Ariana's death

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At the time, Gellert Grindelwald was studying at Durmstrang, where his fascination with the dark arts reached dangerous heights. His academic career ended abruptly when a black magic experiment to summon demons went awry, drawing the attention of Durmstrang's teachers.

Although Durmstrang was known for its tolerance of dark magic and even tacitly encouraged students to explore it, summoning demons was a step too far. Grindelwald's expulsion was inevitable.

After his expulsion, Grindelwald embarked on what could only be described as a life of adventure, though it was more akin to a life of wandering. It wasn't long before the consequences of his rebellious actions began to catch up with him. Unable to find stability, Grindelwald found himself without food or shelter, struggling to survive.

In desperation, he sought refuge with his great aunt, Bathilda Bagshot, a renowned historian who lived in Godric's Hollow. It was in this quiet village that Grindelwald met Albus Dumbledore.

Both young men were brilliant, ambitious, and, at the time, burdened by personal struggles. Grindelwald was dejected after his expulsion, while Dumbledore was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for his family. They quickly bonded over their shared ideals and vision for a new world order.

Their friendship soon deepened into something more. United by a shared dream of revolutionizing the wizarding world, the two young men became lovers, forming a blood pact—a powerful magical bond that prevented them from ever harming each other.

Their relationship was closer than family, their bond unbreakable. For Dumbledore, this was one of the happiest times of his life. Together, they dreamt of finding the Deathly Hallows, mastering death itself, and leading a revolution that would overturn the International Statute of Secrecy. Their ultimate goal was to create a world order where the most talented wizards would rule, not pure-blooded aristocrats.

Yet, in his euphoria, Dumbledore failed to see that part of his eagerness for this grand plan stemmed from a subconscious desire to escape his family obligations. As he became more engrossed in these grand schemes, he spent less time caring for his younger sister, Ariana.

His neglect did not go unnoticed by his brother, Aberforth. Every time Aberforth returned home, he would find Ariana trembling and isolated, a victim of the growing distance between her and her brother Albus. Resentment built up in Aberforth, both towards Albus for his neglect and towards Grindelwald, whom he saw as a dangerous influence.

The tension eventually reached a boiling point when Ariana was accidentally injured, igniting a fierce confrontation. Aberforth furiously blamed Albus for being irresponsible and for abandoning his family duties.

Grindelwald, who had long viewed Aberforth as an obstacle, openly voiced his disdain. He believed that the Dumbledore family was holding Albus back from achieving greatness. This insult enraged Aberforth, whose loyalty to his family was absolute.

Before Albus Dumbledore could intervene, Aberforth Dumbledore had already drawn his wand, determined to teach the arrogant Gellert Grindelwald a lesson. Both men were fueled by anger, and a heated argument quickly escalated into a full-blown duel.

Initially, they held back, using spells that wouldn't cause serious harm. However, Ariana, who had been relying on her brother Aberforth as her only emotional support, didn't understand their restraint. Seeing Aberforth under attack by a stranger, she lost control. Her wild and uncontrolled magic surged in a more violent episode than ever.

Ariana's magical outburst took the three duelists by surprise. In the chaos, they were forced to pause their conflict and form a reluctant alliance, fending off her dangerous magic together. But the situation spiraled out of control, and when the magic finally subsided, the three frantically searched for Ariana—only to find her small, cold body.

The sight of Ariana's lifeless form devastated them. They didn't know whose spell had caused her death, but in their hearts, each of them carried the guilt of being responsible. Together, they buried Ariana in Godric's Hollow, marking her grave with the epitaph, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

After the burial, they parted ways. Grindelwald attempts to persuade Albus to stay with him, but Dumbledore, overwhelmed with grief and unable to face the possibility that Grindelwald may have killed his sister, refuses. Their paths diverged, and they each pursued different futures, forever haunted by that day.

Albus, still consumed by guilt, was eventually jolted from his memories. The weight of Ariana's death lingered, as it always had. He glanced once more at the mirror before finally standing and walking toward the portraits of past headmasters that lined the walls of his office.

He stopped before a rather somber-looking wizard dressed in a green robe: Phineas Nigellus Black, the great-great-grandfather of Sirius Black. A former Slytherin headmaster of Hogwarts, Phineas was widely regarded as the most unpopular headmaster in the school's history. His portrait hung in Dumbledore's office.

"Phineas, I'd like to speak with you," Dumbledore said softly.

"What is it, Dumbledore?" Phineas replied.

"Did you see anyone else enter my office just now?" Dumbledore asked.

"No," Phineas answered, "you were simply napping at your desk."

"Why do you ask? You've seemed under a lot of stress lately, Dumbledore," Phineas added, a note of concern in his voice.

"I'm fine," Dumbledore replied, his tone casual.

"Just tired."

"But I want to talk about something else—about your great-granddaughter," Dumbledore said, his voice more serious.

Phineas Black, now alert, straightened up in his frame, his interest piqued.

"What do you want to say? I'm listening," Phineas responded, his tone earnest.