classes, marking the beginning of a rollercoaster ride. People around him, fueled by a mixture of genuine concern and curiosity, attempted to offer their unwanted assistance. Their watchful eyes followed his every move, ready to swoop in at the slightest sign of weakness, unwittingly suffocating Albus with their overprotectiveness.
Fatigue and frustration gnawed at Albus, wearing down his patience. He longed to break free from the constant scrutiny, to assert his independence and remind everyone that he was more than just an object of concern. The swarm of girls who fawned over him only added to his disorientation, leaving him confused as to why they gave him attention.
Lost in a sea of conflicting emotions, Albus remained blissfully oblivious to the hidden depths of affection and rivalry that surrounded him. Unaware of Elphias's unwavering presence or Gellert's desires, he struggled to make sense of the intensity of their gazes and the protective barriers they sought to erect around him, his mind preoccupied with the Triwizard Tournament, as the second task grew nearer.
He yearned for a return to normalcy where everyone only saw him as the child of a father sentenced to life in Azkaban who hated Muggles, to be seen as the introverted and quiet individual he truly was. The persistent attention and suffocating swarm of admirers only served to overwhelm him, leaving him longing for a respite from the constant scrutiny.
One Wednesday morning, while most of the castle was still slumbered, Elphias took a stroll around the school. Lost in his thoughts, he navigated the empty corridors, the soft echo of his footsteps the only sound to accompany his introspection.
Elphias turned a corner into a deserted corridor, only to be taken aback by the sight of Gellert Grindelwald casually leaning against the wall, a shadow cast across his face. The tension between them was palpable as Elphias narrowed his eyes, directing a stern glare at his unwelcome acquaintance.
"What are you doing here, Grindelwald?" Elphias questioned bitterly, his voice laced with an undercurrent of disdain.
Gellert's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Oh, nothing of consequence, Doge," he replied with an air of nonchalance, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Am I not allowed to lean against this wall, does this inconvenience you?”
Elphias sighed, feeling the weight of the encounter settle upon his weary shoulders. He briefly closed his eyes, silently urging himself to maintain composure and walk past the insufferable blond. However, his attempt at walking past Gellert was cut short when the voice, tinged with a very dark undertone, broke the silence.
"You'd do best to stay away from Albus," Grindelwald murmured, his words carrying a chilling warning.
The fury within Elphias surged, his patience wearing thin. He turned back to face Grindelwald, his eyes ablaze with indignation. "Why should I stay away? When he happens to prefer my company over yours?"
Grindelwald’s smirk widened, a trace of arrogance evident in his voice. "I'm not sure if you've noticed, Doge, but sweet Albus seems to be spending a whole lot more time with me this year than he ever has with you."
The words struck a nerve, triggering a surge of protectiveness within Elphias. He bristled at the insinuation, unable to bear Grindelwald’s claim. "I have been his best friend since our first year, before we were even sorted into houses! In case you didn't know, he will not just replace me with a dark wizard such as you!" he snapped back.
The air crackled with tension as Elphias and Gellert locked eyes, the animosity between them reaching a boiling point. Elphias felt his patience wearing thin, a flicker of anger igniting within him. He couldn't let Gellert's smugness go unchallenged.
"Yeah, and it seems like I am better than you at winning the boy's affection," Grindelwald taunted, his voice laced with a combination of superiority and mockery.
Elphias's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening with resolve. He refused to let Grindelwald's words undermine the depth of his bond with Albus. Summoning his inner strength, he met Grindelwald's gaze head-on, his voice firm and unwavering.
"This isn't about winning anyone's affection, Grindelwald," Elphias retorted, saying the damned name with the most firmness he could muster, his tone cutting through the tension like a knife as he pulled his wand out of his robes. "Albus and I share a friendship built on trust! He trusts me because I have been his loyal friend for years, you will never get his love like I do."
Grindelwald's smug expression faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of irritation. "You've always been the one clinging onto him, Doge. But mark my words, I'll show him a world beyond this one," he spat, his words resonating with an unsettling certainty.
Elphias's resolve hardened too, his gaze unwavering. "Albus doesn't need your false promises of power, Grindelwald. He is guided by a genuine desire for knowledge and a compassionate heart. I will not let you corrupt him with your twisted ideas!”
Their confrontation crackled with intensity, a clash of contrasting ideologies and personal vendettas. Elphias stood firm, a beacon of steadfastness in the face of Grindelwald's manipulative charm. The blond then said with a smirk, "Albus deserves someone better than you, and I’m one hundred percent guaranteed that I am that person."
And with that, Grindelwald straightened himself, his voice filled with a confident tone. "You may think you can change his perception of me, but in case you haven't noticed, I possess a power and adoration that surpasses anything you could ever dream of, Doge." he declared, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at Elphias one last time. With a haughty demeanour, he turned and departed from the corridor, leaving behind a trail of tension and unease.
–
Dear Aberforth, 27th November, 1897
I wanted to update you on the recent tournament task. Unfortunately, in response to your last letter, yes I only managed to secure twenty-nine points, which was quite disappointing.
It seems like the judges have some bias against me, as both Gellert and that Delacroix girl scored higher. But don't worry, I'm determined to make a comeback in the third task and win it with flying colours. I will receive a thousand Galleons, which will relieve our mother of any financial worries.
On another note, I fell ill right after the task, but thankfully it wasn't dragon pox as I initially feared. It was a relief, although the timing was unfortunate. I miss you a lot, little brother, and I can't wait for us to be together on Winter Break.
Take care and know that you're always in my thoughts.
-Albus