The Summer Of 1899

Chapter 2. Black Wind

Albus was standing in front of the mirror in his bathroom. Should I shave? No. Albus thought that the little stubble he had made him look more intellectual. Anyways he'll think I purposely shaved.

Why do I even need to worry so much.

Albus then went over to his wardrobe. After much pondering, he settled for a plain white shirt and a brown vest. He carefully combed his shoulder length hair and yet one rebellious strand refused to stay put. It fell over his forehead like a cascade. Albus thought of Gellert's perfectly combed backed hair. He sighed and glanced at the large wall clock. Oh Merlin I'm late!

He dashed downstairs to find Aberforth had already made breakfast and also fed Ariana. "You're late Albus. Been having pretty dreams are you?"

"I know, I know. I'm sorry", Albus apologised. Albus had always been punctual. 'Value other's time if you want them to value your time.' This was what his mother had taught him. Last night though, he had fallen into a deep sleep after a very long time and had only woken up when the late morning sunlight came pouring into his room.

"Atleast go check on Ariana, she's feeling a bit sick today. She was really angry that you didn't let her come down for breakfast yesterday.", Aberforth said gravely.

"Look Aberforth, I really need to run. I have to go over to Ms. Bagshot's or I would have stayed. Just handle Ariana this time please. I'm sorry. I love you both!" Saying this, Albus put on his shoes and left the house hurriedly.

"No you don't", Aberforth said in an undertone after Albus had left.

Bathilda's home lay just adjacent to Albus', only a brick wall separating the two. He crossed the few steps quickly and was soon at Bathilda's doorstep. Before he could knock though, the door opened and there stood Gellert. Both were caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the other.

"Oh hey!"
"Hello there!"

"I was going to come over to your place. I though you weren't coming", Gellert said, his eyes shining bright.

"Oh yeah sorry for that, I sort of overslept!"

"No worries, so should we leave, or you wanna come in and have something to eat first?"

"No I'm not hungry, let's leave", said Albus even though he hadn't had any breakfast.

And so they set off, Albus in the lead and Gellert following him. They walked along the narrow lanes of Godrics Hollow. Now and then, Albus pointed out the home of some important wizarding family, or a nosy lady with five annoying children or a creepy old bloke who hardly saw sunlight. The two laughed along, cracking jokes and criticizing the ways of adults.

Albus marvelled at how easy it was to be around Gellert. He had never had such a friendship. Yes, there was Elphais, but he hardly ever said anything and ended up agreeing to whatever Albus said. But Gellert was different. He had a mind of his own, a rather brilliant one at that, and Albus loved talking to him and getting to know him. It was like he had found his equal at last.

They reached the town square, and Gellert stopped to admire the church. Albus thought it was finally time to mention the graveyard.

"I've seen you here you know, the night before yesterday, at the graveyard."

"Yeah I know, I was wondering when you'd bring that up", Gellert said with the hint of a smile.

"Who's grave were you standing at?"

"What do you know about the Deathly Hallows, Albus?"

"Well, my mother used the read me The Tales of Beadle the Bard when I was young. The story is in there. There are three Hallows, the Elder Wand, The Resurrection Stone and The Cloak of Invisibility. Death gifted them to three brothers who had cheated Death by using magic."