Goodness, I was NOT expecting that start! I was still in the ending of the previous one, half-anticipating some more sunlit summer days, and it makes Albus' shock and grief and incoherence that much more jolting.

I like how the following three sections are Albus realizing what he'd chosen not to see all along: Gellert's brilliance had an unstable edge that craved power above all else. The last part is really powerful; Gellert doesn't say anything remotely lover-like, friend-like or even what I'd expect a stranger to say when faced with such tragedy. It's chilling and yet there is that fractional hesitation before he goes, the suggestion of some regret. And that last line is chilling for Albus, too; it makes me want to know what helps him recover enough to believe again in truth and love.

Ooh! Really enjoyed that!