Gellert stared at the same stone walls, for who knows how many times. He had been locked in his own prison for almost fifty three years, he had been counting, his mind filled with memories of his youth. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to see his memories, to see Albus again.
~~~~~~~~
Laughter filled the forest, the two of them sat side by side on a high tree branch, a box of Bertie Bots Beans between them. Albus' back was against the tree, his legs dangling off the side. With every beautiful sound of laughter, his nose would scrunch up. Gellert loved it.
"I'm telling you, Gellert, it is true. Aberforth tried to pet the goat and it chased him across the field! He was so scared that he refused to leave his room for a very long while." Albus retold the story, his eyes bright with joy and his hair was a slight mess from the wind.
"So why is he intrigued by them now? If he has a fear of them, why go near them?" Gellert asked, his head tilted slightly in confusion. Albus just shrugged and ate another bean, wrinkling his nose at the sour taste of lemon.
"I have no clue, though his intrigue is slowly turning into obsession. Poor Ariana is left with Mother all day and that is quite awful. Mother is still...prickly with her after the incident." Gellert nodded along with every word, his heart beating fast watching his love talk.
"I know I should look after her, but I can't bear to face her after not being there with those muggle boys." He admitted, nudging Gellert's foot with his own. "I'd much rather be with you though." Albus shyly said, leaning forward to place a light kiss on Gellert's cheek.
"And I with you. My great-aunt is crazy, I believe...she screams at night, you know, it always startles me awake." Gellert said, resting a hand on Albus' knee as he ate one of the beans. "I am so thankful to have you Albus...I love you very much, maybe once we have our perfect world, we can be fully together?" he asked, nerves eating away at his stomach. Albus, startled to hear that, snapped his head toward Gellert, a light blush appearing on his face.
"I-I lo-" Albus was cut off by a yell, an angry, red face Aberforth was stomping towards them in the forest, a skitty, crying Ariana following.
~~~~~~~~
Gellert opened his eyes at the sound of creaking, the rusted metal door opening for the first time in many, many years. Stood in the doorway, was one Tom Riddle, snake faced and all.
"Hello, Tom." he whispered, his voice harsh and raspy from years of no use.
