A/N: They're not mine. I'm just playing.
Chapter Seventeen: Oh, and By The Way
Dorian waited for Albus in his office. He had one final conversation to have, and in some ways this would be the hardest one. He had always looked to Albus to give him guidance, and now the situation would be reversed.
When Albus entered his office, he was surprised to see Dorian sitting there. He had assumed the younger man would leave directly after the feast.
"I thought you would be gone by now."
"No. I have something left to discuss with you."
Albus sat down behind his desk and leaned back in his chair.
"Very well. I will miss you, you know. It's good to see that you have been able to overcome the extremely negative circumstances that surrounded you in the fight with Voldemort."
"You have an extreme gift for understatement, Albus."
Albus chuckled. "I try."
Dorian retorted, "Yes, and sometimes you're very trying."
Albus couldn't help but laugh. After he settled down, he brought the conversation back to the original point. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Albus, I know you and Minerva care very deeply about each other."
Albus was a little uncomfortable with the new direction, but didn't say anything.
"You and Minerva have decided to wait until this war is over to pursue anything more permanent. Do not wait. The future is uncertain, and I know you will greatly regret not doing anything sooner."
Albus leaned closer, suddenly intent.
"Are you saying something is going to happen to Minerva or myself?"
"I am saying only that you should 'carpe diem'."
Albus stared at him searchingly. Dorian knew his shields would hold against Albus, so he was not too concerned. Finally, Albus leaned back in his chair and nodded.
"I will discuss this with Minerva. I have not told her your true identity. Do you mind if I do so?"
"Since I will be gone, I really do not care."
Albus nodded. "Very well. So, you are leaving this afternoon?"
"Yes. I set up a portkey in my luggage that will activate as soon as I repack that particular item. It is one I would wait until last to pack, anyway."
"That must be a very peculiar portkey."
"Once I knew I was going to be coming back in time, I began researching time travel. It is actually a combination of potion and portkey. It is keyed to a particular person, so no one else can use it."
"Very good thinking. We wouldn't want someone running around out of their own time, good intentions or not, that did not know why they were there, and what they were to change."
"Exactly. I believe that I did what Dorian was supposed to do. I am ready to go home."
"I have enjoyed this time. I will see you in about 25 years."
"Indeed." Dorian stood up, nodded to Albus, and walked out of his office. Next stop: home.