Chapter 4
Mein Liebster, Albus, 8th December, 1897
Meet me by the library before sunset, I have something to show you.
- Gellert
Albus looked at the tiny piece of parchment, the ink slightly smudged, confusion lingering in his mind as he sat at dinner with his two friends. What did Gellert want to show him?
"Hey, Albus, what's that?" Elphias suddenly asked, his weariness apparent as he glanced at the parchment Albus was holding with sceptical eyes.
Albus hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "Oh, it's just a message from a professor, asking for some information," he lied, his thoughts consumed by Gellert's enigmatic note. Excusing himself from the table, he made his way to the library, drawn by the allure of the triangle mark that Gellert had supposedly engraved into the wall. Leaning against the marked wall, he waited while reading a book, the anticipation growing within him.
"So, you were this eager to meet me, huh, Al?" a voice called out from his right. Albus turned his head, and there stood Gellert, draped in his Durmstrang fur cape and robes, a knowing smile gracing his face.
Albus's heart skipped a beat, a mix of apprehension and curiosity coursing through him. "What did you want to show me, Gellert?" he asked, his voice laced with enthusiasm.
Gellert closed the book in Albus’ hand with deliberate care, his eyes locking with Albus's in a moment of undeniable connection as he used a vanishing charm on it. "Patience, mein Liebe," he responded with a smirk.
Albus's eyes widened in surprise as Gellert's hands enveloped his own, pulling him gently but playfully from the confines of the castle and into the blizzard. Curiosity mingled with anticipation as he allowed himself to be led outside, stepping into a world transformed by a blanket of pristine snow. Flakes danced in the air, swirling in intricate patterns, casting a magical ambiance over the expansive Durmstrang grounds.
As they ventured further, Albus couldn't help but release a breathless gasp, his breath visible in the chilly air. The wintry landscape stretched out before them, seemingly endless in its beauty. The pristine white canvas invited them to partake in its enchantment, and with a mischievous glint in his eyes, Gellert tugged Albus forward, their footsteps leaving behind imprints in the snow.
They ran, their laughter mingling with the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet, creating a symphony of joy. Albus felt a warmth spread through him, not just from the exhilaration of the moment, but from the undeniable connection he shared with Gellert. It was as if the wintry wonderland had become their own secret haven, a place where they could be themselves without the prying eyes of others.
Gellert twirled Albus in a playful dance, their movements graceful and carefree. The falling snowflakes adorned their hair and clothes, creating a picturesque scene of friendship and shared delight. With each passing moment, Albus's worries and the weight of his recent experiences melted away, replaced by a newfound sense of freedom and happiness.
Albus never really danced with someone before.
They paused, catching their breath, their eyes meeting in a shared understanding. No words were necessary in that frozen moment; the unspoken bond between them spoke volumes. As they stood there, hand in hand, surrounded by the serenity of nature's embrace, Albus felt an unshakable trust in Gellert, a trust that whispered of adventures yet to come and a future waiting to unfold.
Gellert looked at Albus with the deepest admiration as he gazed out at the enchanting sunset through all of the snow. "Isn't this a magnificent view?" he remarked, his voice filled with wonder.
Albus turned to Gellert with a small smile, appreciating the peaceful moment they were sharing. "It is," he agreed, a touch of longing in his voice. "But I can't stay out here forever, Gellert, you know that... I have responsibilities to attend to, people relying on me..."
Gellert sighed, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "You worry too much. How about taking a break for once?" With determination, he got up and approached a majestic thestral nearby.
Confusion clouded Albus's face. "What are you doing, Gellert?"
Gellert's smile widened as he extended his hand towards Albus. "Let me show you the real world, Albus. Something beyond the confines of books and papers. I promise you, it's as beautiful as you are."
Albus chuckled, his hesitation melting away. He placed his still trembling hand in Gellert's, a mix of trust and anticipation coursing through him. "Have you always been such a charmer, Gel?"
Gellert pulled him to his feet, his eyes gleaming with adventure. "No, mein schatz. This is exclusively for you, only for you" he replied with a playful grin while taking Albus’ pointy hat and discarding it in the snow.
"Do you trust me, Liebster?" Gellert finally said after looking at Albus for so long, his gaze filled with a mix of intensity and vulnerability.
"What?" Albus asked, smiling softly.
Gellert's expression softened, and he repeated himself, his voice filled with earnestness. "Do you trust me?"
"Yeah," he breathed. And with that, he hesitantly reached out and intertwined his fingers with Gellert's once more, letting himself be pulled away into a whole new world.
With a shared leap of faith, Albus and Gellert mounted the thestral together, their bodies pressed close as Gellert's arms enveloped Albus in a protective embrace. The thestral's wings unfurled, and with a powerful beat, they took flight, ascending into the night sky.
Albus was awestruck as the world transformed around them. The ground fell away, replaced by a tapestry of twinkling stars and a moon that cast an ethereal glow upon the landscape below. It was a sight he had never experienced before, surpassing the descriptions he had read in books and the lessons he had attended in the Astronomy Tower.
As they soared through the night, Albus couldn't help but gaze in wonder at the vastness of the universe above. The stars seemed to stretch endlessly, painting the sky with their luminescent beauty. He felt a sense of liberation and freedom, the weight of his worries and responsibilities momentarily lifted as he surrendered himself to the enchantment of the moment.
Gellert's voice whispered into Albus's ear, the warmth of his breath tickling his skin. "Isn't it incredible, Albus?" Gellert murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and admiration. "To be here, together, witnessing the wonders of the cosmos."
Albus nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "It's breathtaking," he replied, his eyes never leaving the celestial display above. "I've read about it, studied it, but nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. It's like a dream."
Gellert's grip tightened around Albus, his embrace providing a sense of comfort amidst the vastness of the night. The thestral descended gracefully, bringing them closer to where a glistening body of icy cold water lay beneath them. Albus leaned over, his fingertips grazing the surface, feeling the chill that sent shivers down his spine. A playful smile tugged at his lips as he glanced back at Gellert.
Gellert's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he watched Albus, his heart swelling with a mixture of adoration and fascination. He reached out, his hand gently brushing against Albus's cheek.
"That was a night..." Albus chuckled softly as they gazed up at the snowy night sky, the twinkle of mirth still present in his eyes. With a gentle sigh, they settled down on the cold and soft snow, their bodies bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight. The thestral stood calmly nearby, its presence a reminder of the extraordinary journey they had just undertaken.
They remained in comfortable silence, Albus’ head resting in Gellert’s lap, their eyes locked on the snowy night above. The night air carried a sense of tranquillity, snow falling down all around them like an embrace. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, allowing them to revel in the sheer beauty of the universe and their connection to it.
Albus' sense of reality came crashing back, and he let out a sigh of conflicted emotions and stood up from the embrace. "But as beautiful as it seems to be... I can't, Gellert... we can't be together." he said, a tinge of regret lacing his words. With a heavy heart, he waved a bittersweet goodbye to Gellert and started walking towards the Hogwarts carriages.
Gellert's instincts took over, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched Albus move away. Something within him compelled him to act, to hold on to the fleeting connection they shared. Without thinking, he sprinted towards Albus, his hand reaching out to grab his arm. "Wait," he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
Albus turned around, his eyes meeting Gellert's with a mixture of surprise and anticipation. Time seemed to freeze as their gazes locked, and in that moment, all doubts and inhibitions melted away. Gellert could see his own reflection in those deep, mesmerising, blue eyes, and Merlin, his eyes were so captivating, Gellert thought, his heart fluttering in his chest. The ginger's breath hitched, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness filling the air between them.
In a heartbeat, Gellert closed the distance between them, his trembling lips meeting Albus' in a tender, passionate kiss. It was a collision of longing and desire, a culmination of unspoken words and hidden emotions. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, an exchange of promises and uncharted possibilities.
Albus's breath hitched in the intensity of the moment, his mind and body aflame with a mixture of euphoria and uncertainty. The touch of Gellert's lips against his own sent shivers down his spine, awakening a dormant longing he had tried to suppress. It was a moment of surrender, a surrender to Gellert, the undeniable connection that had blossomed between them.
Albus's initial excitement waned, replaced by a wave of regret and sorrow that crashed over him with relentless force, he pulled back from Gellert. As the reality of his choices settled upon his shoulders, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of disappointment in himself. Tears welled up in his eyes, betraying the weight of his emotions as they spilled forth.
Gellert, witnessing Albus's anguish, instinctively reached out to him. Pulling him closer, he enfolded Albus in a tender embrace. Albus buried his face into Gellert's shoulder, his body shaking with each sob that wracked his frame.
In that moment, Gellert became Albus's anchor, a steadfast presence that offered comfort and reassurance. With gentle murmurs, he whispered words of solace, his voice a soothing balm against the storm raging within Albus's heart. He tightened his arms around Albus, creating a cocoon of safety that enveloped them both, carding his hands through the auburn hair.
Time stood still as they lost themselves in the embrace, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of their shared desire. The world around them faded into insignificance, and all that mattered was the intoxicating taste of each other's lips and the electric current that surged between them.
Albus's voice trembled with regret and pulled back. "I... I can't, sorry, I just can’t do it with love right now." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Gellert's heart ached with the weight of Albus' words, but he understood the gravity of the situation. He nodded, his eyes filled with both understanding and a tinge of sadness and disappointment, some sort of anger welling up in him.
They stood there, their fingers gently intertwined, each silently acknowledging the complexities of their situation. It was a moment that would forever be etched in their souls, a stolen fragment of time where their hearts dared to intertwine.
With a final, lingering gaze, Albus tore himself away from Gellert's touch once again, taking a step back towards the waiting carriages. Their eyes remained locked, silently conveying a multitude of emotions—love, desire, and the painful recognition. “Sleep well… Gellert.”
Albus turned and walked away, leaving Gellert standing there in the snow, a whirlwind of emotions raging within him—longing, determination, and a burning desire to possess Albus's heart. Gellert sighed, a mix of frustration and amusement, as he pulled his fur cape closer to him, relishing in the knowledge that he held a significant place in Albus's affections.
His lips curled into a smirk, knowing Albus would be his soon, and with a whisper carried by the wind, he spoke the words, "Ich liebe dich."
–
With the second task looming over the school in about two months, the last week before Christmas break came and Albus had a real surprise in his morning Transfiguration class on Tuesday while Elphias was talking nonstop to him. Professor Lyubenov, the stern Durmstrang Transfiguration professor, suddenly silenced the chatter in the class with a commanding presence.
Albus firmly quieted Elphias and focused his attention on the professor, sensing that something important was about to be announced. “Talk later.”
"I must remind you all about the Yule Ball next week on Christmas day!" Professor Lyubenov declared, and instantly, all eyes turned to the back of the class where Albus was sitting. Albus let out a tired sigh, hoping to spend his break at home with his siblings, but it seemed he would have to postpone those plans until the Easter break. "Please dress fashionably," the professor continued, emphasising the importance of the event.
As the bell rang, signalling the end of the class, Albus was unexpectedly held back by Professor Lyubenov.
The professor's serious gaze met Albus', and he spoke with a tone that carried a hint of annoyance. "Mister Dumbledore, as you are a champion – I think someone might have to be the one to tell you this, in case you didn't know. You need a dance partner. It's mandatory for champions."
Albus's eyes widened in disbelief at a dance partner. "I... I have to go to this ball, sir?"
"Yes.”
–
The rumours spread like wildfire throughout the schools, igniting whispers and giggles in every corridor. The announcement of the Yule Ball unleashed a frenzy of discussions and debates among the students, particularly when it came to choosing their dance partners. But it was the three champions—Gellert, Celeste, and Albus—who became the centre of attention and speculation.
Wherever they went, they were under constant scrutiny and watchful eyes. Albus, in particular, found himself bombarded with invitations and requests for dates, receiving over thirty proposals within the first day of the news spreading.
The other two champions were not far behind, although not as inundated as Albus. Nevertheless, all three champions declined every single invitation that came their way, maybe hoping for specific people to go with them.
A couple of very pretty Veela girls from Beauxbatons had tried to use their powers to seduce Albus to make him ask them to be his partner for the ball but it didn’t work on him, he blocked his mind from any magic getting to him. He was way too preoccupied with his studies and practising on learning spells for the next task.
Even so, the Veelas were angry at him for refusing their invite. He had to run as fast as he could that day.
He feels as if he’d mastered every single spell that’s on any magical book ever written. He reads day and night, whether it be a potions book, charms book, he masters them all on the first read.
there was a persistent distraction that plagued Albus's thoughts—Gellert. Ever since their unexpected kiss, Albus found his mind inexplicably drawn to the blond. The mere thought of Gellert made him blush, and he couldn't bring himself to confide in Elphias or Horace about the incident. The fear of their reactions made him feel uneasy.
Night after night, Albus would lie in bed, gazing at the ceiling, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts about Gellert and their kiss. The turmoil within him intensified, as he grappled with the complexities of love. What was love anyway? Why did it have to be so complicated and overwhelming? Albus despised the powerful grip it had on his emotions, desperately wishing to rid himself of its influence. His mind resembled a blizzard, swirling with conflicting thoughts, unsure which path to follow.
Love had entered Albus's life, uninvited and disruptive, leaving him questioning his own desires and the nature of his feelings.
–
By the end of the week, Albus found himself inundated with a seemingly never-ending stream of invitations to the Yule Ball. Countless students approached him, each hopeful and eager, asking if he would accompany them to the much-anticipated event. The relentless parade of requests left him feeling increasingly dizzy and disoriented, struggling to find the right words to politely decline each offer. With each rejection, he could sense the disappointment and hurt in the eyes of those who had mustered up the courage to ask him.
As he mustered the strength to decline yet another invitation, Albus noticed the head of the Wolverine house, Professor Ivankov, nearby who collected people’s names on a scroll to go back to their homes for the break.
The stern gaze directed his way sent a shiver down his spine. Albus couldn't help but feel a pang of unease as the professor's piercing eyes bore into him, seemingly filled with disapproval that Albus would even think of returning back home. To his surprise, Professor Ivankov abruptly turned away and walked past him, heading instead towards a group of students from Hufflepuff and Beauxbatons.
Elphias's hurried approach caught Albus off guard, and he turned to face his friend with a sigh. "Elphias?"
"I need to talk to you!" Elphias exclaimed, gasping for breath. "Who would have thought I'd find you here? Come on, we need to find a private place."
Albus allowed himself to be pulled along by Elphias, doing his best to ignore the resentful gazes directed at his friend. They entered an empty classroom, and as soon as they were inside, Elphias turned to face him, swiftly waving his wand to close the door. Albus could sense the urgency in his voice.
"Albus, I should have told you this sooner, but I was too afraid..." Elphias began, his voice trembling.
Albus gulped, his heart pounding as he braced himself for Elphias's words. As Elphias began to speak in a rushed and frantic manner, Albus's apprehension grew. "Grindelwald... he threatened me," Elphias blurted out. Albus’s eyes widened. "About a week ago, I approached him in a dark corridor, but I swear it wasn’t intentional! You know how this school specialises in dark arts? Well, he warned me to stay away from you, or else... And now he's spreading rumours about me! Albus, you should stay away from him!"
Albus sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing upon him. "But-" he began, only to be swiftly interrupted by Elphias.
"But what? Are you waiting for him to manipulate you or something? Please, just listen, Albus - he's dangerous. The whole lot of these Durmstrang students are dangerous!" Elphias pleaded, his voice filled with concern and frustration.
"No, you've got it all wrong," Albus protested, his disbelief evident. His mind wandered to the memory of that kiss, clouding his judgement. He didn't know what to believe anymore, as everyone seemed to have entangled his thoughts in a web of drama.
Elphias glared at him, his eyes filled with disappointment. "You would defend a lying douchebag like him over your best friend?" he questioned sharply.
"No, it's not like that!" Albus exclaimed, desperate to make Elphias understand. But the words caught in his throat as he struggled to articulate his conflicting emotions and thoughts.
"I see how it is, you like him better!" Elphias exclaimed, his voice filled with hurt and frustration. "No, I can't wait any longer for you to finally open up your eyes!"
Before Albus could respond, Elphias grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, their bodies now inches apart. In a surprising and impulsive move, Elphias leaned in and kissed him passionately.
Did he like it? Albus's mind raced with confusion and uncertainty as Elphias's lips pressed against his own. He didn't know what to do in this unexpected situation. The sensation of the kiss stirred a mix of emotions within him, and his mind flashed back to his previous kiss with Gellert.
This was his second kiss, but everything felt so different now, it felt less pleasant than before. It felt forced.
Albus remained motionless, his thoughts in disarray, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected intimacy unfolding before him.
He pulled back from his... best friend - or was he something more now? Albus's mind spun with confusion and conflicting emotions.
"I..." he stammered, unable to find the right words.
Elphias's smirk only added to his bewilderment. "Don't tell me you didn't like it!" Elphias exclaimed with a hint of confidence.
Albus's eyes widened, caught off guard by the accusation. "I... I don't know," he managed to reply, his voice wavering. "I... this is my second kiss..."
Elphias's smirk of confidence quickly faded into a look of concern. "He... he kissed you?!" Elphias's voice held a tinge of hurt, his eyes searching Albus's face for answers.
Albus backed away from Elphias, his heart racing with confusion and a mix of emotions. His instincts kicked in, and he instinctively reached for the door knob behind him. With a rush of relief, he managed to escape from the tense situation, sprinting through the halls, leaving Elphias behind. The gazes of onlookers followed him as he ran, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama.
He didn’t know what to believe in anymore.
As Albus's breath started to calm, he collided with someone, stumbling and dropping to the ground. The person he bumped into was Gellert, coincidentally. Teary-eyed and disoriented, Albus found solace in Gellert's presence. A small crowd began to gather, but they respectfully gave the two boys space.
"Merlin, Albus!” Concern etched on his face, Gellert helped Albus to his feet and asked, “What's the matter?"
Albus locked eyes with Gellert, tears streaming down his face. He pulled away from Gellert's hand, his voice barely above a whisper. "He... He kissed me," Albus managed to say, his voice trembling with a mixture of vulnerability and disbelief. "Gellert, Elphias kissed me!"
Gellert's eyes narrowed with a mixture of anger and concern as he processed Albus's words. "He what?" he repeated, his voice measured and filled with darkness. Albus struggled to catch his breath, his emotions overwhelming him.
Without hesitation, Gellert moved forward, enfolding Albus in a comforting embrace. He gently guided Albus, leading him away from the prying eyes and whispers. They walked in silence until they reached Gellert's deserted dormitory, a space where they could find privacy.
Inside the room, Gellert sat Albus down on the edge of his bed, his gaze filled with genuine care. "Take your time, Albus," he said softly. "You're safe here. You can tell me everything, and I'll listen."
Albus looked up at Gellert, his tear-streaked face a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude. He took a shaky breath and began to recount the tumultuous events, finding comfort in Gellert's presence and the reassurance that he was not alone.
As Gellert listened to Albus's words, a simmering anger began to build within him. Elphias had dared to make a move on Albus, to try and take him away. Gellert's grip around Albus tightened, his protective instincts flaring up without his conscious realisation.
In that moment, Gellert's embrace conveyed not only comfort but also a subtle sense of possessiveness. His actions spoke volumes, silently declaring that Albus belonged with him, and he would not allow anyone to harm or take him away. Albus didn’t even realise. His anger towards Elphias intensified, fueled by the love he had for Albus.
As Albus cried into Gellert's shoulder, seeking comfort, Gellert's heart ached for him. Seeing him in this vulnerable state only fueled his determination. Last time he talked to the ginger, he said that he couldn’t do it with love at the moment. What if…
Once Albus had calmed down, they remained seated on the bed, the air thick with unspoken words and emotions. Gellert's hand gently ran through Albus' hair, his touch offering a sense of reassurance and tenderness.Breaking the silence, he mustered the courage to ask the question that had been weighing on his mind for days, the reason why he had rejected all those girls.
"To settle things down," Gellert began, his voice filled with a mix of sincerity and longing. "What if I were to take you to the Yule Ball?"
Albus's eyes widened in surprise, his tears still glistening on his cheeks. He straightened his posture, searching Gellert's gaze for any hint of uncertainty. "You? Accompany me to the ball?"
Gellert's smile widened, his mismatched eyes shining with affection and determination. He just knew that Albus would say yes to him. "I know you haven't found a partner yet, and I thought... Perhaps you could do me the honour."
Albus's face lit up with joy, his voice filled with genuine excitement. "Yes! Gellert, I would love to go with you!"
–
The very next morning, Albus woke up with a pounding headache, the remnants of his restless night. Despite the discomfort, he knew he had to carry on with his day. He donned his black robes, adjusted his pointy hat, and grabbed his book from the table to put it in his bag, preparing himself to face the blizzard outside.
As he made his way through the snow-covered grounds, memories of the kiss he shared with Gellert a week ago resurfaced, warming his cheeks with a blush that he fought to conceal despite the cold. With a mix of anticipation and nervousness, he hurriedly entered the castle, seeking solace from the biting cold.
Inside the Great Hall, the early morning hour ensured that only a handful of students had braved the weather and made their way to breakfast. Albus found himself among the first arrivals, taking his seat at the table he usually occupied, his book in hand.
Twenty minutes later, Horace joined him, placing his hat and bag on the seat beside him. He glanced outside, a bemused expression on his face. "Merlin, that blizzard seems never-ending, doesn't it?"
Albus nodded, setting his book aside and stifling a yawn. "Yes, it seems to have worsened since last week."
Though Albus tried to focus on the conversation, his mind often wandered, consumed by thoughts of the upcoming Yule Ball and his growing affection for Gellert. As Horace mentioned Elphias's absence, Albus's eyes widened, momentarily distracted from his inner turmoil.
"Where's El? He usually gets up before I do," Horace queried, filling his plate with a variety of breakfast foods.
Albus's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation. Trying to sound nonchalant and masking any traces of guilt or worry, he replied, "Oh, he might be taking a bath or something. You know how he enjoys his morning routines."
Horace nodded, accepting the explanation without much thought. As Albus picked at his own breakfast, his thoughts drifted back to Gellert, his presence casting a spell over Albus's every waking moment.
Elphias finally showed up and sat down next to Albus, their interaction slightly awkward. Albus inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that Elphias didn't mention the kiss or show any signs of discord. They engaged in conversation, attempting to restore a sense of normalcy, just like any other day.
But the atmosphere grew tense when Horace playfully brought up the Yule Ball, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. Albus's heart skipped a beat, realising he couldn't avoid the question any longer.
"So, Albus. Got a date for the ball yet?" Horace inquired, clearly eager for some juicy information.
Albus felt his palms grow sweaty as he tried to find the right words. He glanced at Elphias briefly, their eyes meeting for an uncomfortable moment. "Yeah, I actually do," he finally managed to say, his voice wavering slightly.
Horace's eyes widened with curiosity, leaning in closer. "Ooooh, who is it? Come on, spill!"
Albus hesitated, feeling the weight of Elphias's gaze upon him. "It's a secret," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of unease and fake playfulness.
Elphias clicked his tongue audibly, his frustration starting to seep through. "Yeah, Albus. Tell us," he urged, a touch of anger edging his tone.
Albus glanced between Horace and Elphias, his mind racing. He realised he had inadvertently placed himself in a difficult position. “It’s a secret!”
Elphias's brows furrowed, a mixture of disappointment and frustration evident in his expression. He opened his mouth to say something but hesitated, seemingly caught between his own emotions.
Horace leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "Alright, alright, keep your secrets," he said playfully, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his eyes.
–
Later on, Albus and Elphias were walking through the corridors, making their way to their next class, History of Magic. The tension between them from earlier seemed to have dissipated, and Elphias had returned to his usual nonstop chatter, filling the air with his animated voice.
As they walked, Gellert, who happened to pass by them, gazed at Albus, and a mischievous wink accompanied by a sly smile passed between them. Albus's cheeks flushed, and he quickly averted his eyes, hoping that Elphias hadn't noticed his reaction.
Elphias continued his lively conversation, unaware of the brief exchange between Albus and Gellert. Albus did his best to appear engaged, nodding and adding the occasional comment, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake off the tingling sensation that Gellert's wink had stirred within him.
Once they entered the History of Magic classroom, Albus and Elphias found seats towards the back of the class. The professor, a lively and passionate individual, began the lesson with great enthusiasm. However, Albus couldn't help but notice the occasional glances and whispers from his classmates.
Word had already spread about the events of the previous day, and it seemed that everyone in the three schools knew what had transpired within just a few hours. The news travelled swiftly, thanks to the ever-active rumour mill that seemed to surround Albus wherever he went.
Beside him, Elphias seemed oblivious to the attention, engrossed in taking notes and eagerly participating in class discussions. Albus admired his friend's ability to remain unfazed even with the kiss, but taking notes was highly unlike him.
–
Dear Aberforth. 18th December, 1897
Brother, being a champion requires my attendance at the Yule Ball, where it is mandatory to have a dance partner. I have been approached by numerous individuals, but I have only just secured a partner. I also don’t know what has gotten into Elphias lately.
Sorry for the late notice, I trust that you will have a wonderful Christmas with Ariana and mum. Please let them know about this as soon as possible, I don't have much time over here.
-Albus