Written for Assignment #2 on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry forum: Ancient Runes, Task #4 – Write about someone finding out they don't have long to live. Word count: 380.

Together

The evening of June 14th, 1992, found the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts lit only by a few candles located on the huge desk. The light placed deep shadows on the faces of three people gathered here, two men and one woman. They were quiet. And, what was the most unusual, the numerous portraits stayed silent, too.

Not safe. Letting the philosopher's stone exist was not safe.

"I'm sorry, Nicolas."

Having to pass such unfortunate information to his long-time friend and mentor, Albus Dumbledore suddenly felt much older than he was. Gone was the twinkle in his eyes and his smile. The Flamels, however, looked calm. They were an elegant wizarding couple, seemingly a bit younger than Albus. An unaware observer would never suspect any of them to be over six hundred and fifty years old. But they were; and now their journey was coming to an end.

"It was bound to happen, sooner or later," Perenelle said. "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." [1]

Nicolas and Perenelle sat together in their bedroom. Her grey hair, released from the neat updo, framed her face gently.

"How long do we have?"

"No longer than one and half year," answered Nicolas, making quick calculations in his head. To sustain the effects of the elixir, they would need another dose in fourteen months; but the one they had already taken would keep them alive some more.

"I don't want to be left alone, Nicolas."

It was one thing Perenelle feared. Not death, not even possible suffering after the elixir stopped working. No; she was only scared that her husband could die before she did. And after several centuries of love and friendship, she couldn't imagine being alone.

"I know," he confirmed. "But we don't need all this time, darling. We could…" he hesitated for a moment. "We could make sure that we leave together."

Perenelle didn't respond right away. It seemed almost sinful, to plan ending their lives early. But didn't they give the world all they could have given? Didn't they deserve to make this decision?

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. "We should."

NICOLAS FLAMEL

MAY 12, 1326 – JAN. 17, 1993

PERENELLE FLAMEL

AUG. 29, 1333 – JAN. 17, 1993

DIES DIEM DOCET [2]

[1] These are, of course, the words Albus Dumbledore uses in conversation with Harry in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Well, he might have quoted Perenelle.

[2] Dies diem docet – Latin "the day teaches the day". I believe the Flamels would value the experience gained over time, so it seemed fitting.