Work Text:
08/06/1945
He had done it…
He had defeated Grindelwald, he had defeated the man who he once loved more than life, he had defeated his star.
He should’ve felt happy, it was a joyful day. The war was over. But all Albus felt was empty. Like a light inside him was put out.
The world went cold as he was met with the sight of Aurors taking Grindelwald into custody. Albus knew what the outcome of the man’s trial would be. With the number of deaths Grindelwald was responsible for, there was only one suitable punishment for his crimes. Yet Albus clung to the small sliver of hope that was left inside him that it wouldn’t turn out that way.
He was quickly met with another sight. Cameras. Flashes blinded Albus as he quickly tried to escape the paparazzi’s hungry eyes.
“Albus!” A voice from the crowd called out.
That voice, Albus knew that voice.
“Elphias!” Albus yelled, “Elphias where are you!?”
“To your left!”
Immediately, Albus dashed into the crowd until he came upon the sight of Elphias, a shorter man with a stocky build.
Elphias didn’t look happy, nor did he look sad. He looked relieved.
“Elphias…” Albus muttered.
“It’s over, Albus. You did it.”
The reality finally hit Albus. The numbness he had felt earlier was now replaced with overwhelming emotion.
Albus’s knees gave out, and Elphias had to catch him.
The two wizards sank to the ground, Elphias still holding onto Albus.
It was too much. Albus had just lost his star. The thing that had once lit up his dark sky was gone.
He was sobbing at this point. Elphias rubbed his back and told him it would be okay.
But it wouldn’t be okay.
08/26/1945
Albus stood in the corner of the execution hall…
His hands were shaking. Grindelwald was being executed, and it was his fault.
The trial had gone as expected, with Grindelwald being sentenced to death via killing curse. The same curse that his sister had fallen to was now being used to kill his lover as well.
Grindelwald was in the center of the all now. Awaiting his fate.
About an hour beforehand, Albus had gone to visit Gellert.
Albus walked into the prison cell that the ministry was holding Grindelwald in.
“Grindelwald,” Albus said, looking down at his feet
“Dumbledore,” Grindelwald responded, “how’s the weather outside?”
“It’s fine I guess, a bit cloudy but not that cold out.”
Grindelwald— no— Gellert nodded thoughtfully.
The two were silent for a few moments before Albus spoke again, “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Gellert asked.
“I’m the reason you’re in here.”
Albus lifted his head up and the two locked eyes.
Gellert patted the ground next to him, inviting Albus over to come sit beside him.
Albus reluctantly obliged and sat down next to his former lover.
“Albus…” Gellert said softly, “You once told me I am like the stars in the night sky. If that is the case, I will not die. Of course, you will not be able to see me. But there will be traces of me left behind.”
Gellert reached out to hold Albus’s hand. Albus made no move to stop him.
And the two just sat there in silence, until Albus had to leave.
Now, standing there in the execution hall, watching the minister put a blindfold over Gellert’s eyes, and seeing the executioner raise their wand. Albus had to look away. So no one would see the tears welling up in his eyes.