Chapter 33: Difficult to Love the Dead

Albus didn't get any sleep that night. He had argued with the Minister for several more hours about Remus's involvement, and refused to leave until he was sure that all the Dementors had been rounded up and left the grounds. The sun had already risen and students were heading down to breakfast by the time he was allowed to go to bed… but as he head back up to his office, he was mildly surprised to find that Remus was sitting there waiting for him.

Remus Lupin looked terrible. He was very pale and weak—like he usually was after every full moon—but there was also a wild, anxious look in his eyes as he looked up at him. He tried to get back up to his feet, but stumbled and almost fell.

"Remus," Albus said as he rushed forward and steadied him.

"Sirius?" he croaked at him. "Harry and the others…?"

Albus smiled kindly at him and told him to sit back down as he quickly explained what happened the night before. Once he was done, Remus gritted his teeth and gripped his hair tightly—a look of self-loathing on his face.

"This is all my fault…" he began, but Albus cut him off.

"Remus," he said firmly. "What could you have done?"

"I forgot to take my damn potion that's what!" Remus yelled out and he forced himself to stand up again. "I forgot to take it and look at what happened! I almost killed everyone last night! I could've bitten any of them!"

"It wasn't your fault, Remus," Albus said strongly, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "No one was hurt and…"

"Pettigrew escaped!" Remus shouted out as he looked ready to tear his hair out. "It was my fault! If I wasn't so stupid… if I only remembered…"

He went on like this for some time until he finally drew himself up to his full height and said, "Remus! Do you honestly think that you would've intentionally harm anyone last night?"

Remus jumped at the sudden loudness of his voice. "Well, no…"

"You had just learnt that one of your old friends was on the grounds and you went out to stop him," Albus said in a slightly softer voice. "You were in such a hurry to rush to three of my student's aid that you forgot to take a potion for yourself. For that, I am grateful. And I must remind you that no one was hurt, and Sirius had been able to escape. We now know the truth … you know the truth…"

Remus shook his head. "But still…" he said as he stood up. "Still… that doesn't change the fact that many lives were in danger because of me. I can't risk it again. Headmaster… please except my resignation."

Albus knew that this would happen. But it still felt like a blow to him. "Remus," Albus said gently. "I'm sure that we can prevent this from ever happening again. I had been able to convince the Ministry that you were trying to help Harry, Ron, and Hermione last night and that the full moon had been just an unfortunate coincidence. I'm sure that we can…"

But before he could finish explaining, someone else spoke up.

"I don't think that'll work, Dumbledore."

They both looked up, or in Remus's case jumped at the sudden voice, and Phineas was there—looking bored.

"I heard it while I was visiting my other portrait that is hanging in the Slytherin common room. Young Draco Malfoy is going around telling everyone who can listen about your affliction, Lupin."

Remus, who was already pale to begin with, had gone so white that Albus thought that he was going to faint. Instead, he stood up. "What?" he croaked out as Albus looked up at Phineas and demanded, "What has happened?"

"Just like I said," Phineas yawned. "According to Malfoy, apparently Severus let slip about what you are, Lupin this morning at breakfast. So I might want to get out of here while I have the chance if I were you."

Albus felt anger boiling in the pit of his stomach. He knew how Severus reacted last night should've been enough to have told him what his Potion's Master would do… but now…

"It's for the best," croaked a voice.

For a moment, Albus thought that the voice was Phineas again, but then he realized that it had come from Remus. He looked down at his old friend and he had a feeble smile on his face. "I will pack and leave today. Looks like you have no other choice but to except my resignation now, Headmaster."

"Remus," Albus began but Remus shook his head. "No, it's for the best. I could've bitten any one of those kids last night. I can't risk something like that ever happening again. If you could call a carriage for me, Headmaster—I will be grateful. I'll leave and start packing right now."

Albus tried several more brave attempts to talk Remus out of it… but he might as well been talking to the wall for all the good it did. Finally, he sighed and nodded.

"I'll have a word about this with Severus," he promised as he helped Remus to stand up again. "You must believe me when I tell you how sorry I am about this, Remus."

"That's alright," Remus replied with a rather weak attempt at optimism. "I guess that a steady, well-paying job that I love doing just wasn't destined for me. But, nonetheless, thank you for giving me the job in the first place," he said slowly. "I'm glad that I did… it was wonderful to see Harry again. And Sirius…"

He watched as Remus left… yet, despite all that had gone wrong; Albus could see a tiny glimmer of happiness in his former student's face. Remus wasn't alone anymore… Sirius was back, and that was all that mattered. Maybe Remus would be alright after all…

*Later*

"Dumbledore?" Minerva's voice rang out.

"Yes, Minerva?" he asked politely as he looked up from his letter at his office door. "Come in."

Professor McGonagall stuck her head in his office and said, "The carriage just arrived… for Remus…" Albus could hear the sadness in her voice and chuckled slightly. If he ever quoted her on this, he knew that she would deny it… but Remus had always been one of her most favorite students."

Albus nodded and thanked her as he got up from his desk and straight for Remus's office to inform him. But as he got up to the right level, he saw Everard looking at him from a portrait of a hippopotamus on the savanna. He raised his eyebrows at him and Everard answered, "Potter's visiting Lupin."

Albus nodded, not at all surprised to have heard that, and continued his way to the office door. He could hear Harry's voice now in fact…

"You told me Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs would've wanted to lure me out of school… you said they'd have thought it was funny."

"And so we would have," Albus then heard Remus speak, a hint of a smile in his voice. "I have no hesitation in saying that James would have been highly disappointed if his son had never found any of the secret passages out of the castle."

Albus smiled—knowing how true that was. He knew that James Potter would've been rolling in his grave if his only son never found any secret passageways. He sighed as he knocked on the door and walked in. He looked first at Harry—who was looking cheerless—before glancing at Remus.

"Your carriage is at the gates, Remus," he informed him soberly.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Remus said softly as he quickly picked up his old suitcase and the empty tank that he used for class. Remus, acting as if Albus wasn't here, turned back to Harry, and he could see the sadness in his eyes.

Albus knew that Remus saying goodbye to Harry would've been more painful than to anyone else in the castle. "Well — good-bye, Harry," Remus said with a forced smiled. "It has been a real pleasure teaching you. I feel sure we'll meet again sometime." He then turned back to Albus, and he could see the sorrow in his eyes, but also painful acceptance. "Headmaster, there is no need to see me to the gates, I can manage…"

Albus nodded, but he wasn't fooled. He knew Remus long enough to know that he was only scared that he would be able to find some way of making him stay. He tried to sound cheerful and understanding, but his voice couldn't hide the sober tone, "Good-bye, then, Remus." He walked forward to shake his hand and watched as Remus took one last look at Harry…

And then he was gone.

Albus sighed once more as he watched Remus walk down the long corridor before he turned the corner and was out of his sights. Shaking his head, he was about to walk out as well, when he noticed that Harry was now sitting in the empty chair looking dejected. Concerned, he walked over to the door and closed it before he turned back to the boy.

He then asked, "Why so miserable, Harry? You should be very proud of yourself after last night."

Harry looked back at him and said in a bitter tone, "It didn't make any difference. Pettigrew got away."

Albus couldn't believe his ears. Had Harry forgotten everything that happened last night? How many innocent lives that had been saved because of him? "Didn't make any difference?" he asked in his quiet voice, "it made all the difference in the world, Harry. You helped uncover the truth. You saved an innocent man from a terrible fate."

Harry's eyes suddenly widened in horror and he looked up at him. But before Albus could ask what was wrong, Harry said urgently, "Professor Dumbledore — yesterday, when I was having my Divination exam, Professor Trelawney went very — very strange."

Strange? To be honest, he knew Sybill had been strange since the day he met her. "Indeed?" he asked, wondering where he was going with this. "Er — stranger than usual, you mean?"

"Yes…" Harry went on quickly. "Her voice went all deep and her eyes rolled and she said… she said Voldemort's servant was going to set out to return to him before midnight… She said the servant would help him come back to power. And then she sort of became normal again, and she couldn't remember anything she'd said. Was it — was she making a real prediction?"

As the teenage boy stared up at him, Albus had another flashback of the prophecy he heard so long ago… neither can live while the other survives.

Doing his best to hide this he said—now deeply impressed, "Do you know, Harry, I think she might have been. Who'd have thought it? That brings her total of real predictions up to two." Albus had to admit that it wasn't just a onetime fluke with Sybill. Apparently she could see the future only when something major was about to happen. Maybe this was why she loved predicting death and misfortune so much. "I should offer her a pay raise…"

"But — " Harry began, looking at him like he thought that he didn't understand. "But — I stopped Sirius and Professor Lupin from killing Pettigrew! That makes it my fault if Voldemort comes back!"

Albus shook his head. Yes, Harry was growing up fast—but there were still some things that he was too young to understand. He interrupted quietly, "It does not. Hasn't your experience with the Time-Turner taught you anything, Harry? The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed… Professor Trelawney, bless her, is living proof of that…" Which was only to true… Sybill was indeed, one of a kind.

"You did a very noble thing, in saving Pettigrew's life," he finished. 'As well as astounding…' he then added to himself. Harry might not see it, but he was someone truly special. Not just magically, but with his sympathy and kindness—his gift of understanding. Albus had watched this young boy prove himself time and time again how strong he was—not physically, but strength of heart.

To have saved the very man who betrayed his parents and helped make him an orphan; to have saved the life of a cowardly man who foolishly chose wrong over right… and is the reason that Harry will never know his own parents…

This was the exact kind of person who Voldemort would never have a hope to defeat. To find someone so kind, compassionate, and understanding as this boy—especially after everything he had been through…

Albus knew, perhaps from the beginning, that this child was a far better man than he, himself, had ever been.

Harry didn't seem to be thinking about that however.

"But if he helps Voldemort back to power…"

"Pettigrew owes his life to you," Albus answered. "You have sent Voldemort a deputy who is in your debt… When one wizard saves another wizard's life, it creates a certain bond between them… and I'm much mistaken if Voldemort wants his servant in the debt of Harry Potter."

"I don't want a connection with Pettigrew!" Harry said hotly. "He betrayed my parents!"

Albus looked at him gently. He knew that somewhere inside Peter Pettigrew, was the man who had once been James's friend. He didn't know exactly what had happened with his former student, or why he went to Voldemort in the first place. But how can you betray someone you once cared about so easily? You cannot simply forget everything you know about someone and turn your heart against them like that.

At least, not that easily. He suspected that somewhere deep inside Peter, there was regret. Regret that things had turned out the way that they had. He knew and hoped that Peter would recognize that someday, and return the favor.

"This is magic at its deepest, its most impenetrable, Harry," he then went on. "But trust me… the time may come when you will be very glad you saved Pettigrew's life."

Harry continued to look doubtful and for a moment, Albus considered that maybe now would be the right time to tell him…

'Alas, the first thing you ask me, I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know, one day... put it from your mind for now, Harry. When you are older... I know you hate to hear this... when you are ready, you will know.'

No. He could let it go a little longer… let the boy enjoy what little peace he had left.

"I knew your father very well, both at Hogwarts and later, Harry," Albus went on. "He would have saved Pettigrew too, I am sure of it."

Harry looked up at him and said almost scared, "I thought it was my dad who'd conjured my Patronus. I mean, when I saw myself across the lake… I thought I was seeing him."

"An easy mistake to make," he said gently. "I expect you'll tire of hearing it, but you do look extraordinarily like James. Except for the eyes… you have your mother's eyes."

Albus could see that. He did look like James… it was almost like seeing him again. But Lily's eyes… it was almost like Lily's heart was inside of James's body. Harry Potter truly was something different…

Harry shook his head again and said, "It was stupid, thinking it was him. I mean, I knew he was dead."

Albus felt his own heart ache for a moment. That was something else he knew too well. He knew how hard it is. The struggle to keep faith with the dead isn't easy. The reason it's so difficult to love the dead is that it's hard to believe that they love you. They can no longer explain their actions or confess their love, and it's easy to believe that they are simply gone, past caring about or loving anyone.

"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him. How else could you produce that particular Patronus? Prongs rode again last night."

Harry looked up in amazement and Albus answered the questioning look with a smile, "Last night Sirius told me all about how they became Animagi. An extraordinary achievement — not least, keeping it quiet from me."

That alone, was an extraordinary achievement. He had once thought that he knew everything that went on in the castle. But only now he realized just how little he did know… and how much he needed to learn. He then remembered something else, and said, "And then I remembered the most unusual form your Patronus took, when it charged Mr. Malfoy down at your Quidditch match against Ravenclaw. You know, Harry, in a way, you did see your father last night… You found him inside yourself."

He left after that; knowing that it would be for the best if he left Harry alone for now. But as he walked away from the closed door, he thought back to the small child that he had spoke with almost three years ago…

"Sir – Professor Dumbledore? Can I ask you something?"

"Obviously, you have just done so. You may ask me one more thing, however."

"What do you see when you look in the mirror?"

"I? I see myself holding a pair of thick woollen socks."

Albus smiled grimly as he thought back to that night. It hurt when he learned what Harry had seen in the mirror. He remembered just how much Lily and James had loved their son, and the dear boy had never known that love.

Or any love for that matter. Albus was aware of how Petunia treated her nephew. He knew that Harry was neglected and unloved in that house. He had hoped that it would change over time, but it saddened him greatly to see that it hadn't. And yet the amount of love he had in his heart, despite the cruelness he had suffered at the hands of his relatives, was stunning.

But he felt uneasy… that little innocence and naivety that remained inside him was quickly fading… he didn't want to see it disappear before it was necessary. But at the same time, he knew with a heavy heart that the time would come…

*Later that day*

"Severus?" Albus called loudly, giving several loud knocks on the door to his potion master's office. He hadn't seen Severus since his scene last night—and knew that he was most likely sulking. This wasn't going to be enjoyable in the slightest.

"Severus? I'm coming in," he announced, and walked in. Sure enough, sulking in an armchair in the dark—was Severus Snape—and he looked furious.

"Severus?" Albus carefully approached him.

Severus glared at him with his bloodshot eyes.

"Oh, Severus," Albus sighed, bracing for the worst.

"Don't talk to me," Snape hissed at him viciously, his face contorted with rage. And suddenly he was on his feet and yelling, "YOU LET HIM GO! YOU HELPED POTTER SET HIM FREE!"

When Albus did not reply, Severus went on fuming, "That brat! You're always on his side! After all the harm he's done?"

"Harm?" Albus asked politely. "It seems more to me that he's done more good than harm."

Severus was breathing hard through his teeth as he sat back down in his chair and continued to mark the exam papers so violently that he almost tore a few in half.

Albus shook his head as he watched him. "Severus. Just how far are you willing to go? If you hadn't been so obsessed with revenge and listened to their story…" Albus shook his head—so much harm could've been avoided. "You nearly sentence an innocent man to a terrible fate, Severus! And for what? Revenge? Haven't the four of them paid enough? And now Remus has been forced to leave because you refuse to grow up. He can barely find employment anywhere due to his condition and he has been forced to leave a job that he dearly loves doing… and for what?"

Severus stopped marking the papers for a moment as he froze, but then sneered, refusing to look up at him. Albus then went on, "I knew you were spiteful, Severus, but I'm shocked at what you will do to get revenge!"

Severus glared at him coldly as Albus explained who it was who had really betrayed the Potters to Voldemort.

"And you believe that?" he snarled at him

Albus raised his eyebrows. "You honestly think that Sirius could've fooled me like that, Severus? I didn't need to see into his mind to know that his words were sincere."

Albus stopped here and watched as Severus fought to keep his breath level.

"Severus," Albus continued to Severus gently. "I care for you as I do for all my students… whether they are former or current. But I will not stand this behavior of yours. It is disgusting and far beneath you to sink so far to get back at someone. You are better than this. Why were you so desperate for Sirius to pay even if it risked ruining your own soul?"

"I thought he was Lily's killer," Severus answered at once. "The only evidence I had otherwise was a bunch of trouble-making kids and the werewolf saying that he was innocent! What was I supposed to think?"

"Then why not at least hear them out before you risk making a huge mistake?" Albus asked his softly. "Severus, it is time let go and move on with your life. You and I both now know that Sirius Black never murdered or betrayed anyone. Do not allow petty childhood grudges to run your life. Imagine, for a just a moment, that you had succeeded in handing Sirius over to the dementors. Imagine that they'd performed the kiss. Picture it—an innocent man who's soul sucked out. How does that make you feel?"

Severus glared up at Albus, "He deserves it!"

Albus gave him a sad and disappointed look. "And what of Remus? After Sirius escaped, you exposed Remus as being a werewolf to the entire school. What on earth possessed you to do such a thing?"

Severus closed his eyes. "I don't know what you mean, Headmaster," he answered quietly, his voice full of suppressed anger.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Albus said harshly. "Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, imagine what it must be like to be unable to hold a job due to an unjust childhood illness that has plagued him his whole life? Being hated and feared for things that he has no control over?"

"You realize that Lupin tormented me as much as Potter and Black did!" Severus began but Albus held up his hand to silence him.

"While I think that I already know the answer," Albus scolded. "Please, tell me why you felt the need to expose Remus as you did."

"After last night, I feel that it would be for the best if parents knew as well—for their own children's safety!" Severus snapped. "Don't you think they deserve to know that a werewolf is teaching their children?"

Albus's eyes narrowed. "Severus…?" he said in a warning voice.

Severus stared hotly at him before he hissed, "I was angry, alright?"

Albus sighed and closed his eyes for a long moment. When he opened them again he said, his voice full of disappointment, "And so you sought to cost a man his job because you were angry? I see…"

Severus shifted uncomfortably in his own chair, but didn't lose the angry look.

"What were you thinking, then?" Albus lectured. "What you fail to see is how your behavior affects so many people. It pains me greatly to see you act this way, Severus. I won't stand by while you ruin your life and the lives of others… such as doing your best to make Harry's life miserable as well…"

Severus opened his mouth again but Albus went on.

"I wonder if you realize that you are more alike with young Harry than you think," he asked. "If I recall correctly, you and James spent most of your time trying to get back at each other. Neither one of you are innocent. And I certainly don't recall either of you reporting anything to me and therefore I wasn't able to help but a stop to it. No matter how much you hate them, you shouldn't continue to be so hateful to the students. You certainly didn't like being bullied and humiliated when you were a student… why do you do the same now to others?"

"Why are you always so determined to lecture and tell me off?" Severus demanded coldly.

"Severus," Albus sighed wearily. "Listen to yourself. You sound almost exactly as you did back when you were a child. You're still trying to blame James for everything that has gone wrong in your life. This is exactly a terrible flaw with you, Severus. You are still a child in many ways and not only do you not want to let go of your past, but you refuse to do so. In a way, the castle here reminds me of your heart. A strong object that is surrounded with barriers and walls… it's not an excuse."

"They all got away with almost killing me! You never punished them…" Severus almost yelled.

"Got away?" Albus asked sadly, staring at him hard. "How could they? Look at what has happened to them all. While you have suffered greatly Severus, you were safe here in the school that you love so dearly. But look at how they all suffered… James is dead, Sirius was imprisoned in Azkaban for a crime he didn't do, Remus had spent so many years alone—struggling to find work and Peter Pettigrew was forced to hide in fear as a rat. And here we have you… tormenting a child who had nothing to do with any of that. Why?" Albus asked him in an almost earnest way. "Haven't they all paid enough? Hasn't Harry suffered enough for what his father had done to you?"

Severus frown at him.

"Severus," Albus said, folding his hands together. "I know that it is fruitless to attempt to change your mind about Harry. However Harry is a remarkable boy—this is the truth, even if you don't see that Severus… I wish I could help you, but unless you learn to let go of this bitterness, learn to forgive and…"

"Forgive?" Sirius spat. "You might as have just asked me to drink my own poisons!"

Albus sighed again. "But some poisons can become antidotes if applied correctly, Severus. I don't know how many times we have to discuss this… but I am asking you to learn to see what you have. All I ask is that you stop looking for someone to take your revenge on. What more could you want from them, Severus? What more could they possibly sacrifice for you to be satisfied?"

Severus didn't move… he didn't speak. He just continued to glower at him as Albus turned and left the office.

"Oh," he added as he reached the doorway and looked back at the exam papers sitting on the desk. "Should you mark anyone unfairly, I will know it."

*End of the year*

The rest of the school year passed quickly and quietly—much to Albus's relief. Now that Sirius was free and the Dementors were removed—he felt as if a great weight had been lifted of his shoulders. He had contacted Sirius only once since his escape. He knew how dangerous it would be for Sirius if he were to send owls back and forth. But the letter he did receive did sound as if he was enjoying his new found freedom. And he had also added a little something extra:

I, Sirius Black, Harry Potter's godfather, hereby give him permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.

When Albus read that, he couldn't help but smile as he made a mental note to tell Minerva. This should indeed cheer Harry up, and hopefully make the next year more enjoyable for them both. He then turned to one of the many letters talking about the Triwizard Tournament that was to take place. Albus was more than willing for it to take place again; especially after the prophecy that Sybill foretold…

If Voldemort was going to rise again, they would need all the support and friendships they could get. Bringing the three schools together and making them stronger seemed like a good start.

He yawned widely as he checked his watch to see that the train has just left.

He sighed in relief again as he leaned back in his seat, his eyes closed. Another year was over—and he was given two months of peace… though that might not stay that way with all the planning for the tournament.

"You seem tired, Dumbledore," said the wheezy voice of Armando Dippet.

Albus smiled and opened his eyes to look up at Armando. "I'm just relieved that the year is over," he answered truthfully.

"Of course," Armando said as he stretched out his arms. "You must be tired after a year like this one."

"Pffft," grunted Phineas and Albus looked over at the Slytherin Headmaster.

"Is there something you wish to say, Phineas?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing," he said tightly. "I was more curious if you worked up the guts to tell Potter about that prophecy. I'm getting sick of all this 'checking up on him' for you."

Albus's sleepy mood vanished almost instantly and several portraits told Phineas off.

"What do you have to complain about?" Dilys asked crossly. "You never do anything!"

"I have better things to do with my spare time than follow a child around the school all day!"

"Really?" Dexter asked sarcastically. "And name one thing interesting you do."

"I don't have to answer myself to the likes of you!" Phineas retorted snidely.

Albus stood up so suddenly that the arguing stopped. "No, Phineas," he answered grimly. "I haven't told him. I believe that Harry will be better off if he is not burdened with this so early in his life. The longer he can believe that he is a normal young wizard, and then I think it would be worth it in the end." He turned his gaze out the window to the shadowy castle grounds. "For us all."

'I hope I am wrong,' he thought to himself as he left the office, stopping only to grab his traveling cloak. 'I hope that I am thinking too much about this… worrying too much… in my old age. I pray that Harry will not have to face Tom again for many more years. When he is older and wiser…'

He went to the owlery to send his letters to Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagmand, Madam Maxime, and Karkaroff before he left the castle. There was someplace that he needed to see.

*Godric's Hallow*

A wrinkled hand gently set two large bouquets of flowers on a large, marble grave stone. Albus then sat back on his knees, his old bones rubbing dolefully together as he stared at the grave for a long time; tears trailed down a face long riddled with lines of grieve and guilt, landing in his beard.

He reached out and traced the letters that were engraved there so long ago:

Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.

Those words he chose himself… as punishment.

He had those words put there to remind him how he had forever lost his treasure. To teach him never to be so foolish again—to never take anything for granted again.

His tears slid faster down his face as Albus thought about his younger sister, his father and mother. He had betrayed them… in one of the worse possible ways. Yes, he had dreams and ambitions when he was younger… but that's all that they would ever be.

Dreams and fantasies.

Even as a teenager he should've seen that. Everything else seemed so insignificant when you already lost everything—everyone you loved. As a wise Muggle once said, you don't realize how precious someone is to you… until you lose them.

Gripping the stone tightly, the stream of tears began to fall harder. Albus knew he would never be forgiven for any of the wrongs he had done to his own family. So, he made sure he never forgot. It served as a sort of self-punishment.

Albus never stopped loving his family, no matter what his plans had been or what he had done. He hoped that wherever his parents and sister were—they were happy and knew how sorry he was. If not, he would tell him himself… and they would hopefully be able to forgive him someday.

He never did find out who it had been who did it.

He never knew who it had been who took Ariana's life in the end. It could've been any one of them… he could remember from that day so long ago their wands slashing through the air, the house slowly being torn apart. The shouting… curses flying… the roof starting to cave in around them once the battle finally ended… and her eyes…

Once the smoke cleared, he had heard his brother call out in pain.

Everything stopped then as he looked to see Aberforth clutching Ariana's body to him. And his wand fell onto the broken floor with a loud clatter.

Albus hardly noticed. At least he didn't see his friend leave. His friend, the great intellectual, who he had helped with so many plans in store; to find the Hollows and rule over Muggles and wizards alike. All their research and plans meant nothing to him anymore as he realized how his obsession took someone he loved away from him for good.

Grindelwald could always come back. He knew that he would see Grindelwald again one day…

But Ariana… never again…

Albus didn't know how long he and his brother stood there, staring at Ariana's staring eyes—lifeless—like a doll's. Albus had been unable to tear his gaze from his little sister's empty blue eyes.

Eyes that had haunted him every day since then.

Albus dried his own blue eyes on his sleeve. He understood Harry's fear that the dead no longer cared. He knew that pain better than anyone.

"But I will never forget you," he promised into the wind as he reached out to touch Ariana's name once again.

(The end of another year. So sad… Dumbledore, you are pretty much the coolest cat on the planet. Well, now we are finally moving on to the Goblet of Fire. Question for you all? Does anyone else think that Dumbledore went to the world cup but left before the riot began? Should I put that in, or just start right off at the beginning of the year at the welcoming feast? Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! And thank you all!)