Notes: Hello out there to the maybe one person who might be reading this! I come to you with a relatively short chapter, compared to the first. I would've liked it to be longer, but once I got to (what is now) the end of the chapter, I realized that it was probably the best stopping point. Anywho, in this chapter we get into the more selfish, bitter Albus that was hinted at in DH. Enjoy

The proceeding events happened within a fog, Dumbledore was there to witness them, but in truth he wasn't really present. His mother was dead, his family broken even farther beyond repair. Though the pain one might expect him to feel, wasn't there. Of course he felt something, it was saddening to know that his mother's life was ended only midway through it (by Muggle standards) and deep in his heart he felt the strange hollow feeling that he connected with losing another parent. The pain that was most intense however, was the pain he felt for himself.

Albus Dumbledore paced the carpeted floor of his once tidy room, now more disheveled than anything. His bed was unmade, sheets and pillows thrown to the floor. Books were missing from shelves and strewn about his feet, his once efficient quill was now writing 'Sincerely Yours, Albus Dumbledore' in gold ink on his ceiling. His talent would be wasted… what was he to do now? What purpose did he serve in life.

Albus stood in front of the fireplace and gazed up at the many awards that were hung both above and around it. The manic look on his face was intensified by the glow of the flames, and the heat they provided seemed to be feeding his bitter rage.

It was a small gathering, to say the least. The guests consisted of Albus, his neighbor Bathilda Bagshot, the Wizard priest who had brought in his mother's casket, his sister Ariana, and their brother Aberforth, who was busy cooing softly in her ear to keep the girl calm. It was risky to bring her out in the open, but it was apparently one his younger brother was willing to take.

The small amount of attendees was of no surprise to Albus, his mother had not intention of making friends during their time at Godric's Hollow, and her cordial relationship with Bathilda was merely a result of the other woman's persistent kindness, not Kendra's own yearning for companionship.

All the years he spent climbing to the top, proving his worth, they meant nothing now! A star doomed to fade, forever a babysitter to a mad sister and a disobedient brother. His awards mocked him in the shimmering firelight, Oh how he longed to tear each and every one from the wall with his bare hands…

As a black casket, adorned with pink and yellow flowers, was lowered into a perfectly sized pit, Albus heard sniffling from behind. He turned to see the culprit, Bathilda, hiding her face in an old handkerchief. His brother Aberforth was far more composed, though Dumbledore noticed his face contort a little as a fresh layer to dirt was placed over the spot that was now their mother's grave. Ariana stood close to his side, stringy blonde hair hung in her glassy eyes. Albus was doubted that the girl understood that it was her doing that caused their mother's downfall (accidentally, of course) but he was sure that she understood that Kendra would not be returning, for Ariana let out a few audible whimpers during the whole thing.

If this hadn't happened, at this very moment Dumbledore would have been traveling the world. He would've mingled with the most famous witches and wizards. He would have used the free time to advance his magical power, achieve more things than ever before. If he had been able to that, then he wouldn't have to worry about ever being forgotten. Now though… his face…his name… his budding legacy, amounted to nothing more than a possible dusty photograph or attendance list at Hogwarts.

The three of them walked back in the direction of their home. Albus walked faster than the other two, but made sure not to speed too far ahead. Most of the walking had been done in silence, that is until his brother decided to break it.

"Please!" He began, his voice was desperate, and louder than he had intended it to be. Alarmed, before continuing he gazed at the young girl who his arm was tightly draped around. Her pale face was almost devoid of emotion, only her eyes darted back and forth occasionally, possibly drinking in sights she rarely got to see.

Relieved that he hadn't disturbed her, Aberforth continued. His voice was lower and seemingly calmer this time, though traces of pleading desperation could still be found. "This is nonsense Albus. Let me stay and take care of her! I'm the best for the job, I'm her favorite."

Albus didn't slow his pace, or even look at his brother as he answered him. "We've already discussed this, the answer is no. You need to finish your schooling."

This response clearly did not please his brother, who sneered a bit. "School? That old place isn't doing a thing for me, it's filled with a bunch of gits for one, and I'll be glad to be rid of em."

"I'm the man of the house now Aberforth, you will finish your education. I for one, am perfectly capable of caring for Ariana."

"What?" Spat Aberforth, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice. "The man of the house? Like bloody hell you are! Mums been dead for one damn day and you're already king, eh? If anyone's to be in charge, it should be me! I helped her with the house, I helped her with our sister! And what did you do? Nothing! You were busy talking photographs with ritzy snobs, you were!" His voice was hushed as he said these things, but Albus heard every word as if it were being shouted in his ear.

Though hours had passed, that scene was very vivid in his mind. As were the many minutes following had consisted of his and Aberforth's arguing. Eventually his brother succumbed to Albus's wishes, but Dumbledore's head was still throbbing over the frustrating ordeal.

In a way, he almost regretted insisting that Aberforth returned to school when summer ended. In a way, he almost regretted the promise he made about caring for their sister. But no, no, it was the proper thing to do, no matter how much it pained him to do it.

Ending Notes: Please review