The old lovers meet again, and both know that they are still in love, although neither wants to accept it.

Nothing against Mads' Grindelwald, it's just me in love with the duo between Jude and Johnny since 2018. And yes, I still feel cheated and disappointed after WB forced Johnny to resign.

Albus closed his eyes for a moment as Vinda spoke softly to him, offering reassurance that she knew he needed sometimes. He had long ago come to realise that he could be more vulnerable for her, that he didn't need to wear the same mask that he felt as so often wore for others. "You're too kind to me sometimes Vinda." Albus offered her an affectionate smile, knowing she would likely gently admonish him again for his self depreciation. They both knew that he never thought of best as good enough, something he knew Vinda and Gellert would gently admonish him for. He often felt as though somehow he was letting someone or entire groups of people down. The way he did something, the way he didn't do something. In his heart, he knew he couldn't be everywhere at once. He knew he couldn't be all things to all people. But that didn't stop him from trying. "But I know that I have you and Gellert with me and I know everything you offer and bring into my life." He couldn't imagine his life without both of them now. Vinda had been a constant for such a long time and while they had been distant with one another, they had become extremely close - much to Gellerts delight too. "I'm incredibly thankful for you both."

Albus felt the slight heat creep into his cheeks and Vindas gentle admonishment. Both Vinda and Gellert always called him out for his tendency to be self-depreciating. He was often barely conscious he was even doing it until one of them spoke up. It was something he knew he needed to work on but sometimes it was difficult when his own self loathing twisted so deeply within his gut that he felt like he was chocking on it. He was about to try and push aside her concern, turn his words into a feigned joke or two. But before he could Vinda had suddenly moved across to him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. He smiled softly at that, appreciating her gentle affection. "I...I know." It was something Gellert often reminded him about and Vinda now did so in Gellerts absence. He appreciated it, even though he also felt like he was letting them down each time he would slip up. But sometimes the self hatred became so loud in his own mind, the words tumbled out of their own accord. "I'll try. I can't help it sometimes." It was a quite confession

🕯 - @regretismyconstantcompanion

send me 🕯️to hear my character's inner thoughts about your character. (Still accepting)

@regretismyconstantcompanion

“Eight more minutes.” 

Tom looks up to catch Professor Dumbledore's eyes. Tom’s mind pulled from his thoughts on the test. Albus turned, carrying on his march up and down the deskline. Checking over the shoulders of those taking their N.E.W.T.S.

Here Tom was at a crossroads.

The Right path was to leave here and make a name for himself. Linger a little in London if need be. Learn what he couldn’t at Hogwarts. Perhaps put to the test his skills, hone them. Then off to the wilder world.

The Left hand path seems to inclined Albus. That would likely mean falling in line with his groupies. Fighting off Albus’ attempt to mold him into his own image. Or one that fancy Albus the most. He did that with everyone around him. Tom would be no different. Always jostling for his time and attention.

Tom crushed his quill steam between his fingers.

No, he was no follower. That and he didn’t care to share.

“Professor Dumbledore offered for me to visit Nurmengard castle!” Avery announced to the Slytherin common room.

Tom gritted his molars, “Why?”

Seeing nothing special about Avery. In fact he was midway between passable in grades and magic. However the other thought differently.

Avery jab his thumb into his chest, “Said it would be good for my resume. Since I plan like my family has to join the Ministry.”

Of course Albus was still a teacher to more than just himself. These feelings were getting questionable, dangerous even. 

“Well done.” Tom said,

Watching Albus step up onto the platform leaning his lower back against the desk. Checking his pocket watch. His lips silently counting down.

No.

Deciding there and then Tom couldn’t just be another follower. He never was one.. He would need to make his own name. It would have to be on his own merits. The easy way was through Albus, hardly impressive.

But where did that leave his favorite activity?

“Time!”

Chair legs drag along the stone as bodies get up. Gathering their stuff and queue to hand in their future. Tom lingering back. Putting away his stuff slowly, being the last to hand in.

Already knowing the path he would take. Not yet sure how he would do it.

Albus was dangerous. Attachments were as well. If Tom fancy this union he would have to come in as an equal. 

Tom got up to the front and held out his booklet. 

“Well done.” Albus said,

For the brief moments their fingers touched. Tom’s thumb caressed the other's dry knuckle before releasing his test.

“Professor.” And turned away.

Lesser evil Tom Babus for @metalomagnetic (i think i fixed it now xD)

Cause reading it runs made me crave babus 🤷🏻‍♀️

Naturally, Horace was disappointed. The fool really thought Tom was simply going to stay in Hogsmeade or climb the ranks of the Ministry under his watchful eye. But Albus had known Tom had never been destined for the Ministry. He was headed on for a better and brighter future that didn't include the corruption that rotted away at their highest level of government. He couldn't say he blamed Tom for wanting to leave. The boy had never shown any real interest in becoming a Professor and besides, that couldn't happen so quickly after graduation. Albus himself had been the youngest ever Professor at Hogwarts and he hadn't started teaching here until he was 25. He turned to face him, watching him closely. He saw the smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Was he not happy with his choice of where to begin after graduation? Burkes was a good place to start, especially if one had interest in the darker arts as he knew Tom did. He understood that Tom wanted to make his own way out in the world, even he if knew he had assisted the boy is getting that start. "Oh? I taught you that did I?" His hand slipped from his shoulder before he used it to steady himself against the railing of the gazebo. It was still raining heavily as he took another sip of his fire whiskey, wishing suddenly that he had brought another one out here. "How so?"

@regretismyconstantcompanion Albus smiled as he watched Tom dart toward the gazebo. They hadn't had much time to talk this evening. He had ensured Tom recieved an invitation to the party. A fancy soirée, filled with the who was who of the Wizarding World. Tom had recieved an invitation, as the best and brightest Hogwarts currently had to offer. He needed the chance to be seen and make connections and Dumbledore had the contacts to ensure that happened. "Hardly, your grades do not need discussing. They're exemplary." He was above and beyond every single one of his classmates by leaps and bounds. He didn't need to discuss anything where school work was concerned. "Professor Dumbledore? So formal." He teased. When they were in front of an audience, formalities needed to be maintained. But they were alone now. He him a sip from his glass of fire whiskey when he noticed he didn't have a drink in hand." Are you having a pleasant evening Tom?"

"Mmm." 

Tom sucked in his lower lip. Knowing this had nothing to do with grades.

The click of ice hit the side of Albus glass. It made a bell sound. Nearly muted by the rain.

Oh the party!

"Well we are in a formal setting. Even with all the amount of pretension among them." Tom said, "It was getting infectious."

The smell of Fire Whiskey came mostly from Albus glass and not his lips. He was sober enough to hear this. Still Tom scans the area. Finding none of the other party guests were near. But there were others who had been following Tom. Those who seemed interested in the teacher pet relationship.

"I'm glad we have a moment. I liked you to be the first to know the good news." Tom smiled, one without teeth.

“I have a position ready for me come summer. Mr. Bruke letter came yesterday.”

"Nice characters are boring" to YOU. I love characters who no matter what, will always have genuine love for humanity in their heart. Characters who dance and laugh and sing with sincerity. Characters who believe in others, and are willing to extend a helping hand to people when no one gave them the same luxury. Characters who have gone through so much but believe, no matter what, that humanity and life is something beautiful and worth protecting

Albus felt the slight heat creep into his cheeks and Vindas gentle admonishment. Both Vinda and Gellert always called him out for his tendency to be self-depreciating. He was often barely conscious he was even doing it until one of them spoke up. It was something he knew he needed to work on but sometimes it was difficult when his own self loathing twisted so deeply within his gut that he felt like he was chocking on it. He was about to try and push aside her concern, turn his words into a feigned joke or two. But before he could Vinda had suddenly moved across to him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. He smiled softly at that, appreciating her gentle affection. "I...I know." It was something Gellert often reminded him about and Vinda now did so in Gellerts absence. He appreciated it, even though he also felt like he was letting them down each time he would slip up. But sometimes the self hatred became so loud in his own mind, the words tumbled out of their own accord. "I'll try. I can't help it sometimes." It was a quite confession

"I'm certain Gellert thinks I'm quite mad at times." Albus chuckled softly. He knew that his husband love and adored him but he wasn't so sure he always agreed with his optimism. He understood Gellert and Vinda and why they were as cynical as they were. But he refused to only see the bad in the world because he had seen so much of the good in people too. He needed to cling some hope and optimism at times, despite the world they were surrounded by. He smiled warmly at her words, hearing her sincerity. "Thank you Vinda. It's not always easy, to remain hopeful and seek the good in people." He had known so much evil. So much corruption. The Ministries were full of it. There were magical and non magical alike that performed the most wicked of atrocities. Perhaps there wasn't good in everyone but he couldn't afford to think everyone was bad because of some. He had made that mistake once, when he had held prejudice against all Muggles for the actions of two. He had been young then and he didn't want to be that person anymore.

Grindeldore XD who is surprised ? 🤣

Lately I m really on a journey to improve my art skills, and for those who are on the same journey, you already know that when you starts digging, you realize the vast expanse of your incompetence xD you think you have so,e understanding of humanman faces but when you try to draw old men, infant or even a different angle and BAM you are lost xD so demoralizing isn’t it?

Albus chuckled softly. He wasn't surprised that he looked wide eyed and startled. How many people came face to face with their future self? This other Albus was decades older and it was somehow fascinating and horrifying at the same time. He had so many questions but he couldn't ask them. Even if he was going to forget this time, time travel wasn't something to be toyed with. Too much could go wrong. Dumbledore smiled as Harrys light teasing of his younger self. He could hardly blame him for looking startled, given the circumstances. He looked back at Harry with a soft smile. "I'm certainly we will still speak but yes, if sometime is playing on your mind then now might be the best time for us to speak."

Albus was hunched over his desk, glasses on as he worked on his Deluminator. He had almost perfected it, although there were still a few more glitches to be worked out. He was quite proud of this invention and confident that he would one day get it fully operational. Gellert was told him so many months earlier, apparently he'd had a vision of it working in the future! He'd seen a young red headed boy using it and beside him was a darker hair boy with glasses and lightening bolt scar of all things! Gellerts visions always did fascinate him and this latest one was certainly remarkable. Who were these boys and what exactly where they doing with his invention? Perhaps in the future he would go on to sell it, although that had certainly never been his intention. He had briefly wondered if perhaps the two boys were his sons, although he knew that was highly unlikely. "Dumbledore." Albus looked up sharply at the voice, looking around the room that was empty. He frowned slightly. "Hello?" He called out. It was the summer holidays at Hogwarts and very few students or faculty had remained behind. He hadn't been expecting visitors and besides, that voice was unfamiliar. "Dumbledore!" Albus stood this time, looking around the room with the Deluminator in hand. Just then it suddenly lit up itself and he paused as the voice called to him again. Wait, was someone trying to call him... through the Deluminator? He gasped softly, thinking of Gellerts vision. The boys! The red head and lightening scar! What if they were in trouble? What if they were experimenting in the future? He felt almost a tug toward it, and then there was a bright light and then... he was falling. It was similar to apparating but not quite. It felt longer, more our of his control as he turned an swirled and his stomach churned. There was another bright flash of light and then suddenly he was dropped sharply onto the ground and only just managed to catch himself before he fell. He groaned slightly, his stomach protesting and he feared he may be sick as his head swam. @dumbledoresthroughndthrough

Albus didn't mind these parties, when he was in the right head space for them. They were pretentious. Often a ridiculous display of wealth that Albus felt sickened by at times. He had grown up in a family where they sometimes couldn't really afford to put food on the table, especially once his father had been sent to Azkaban. He was comfortable now but he had never forgotten where he had come from. "True, true, Although I wouldn't like to think the relationship between us is all that formal." There was an element of formality certainly, their Professor and Student roles still lingering for a few months before Tom graduated. It had been playing on his mind lately, wondering just what the boy intended to do. He doubted he was going to simply remain in Hogsmeade. The boy had a bright future, even brighter now that Albus was introducing him to all the right people. But he still felt something twist in his gut at the thought of Tom leaving him behind. He looked up as Tom announced that he had news. His grip tightened on his glass, loosening only when the boy said he wanted him to be the first to know. The news itself however conflicting feelings that he tried his best to hide. "Congratulations Tom. That's wonderful news. I've been singing your praises to him for sometime so I'm not surprised he snapped you up." Albus offered him a warm smile and he reached out to give his shoulder a gentle squeeze. He could only offer so much physical touch, painfully aware there could be eyes on them in his distance. "So you'll be moving to London right after graduation." The thing in Albus' gut twisted sharply at the thought of Tom packing his trunk and leaving.

@regretismyconstantcompanion Albus smiled as he watched Tom dart toward the gazebo. They hadn't had much time to talk this evening. He had ensured Tom recieved an invitation to the party. A fancy soirée, filled with the who was who of the Wizarding World. Tom had recieved an invitation, as the best and brightest Hogwarts currently had to offer. He needed the chance to be seen and make connections and Dumbledore had the contacts to ensure that happened. "Hardly, your grades do not need discussing. They're exemplary." He was above and beyond every single one of his classmates by leaps and bounds. He didn't need to discuss anything where school work was concerned. "Professor Dumbledore? So formal." He teased. When they were in front of an audience, formalities needed to be maintained. But they were alone now. He him a sip from his glass of fire whiskey when he noticed he didn't have a drink in hand." Are you having a pleasant evening Tom?"

"Mmm." 

Tom sucked in his lower lip. Knowing this had nothing to do with grades.

The click of ice hit the side of Albus glass. It made a bell sound. Nearly muted by the rain.

Oh the party!

"Well we are in a formal setting. Even with all the amount of pretension among them." Tom said, "It was getting infectious."

The smell of Fire Whiskey came mostly from Albus glass and not his lips. He was sober enough to hear this. Still Tom scans the area. Finding none of the other party guests were near. But there were others who had been following Tom. Those who seemed interested in the teacher pet relationship.

"I'm glad we have a moment. I liked you to be the first to know the good news." Tom smiled, one without teeth.

“I have a position ready for me come summer. Mr. Bruke letter came yesterday.”

Albus smiled as he watched Tom dart toward the gazebo. They hadn't had much time to talk this evening. He had ensured Tom recieved an invitation to the party. A fancy soirée, filled with the who was who of the Wizarding World. Tom had recieved an invitation, as the best and brightest Hogwarts currently had to offer. He needed the chance to be seen and make connections and Dumbledore had the contacts to ensure that happened.

"Hardly, your grades do not need discussing. They're exemplary." He was above and beyond every single one of his classmates by leaps and bounds. He didn't need to discuss anything where school work was concerned.

"Professor Dumbledore? So formal." He teased. When they were in front of an audience, formalities needed to be maintained. But they were alone now. He him a sip from his glass of fire whiskey when he noticed he didn't have a drink in hand." Are you having a pleasant evening Tom?"

022 - @regretismyconstantcompanion

022: A gazebo while it is raining :: Set the scene Meme (accpeting)

@regretismyconstantcompanion

Tom rushes to the safety of the marble Gazebo. Pulling the soak hood back from his head. Unlike the other students Tom was more careful of the damp. Old habits die hard, like the weaker children from damp.

Tom taps his wand to the crown of his head, drying himself.

Finding that he was not alone.

“Professor Dumbledore.” Tom said with a respectful nod, “Awful time to be enjoying the grounds.”

He glanced around the world. Through the blur of rain that distorted the grounds of Hogwarts. Finding they were indeed alone. Enough for Tom to drop the act.

“Poor time for a private chat. I doubt this has to do with my grades.”

Tom shook the draft from his robe.

"I'm certain Gellert thinks I'm quite mad at times." Albus chuckled softly. He knew that his husband love and adored him but he wasn't so sure he always agreed with his optimism. He understood Gellert and Vinda and why they were as cynical as they were. But he refused to only see the bad in the world because he had seen so much of the good in people too. He needed to cling some hope and optimism at times, despite the world they were surrounded by. He smiled warmly at her words, hearing her sincerity. "Thank you Vinda. It's not always easy, to remain hopeful and seek the good in people." He had known so much evil. So much corruption. The Ministries were full of it. There were magical and non magical alike that performed the most wicked of atrocities. Perhaps there wasn't good in everyone but he couldn't afford to think everyone was bad because of some. He had made that mistake once, when he had held prejudice against all Muggles for the actions of two. He had been young then and he didn't want to be that person anymore.

"I must maintain some optimism in these dark times. Especially around you and Gellert." Albus teased her lightly with a warm smile and a wink as he turned his attention to pour them some fresh wine. A third glass remained empty, awaiting Gellerts arrival. Not that he also couldn't be incredibly manipulative when it suited him, for he had recruited many a witch and wizard and sought to further their loyalty toward the cause, as well as himself and Gellert and now Vinda too. Abernathy. Queenie Goldstein. Percival Graves. They were each cogs in the wheels of their movement. Replaceable, certainly but useful. He and Gellert were powerful but it took more than mere magical prowess to make their revolution a success. They needed supporters and they were collecting them in significant numbers now.

Dumbledore looked up from where he was sitting in his chair, as though he had been waiting for Harry. "I was wondering when you were going to return to say goodbye, although I will still pop into my portrait at the school so you will continue to see me." He paused, eyes falling onto the younger Albus. Merlin, had he ever been that young? "Hello there." Albus knew he was staring. He'd seen the portrait before but there was something still so strange about seeing one self like that. "Hello." He nodded to him slightly, knowing he was staring at the portrait all wide eyed. He still couldn't quite believe any of this was happening.

Albus was hunched over his desk, glasses on as he worked on his Deluminator. He had almost perfected it, although there were still a few more glitches to be worked out. He was quite proud of this invention and confident that he would one day get it fully operational. Gellert was told him so many months earlier, apparently he'd had a vision of it working in the future! He'd seen a young red headed boy using it and beside him was a darker hair boy with glasses and lightening bolt scar of all things! Gellerts visions always did fascinate him and this latest one was certainly remarkable. Who were these boys and what exactly where they doing with his invention? Perhaps in the future he would go on to sell it, although that had certainly never been his intention. He had briefly wondered if perhaps the two boys were his sons, although he knew that was highly unlikely. "Dumbledore." Albus looked up sharply at the voice, looking around the room that was empty. He frowned slightly. "Hello?" He called out. It was the summer holidays at Hogwarts and very few students or faculty had remained behind. He hadn't been expecting visitors and besides, that voice was unfamiliar. "Dumbledore!" Albus stood this time, looking around the room with the Deluminator in hand. Just then it suddenly lit up itself and he paused as the voice called to him again. Wait, was someone trying to call him... through the Deluminator? He gasped softly, thinking of Gellerts vision. The boys! The red head and lightening scar! What if they were in trouble? What if they were experimenting in the future? He felt almost a tug toward it, and then there was a bright light and then... he was falling. It was similar to apparating but not quite. It felt longer, more our of his control as he turned an swirled and his stomach churned. There was another bright flash of light and then suddenly he was dropped sharply onto the ground and only just managed to catch himself before he fell. He groaned slightly, his stomach protesting and he feared he may be sick as his head swam. @dumbledoresthroughndthrough

Albus allowed Harry to take his hand and tug him down the hallway and up the stairs to his study. He took a deep breath, feeling some lingering doubt in the back of his mind. But how could he deny Harry this, when he seemed to need it? "Yes, I'm ready. Are you?" He didn't know exactly Harry needed to tell his future self but no matter what it was, he knew he would stand by his side as he said it.

Albus was hunched over his desk, glasses on as he worked on his Deluminator. He had almost perfected it, although there were still a few more glitches to be worked out. He was quite proud of this invention and confident that he would one day get it fully operational. Gellert was told him so many months earlier, apparently he'd had a vision of it working in the future! He'd seen a young red headed boy using it and beside him was a darker hair boy with glasses and lightening bolt scar of all things! Gellerts visions always did fascinate him and this latest one was certainly remarkable. Who were these boys and what exactly where they doing with his invention? Perhaps in the future he would go on to sell it, although that had certainly never been his intention. He had briefly wondered if perhaps the two boys were his sons, although he knew that was highly unlikely. "Dumbledore." Albus looked up sharply at the voice, looking around the room that was empty. He frowned slightly. "Hello?" He called out. It was the summer holidays at Hogwarts and very few students or faculty had remained behind. He hadn't been expecting visitors and besides, that voice was unfamiliar. "Dumbledore!" Albus stood this time, looking around the room with the Deluminator in hand. Just then it suddenly lit up itself and he paused as the voice called to him again. Wait, was someone trying to call him... through the Deluminator? He gasped softly, thinking of Gellerts vision. The boys! The red head and lightening scar! What if they were in trouble? What if they were experimenting in the future? He felt almost a tug toward it, and then there was a bright light and then... he was falling. It was similar to apparating but not quite. It felt longer, more our of his control as he turned an swirled and his stomach churned. There was another bright flash of light and then suddenly he was dropped sharply onto the ground and only just managed to catch himself before he fell. He groaned slightly, his stomach protesting and he feared he may be sick as his head swam. @dumbledoresthroughndthrough

"I must maintain some optimism in these dark times. Especially around you and Gellert." Albus teased her lightly with a warm smile and a wink as he turned his attention to pour them some fresh wine. A third glass remained empty, awaiting Gellerts arrival. Not that he also couldn't be incredibly manipulative when it suited him, for he had recruited many a witch and wizard and sought to further their loyalty toward the cause, as well as himself and Gellert and now Vinda too. Abernathy. Queenie Goldstein. Percival Graves. They were each cogs in the wheels of their movement. Replaceable, certainly but useful. He and Gellert were powerful but it took more than mere magical prowess to make their revolution a success. They needed supporters and they were collecting them in significant numbers now.

Christmas at Schloss Nurmengard

@regretismyconstantcompanion, continued from here: X

"Only that I fear there might be too much food that I won't be able to eat it all." Albus assured her with a soft chuckle. Vinda knew he had a sweet tooth and she ha certainly gone about spoiling him this holiday season with all kinds of delicious food. They'd already had a gathering of followers within the castle but now had retreated for a more private celebration. "As for Abernathy, I'm certain Gellert might petrify the man himself if he doesn't let him leave. He knows we're waiting on him and he was trying to get away from him when we slipped away."

“I’m pleased to hear that,” said Vinda, but Albus’ next words made her arch her brows. “Ever the optimist, I see. My prediction is that he’ll seize the opportunity to further nurture Abernathy’s dedication to the cause – and to him. I am loath to admit that I would have done the same.” Gellert had been the one to warn her not to succumb to the same vulnerable sentiments inspired by dates of subjective significance. And following his example, Vinda had soon begun to prey on that very weakness in others.

For that reason, she had spent the majority of the official festivities with the American Legilimens.

Having steeled her resolve, she announced, “If he doesn’t return within the next ten minutes, I’ll take over from him.”

Albus was surprised that Harry had somehow seen beyond the carefully placed mask he felt he always wore. Was he slipping? Or perhaps Harry knew him even better then he could have imagined. Only one person had ever known him so well back in his own time and.... well he didn't want to think about him right now. "Yes, I'm sure. I have my reservations but even I cannot deny that I would like to truly see my future self." He offered him a warm smile. "Shall we?"

Albus was hunched over his desk, glasses on as he worked on his Deluminator. He had almost perfected it, although there were still a few more glitches to be worked out. He was quite proud of this invention and confident that he would one day get it fully operational. Gellert was told him so many months earlier, apparently he'd had a vision of it working in the future! He'd seen a young red headed boy using it and beside him was a darker hair boy with glasses and lightening bolt scar of all things! Gellerts visions always did fascinate him and this latest one was certainly remarkable. Who were these boys and what exactly where they doing with his invention? Perhaps in the future he would go on to sell it, although that had certainly never been his intention. He had briefly wondered if perhaps the two boys were his sons, although he knew that was highly unlikely. "Dumbledore." Albus looked up sharply at the voice, looking around the room that was empty. He frowned slightly. "Hello?" He called out. It was the summer holidays at Hogwarts and very few students or faculty had remained behind. He hadn't been expecting visitors and besides, that voice was unfamiliar. "Dumbledore!" Albus stood this time, looking around the room with the Deluminator in hand. Just then it suddenly lit up itself and he paused as the voice called to him again. Wait, was someone trying to call him... through the Deluminator? He gasped softly, thinking of Gellerts vision. The boys! The red head and lightening scar! What if they were in trouble? What if they were experimenting in the future? He felt almost a tug toward it, and then there was a bright light and then... he was falling. It was similar to apparating but not quite. It felt longer, more our of his control as he turned an swirled and his stomach churned. There was another bright flash of light and then suddenly he was dropped sharply onto the ground and only just managed to catch himself before he fell. He groaned slightly, his stomach protesting and he feared he may be sick as his head swam. @dumbledoresthroughndthrough

(From cursed-and-chosen:)

“Si-Sir?” Harry stammered out, blushing to the tips of his ears as he glanced at the mistletoe above their heads and once more at this younger, devastatingly attractive version of his former headmaster. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you. I’ll- um, I’ll just be on my way.” And he ducked his head, ready to run off and hide for the next few months. This was so much worse than when he had spat Pumpkin juice on himself in front of Cho.

@cursed-and-chosen Albus found himself already reaching for Harry to prevent him from pulling away so quickly. He found it quite endearing, how flushed the boy became almost immediately as embarrassment clearly took over. "There is no need to apologise Harry, nor rush off." He was holding his upper arms, drawing him closer as he gazed down at him. Such a pretty thing he was. It was a wonder he could ever take his eyes off him. One hand released his upper arm and rested upon Harrys chin to tilt his face upward so he could see him. Was he blushing at bumping into him or perhaps the mistletoe that hung over their heads. Perhaps he they had been given this opportunity. "Merry Christmas Harry." Albus' tone was soft before he leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss against his lips.