Of Monsters and Men- Tom Riddle x OC

29

"Ani."

Animo paused on her stroll through one of Hogwarts's lesser-known portrait galleries. She supposed that as there were paintings jeering at passerby all over the school, students had little desire to further subject themselves to judgement.

Gesturing for her to accompany him, Albus began to delve down the red carpet, which appeared as though it hadn't been dusted in centuries. Animo left behind a soft trial of footprints that she was certain would fill quickly.

"A strange choice to linger on the Sunday before winter exams," Albus raised a thin eyebrow and Animo once again had to remind herself that he did not yet wear his golden spectacles. "Many of your classmates are wasting away in the library."

Animo snorted as she recalled Lyall's and Dominic's plan for the day, which was solely to practice Quidditch. After all, as Lyall had put, "what I didn't bother to learn the last four months, I'm not going to suffer to learn now."

She paused outside one of the stained-glass windows that bordered the edge of the room, watching as the knight upon its surface stooped into a low bow. His helmet bobbed with the effort, but his movements were majestic and smooth.

"Much better than Sir Luckless," Albus mused, observing as Animo returned a brief curtsey. "He wouldn't stop bellowing about my socks yesterday," tilting his chin, he fixed her with a twinkling gaze, "apparently I am an insult to 'all masculine dignity.'"

Eyeing the hem of his robes, Animo could only imagine what vibrant texture or color his socks were today. Ever since Gellert had gifted Albus a pair of lacy long johns as a joke, the professor never dropped his enthusiasm for socks. "Well, you're quite the style icon in the future, Al." She felt a deep longing for the Albus that raised her, who had never seemed to falter at the greatest of challenges. Animo braided back her hair into a thick plait. Still, was not as though she could fault him. The Albus of today was a man with a broken heart. It was through trials that one's character was born.

Their moment of silence stretched into several and Animo realized that Albus was giving her time to direct the conversation. Not that he wouldn't eventually bring up what was troubling him, of course.

"I used to come here," Animo trailed her fingers over the chilled glass, dispersing the stains of color until they could see out over the top of the Forbidden Forest. The carpet of green was ominous even from the castle's height, the ever-present fog rendering anything but the topmost branches invisible. "Talked to the portraits when you were away." She nodded towards the ivory frame on their right, housing a snoring woman with flushed cheeks. "Miss Wizemot was a rather entertaining companion."

Albus hummed in thought, although Animo could read the guilt that rested over his shoulders. "I do believe she has a counterpart frame in the Headmaster's Office." He craned his neck, a soft smile lifting the apples of his cheeks. "I daresay she told you some less public information."

"I had to get it from somewhere!" Animo retorted, defending herself half-heartedly. "You've always been a secretive blighter."

The teasing accusation sobered Albus significantly and the man blew a long sigh through his nose, clasping his hands behind his back. "Ani, I believe I owe you an explanation. You'll have to pardon my past behavior," he rubbed the top of his thinning head. "I did not make it clear why I cannot face your brother."

The mention of Gellert's name was still too painful for Albus to use. Animo shifted closer, resting a comforting hand on his arm while she waited. Her years around powerful wizards had taught Animo the importance of silence. Press too hard, and a prideful man would flare in defense.

"When Gellert and I met—" Albus broke off with a dry chuckle, one that sounded more hollow than mirthful. "I'm afraid I forget you were there too, Ani. It was a bit of a whirlwind and I am used to having been alone in those memories for many years."