The Summer Of 1899

Chapter 5: The future of magic

The next day, Albus was woken up by a strong beam of sunlight streaming in through the open window of his room. He could feel the sun burning on his eyes, but he didn't want to open them just yet. Moments from yesterday were playing over and over in his head. How him and Gellert  had poured their hearts out to each other in the bar, how in the deserted alley Gellert had written their names together on the wall, the rush of adrenaline that he felt when Gellert had asked him if he could kiss him and the euphoria of finally having been kissed by Gellert. Even though Albus had been drunk, he remembered with painful clarity how it all felt, how Gellert's lips were pressed against his, how he had ran his fingers through his hair. He could still smell Gellert's scent in the air. It was as if he was right there. 

He opened his eyes. He took some time to adjust to the blinding light but gradually took his surroundings in. He smiled to himself and slowly woke up, rubbing his eyes.  He felt a little light headed. It was probably the hangover from yesterday. He took his wand out and summoned the glass of water that was lying on his bedside table. He drained it all in one gulp. He was definitely hungover. He made a mental note of preparing himself a tonic. Just as he was about to get up and bathe, he saw an owl tapping at the window. He looked at the clock. It was 11 in the morning. He was late. Once again. The owl delivering the Daily Prophet must have already gone. So whose owl was this?

He opened the window and let the owl in. It was a snowy owl, pristine white. He took the letter from it's beak and read:

Dear Al,

You were the first thought in my head this morning. My brain seems to love constantly thinking about you. Lord, what have you done to me!

Meet me at my doorstep in an hour, I have something to show you. Of course that is, if Ariana doesn't need you. 

Bring some juice if you can.

Love, G

Albus read the note over twice. Can't stop thinking about you. He found himself blushing at the thought of Gellert thinking about their night yesterday. He quickly got dressed and went downstairs. He went to check on Ariana first. 

"Morning sweetheart. How are you doing today", Albus asked.

"I'm good", said Ariana with a tired and sad smile. "I'm reading this book mom used to read me. She never finished it." The color seemed to drain out of Ariana's face as she completed the sentence. 

"Hey, how about I read it to you. Will that be okay?", Albus asked. That would mean he had to postpone meeting Gellert. But he remembered the promise he had made last night. His family was his treasure. Gellert would understand, he thought to himself. 

"Are you sure Albus?" Ariana asked gingerly. "Absolutely", Albus responded with a genuine smile "Just let me go and have a quick breakfast. I'll see you in a minute."

But instead of going to the kitchen, he ran back up to his room. He found an empty piece of parchment and a quill and sat on his desk to write.

Dear Gellert,

I have been thinking about you too. It's not what I did but what you did to me. I am so sorry I won't be able to make it. Ariana is acting a little bit strange. I'm gonna stay with her for a while to make sure she's okay. Hope you'll understand.