*A Day Later, in the Fortified Basement of the Dumbledore House*
"Are you sure about this?" Albus asked, concern etched on his face.
"Yes," Ariana replied firmly.
Gellert took a deep breath, ready to outline their plan. "We'll proceed as follows: don't be afraid. I've seen it—this will work. You'll transform and try to move these vases without breaking them. Don't worry about us; we can protect you. We'll wrap this up in about five minutes. If it becomes overwhelming, just let us know, and we'll let you out into the house."
Ariana stared at the vase for a long moment, her hands waving in an attempt to initiate the transformation. When nothing happened, frustration began to settle in. But then, it happened; her hair transformed into smoke, wreaking havoc throughout the basement. The boys quickly shielded themselves, with Gellert opting for a blood shield to ensure his safety.
"Oh, sorry, boys! I didn't mean to touch you," Ariana sincerely apologized, watching as one of Albus's outer shields shattered into golden sparks. Unfortunately, her distress only intensified, and her voice was drowned out by the swirling smoke engulfing the room. The defenses sparked in response.
"Gellert! I told you—no Dark Magic!" Albus admonished, his indignation clear.
"It's just the Blood Shield on me! You're stronger; you'll survive! But I need to protect myself!" Gellert countered.
After two weeks of practice, Ariana's outbursts had become less frequent and weaker, as her magical energy diminished. Gellert observed her closely, preparing his next project.
"Why doesn't she have a wand, Albus?" he inquired.
"Nothing suits her," Albus replied.
"I'll make one!" Gellert declared with determination.
"Do you know how?" Albus asked, curious.
"A bit…" Gellert admitted, and then he got to work. He had some knowledge of wand-making and, as a prophet, could envision the possibilities beyond the real world. To him, thought experiments were not merely metaphors. The challenge was that Ariana was not a typical person, and an ordinary wand wouldn't suffice for her. He calculated what was needed and sent his specifications to Gregorovich with the note: "I want work based on these drawings. I will pay a thousand Galleons."
A week later, he received a wand made from the most fickle tree and the strongest: elder. The Heartwood was a different story altogether. He managed to talk to Ariana and Albus, ultimately receiving a lock of Ariana's hair. Thus, she acquired a wand. This resolved two issues: how to trigger an attack—Ariana feared magic and transformed while attempting to cast spells—and it also allowed her to learn some magic, which occasionally amused her.
Before long, Albus ceased to avoid Gellert. It seemed he had finally found a truly grateful listener—someone with whom he could engage in meaningful discourse rather than simply receiving dismissive "uh-huh"s. Their conversations expanded from the Deathly Hallows to broader topics on magic.
"The best familiar is a dragon," Gellert asserted with conviction. "Such power!"
"Nonsense! The best familiar is a phoenix. It heals and can transport you. Plus, I can attack myself!" Albus retorted.
"Maybe you're right…" Gellert mused, allowing himself to dream.
They showcased their respective magical abilities, debating the merits of different magical practices.
"The essence of magic lies in transfiguration," Albus argued. "The ability to create something from nothing—how fascinating is that? And your Dark Magic? Turning something into nothing? What's the point?"
"Sometimes you must clear the ground before you can build," Gellert replied. "Imagine needing to write a new book, yet you're stuck cutting letters from the old one. It's far easier, faster, and more efficient to clear the pages and start anew!"
"So you see yourself as a bulldozer?" Albus asked.
"It seems to me you won't lead the world to anything good."
"For some reason, I don't have visions on this topic… But Albus, there is unprecedented stagnation in the magical world. It would be one thing if wizards were held back by limitations imposed upon them, but they wear these shackles willingly. Why is there no progress? Look at the Muggles! England, which has claimed half the globe, stands as the largest colonial empire—a nation where the sun never sets. Germany, late to the pie-share, is ready to re-divide everything. The USA constructs banana republics in the Western Hemisphere. In the entire hemisphere! Russia steals land when no one is watching—Poland, Finland, now Central Asia. Japan is beginning paranoid militarization. No one loves anyone; everyone wants the other dead—endless wars! There is so much room for improvement! Whatever you change will only get better!"
"I'm not so sure. People like you should steer clear of politics," Albus replied, sharing his concerns. He reminisced about the gaps in their Hogwarts education. While he refused to engage in Dark Magic, Gellert believed in Albus's potential to replicate what he observed.
Their conversations shifted to the structure of the world. At their age, most were disinterested in politics, but the damned Time-Turner had altered their circumstances. Gellert was twelve years older than his actual age, while Albus was nineteen. He had to act a little younger so no one would notice the difference.
"The world is absurdly structured. You and I… we are the best! We should occupy the highest positions and govern as we see fit. That would be better for everyone!"
"I'm not so sure about that," Albus replied hesitantly.
"But I am! We can track down criminals! Arrest them without casualties! Judge them—no one will intimidate us! We can resolve peaceful issues too! The world is flooded with inferior products! We can conduct independent assessments—true independent ones! If manufacturers spent what they do on advertising to improve the quality of their goods, they wouldn't need advertising!"
"I don't know. That would lead to a decrease in diversity," Albus doubted.
"Albus! There are many ways! But there is only one optimal path! Why do we need a hundred half-baked solutions and a million wrong ones when we can find the one true solution?"
"Life is not mathematics… People make decisions based not on right or wrong, but because they choose to. They should not be interfered with."
"It's impossible to discuss this with you! I'm sure if you were an Animagus, you would be a ram!" Gellert exclaimed.
"And you would be a goat!" Albus shot back.
"A goat? That's your brother! I am a phoenix! Doesn't that sound fitting?"
"Don't speak ill of Aberforth. He's young and hot-headed, but he's a good man."
From what Gellert and Ariana had told him, he had serious doubts about that.
Days passed, and Albus became increasingly attached to his new friend. Meanwhile, Ariana began to blossom. Her episodes became less frequent and less intense, and she appeared more cheerful. One day, however, Gellert felt a pang of shame. His new friends were… good people… but he was not.
Then, he made a grave mistake: he revealed everything about himself. He shared his life in Germany, his time at Durmstrang, his relationship with Inga, and how he planned to use his observations of Ariana to gain strength.
Albus responded with a punch to his nose.
Gellert didn't resist.
But Ariana took his side. "He's improved; he's a good person!" she insisted. It was as if Albus physically couldn't go against his sister.
After a week of silence between them, the quarrel was forgotten. Gellert had long since realized that there was no love for someone like him. Yet, it seemed he had found… friends?
Soon, Gellert shared his grand plan with Dumbledore: to embark on a quest for power, to seek out the Deathly Hallows, and to form a new Order of Wizards that would rid the world of ignorance in all forms. They would forge alliances and seize power, for they were the most deserving, the most capable! So many vital deeds could be achieved! Their power would benefit everyone!
"I don't like this plan," Albus clarified. "And the terminology."
"I'm no hypocrite. What kind of servant of the people is the Minister of Magic? He's the boss! We must call a spade a spade! The Minister of Magic is the boss. With the proper use of our abilities, especially yours and mine, we can claim our rightful place in the magical world. And the Muggles… There are enough innocents in Muggle prisons! Legilimency—and all problems vanish. Only the guilty remain behind bars. Muggles suffer from incurable diseases—but we can cure some of them. We can even use Apparition to transport the sick or injured! Albus, understand: people like you and me can do so much for the weaker ones. And we must do it; it's the natural order of things. But we need power to prevent us from being ousted. Naturally, that will stem from the ignorance and envy of others. My plan is already in motion. A search for power. A search for the Deathly Hallows. The founding of an Order of Wizards composed of those who will join us. Then politics. We'll start with the Muggles; they're practically begging to be under our protection. We'll create a singular Muggle superstate. Then we'll recruit many Muggle-borns. With the votes of the Order and the Muggle-borns, we will seize control of the magical world and alter the laws to ensure nothing obstructs our path. The most worthy will govern! The most capable! Those who can achieve the most! Their longevity and experience grant them wisdom!"
Gellert believed every word he spoke. It was truth to him. Yet Albus consistently rejected his visions. "We will rob people of their freedom," he cautioned. "If we're asked to leave, we must do so. People are rational enough to make their own choices!"
Gellert envisioned his journey in search of the Deathly Hallows, power, and knowledge. But he did not see Albus accompanying him! This was a golden opportunity! Despite Albus's apparent ineptitude in predictions and his stubborn avoidance of Dark Magic—even as Gellert stabilized Ariana's form—Albus not only refused to join but failed to understand his ideas! This was an incredible opportunity! Albus was stronger in sheer magical energy! In Gellert's "prophetic duels" during thought experiments, despite using Dark Magic and his prophetic Gift, Albus triumphed half the time! This meant that if Gellert embarked on his journey without Albus, he would miss at least half the opportunities that would otherwise be available! He would achieve only a fraction of what he could accomplish with Albus!
Ariana intervened to save the situation. Even when Albus was absent, he remained with the Time-Turner and his sister. As he prepared for today's visit, Gellert signaled Albus to get ready—he foresaw an impending attack from Ariana. Once the attack concluded, he would learn from Ariana's future about her transformation and what truly transpired.
Stupid… banal trauma… What irony—the Great Muggle-lover suffered because of Muggles. The most powerful wizard of their time, a proponent of equality. Truly, Albus was a sheep!
He returned to the present moment. Allowing events to unfold as they would, Gellert decided to speak with Albus that evening. "If I had been in control, I could have prevented this," he began. "Ariana would be healthy. And those Muggles too."
"It could have been avoided differently… such as by better protecting the house…" Albus countered.
"So your father is to blame?" Gellert pressed.
"No… those people are to blame…"
"Albus… We can change everything. Such incidents will not happen again. Our power will benefit everyone."
"An alliance with you frightens me."
"I haven't killed anyone yet. You can guide me. We'll decide together. You will be my conscience. First, we will try your solution. Then mine."
"Are you lying?" Albus asked, a hint of hope flickering within him.
Gellert stripped away all mental protections. Albus hesitated, but the powerful Legilimens easily penetrated Grindelwald's mind. An hour later, he emerged into reality.
"You are… a rare moral monster," Albus replied.
"Thoughts and intentions mean nothing until they manifest as actions. So help me become better. I am ready to improve. You saw that I did not commit the crimes attributed to me," Gellert proposed.
"Perhaps, just perhaps, I will help you. But how? I must watch over Ariana! She consumes almost all my time! I can't leave her!" Albus lamented.
Albus did not remove the protections from his mind, but Gellert had gleaned enough of his thoughts. The most powerful wizard was forced to act as the jailer of the most powerful magical creature, relying on a Time-Turner. It appeared his entire life would be spent this way—he had seen it in visions—whether in a year, a decade, or a century, he would be guarding Ariana in that house…
"Let's take her with us?" Gellert suggested.
At once, the future shifted. For the first time, Gellert saw nothing related to Albus and the journey.
"Do you see that?" Albus asked.
"No, the future has become foggy… but it's an excellent plan! Let's take her with us! If you can manage alone, we can handle it together!"
Albus hesitated. "Oh, come on, it's a brilliant plan! Once we win, there will be no need to hide her!"
"Agreed!" Albus exclaimed, though he added, "But we must ask her first."
That night, Gellert received two letters. One was straightforward: "She has agreed. So have I. Let's pack our things." The second read: "Your thesis that wizard rule WILL BENEFIT THE MUGGLES THEMSELVES is, in my opinion, decisive. Indeed, we have been granted enormous power, and this power grants us the right to rule, but it also imposes tremendous responsibility toward those over whom we govern. This must be emphasized; it is the cornerstone of our foundation. This will be our primary argument in disputes with opponents—and we will undoubtedly face opposition. We will take power into our own hands FOR THE COMMON GOOD, which implies that in cases of resistance, we should only use force to the extent necessary (That was your main mistake at Durmstrang! But it's for the best because had you not been expelled, we would never have met)."
Gellert envisioned their triumph, or rather, their triumph together. He saw himself ruling magical Germany, wielding the Elder Wand. He envisioned Albus governing England, possessing the Resurrection Stone and the Cloak of Invisibility. He pictured a united Europe instead of disparate nations and a Muggle world unwittingly merging with them. He envisioned special potions disguised as medicine in Muggle hospitals, while magic was rationalized as the emergence of mutants.
It was all so wonderful…
With a contented smile, Gellert drifted off to sleep. Preparations for departure were underway. They would need to transfigure several homes! Ariana might get a little carried away and trick the border control system! And she also wanted Gellert to teach her magic…
Gellert and Albus discussed various topics, from politics to dueling.
"I wouldn't mind becoming Minister of Magic," Albus stated.
"But it's easier to achieve that through elections."
"Albus! You don't understand anything! They'll vote for whoever promises them the most! They elect populists and actors! At worst, liars!"
"I have a more favorable opinion of voters. I believe they're capable."
"And it seems to me… Dark Magic is unnecessary."
"What if saving a person requires resorting to illegal Legilimency? Would you do it?" Gellert pressed.
"Yes," Albus affirmed.
"And what about the illegal use of force? For instance, a Stunning Spell?"
"Yes."
"And what if saving one person necessitates killing another?"
"No."
"But what if you need to save ten? A hundred? A thousand? Don't you get it? Let's say someone wants to kill Ariana…" Gellert began.
Albus's expression shifted. "You're presenting unrealistic scenarios. Your reasoning is flawed. There's no need to destroy anything! We must preserve what we have and build our own alongside it! Killing in the name of peace is akin to fornicating in the name of virginity!"
"I disagree! Sometimes extreme measures are imperative! What about the Aurors? Can they?"
"The Aurors can't either. Every murder is an excess that must be investigated and combated."
"What if we save ten people? A hundred? A thousand? Don't you understand? Let's say someone intends to kill Ariana…" Gellert reiterated.
Albus's expression hardened. "You're positing unrealistic scenarios. There's no need for destruction! We need to maintain what we have and build our own alongside it! Killing in the name of peace is like fornicating in the name of virginity!"
"I disagree! Sometimes extreme measures are necessary! What about the Aurors? Are they allowed?"
"The Aurors can't either. Every murder is an excess that must be investigated and combated."
As the discussions continued, Gellert reached a breaking point. "And who will oversee the guards? Us! People will oversee the servants they have chosen. If they perform poorly, exceed their authority, or overstay their welcome, they will be dismissed!"
"Did I understand you correctly? Even if they wish to kill you, you will defend yourself with non-lethal spells? And you plan to make this a principle of your state? To protect not only your life, not only the lives of your subjects and supporters, but also the lives of your enemies? Albus, this is…"
Gellert hesitated, trying to find a less abrasive way to phrase it. "Albus, it feels as if when you were fifteen, you discovered that Santa Claus doesn't exist… and decided to become him yourself. What you're proposing is… madness!"
"This is Gryffindor!" Albus shot back.
"Albus! Enough of your jesting! Come on, you're so naive!"
The conversation shifted to Gellert's favorite topic: unity, centralization, and planning.
"Planning! That's the key! You plan your day, right? Even without a Time-Turner? You decide when to do what? That's how we need to plan everything on a national scale—a production plan, a distribution plan…"
"That's too much power. It's unclear how you'll gather complete information about each individual to determine what they need. And what about those who oppose it? How do you plan to decide for others?"
"Albus! There's an exam for the right to breed hippogriffs and for the right to control a flying carpet! But there's no exam for the right to choose your own ruler! That's nonsense! The vote of a knowledgeable and capable person like you should weigh as much as the votes of many ordinary people!"
"I don't believe that. I have as many rights as my brother. If one person can lift a thousand kilograms and another can lift ten thousand, that doesn't grant the latter any more rights."
"Albus! You're a better wizard than your brother! The best Legilimens! You can accomplish so much more! That means more is expected of you! You must take on the most challenging and significant work and execute it so that everyone benefits!"
"I can work for hire," Albus began.
"Albus! Don't bury your talent! You decided to accompany me! You should be at the very top! With me!"
"I'm not keen on where your speeches are headed…"
"Both wizards and Muggles deserve our attention! We will assist them too! Imagine a world where wizards and Muggles coexist. A world where wizards wield power and Muggles contribute progress. I showed you my vision, right?"
"Who will lead?" Albus asked.
"The smartest. The hardest-working. The strongest. The most gifted."
"Is that you?" Albus questioned skeptically.
"You and I. But we will leave the positions to the competition. If someone proves to be better than me, I'll concede to them," Gellert suggested, winking at Albus. "Overall efficiency and productivity are more important to me than ambition."
"You say beautiful things, but I'm burdened by questions… Right now, a person decides for themselves what to do. They take action and bear responsibility for it. If someone decides for another, who is responsible? The one making the decision or the one executing it? Both?"
Gellert had explained this countless times: they were responsible, and they carried it out. "If you're for the separation of powers, let's do it this way: you take the legislative and judicial powers, and I'll take the executive," he proposed.
And the arguments began anew.
But the worst part was when Albus learned Russian. He wasn't offended by that ridiculous joke about "Beloved." No, what was worse was that he read Dostoevsky in the original!
"Gellert, I've changed my mind. You'd better reconsider too. This 'Am I a trembling creature, or do I have the right?' is merely an excuse for murder! And his 'Demons'… You have to consider the state as a monopolist of the 'right to dishonor', effectively issuing licenses to destroy and rob its own and others' citizens. And all this in the name of what? To build a society without ownership of the means of production? But then everything will belong to the state! And that's dictatorship and tyranny! A state with the motto 'anything is possible!' Not to mention depriving all who don't follow orders of their income! 'Submit or starve.' This is pure racist ideology, not based on skin color or magical ability, but on the basis of feigned loyalty!"
"Calm down, Albus. It's just a book. He described flawed planning. You and I will do the right thing."
After several such instances in which Albus initially agreed and then changed his mind, Gellert's patience wore thin.
"Albus! First there, then here! Decide on one thing already!"
"That's a very difficult question… Gellert, what will your party do? In Muggle terms, I would propose left-liberal ideas in personal relationships, such as tolerance, decriminalization of homosexuality, and the abolition of segregation, but at the same time combine them with right-conservative economic policies."
"I don't care about interpersonal relationships. Let them do as they please, but I doubt the public will welcome the changes. And regarding the economy… To fulfill the plan, we need resources; therefore, we have no choice but to adopt a 'leftist deviation'—nothing terrible will happen if we periodically confiscate part of the excess profits from the owners or use non-market, non-economic means to motivate people to work…"
"I categorically disagree! This looks like our departure has been delayed again…"
Gellert attempted to convince Albus, detailing his pathway…
"Gellert, are you certain you're not gay? I don't like the way you look at me!"
"Oh, come on, Albus! You are essential to the cause! Together, we will finally construct a better world…"
As the discussions continued, Gellert's thoughts turned to the memories he had seen. He had seen the symposium go well, the wizards exchanging reports and engaging in discussions. He had met Laurier, who had forgiven him for his impulsive behavior and invited him to a symposium on magical sciences in France.
The next day, Gellert managed to procure a massive mana storage stone for two hours from one of the participants. The concept was simple: he had long been tormented by questions of who was stronger and by how much. Despite the trust he had in Albus, he had refused to remove his mental barriers or undergo a complete scan. Thus, there was only one option. They were charging the storage stones at this symposium.
They would lend him the largest one, filled with neutral magic. Then they would draw the magic from it, one by one. This would allow him to determine Albus's reserves!
However, he had no desire to be without energy and shields in the company of wizards, which meant he had to conduct this in Dumbledore's house.
They returned home through a portal. The house remained intact, along with Ariana. Aberforth was back, busy with his work, planning an expedition, and he felt a pang of regret. But he had promised Albus to be kind, hadn't he? Nevertheless, he didn't truly want to.
A dog barks—what should he do, bark back? Soon, they were in Albus's room. He placed the massive storage stone on the table by the bed.
"We have two hours to make this happen. It's a pity you can't replenish your magic this way often—the channels can't handle it. But sometimes you can."
"Go ahead, take it," Grindelwald said, gesturing toward the magical jewel.
"Better you go first. You have more experience," Albus retorted.
"Alright, but you're next," Gellert replied.
He touched the stone, seemingly directing his focus within it. It felt as though he were operating a vacuum cleaner—an invention the Muggles would create in the near future. It was a disconcerting sensation, and it became challenging to extract the energy from the storage stone for half an hour without magical shields; the channels burned, and his hand throbbed.
"It's done," he declared. While it was better not to attempt this more than once a year, such stones typically powered stationary defenses or golems.
"Now it's my turn," Albus said, and he began the process.
Soon the results became clear: Albus was indeed stronger in terms of raw magical power. But that didn't matter! Size wasn't the main concern! The real issue was how one utilized that power! Everything would have been fine had Albus not said something unexpected…
"Calm your brother down, and I'll return the stone."
He stepped through a portal to France. When he returned, he realized he had overlooked a crucial detail in his plans—like sand in a flawless mechanism: Aberforth Dumbledore!
This infuriating fool stood in the way of their ambitions! "Don't teach Ariana! Why does she need a wand?! Especially one made of elder! They bring bad luck! Is yours made of elder too?"
Gellert was accustomed to dealing with fools. He didn't believe Aberforth would cause issues, but Albus listened to him! Aberforth was the dullest person on the planet! The only time he made Gellert laugh was when he accused Albus and Gellert of being gay! After they laughed, they explained everything to him and showed him their memories, but to no avail! Aberforth was against their friendship, their plans, and Gellert personally.
They could have already begun searching for the Deathly Hallows! Just present this idiot with a fait accompli in an empty house! But no! They tried to convince him that their decision was the best!
It was even more foolish than arguing with a goat!
Then Gellert suggested bringing Aberforth along. What for? As long as he stayed out of their way, he could help keep an eye on Ariana. They would teach her themselves.
They would take two passengers instead of one. No. The fact that Ariana herself wanted to join them was also overlooked. "She would happily leave for Azkaban just to escape! You've misled her! She doesn't understand anything! Ariana, give me the wand!"
One of their discussions threatened to become the most tumultuous. Albus suggested waiting until Ariana came of age and, if she still wanted to join them, taking her with them. In the meantime, Aberforth could live as she pleased. Gellert, reluctantly, agreed to waste three years. He would live alongside Albus. They had much to learn—he needed to learn transfiguration and patience, while Albus needed to embrace lessons not endorsed by the Ministry of Magic.
Aberforth grew increasingly agitated, but Gellert interrupted him. "You're creating your own problems. We've already made our decision. All you need to do is stay out of our way! That's it! Ariana will be happy and almost healthy! We'll find the Resurrection Stone and bring her parents back!"
"Are you completely foolish? Talking about living with the dead? That's just a fairy tale! If you want to spend your life chasing a phantom—go ahead. But I won't let Ariana accompany you!"
"You can't handle her," Albus stated.
"I used to!" Aberforth argued.
"Her strength grows with each passing year. She'll likely reach her limit by the time she comes of age. And Gellert saw that everything would be fine and that we could manage it."
"I don't know what that bastard foresaw! Your fantasies don't interest me!"
"I wish you'd never existed!"
"You're merely obstructing us, preventing yourself, us, and your sister from living," Gellert declared.
As always, the truth. He saw that everything was fine until this… specimen… appeared.
Then the vision hit him. He saw Aberforth drawing his wand and attacking him. He expected Aberforth's attack to be absorbed by his defenses. But Aberforth unleashed the Cruciatus Curse! On him! And won!
Aberforth had defeated him! The boy who had just passed his OWLs yesterday! Gellert was blinded by fury. Despite Aberforth reaching for his wand, Gellert acted faster. A preemptive Cruciatus Curse felled Aberforth.
A scream erupted—Aberforth's scream turned into Ariana's. She instantly transformed into smoke, obliterating most of the house. If it weren't for the outer wards projecting an illusion and absorbing sound and magic, they'd have been exposed.
A tornado raged across the remnants of the house—a storm of blackness, massive and powerful, striking everything like a hole in reality. The Obscurus pressed on, but for now, their wards held. Three young men stood on either side of him.
"Gellert, why?" Albus cried.
"He was about to cast the Cruciatus Curse on me! I simply beat him to it!" he confessed.
"Stop this immediately!" Gellert cancelled the spell.
Aberforth, lying on the ground, cast the Cruciatus Curse at him. Gellert dodged out of the line of attack and began dismantling Aberforth's defenses.
"Leave my brother alone!"
A Stunning Spell shot at Gellert. Ariana effortlessly destroyed it as it made contact with her smoky form. They switched to increasingly potent spells, turning the confrontation into a chaotic brawl—"everyone against everyone."
Aberforth struggled to keep pace with the two Great Wizards, but how could he… If not for the Unforgivables he employed, he would be completely ignored.
The fight neared its conclusion. Here came Albus's Avada aimed at Gellert. Gellert knew he would dodge, and he knew precisely how. Aberforth's Avada was also hurled at Gellert. He was aware he could evade it too. But Gellert's Avada would strike Aberforth, and then he could speak with Ariana and Dumbledore. They would stage an accident and disappear from the country. He was confident that would happen.
Suddenly, the future's veil clouded. Gellert thought it was time to die, but… Ariana, following some sort of feminine logic, decided to intervene.
In human form, Gellert witnessed her initiate the reverse transformation. The Avadas had already been released, and no force could alter their course.
Could he alter the participants? An Obscurus? This was beyond his power… He saw Ariana assume her human form. The Avadas were mere centimeters from her body. First, Albus's Avada struck her, followed by his and Aberforth's. She was dead after the initial impact.
Soon, it transpired in reality. Albus and Aberforth's screams were muffled by his Silencing Charm. He quickly stunned Aberforth, taking advantage of his surprise. Albus knelt before Ariana, muttering, "My condolences. My attempt at kindness did not end well. I warned you."
Albus reached for the Time-Turner, but a blow from Grindelwald destroyed it. "You can't save her. We know for sure that she's dead. Deceiving you and me by substituting a fake Ariana from the past won't work."
"You… you killed her!" Albus screamed.
"No. You killed her. My Avada was the second one cast, and then Aberforth added his," Gellert replied coldly.
"You're lying…"
"I haven't lied to you in a long time. Check this—there is Dark Magic that only works for someone who has personally killed. Don't worry. I saw that you will have the Resurrection Stone and the Invisibility Cloak. And I have the Elder Wand. We will get them back. Come with me; great things await us…"
"Great things? Since when has killing children become a great thing?"
"An accidental glitch. But that won't deter me from achieving my goals."
"I turned a blind eye to many things in you… I looked for reasons and justifications… At the symposium, when they showed me the Mirror of Erised, I saw myself with you, building a better world… But now—if this is the beginning of that path, I do not intend to follow it to the end!"
"Albus! You are too much of a homebody! Let's go! There's nothing keeping you here now! Your brother will manage on his own; we will leave him some money…"
"Get out!" Albus shouted.
Gellert searched for options in the future but found none...
"I will help you with the funeral. You will change your mind; I am sure of it. I understand that you are confused. But she would not want you to bury your talent in the ground!"
"That is why we need to bury her! Get out! I am staying here!"
Gellert had another vision. He saw himself sitting in a bunker, clutching the Elder Wand, while outside, Muggle planes bombed Berlin...
"There will be a war because of you! An alliance between England and Germany! The most powerful Muggle navy and the most powerful land army! No one would dare fight us out of fear! We would unite the Muggles into a single superstate, and then we would unite the wizards too! How can I do this alone?"
"Just leave. Forever. Or I will bury you next to Ariana."
It was said casually, but Gellert glimpsed the future—a future in which Albus invariably killed him right there and then. In terms of destructive potential, they were equal. But Gellert was a Dark Wizard. Light Magic was not available to him. Or rather, it was available, but he would need to truly renounce his beliefs and abandon Dark Magic for twenty years.
Albus was in a different situation. For some time, a wizard could wield both Light and Dark Magic simultaneously before the Light faded. This was precisely what Albus did in his visions. Gellert fought with Dark Magic and, to a lesser extent, General Magic. Albus wielded Light, proficient in transfiguration, and supplemented it with Dark Magic. Light and Dark spells from a single wizard merged into a singular force, like matter and antimatter, creating an explosion. Albus emerged victorious time and again, teaching to his own detriment.
Gellert saw his own deaths and found no way out. Silently, he turned and ran to Bathilda. Upon meeting her while Albus was reconstructing the house, he asked her to create a portal. Anywhere, just far away. He also realized that his boggart had changed…