Until I Found You

|6|

It was night when Albus opened his crystal blue eyes. At first he was a little confused when he realised that he was not alone in his bed. But then he remembered Gellert and felt his breath on his face. The outline of his friend became sharper and he saw his beautiful smile adorning his lips. Gently, Albus brushed a blond strand from Gellert's face. His skin was as soft and smooth as he had never touched one before.

He didn't want to wake him up, however, he didn't want to sleep any longer either. Who knows when he would get another chance to see him from this position? But before he could think about it, Gellert's blue eyes opened and immediately Albus had the feeling that he no longer knew where he was or what he was up to.

On an impulse, he took Gellert's head with his left hand and kissed it gently. Immediately he smiled and stroked Albus's cheek.

"Albus?" Gellert asked in a brittle voice, having not spoken for a long time. "Yes?" "I have to say I've had things like this before, but...but never has it felt as good as it does with you," and a sweet smile spread across his face. "And I feel like there's something between us" Gellert continued. "Have you ever heard of the Deathly Hallows?" Asked Gellert "Yes" hesitated Albus, being a little confused about the question. "Yes from the tale of the three brothers isn't it? What about it?"

"I'm onto something and I've been looking for a like-minded person for a very long time. Someone like you Albus." Putting extra emphasis on the last word. "So far I haven't found anyone as smart as I am, someone who is on the same level as me. But you Albus, you are different. You are special. I think we are destined for each other. I haven't seen you do magic yet, but-" he reached for Albus' hand "I'm sure these fingers can handle a wand properly" and he gently kissed the back of Albus' hand.

"What exactly are you going to do?" asked Albus confused. "I'm pretty sure the Hallows exist. The Elder Wand, the cloak that truly makes invisible and the stone that is believed to bring back the dead. According to a legend, the three brothers are the Peverell siblings. And if that is true, then I know where we can find the wand."

Albus had never really thought about it that way. He'd heard of that theory too, though he'd never really considered the Hallows extensively until now. It was said that whoever was in possession of all three pieces would be able to become the Lord of Death. Albus feared death, as probably all other witches and wizards in this world did. They can control magic, but even that did not give them infinite life. At least not by the right path.

"Why do you want to be in possession of the sanctuaries? Why do you want to be the master of death? I mean I'm scared of death too, but is it worth it to you?" Questioned Albus somewhat sheepishly, for he certainly didn't want to offend Gellert.

"It's not death. I'm not afraid of death, haven't been for a long time. I'm much more interested in the power." After those words, Albus looked puzzled, if not even frightened. "My dear, I want to be master of this power to do good. We could create a world where it is possible for us wizards to live freely. A life with the muggles, a life of freedom. This constant hiding. Just look what this hiding has done to your sister Ariana." Albus shrugged. He didn't ask how Gellert knew about Ariana. Presumably Bethilda had told him about her, but that didn't matter to him. Gellert was right, what had this secrecy agreement done to Ariana? She would never have had to hide, Percival would never have gone to prison because of those muggles. He looked up at Gellert and nodded in agreement.

The latter looked deep into Albus' blue eyes and brushed a strand of hair from his beautiful innocent face. Gellert came closer to him and whispered "I knew you would understand me." And kissed him gently on the forehead. Despite Albus being the happiest person at that moment, lying there on his lover's chest, a thousand questions popped into his head.

"How do you plan to leave? When do you wanna go? Do you have a plan?" They just gushed out of him. "Shh take it easy," Gellert smiled amusedly. "We'll look for the wand first-" but Albus interrupted him "The Elder Wand? Why directly this shrine?" "It is the most conspicuous relic. It is said that Antioch Paverell was the first owner of the wand. He is said to have lost the staff to Egbert the Monstrous. Every now and then, the wand has caused a stir in history, so that its trail can be traced. The other objects like the stone have been lost from sight. Besides, I think the staff can be of use when we go in search of the other shrines."

"Yes that makes sense" nodded Albus "And when do you plan to leave?"

"Preferably as soon as possible. Tomorrow evening would be a good time in my opinion." At these words Albus swallowed. He hadn't expected to leave his family this soon. His shock must have been written all over his face because Gellert said "If that's too soon for you we can wait. It's just that...I've been sitting on the hallows all my life, I studied them when I was still a student at Durmstrang. You could almost call it my philosophy of life and now I finally have the opportunity to fulfil it and I can't wait. But of course it's hard for you, with such a nice family I wouldn't leave overnight either."

Even though Gellert certainly hadn't meant it that way, Albus felt responsible. The man in front of him had waited his whole life for this moment and Albus was the last reason why he hadn't been up and gone yet. He had seen how excited he had been talking about it, he could see the passion in Gellert's eyes. And now he was going to stop him. No he couldn't do that. "No Gellert, we'll go tomorrow night. We'll meet at the village centre and set off from there. How exactly I don't know, but we will go I promise you" and now it was up to Albus to kiss Gellert and he enjoyed it more than ever. Now they had a common journey, a common destination.