You're Not To Blame
Albus,
I know you think that it's your fault James and Lily died. You told them to trust Sirius Black, and look how that worked out. But I've told you many times, it's his fault, not yours.
I know that you worry about Severus Snape, especially now that his reason for loyalty to you is gone. All I can say is that love is the strongest magic there ever is. I should know. She fills him with the urge to be good, to be steadfast. To watch over Harry and if that urge goes away, you're not to blame.
I know all about your concerns for Harry, living with his relatives. You'd rather he could live with Lupin. If not Lupin, then the Weasleys, because surely Molly would care for him like her own. If anything happens to him in his aunt's care you'll never forgive yourself. All I can say is, if that happens, it's Lily's fault, she should have known her sibling better than that. I know I know mine.
I know that you found the Hallows, that you reunited them all except the stone. I know that you're scared to get the stone, despite knowing where it is, scared to know who you'd call back. Where you'd begin. Would you call mum, dad or Ariana? James and Lily? Gideon and Fabian Prewett? Peter Pettigrew? Where would you start, and where would you stop? You blame yourself for every death in the war, and you're scared to hear everyone confirm it. You're not to blame.
I know you've never loved anyone since what happened to Ariana, because you feel you don't deserve it. You think you let her down, that you let me down, but you couldn't be more wrong. I'm telling you right now that it wasn't your fault. It was his, or mine. But it wasn't yours, it couldn't have been. Whatever happened, whatever continues to happen, it was never your fault.
I write you this letter on our birthday to tell you that I forgive you. I forgave you long ago, but couldn't swallow my pride enough to tell you. It's not your fault, none of it. Stop blaming yourself or I'll come up there and make you stop.
Love always,
Aberforth
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