Frost and Fire ! grindeldore

6 - a night of enchantment

Dear Aberforth Dumbledore, 22nd December, 1897

I wasn't acting weird around your brother, I mean - I was, but I don't know, okay?

You see, there's a student at Durmstrang named Gellert Grindelwald. He has a reputation for being the most dangerous student in this wretched place, and unfortunately, he has developed strong feelings for Albus just like everyone else has. It seems that Albus, against all odds, has reciprocated those feelings. Gellert shared a kiss with him before I did, and now we find ourselves in an incredibly awkward situation.

I never intended for things to unfold in this manner. It is difficult for me to put into words the weight of my own feelings and the confusion that accompanies them.

-Elphias

Aberforth, overcome by frustration and anger, crumpled the letter from Elphias in his hand. He couldn't bear the thought of his brother being caught in the tangled web of emotions involving a dark wizard. With a scoff of disbelief, he made a rash decision and threw the letter into the fireplace, watching as the flames consumed the parchment.

A wave of anger washed over Aberforth as he contemplated the situation. He couldn't fathom why so many individuals seemed to be drawn to Albus, including Elphias.

All he wants is to protect Albus and Ariana.

-

On Christmas morning, Albus awoke to a magical sight. His chamber was filled with an abundance of presents, stacks on stacks of beautifully wrapped gifts, adorned in brown parchment paper, scattered on the floor beside his bed. The room was alive with anticipation, Albus couldn't help but feel a rush of childlike excitement coursing through his veins as he eagerly began unwrapping each present, savouring the joy and wonder of the holiday season.

It seemed that boys and girls from all three participating schools had persistently sought his attention throughout the year. Unbeknownst to Albus, his popularity soared, but he remained oblivious to the depth of affection directed towards him. As he unwrapped each gift, he discovered tiny notes adorned with names of individuals he swore he had never encountered before.

Nonchalantly, Albus shrugged off the mystery surrounding the unfamiliar names, focusing instead on the abundance of gifts that surrounded him.

Among the hundreds of gifts was a gleaming, latest model broomstick gifted by a Beauxbatons student, a thoughtful gesture despite Albus's less-than-stellar Quidditch skills. He delighted in a collection of chocolate frogs and various sweets from numerous well-wishers. Gellert surprised him with a dusty old book titled Tales of Beedle the Bard, it looked ancient steeped in wizarding folklore, Albus might have to ask him about it. Elphias presented him with a flute that had the ability to make Albus's nose go runny if he played it poorly. Horace had gifted cosy blankets, perfect for winter nights. Aberforth and Ariana presented Albus with a carefully wrapped mirror along with an attached note. Intriguingly, they also managed to sneak him a stack of books from the restricted section of the Hogwarts library. Lastly, his mother had sent him a delightful assortment of Hogsmeade sweets, a sweet reminder of home.

Albus finally stood up and looked around his room. The sun's gentle rays streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the familiar surroundings. He let out a sigh of mixed anticipation and weariness as his gaze settled on the armchair, where his blue and white dress robes lay draped.

The robes, carefully chosen for the occasion later that day, shimmered softly in the light. Albus couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness, knowing the weight of expectations that rested upon him. It was an important event, one that he couldn't escape from.