DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter, or any of the characters in his world!
Leaves crinkled underneath Albus Dumbledore's feet as he made his way through the ancient graveyard. His ostentatious robes had been replaced with muggle attire. The jacket and trousers clung to him, emphasizing his slender frame. His half moon spectacles remained on his nose as usual, but the eyes they aided lacked their trademark sparkle.
He made the trip to Godric's Hollow every May. Knowing this would be his last visit made it bittersweet. Snape had told him in less than a years time he would be below the ground, yet Albus was unafraid of his inevitable end. He knew Severus would make his it quick. He almost laughed as he realized death could inflict no pain that had not already pierced his heart.
The heart of a murderer.
Albus walked with his head down until he reached the headstone he had been searching for. He fell to his knees as he read the stone, for the final time.
Ariana Dumbledore
Loving Sister and Daughter
1885-1899
The tears he stored inside all year for this one day began to cascade from his eyes. As his body shook from the sobs he pulled out his wand. With a flick of elder, a small bouquet of daisies materialized on the grave. Before 'the incident' where his sister had been attacked by those awful muggles, she had loved to make little crowns out of daisies. One May-Day she'd gotten it into her head that the cat needed a crown as well, and received an impressive number of scratches trying to get Whiskers to wear it.
She had been so innocent.
He would never forgive himself. How could he ever be able to forget the look in Ariana's eyes as she was hit with a killing curse? Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore had caused her death and it did not matter whether the green flash of light came from his wand, Gellert's, or Aberforth's. If he had just spent more time with Ariana and Aberforth, and less with Gell, she would still be alive. They may have been having a picnic in the backyard, like they had as children. It was never to be that way though. Ariana was dead and Albus would never hear her sweet soprano laugh again.
He lowered his head again and said a prayer of sorts.
"Ari, I miss you so much... Everyday I wake up, and the first thing on my mind is how much I wish you were here. Abe feels the same way.. I hope you are happy, wherever you are. I'll be with you soon. I just have some things that need doing first. There is a young man that requires my help.. You would probably find him quite agreeable... He really is a wonderful type of person..." He paused, then changed the subject to a more painful, but necessary topic.
"I am so sorry. I' sorry for not paying attention to you when mother died. In a way I blamed you. I was a horrible boy. Horrible in every way. If it weren't for my transgressions, you may have grown old. You would have grown old. When I join you, if they even let me into heaven, I will do whatever I can to earn your forgiveness. Precious girl... I love you more than anything."
With that, he got back onto his feet, and walked away. He didn't turn back to look at Ariana's grave.
He would see her again in the next life.
AN- Thank you for reading my first fanfic! Please review, but make sure to be constructive with your critiques (sp??). Any suggestions on what I'm doing wrong (or right!) are appreciated.