I looked around the place I had called home for so many years with a heavy sadness in my heart. Home was where he was and now he was gone, I had to find a new place in the world, a new home. I had awaited his death for many months but this didn't quell the deep sorrow that pierced my heart at his final departure. Yet, at the same time, I felt an indescribable joy and sense of liberation. Albus had gone to that other place and I sensed and shared his exhilaration. Albus had spread his wings and it was now time for me to do the same.
I stayed until his body was laid to rest, even though our goodbyes had already been said. When the ceremony was over, I sang my song. I mourned his death and celebrated his new life in the other world. I rejoiced in his freedom but lamented the grief of those he had left behind. I shared their pain and fear and I sang of healing and hope.
I, who had experienced physical death and rebirth many times, would truly leave behind my old life to be born again. I would miss our old life together deeply but I took comfort in the knowledge that his spirit would accompany me wherever I went. Death is always painful but it yields transformation, not loss.
My song ended. I spread my wings and I left behind my former home and life. I did not then know my destination but I understood it would find me. As I soared through the evening sky, I watched the grandeur of the ancient castle grow smaller and smaller. I flew above the mountains and lakes, delighting in their sublime beauty. I felt the rain wash over me, intermingled with the air of sweet pine from the forests below. Finally, I reached the ocean.
I now perch on a high precipice, taking in the scene around me as I contemplate my past and future. Through the rush of the salty, coastal winds and the roar of the tides, I hear the whisper of my companion's voice. Like him, it's time to seek new pastures and adventure. Eventually, I will forge a new companionship with another great witch or wizard. I shall offer my friend the love, devotion and wisdom with which I served my dear Albus. However, now is not that time.
I'm leaving Scotland and flying north through the night. The crescent moon and stars shine brightly in the velvety blackness of the sky and I am drawn to the magnetic north like the needle of a compass. I might appear to seek solitude but I am not alone. Albus, like my former friends, will accompany me wherever I travel and whomever I settle with. Finally, in the distance, I see the mesmerising beauty of Aurora Borealis, surrounding me like an ocean of emerald flames. Here I am reborn and ready to embrace my new life.