Disclaimer: HarryPotter belongs to J.K Rowling. Obviously.
Author's Note: Not your average Time-Travel fanfiction. I've read quite a few and I've not come across one like this. If you do know of one please let me know, I'd be interested to read it. Also, if you are interested in being my BETA for this fic, please leave a message to that effect in a review. Thank you.
The End
Albus had never felt so old. He stepped through the great fireplace into his office. The portraits were not asking questions yet, for that he was thankful. The soft whirring of magical instruments, the only sounds in the ancient room.
He was nearly at his desk before he noticed something out of place.
A delicate silver flask lay atop the mounds of paperwork. At the end of a string of red ribbon knotted at the neck was a small piece of parchment.
The words were written in black ink, tight and neat, 'To be viewed on the occasion of my death by all those of the Order that remain.'
It was the signature that decided him.
Two hours later the Order were gathered in his office, many talking excitedly. In the corner of the room were gathered Lily Potter, a baby Harry and Remus Lupin. Lily clutched Harry, her eyes red from crying.
The fireplace whooshed once more and a distraught James Potter stumbled in followed by a pale and furious Sirius Black. As James rushed to Lily, Albus cast a quick Curo, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. His face was drawn and looked even more aged than it had been hours before. His eyes bereft the twinkle that defined them.
"If everyone will gather round the Pensieve."
Indeed, unnoticed a moment ago, there was a large marble Pensieve standing in the center of the room.
Lily stood back, unwilling to leave Harry for even a moment.
"I will hold him," Albus said kindly. Lily reluctantly allowed him to take Harry from her arms and took James hand.
Albus flicked his wand once and a silver flask flew from his desk, emptying itself into the bowl.
"All at once please."
At first it was dark. A disjointed voice firm with resolve but rough with emotion began to speak.
"If you are viewing this it is because the cost of winning meant my life, or I have lost. If it is the later, which I dearly hope it is not, then there are things you must know..."