Chapter 4
The two appeared in front of a niche cafe in Vienna. The cafe smelled of chocolate and various meals. The warm lights hanging above the table welcomed the wizards as they were seated.
“Möchten Sie, meine Herren, etwas zu trinken?” The server asked as they settled into their seats.
Gellert directed his attention to the server, “Einen einfachen schwarzen Kaffee für mich und Tee für ihn. Danke schön.” He answered for both of them. The server left to go retrieve drinks for the two. Gellert watched the man leave, expressionless, before he turned his attention to Albus.
Gellert opened his mouth to speak but Albus swiftly interrupted, “Why don’t you order for me? You must know what is decent here.”
Gellert nodded his head, wordlessly, and started looking through the menu, aimlessly. He’d dined here before and knew what he was going to order before he even stepped through the door. He was thinking of the previous night and attempting to ignore the urge to speak of what they agreed to leave unspoken for the time being.
“How is Hogwarts? At this time of year?” Gellert asked, deciding to deny his impulses to touch upon what he so desperately wanted to.
“Well, the holiday season starts in a few weeks so the students are getting into the spirit.” He paused, accepting the tea from the server before continuing, “As well as the preparations for the Yule Ball and end of the year exams. It’s quite busy, as I’m sure you can imagine.” Albus replied, his eyes drifting over to Gellert over his tea.
The server and Gellert exchanged words, ordering for them, before Gellert replied, with a hint of disdain in his voice, “Yes, I can imagine. This time of year does tend to make people rather energetic and fussy with the holidays.” Gellert himself had never been a fan of Yule, nor Christmas. It was never something he celebrated as a child and so he simply did not have any fond memories to look back upon.
“Well, that is because many do celebrate.” Albus said pointedly, “But not all, I suppose. No plans then?”
Gellert shook his head, “Not to do with the holidays, no.”
Albus attempted to further the conversation, “What plans do you have?”
“That isn’t something to be spoken of at the moment.” Gellert replied. Shutting down that line of conversation. The two of them fell into a steady silence as they waited for their meal. Once it arrived, they continued in silence until Gellert asked him what he thought of the food.
Only half an hour later did they leave.
Gellert looked at Albus, holding out his hand for apparition. Albus shook his head, and apparated away. Gellert sighed, slouched for a moment, and followed in suite.