Triumph

By Faber Wolffe

rated PG

Summary:  My interpretation as to why Dumbledore had that infamous "look of triumph" in his eyes as Harry told of Voldemort's resurrection.

            I look at the swirling abyss of the pensive.  Harry just left.

            Poor boy, all he's gone through, and now Cedric…

            Does he realize this is the beginning of war?

            But I must guiltily admit, that I'm excited, I want it to begin.

            The sooner its started the sooner it will be finished.

            And Tom, Tom Marvalo Riddle, you have miscalculated with this boy once again.

            In the quest to become Voldemort, Tom, you did everything to achieve immortality, from incantations, and potions, unicorn to vampire blood, phynoix tears and the death of anyone who threatened you, and your own twisted attempt at making an elixir of life.  Hagrid was right; you didn't have enough human left in you to let you die.

            But in your resurrection tonight you've made a fatal error.

            This time the error will not only banish you from your body, it will kill you.

            And although I hate death, I know that this is the only way, and I welcome it.  I'm old and I'm tired.  Tired of watching my friends and students die or be led down the path that makes them worse than dead.  Tired of hearing about the Muggles needless deaths.  Tired of so many children coming from broken homes because of you, Tom.  Tired of fighting.  Tired of living in fear for others.  Tired of all you stand for.

            You still think of yourself as invincible.

            And there you're wrong.

            You see, Tom, when you returned to your body tonight you were correct in assuming that taking Harry's blood will make you part of Lily's protection, but in taking in Harry's blood you've done something else to your body.

            You're partially human now, and whether it is Lily's love or Harry's blood that makes you human, you are still human.

            You're mortal, Tom.

            You are going to pay for everything you've done, Tom.  Pay for James, Lily, Cedric, Harry, Sirius, Neville, Severus, and all the rest of the good people you've ruined.

            I know that despite whatever lies ahead, we have already triumphed.