The last stand

He grasped the rail tightly. After all, it was the very last thing that connected him to this world.

That night was everything; that night was also nothing.

He had to go. There was no reason for him to postpone the eventual end, the outcome.

And this wasn't his time anymore. He was not young and brave like he used to be. There was no strength left within him, nor any power.

The moment he was gone, the countdown would start. No one would learn what happened, but everyone would go on; they'd keep on fighting. They would be better without.

His time had passed for good; he was nothing but an old man. The world would continue turning without his presence.

His whole life: a preparation for that day. Every step he had made, every word he had said, every lesson he had taught… Every battle he had fought.

Every single piece of wisdom. Every thought. Every experience, each idea, everything had an explanation.

Everything happens for a reason.

Good had to overcome evil one last time. This was his reason.

It is our choices, which show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.

All his life he had fought for the right thing. He had forgotten his family, overcame the difficulties to achieve something. To make his mark in history. Once he had been young and restless. He had been foul, thinking that only he could save the world. Thinking that he knew the right thing, deceiving himself and the others into believing that he was a genius, born to win and to be a leader.

It had taken tragic things to make him see, see the reality. People died, lives were lost and only then he saw what he was doing, where his actions would lead the Wizarding world.

Yet, the innocence of his youth had been no excuse. He had made mistakes he shouldn't have. And there wasn't much time to fix them, but he dedicated his life to correcting those mistakes, acting fairly, doing the right thing without impulsive predicaments… but with comprehension and compassion for others.

Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.

The castle fell apart and the whole world followed. Cold laughter, voices full of irony, screams of pain and fear were heard - it hurt. This had been such a beautiful place.

And it shall continue to be.

I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me...

He hoped this wasn't the day. He hoped that he would remain in people's hearts. He knew that, but even before death, even the bravest men would forget their goals.

To the well- organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.

He could hear them coming, he could see them fight, he could feel their threats. Their footsteps, a broad sound at the stairs. Their shadows, blurred into the dubious light. Their thoughts, their need to kill, the need to serve him, their lord.

Tom wouldn't win; he couldn't.

Looking at the door. he took one last breath. His sacrifices would not be in vain. He was leaving heroic men – his men – behind.

He had fought many battles in his life, but Albus Dumbledore knew very well that this was the most significant one. This one was the war; it was the last stand.

For a greater cause, he told himself. For the greater good.


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