Chapter Seven: Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore lay in his bed within the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. Another year had come and gone, making it a full five years since Voldemort's demise. Summer would come, fall would fade, and the world would continue, but he knew already that it would not do so for him. He was old, and it was time for him to rest.

He looked at Fawkes, who had been with him since he had graduated from Hogwarts many years ago. The phoenix also knew that his master and friend was dying, but he did not shed any tears. Albus smiled wearily at the bird. "It would seem we will have at least one more adventure, to be sure." He said, the bird sang a few notes in reply, causing Albus to smile. Phoenixes rarely died, and when they did, it was because the one they had tied themselves to in soul had passed on as well.

Albus coughed into his hand as the sun peeked over the horizon, bathing the landscape in a golden light. The lake shone with it, and the dew on the grass lit up like millions of tiny stars that had fallen from the sky. Albus wondered if he had ever seen such a sight in all his years. He wondered if hehad ever thought it truly possible for such a pure light to come; but now he had his answer.

There came quiet a knock on the door, drawing Albus out of his thoughts. He smiled and called, "Come in." The door opened, and two professors entered; Severus and Harry. Harry's face was set and his eyes wereslightly bright with tears. Severus' face was blank, though for once his eyes betrayed how he felt. "Ah, Severus, Harry, I am glad you came," Albus told them with a smile, his eyes still twinkling as they had always done. "Please, have a seat." He motioned to the dish that lay next to his bed, "Lemon drop?" They both shook their heads; he doubted they had ever taken one. "I suppose you are wondering why I called you," Albus said, they nodded slightly. "Well, as I am sure you know, I have been bothering the world for too long now; it is time for me to go." Harry looked to the side, and Severus actually looked at the ground for once, his shoulders tense. Albus smiled, "Therefore, as is my duty, I must appoint someone else the post of Headmaster. Severus, I ask that you take the position."

The potions master looked sharply up, and Albus was touched to see that there was a faint tear at the corner of his eye. "Albus," he began, his voice hoarse.

Albus shook his head. "Severus, I know that you will do fine. After all, you have worked hard, you deserve itand you have evenbecome rather fair to all the houses lately." Severus ducked his head again, this time to hide a blush; Harry chuckled, earning a scowl from his former professor. "Harry, I would like you to take the post of Deputy Headmaster now, in addition to your other duties." The wizard nodded, throatnow tight.

Albus sighed and looked out the window once more, "It is amazing, is it not?" he said softly, "Such a world still remains full of light, even when doubt and war cloud it." Albus smiled, feeling his magic reach out to the rest of the world as his life began to slip. Fawkes hopped from his perch to Albus' bed side, rubbing his beak against the old Headmaster's shoulder.

Albus pet the phoenix in reply, though it took more strength than he'd thought he had. Looking back over at the pair of visitors, he smiled, eyes dimming, but still twinkling. "I must ask that you do not grieve," he said, "but look to the future, to the hope that always comes. After all, to the well organized mind, death is but the next greatest adventure."

"You've said that before," they replied simultaneously, then looked horrified at having the same thought.

Albus laughed, his voice for once as strong and cheerful as it had been when he was younger. "Farewell my boys," he said, beaming. "May you all live long enough to bother and pester people like I have done. I love you both, Merlin bless."

And with that, Fawkes burst into flame for a final time, his song rising and falling as it spread over Hogwarts, settling into the hearts of those who heard it. Albus Dumbledore smiled one last time, before closing his eyes and leaning back as his kind heart began to slow. Then, the most celebrated wizard for many years moved on from one life, to the next, for another, newer adventure.

Coming Up:

Severus Snape