InsaneJournal

Strictly speaking, perhaps he hadn't needed the hour or two in the woods. On the other hand, it had helped him find his way back to himself, to give over to using magic freely, of his own choice. It made him feel whole again. Himself, again. And he hadn't even set so very many things on fire. It was simply a magic that came most easily, most organically to him. It insulated him, drew up the walls of solitude around him, because at the moment it was the only way he felt safe. As if he could rest.

There was simply something that resonated with Albus, the idea of purging through fire. Cleansing. Cathartic. But not an ending. Merely a catalyst.

And the next step was clear. On the list of things that needed mending, Elphias was found at the top. Exactly what Albus was hoping for was somewhat ambiguous, even to his own mind, but some things were absolutely intolerable-- including the idea that Elphias might believe Albus had meant, or believed, anything he'd said the last time they had spoken.

Had the house been dark, Albus would have waited until morning. He'd probably have waited on Elphias's porch. He was in no mood to return home, to see Gellert, let alone speak to him. But at least one light was on downstairs. So Albus knocked on the front door. And he let himself hope.