Summer had arrived at Hogwarts, and finally, after two weeks of grueling exams, the seventh-years who were about to leave Hogwarts had time to enjoy it. Under a large willow tree near the shore of the lake, two boys were sitting and talking.

"What about Assyria?" Albus suggested. "We can fit it in between Egypt and India."

"But then we'll miss out on east Africa." Elphias objected. "And I would really like to visit the Kenyan wizards."

"We have time for both if we skip Papua." Albus said. "And I really want to go to Assyria. Five millennia of wizarding history to explore. Papua is only interesting if you focus on herbology or magical creatures."

"Right, let's skip Papua." Elphias agreed. "So we'll go straight from China to Australia."

With N.E.W.T. exams out of the way, Albus and Elphias had started planning the route for their journey around the world, which they meant to begin right after graduation.

"But why do you insist on visiting Australia?" Albus asked. "We should take the northern route via Japan."

"You already got Assyria." Elphias answered. "And I'd prefer if our journey would not just consist of exploring old ruins."

"Alright, we can go to Australia." Albus replied. "I can visit Japan later on my own."

"Still planning your world tour?" a female voice asked. Isabella Woodbead had joined them without them noticing. Isabella was one of Albus' and Elphias' classmates, and Elphias had a crush on her for a while now.

"Yes." Elphias answered, blushing slightly. "We haven't decided on our exact route yet. Albus insists on visiting Assyria, even though we're already going to Egypt before."

"But Assyria is absolutely fascinating!" she exclaimed. "Of course you're going there. Hesper and I are going there as well, but via Constantinople instead of Egypt."

"So you're passing through Transylvania on your way?" Albus asked, "Elphias and I are taking the route via Italy."

"Indeed. Hesper insisted on Transylvania," Isabella replied. "I would rather join you going through Italy, but then again, Constantinople would be a detour, and I'm not missing out on that."

"But we can travel from Assyria to China together if you would like," Elphias suggested enthusiastically.

"It's an idea," Isabella replied. "Albus could introduce us to Nicholas Flamel. Isn't he currently dwelling in India?"

"Indeed he is." Albus replied. "But he will return to Paris soon, so he might already have returned home by the time we reach India. And besides, he is not too fond of uninvited guests disturbing him. I'll ask him for permission first."

Tired of the discussion of travel plans, Isabella changed the subject of their conversation to the N.E.W.T. exams.

"Albus, how do you think did your exams go?" she asked him.

"I think I did alright." Albus replied. "I assume to have passed all twelve N.E.W.T.s I was taking. Arithmancy, Transfiguration and Potions went especially well, but I guess I've just scraped an A in Herbology."

"If only I could say that," Isabella replied. "Charms and Transfiguration went alright, but my attempt to brew Amortentia went terribly wrong. And Divination was always going to be a disaster. Even I could predict that."

Albus chuckled. Divination had always been his least favourite subject, and he had dropped it after passing his O.W.L. with a mere "Acceptable".

"Nobody cares about Divination anyway," he replied. "Why such an unreliable branch of magic is taught here, while subjects like Alchemy continue to be neglected, is beyond me."

"Yes, you're probably right. I should've dropped it after O.W.L.s, it was a waste of time." Isabella said. "What are you planning to do after leaving Hogwarts?"

"You mean after the journey?" Elphias asked.

"Yes. I wonder if you have plans for the future yet."

"I'd really like to continue my studies in Transfiguration and Alchemy." Albus said. "And after that, join the Department of Mysteries. From there, I could still choose to pursue a career in research or in politics."

"I see, you're very ambitious," Isabella answered. "I sometimes wonder why the hat put you in Gryffindor. You'd have done well in Ravenclaw too. Or even, if I dare suggesting it, Slytherin."

"The hat took some time to make its decision, remember? It was rather undecided between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Probably it went for Gryffindor because it's Godric's old hat?" Albus joked.

Elphias and Isabella laughed at that remark. "That's a good explanation," she said.

"The problem is, I'll need paid work after returning from the journey around the world," Albus continued a bit more gloomily. "Unlike you, I don't come from an ancient family with an almost unlimited supply of Galleons."

He didn't want to reveal the details of his family's issues to Isabella. Even Elphias didn't know more than he needed to know. Isabella didn't even know he had a sister, and he didn't want to change that now, after having successfully kept his secret for almost seven years.

"That's a shame," Isabella answered. "Surely someone as brilliant as you should get the opportunity to continue his studies. Have you tried making the acquaintance of one of the ancient houses?"

"I had little opportunity for that during my time at Hogwarts." Albus answered. "And my mother never took Aberforth and me to those balls or dinners. She's muggle-born, so we wouldn't be welcome guests among the traditionalists."

"But what about the more progressive families? The Prewetts, or the Macmillans?"

"Are you suggesting I should try to marry into a rich family to be rid of my financial woes?" Albus asked.

"I was more thinking of finding an influential mentor, who could help you getting a position at the Ministry or maybe Gringotts. But actually, I like your idea better."

She grinned at him. Albus chose to ignore her. Unlike his classmates, he had never shown much interest in girls, at least not romantically. Elphias however gave him an envious look.

Albus didn't like the thought of marrying, and even less the idea of getting married purely for money. And even though he got along well with Isabella, he had definitely no romantic interest in her.

"I'm hungry. It must be almost time for dinner," Elphias said, interruption Albus' thoughts. Elphias checked his pocket watch.

"Yes, it's almost time. I'll go."

"Me too," Isabella said, "We won't get many more of those feasts."

"Says the one of us who has two house-elves," Albus remarked.

"It's not just about the food. Our house-elves are good at cooking, but it's a bit lonely at home, with just my father and my sister for company," she answered.

"Won't you come with us?" Elphias asked, turning to Albus.

"There's still twenty minutes. Wait for me in the Great Hall," replied Albus.

Elphias and Isabella left. Albus, now alone, gazed across the lake towards the forest. He was going to miss Hogwarts. Life at school was easy. There wasn't really much to worry about, apart from grades. And being concerned about grades was silly when compared to what was waiting for him in life outside school.

With his father dead, and his mother staying at home to care for Ariana, he would be responsible for the family income, as the little fortune Percival had owned was dwindling away.

Under those conditions, his dream of becoming Nicholas Flamel's apprentice seemed impossible. More likely, he would end up at Malkin's Boutique, creating and renewing enchantments on cloaks and hats. Or if he was lucky, he'd get a small post at the Ministry. But he knew these prospective jobs were far below his skill and ambition.

And there was another reason he would miss Hogwarts, as he realized as he slowly walked up to the castle. Hogwarts had become his home, while his real home was falling apart. His mother, devoted to caring for Ariana, had never had any time for him after the incident, and with his father gone, he had to take responsibilities early on, especially for Aberforth. At Hogwarts, he was free of that. There were teachers and prefects to look after his brother and him, and house-elves to do the housework.

He entered the Great Hall, where he was greeted Sir Nicholas.

"Good evening, Mr. Dumbledore. I'll miss our conversations once you leave Hogwarts."

"I'll miss them too. I don't know how I'd have passed my History of Magic N.E.W.T. without you," Albus told the Gryffindor house ghost.

Professor Binns had not been the most exciting teacher when he had been alive, and his death between Albus' third and fourth year had not exactly improved his teaching. In fact, apart from the new ability to float through walls, Professor Binns had not changed at all.

"And I always appreciate students who are genuinely interested in my life and the time I lived in, and not just in my botched execution," replied Sir Nicholas. "Don't think I don't know how most students call me behind my back."

Albus knew getting called Nearly Headless Nick was hurting the pride of the ghost, who had always been a bit sensitive about the fact he was dead, and even more about his failed beheading.

Albus walked to the other seventh-years at the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Elphias. Elphias was already wolfing down a huge plate of food. After all it was one of his last dinners at Hogwarts.

"You look worried, Albus. What's bothering you?" asked Elphias. "Surely you're not worried about the N.E.W.T. results. And after that, we've got our journey to look forward to."

At the mention of the journey, Albus' mood brightened. Whatever responsibilities he was facing afterwards, he was about to explore the world, and to meet wizards and witches from many different countries.

The seventh-years spent their last days at Hogwarts hanging around in the Hogwarts grounds, reminiscing about the time they spent at the school. The weather was splendid and some students were even trying to swim in the lake, using disillusion charms to prevent the teachers from noticing. The seventh years could hardly recall a time they had been more careless at Hogwarts. With no more exams and no more lessons, they could freely explore the castle and its grounds or just hang out with friends and enjoy the weather. Under these conditions, they hoped these two weeks wouldn't end as fast as they did, but at last the final day of the term arrived.

With high anticipation the students awaited their N.E.W.T. results. They arrived in the morning. After breakfast, the seventh years remained behind and received their results from their head of house.

Professor Black was handing out the exam results to his Slytherin students. While congratulating those who had done well, he also expressed his displeasure with those who had failed to deliver. Hesper was among those fortunate ones who had exceeded the high expectations he had.

Professor Merrythought of Hufflepuff however wished all her students good luck in their future endeavours and to those who had failed their important exams, she offered careers advice, and not just for the Hufflepuffs. Professor Dippet appeared to be very pleased with the results of his Ravenclaw students.

Despite knowing that he had no reason to worry, Albus was still excited as Professor Macmillan handed him the graduation certificate.

Alchemy – Outstanding

Ancient Runes – Outstanding

Arithmancy – Outstanding

Astronomy – Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures – Acceptable

Charms – Outstanding

Defence Against the Dark Arts – Outstanding

Herbology – Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic – Outstanding

Potions – Outstanding

Spellcrafting – Outstanding

Transfiguration – Outstanding

He had achieved twelve N.E.W.T.s, and ten of them Outstanding. As Professor Macmillan reminded him, this was the best N.E.W.T. result ever since the introduction of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. system one hundred and fifty years ago.

Elphias was happy about his results as well.

"I did much better than I expected. Albus, please don't show me yours, you've probably got twelve Outstandings."

"No," Albus replied, "I've got an "Exceeds Expectations" in Herbology, and Care of Magical Creatures didn't go well at all. Remember the thestral which tried to bite my arm off?"

"So there's actually a subject I beat you in!" Elphias exclaimed. He had scored an "Exceeds Expectations" in Care of Magical Creatures. Overall, he had achieved eight N.E. .

When they were done comparing their exams results, they went upstairs to pack. Albus neatly arranged his books and clothing into the trunk, followed by the various magical artefacts he owned, many of which he had created himself, including one he was currently working on. It was still a prototype, which could absorb and reemit light, but that was just one of the powers he aimed to include in this most recent creation of his.

Next to him, Elphias was struggling to squeeze all his belongings into his trunk. And he wasn't even close to finishing his packing. The enchanted phonograph Albus had given him for his birthday was clearly adding to the problem, but Elphias' trunk had already been full at the start of the year.

"Wait, you will only break something," said Albus, drawing his wand. He tapped Elphias' trunk, and its interior expanded, making room for Elphias' books.

"Thanks," Elphias said, "but you just had to show off and cast the spell nonverbally."

Despite his cheeky comment, Elphias looked at him admiringly as he had performed this complex spell with relative ease.

"Well, using the spell is restricted by the Ministry, so I didn't want to risk anyone noticing it."

"Of course you've got a perfectly reasonable excuse for showing off," Elphias joked.

Now that he was packing his trunk, he felt that the time to leave Hogwarts had really come at last. He would miss the castle and its grounds that had become his home. Maybe one day he would return as a professor. Headmaster Dumbledore had a nice ring to it, right?

At that moment, Francis Longbottom, one of Aberforth's fellow fifth-years burst into the dormitory.

"Albus, Professor Macmillan wants you to come to her office immediately."

Why the urgency? What could he possibly have done on his final day to be called to a professor's office like a disobedient first year?

Confused, he walked downstairs to the office of Gryffindor's head of house. As he reached the door, he could already hear his brother's upset voice coming from inside the office. Even if he couldn't comprehend the situation, he could tell that something was seriously wrong.

"Let me go!" Aberforth shouted. "My sister needs me! You can't leave her alone!"

"Calm down Mr. Dumbledore, your sister isn't left alone. Mrs. Bagshot is looking after her."

"No! Ariana needs ME! Not Bathilda, Bathilda doesn't know. Please, I need to go home!"

"Mr. Dumbledore, I can't just send you home when there's no one to look after you."

"I don't need anyone. But Ariana needs me to go home NOW!"

Ariana alone? But that could only mean something had happened to his mother. He needed to know what was going on, and at the same time dreaded to find out. He opened the door, interrupting his shouting brother. Aberforth turned towards him.

"Albus, we need to go. Ariana needs us. Make Macmillan let us leave."

"Aberforth, what has happened? Why is Ariana alone?" Albus asked.

He saw tears running down Aberforth's face.

"Albus, she's dead," Aberforth sobbed. "Our mother is dead."

"It was an accident," Professor Macmillan explained. "A spell backfired, and she was alone, so no one could call for help."

"I could have saved her," Aberforth mumbled. "If I had been there…"

"It's not your fault," Professor Macmillan replied. "It was an accident. I'm sorry for your loss, but there's nothing you could've done."

"You don't know!" Aberforth screamed.

It could not have happened. Albus collapsed into a chair next to his brother. What Professor Macmillan had said made no sense. His mother was no spellcrafter, how could any of her spells have backfired that badly? Yet there could be no doubt, Professor Macmillan wouldn't make it up.

Ariana. She had previously injured her mother in fits of rage, but never beyond some bruises. She didn't have the power. Yet it was the only thing that made sense.

Albus was unable to cry. The terrible news had not sunk in yet, and he was too worried about his sister to think of anything else. If it was indeed Ariana who had caused their mother's death, it would not be safe to leave her with Bathilda. But would it be safe to send Aberforth then? Yes, it would. Ariana would never attack her brother. Aberforth always managed to calm her down.

He couldn't feel sad yet. He felt numb and confused. All three of them were quiet, apart from Aberforth's muffled sobs. At last Albus could no longer bear the silence.

"Aberforth is right. Ariana is ill and she needs us. At least let Aberforth leave. Ariana too has lost her mother, and she and Aberforth have always been very close."

"But Aberforth is just a fifteen year old boy. And he has gotten into trouble before. I have a bad feeling about sending him home on his own," Professor Macmillan explained.

"Aberforth knows Ariana better than anyone else. I think it would help her to have him around. And if you trust Bathilda to take care of Ariana until I go home, then why don't you trust her to look after Aberforth as well?"

"Albus, you know your family better than me," Professor Macmillan answered. "You have shown maturity and responsibility as prefect and Head Boy, and I'll trust you on this matter. You may leave, Aberforth. Albus, you stay."

She tapped the model of a golden snitch on her desk with her wand, and it glowed blue. Aberforth clutched the snitch and was gone.

"Mr. Dumbledore, you're of age, but you've still got a lot of responsibility for a seventeen, almost eighteen year old," Professor Macmillan told him, "and if you need anything, especially in this difficult time for you, I'd offer to help you, at least until the holidays are over and I return to Hogwarts."

The offer was tempting. But realistically, what could Professor Macmillan do for him? There was nothing. He had to manage this on his own, unless he dared to introduce a stranger to the secrets of his family.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but I think I'll manage," Albus answered.

He had no idea how, but they had always managed. But to be honest, he had already dreaded his post-Hogwarts future with his mother still alive to care for Ariana, and he was simply terrified by the responsibility he was forced to take over now. But what choice did he have? If he revealed their secrets to anyone, Ariana would be taken away and locked up in St. Mungo's. And not only would all their sacrifices of the last years have been in vain, he also could never do this to Ariana or Aberforth.

"You may leave, Mr. Dumbledore," Professor Macmillan said. "I'll leave it up to you if you choose to attend the graduation ceremony."

Attending the graduation ceremony was the last thing Albus wanted. He wanted to be alone, he wanted time for himself, to order his confused thoughts, and to be able to grieve in private. He was sure that hearing those speeches, whether filled with nostalgic depictions of better times, or envisioning the future opportunities that everyone but him had, would only make him feel more miserable than he already did.

But if he vanished now, people would start talking. He felt compelled to attend the ceremony. He was prefect, head boy and top student of the year. Everyone would notice if he was missing.

So he met Elphias on his way to the Great Hall.

"What did Professor Macmillan want- Oh Albus, you're looking terrible."

He pulled Elphias into a deserted corridor.

"My mother was killed in an… accident."

Now Albus almost couldn't hold the tears back. Speaking it out somehow made it feel more real. Elphias seemingly didn't know what to say.

Albus and Elphias entered the Great Hall and sat down at the Gryffindor table. Albus paid little attention to headmaster Fortescue's speech. Too many thoughts were going through his head. He was now head of the family. He had to take care of Ariana and Aberforth. The thought of having to care for Ariana terrified him. The girl was a stranger to him. He only had seen her during the holidays for the last seven years, and then, he had tried to escape home as much as possible, spending much of his time at Elphias' home. His mother didn't mind, because she was busy enough with Aberforth and Ariana.

"…and now you will leave Hogwarts on the very same boats you arrived in seven years ago, symbolizing a return to the innocence of an eleven-year old."

Which innocent eleven year olds was he talking about? When Albus had arrived at Hogwarts, his sister had just been driven insane by the cruelty of those muggle boys, and his father was locked up in Azkaban. In a way, it was very much a return to a situation similar to the one he had himself found in seven years ago, but in a cruel twist, not in the poetic way envisioned by the headmaster.

The seventh years left the Great Hall walking down towards the lake. Albus, Elphias, Isabella and Hesper shared a boat. Headmaster Fortescue waved his wand, and the boats began to move. For Albus, it was far from a return to innocence, but the departure into an uncertain future.