Dictating Fate

Chapter twenty-nine

Albus placed his hands behind his back, looking over at the other as they walked together. A soft smile set on his face as they went, only dropping the look when Gellert seemed to make a turn inside the hallway instead of going to their usual spot under the tree.

"I wanted to tell you something," Gellert said, breaking the silence and making Albus stop where he was. Once he did, Gellert did the same.

"Which is?" Albus asked, slowly starting to lean on the wall.

"I just found out, in two days, my school is going to leave. I don't really have a whole lot of time with you at the moment, I just wanted to make sure you're prepared for it."

Silence followed after. By the look on Albus' face, it didn't seem to be soothing either. "...Oh. Okay. So, is this the last time I'll see you? Or?..."

"No, before we leave we'll gather in the front, along with the other school, we're leaving at the same time. Make sure to be there, I want to give you a proper goodbye," Gellert said, not noticing that his face didn't give much emotion, though he didn't think it was a big deal.

"I will, don't worry. You know, you're taking this so lightly, as if you don't care. I don't hear any sadness in your voice at all." Albus' arms were crossed now.

"It hasn't hit me yet, that's all, but I can tell you that when it does I'll feel another way. So please, don't try to argue now."

"I'm not...sorry, I didn't expect to hear this today, even though I knew I would soon. Not having you around, just pretending that nothing happened... it's hard."

"I never said it was going to be easy, and I promise that it won't be like that," Gellert answered.

"You're right, I'm sorry, again."

"You don't have to apologize. Look, I have to get going, but I'll meet with you later," and after a quick nod, Gellert walked off. Albus watched as he did so before he left in the opposite direction.

His head hung low as he walked. It felt heavy, which made it hard to look up. He made his way to the great hall, only finding out that people recently started to go to class. He looked around for a moment before making his way as well, rushing to get there on time. Lucky for him though, it wasn't too far away.

After he went in, he made his way to his seat, looking over at Ember who seemed to be getting her things out. Her head turned, looking over at Albus. She was about to say something simple, but then noticed the look on his face. "Everything okay?"

Albus looked over. "Yes, no, I...I really don't know. Gellert told me he was leaving in two days. I just wasn't ready for that, I suppose,"

"But you knew that day was coming, that's something that should have stayed in your mind, But either way, I know it's hard."

"Yes, but I'm not sure if you truly understand how it feels. The people who you like are all here and live at a good distance. Gellert will be away, far, far away."

"You've gone through all of your years without him, you'll be okay," Ember said before placing her hand on his shoulder, which made Albus glance over at her once more. She smiled a bit for added measure, in hopes her friend would smile back, though it didn't work. Even if it did, it would have been cut off by the teacher who walked in, clearing their throat to get everyone attention.

Ember took her hand off his shoulder, and Albus sat straight, not allowing a look of dread on his face anymore. In a few days, Gellert would have to leave. There was nothing he could do about that. He'll be gone, and the rest of the school year would be like he was never there. But he was, maybe not to most, but Albus will remember his commanding presence and his lingering good scent.

After a long pause, he opened his book, and after looking around he saw he was the last to do so. As he listened to the teacher, he was able to push the thought away. He could sort things out later, for now, he needed to worry about his school work.