When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 40

Words of War

Gellert had never seen Cassiopeia so shaken as she was when she'd arrived in his study only a few a few moments prior. In her state, she had barely managed to provide him with an abridged version of what had occurred to leave her in such a way, and unable to fully understand, he'd asked her for her memory of the event.

It had been many years since he had visited Hogsmeade.

He and Albus would frequent the village to dine and plan for the future they intended to share. Gellert would order them a bottle of wine and the hours together would vanish in what felt to be the blink of an eye.

All of that had ceased when the unfortunate incident involving Aberforth and Ariana had come to pass.

Gellert shook his head at that memory.

The friendship between him and Albus had ended that day, and it had been left to Gellert to pursue the dream they once envisioned living together.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Gellert turned his attention back to the inside of The Three Broomsticks, andthe parlour room that Cassie had met with the group that allegedly supported his efforts.

"Are you sure about this?" a bald man asked.

"Just follow my lead," Cassiopeia tutted irritably.

Cautiously they did so, and they passed through the main area of the pub and Cassiopeia waved them passed onto the cobbled streets outside without incident.

Almost immediately, they were set upon by two people, neither of whom were familiar to Gellert.

The young woman that accosted the fleeing men was using transfiguration to keep the larger group from escaping. Her wand work was impeccable and Gellert had only seen one other that used the branch of magic as efficiently as her.

Whoever this woman was, she had undoubtedly been taught by Albus.

Gellert would recognise his former friend's influence anywhere.

The man too seemingly had a preference for the difficult branch, but his style was distinctly different, yet no less effective.

Both wielded their wands with practiced ease, and though the odds were stacked heavily against them, they faced little adversity from their foes who were doing the bare minimum to engage in a duel.

Had they adopted some organised teamwork, the duo would be easily overwhelmed.

That, much to Gellert's annoyance, didn't happen.

Instead, they made fruitless attempt after fruitless attempt to escape when their goal would have been all the easier if they stood their ground.

Gellert shook his head disappointedly.

If this was the best Britain had to offer, he needn't bother mustering a great force to take it.

The country would fall with twenty of his best men if it wasn't for a certain transfiguration professor that called this place his home.