Frost and Fire ! grindeldore

8 - endure

Elphias Doge was never one to get in the way of other people. Yes, he took immense pride in his friendship with Albus Dumbledore and sometimes couldn't help but boast about it. He has loved the ginger boy for so long now, but he never anticipated the disastrous turn of events that would unfold during the Triwizard Tournament. 

He’d never think a boy like Gellert Grindelwald would exist. 

His mind swirled with self-criticism. How could he have been so careless? He was well aware of the immense danger posed by the students of Durmstrang, especially with their proficiency in dark arts. He definitely knew that Grindelwald had been harbouring intense feelings for Albus for quite some time, but he never expected for things to go the way that it did. Everyone else knew his feelings for Albus, they also knew not to get in his way even if they also liked the champion. So why did Elphias get in his way? Why couldn’t he have just stayed away like he was asked to the first time? 

It was strikingly ironic to witness such an intimidating presence emanating from a mere fifteen year old German boy.

Elphias was not aware of the extent of Grindelwald's attraction to Albus. The young blond wizard exuded an air of possessiveness and control that Elphias had not fully comprehended until now. It was clear that Grindelwald had a manipulative streak, using his charm and wit to bend others to his will but people just don’t realise it. And unfortunately , his sights were set on Albus.

Elphias couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness as he found himself trapped in the cold and isolated room. All he could do was pray to the gods above, hoping against hope that Albus wouldn't succumb to Grindelwald's advances.

On the fortunate side of this situation, Grindelwald appeared to genuinely care for Albus, a little too much. Elphias never failed to notice during every single meal, Grindelwald was always present, just a few tables away, lurking in the shadows, his gaze fixated on Albus. Just staring .

And Elphias shivered. 

–

Right now, everything is perfect. 

Was it really?

It was an incredibly surreal experience, having a boyfriend, he felt somewhat special for the first time in his life. He had never placed such unwavering trust in anyone before his father died. 

Ever since Ariana turned mental, and his father was arrested, eventually passing away, he felt so alone. His dad used to always say how special Albus was to him, setting him apart from his younger siblings. Albus overlooked it, he regretted not spending more time with his dad.

With Gellert, his life has gotten a little better. 

Albus had been so exhausted the night before (he was with Gellert) that he ended up sleeping until 12:00. The past week had been draining, and all he wanted was to catch up on some much needed rest. Two weeks had passed since he returned to classes, and with each passing day, he grew more anxious about the upcoming second task of the Triwizard Tournament.  His thoughts drifted back to the beginning of the year, when a boy had warned him about Gellert's manipulative nature and then kissed him – that was Elphias. Merlin's beard, Elphias. The fact that Elphias had been absent for three weeks now only added to his unease, he had received no response to any of the letters he had sent. 

As he opened his eyes, the familiar sight of the dark and red dormitory greeted him. His eyes stung with tiredness as he rubbed them, but hunger also gnawed at his stomach since he believed that he had missed breakfast that morning. 

Just as he was contemplating getting up, a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Albus groaned and buried his face in the pillow, not particularly eager to entertain any visitors at the moment.