Aberforth worked in the kitchen that night. He would rarely use magic to clean the dishes, for he had nothing else to do.

He was at his last plate when he heard a sharp noise outside, like someone unfurling a cloth. He knew that sound. Stopping midway, he listened to the footsteps getting nearer. He pulled out his wand.

'Who is it?' his voice echoed in the kitchen.

'It's me, Abby...' came his brother's smooth voice, though it sounded weaker than usual. As though he was tired. Was everything alright?

'Really?' he went close up to the door, still pointing his wand towards it. 'Then you'd know the word.'

'Of course... it's-it's Pink Umbrella, if I remember it correctly?'

Aberforth sighed in relief as he went and unlocked the latch.

'Should've informed me earlier,' he lowered his wand and pulled the door open. 'What do you-'

But as the door swung open, he knew something was wrong. His brother looked the same as always with his twice-broken nose, long white hair, and just as long beard. Though this time there was no spark behind his half-moon spectacles. His blue eyes looked as dull as he had ever seen them.

'What's wrong? You ill or something?'

'You could say that,' said Albus as he went towards the chair and put his hand on the rough old table.

'What's that?' he pointed at what looked like a bunch of rotten fingers of his right hand. 'Should I call for someone?'

'It's already taken care of...' said Albus, lifting his other hand to ensure and stop him from taking that step. 'Come, I have something better to show you...' he rummaged in his robes before he finally found something 'What do you think of, this?' he had pulled out a small black stone from one of his pockets and showed it in his pale hand.

Aberforth looked closely, although his mind was still on the injury. 'What's that?'

'Here' Albus said, offering the stone to him, who finally gave in and held the stone in his hand.

It was warm to the touch and looked more like an unpolished gem than anything. Until he noticed some very faint lines on its surface. A triangular rune almost faded away. He examined it in the candlelight before he finally knew what it was.

'This can't be...' whispered Aberforth, horrified as he looked at his brother, 'Is this for real...' Albus had a smile on his face, he gave a nod, 'But how...' he asked even though he knew. It was his brother they were talking about. If there was anyone who could do such a thing, it was him. 'How did you get it?'

'It's not important. What matters is, we finally have it.'

Aberforth looked on at one of the deathly hallows in his palm, which he knew had the power to recall the dead.

'For what?' he asked, even though he had an idea what it could be about. 'I hope it's not what I think it is for' Albus looked as though he had been caught in a crime and hence was not meeting his eyes. Aberforth closed his hand around the stone. 'if you think I am going to let you use it. They've already suffered enough Albus. Let them be at rest. That might be the best thing you could do for them.'

'Abby... this might be the only way. We will finally know... maybe she could tell us. And maybe we could meet mother and father...' tears welled up in his old eyes. 'Maybe they can forgive me for what I did. Maybe they will-'

'No Albus...' said Aberforth, who didn't want to talk about the reason his sister was dead. 'No... it's long past that. And nothing can change that...' He put the stone on the table.

A long silence ensued while Albus wiped away his tears, looking down at his feet. 'It is the only way I would know if I am not the murderer.' he paused, 'But perhaps you are right. It doesn't matter if it was my wand that did it. It was me who had put us in that situation, I-' he stopped as though giving up explaining. Instead, he stood up, picked up the stone, and held it in his fist before putting back in his pocket. 'I'll see you later.' his voice sounded dead. 'Take care brother.' he said before he turned and finally walked out of the door. Outside he stopped for a second before he finally turned on the spot and disapparated.

Aberforth could see the many towers of the school from here. He knew his brother would soon be there. He knew he would be alright, but something had happened today. Something that might have very wrong consequences if he wasn't wrong about it.

Albus could've used the stone by himself, and yet he came to him. Aberforth thought as he turned to the last dish and used magic to clean it up. He was done thinking about his brother. Aberforth knew he wouldn't do anything with the stone now. It was Aberforth he wanted to prove innocent to or he would have done it alone, but he didn't want to think any more about it. He just needed rest and peace. And hence, abandoning all the other chores, he went upstairs and laid in his bed. Still, not able to put the thoughts of this evening out of his mind.

That, as Aberforth found out, was the last day he had spoken to his brother about their sorry past. It wasn't until two years later when the Potter boy had come seeking a short asylum. It was then when he had told him of the last moments of his brother's life. How he had suffered and had taken those regrets to his grave. It was then, when he'd finally realized the mistakes he had made. No, not to recall his dead family, but to not forgive his brother. He regretted it now that he'd lost the last living member of his family. The one who had made mistakes all those years ago. But, there no longer remains that resurrection stone (his brother wasn't there to pull off that impossible feat again). But perhaps he would meet him again and finally forgive him for the mistakes he had made all those years ago.