Journal of Albus Dumbledore

Week # 10

Dear journal, this is to be my last entry in your pages. You have brought more into my life than I had first thought possible. Through my writing in your pages, I have opened doors that I once thought closed forever. But we all must move on and Making Businesses Beautiful has contacted me to remind me that the limit of ten weeks is upon us. Many of the professors were grateful for the news but some seemed disappointed. I believe this has sparked an interest in some who will continue in journals of their own.

Before the ink fades away as it is meant to do, I wish to discuss events of the past week, which have been plaguing my thoughts. Something has happened and I fear it means we are entering a dark period in our part of the wizarding world. I feel I must prepare but for what I am not sure of at this point.

This past weekend I made plans to bring Minerva to my family home for an evening. I mentioned last time that I wanted to discuss with her my intentions and her expectations for our new relationship. I felt confident in her feelings for me and being as I am not getting younger, although I would never admit as much to anyone, I felt it wise to move forward at a rather quicker pace than perhaps would be usual.

We decided to apparate to my home after dinner since we had missed so many meals of late in the Great Hall. The sun was just beginning to set when we met outside the main doors. On our way to the gates, Hagrid appeared and mentioned that one of the centaurs wanted to speak with me and it was of great urgency. It seems Hagrid was tracking down the herd of thestrals since one of them had hurt itself and he came upon a centaur standing in the middle of a clearing and making some rather odd predictions as they usually do. Upon seeing Hagrid, he asked to speak with me immediately.

Considering who was making the request, I decided to go and hear what he had to say. After all, the centaurs rarely deem it appropriate or of interest to speak with us and I don't believe I have had more than a handful of requests for my presence in all my years here. Minerva and Hagrid stayed behind as I made my way to the edge of the forbidden forest where the meeting was to take place. I do not wish to go over our conversation in detail but suffice it to say that a dark presence is coming and I am fairly certain I know what form it will take.

I know I must have looked very distracted when I returned for Hagrid asked me if everything was fine and Minerva gave me a piercing look. I did a fairly good job of lightening my mood but my mind was swirling with thoughts of what was to come. I decided to continue my evening with Minerva, although some of my intentions I decided to put aside for the time being.

We arrived at the family manor quickly and the house elves had prepared a wonderful welcome. As we sat together on the couch, I could see the curiosity and inquiry in Minerva's eyes but she held her questions. I would never hold anything back from Minerva, first because she is my Deputy and a trusted friend and foremost because she has become the other half that makes me whole. As I entrusted in her care all I had heard and thought, I could see her eyes cloud over.

Minerva was deeply touched by Voldemort's rising. The death of James and Lily hit her very hard as she had cared for them a great deal. I could see the sadness in her eyes as she thought of more dark times to come. Her memories seemed to be sweeping her away but she is a Gryffindor and as such it was only a short time later before she had fully recovered.

I had not intended to set a grim mood for the evening so after a short discussion, I proposed a game of chess. If nothing else can cheer Minerva, a game of chess against a worthy opponent will do the trick. In time the atmosphere changed and we were once again laughing and teasing each other. As the night wore on, things became more intimate.

I cherished as always her nibbling kisses and bold caresses. Her ability to know what I want and need before even I do still amazes me. The sky was a midnight black and filled with stars before we left the confines of the house and it was with heavy hearts that we apparated back to the gates of Hogwarts to resume our responsibilities.

I had every intention of speaking about a life together with Minerva but now I am unsure if I should proceed. There will be many changes in our world to come. I do not wish for any harm to befall her because of me. Perhaps it is best if we keep our devotion a secret for now from those who might wish to do us harm. But that discussion will come another time and will include the woman I cannot live without.

Thank you for all you have done!