'...I'm not proud of the fact, that the grandfather of that boy was one of my victims, but he was a sacriface that I had to make, for the Greater Good.
I know what emotions my statement causes in you, but I'm not going to change my mind - I still believe that we should stop hiding and start ruling, for the better future of Muggles and wizards alike.
Although, I must agree, that some of my methods were not acceptable. But there's no innocent during the war. That Krum murdered my secretary and her times are gone, but the blame...
Back to the topic - I'm curious about that appearance of the Death Eaters during the Quidditch World Cup, and their sudden escape after seeing the Dark Mark.
I have a suspicion, that the Mark was made by someone who, according to their data, was dead - that's why it caused such a fear in them. But what was its purpose? I can only guess.
I'm looking forward to further information about Triwizard Tournament. My school is represented by the grandson of my enemy...I think I'll cheer on Harry. Being the fourth contestant must be hard for him. If I were you, I wouldn't let my guard down - someone had a good reason for decieving the Goblet of Fire and I'm sure, that it's not out of their sympathy for young Potter. He should be careful...'
At last, Dumbledore found what he was looking for in this letter - some kind of remorse and it gave him hope.
As for the last part, he figured as it was good to find confirmation of his suspicions in the words of the wisest(except for him) wizard . Not for the first time, he wished that Gellert would be with him, to help him protect Harry and the other students.
He became intirgued by the idea of some 'un-dead' person who made the Dark Mark. Gellert's explanation was believable,so he decided to give it a thought. Which of the Death Eaters were believed to be dead...
***
1995 ***
'...So he returned...That young Potter impresses me more and more. He reminds me of you sometimes.
Priori incantatem...It's a painful spell, isn't it? I dare to say, that you've never cast it upon your wand. You didn't want to know the truth, am I right? You still don't want to know, who killed Ariana.
It's a curious thing, Albus, that we haven't talked for about 50 years, but we still try to protect each other. You don't want to check if it was your or my spell that took her life. And I never invaded England. I wanted to avoid fighting with you because I knew, that victory would be more bitter than loss.
I'm sentimental...Men should never grow old, it's worse than death...'
Dumbledore read the last sentence and didn't even try to stop the tears that were forming in the corners of his eyes. He was old, but he felt young and in love... Now he knew the answer, even though he never asked. He was sure of the meaning of the Gellert's reply about his patronus. But he couldn't get overwhelmed with joy. The dark times came, and he had to do everything to ensure Harry's well-being. He had to tell the world about the return of the Dark Lord.
***
1996 ***
'...Poor boy. First his parents, now his godfather...It's sad, ideed.
But what pains me the most, is your decision. The only thing left for me is to hope, that I'll join you in short time. After you're gone, he'd probably come for me.
To be honest, I can't wait to meet a man, who sold all of his humanity to the idea of immortality. I'd never do such things, in my humble opinion.
I always knew, that you are able to do it. To sacrifice yourself for the good of others. For the greater good. See? You're making our ideals come true. It hurts me, that you're going there first.
And even though you caged me like some wild beast, I must say that even this decision made by you was good. You knew, that being imprisoned was the only thing that could destroy me. You knew, that I'd become wiser.
I never thought that I'll write this, but I'm grateful to you for this prison.
I wish you strength.
See you on the other side.'
This time Dumbledore wasn't crying. He held the letter close to his heart and looked at his poisoned and destroyed hand.
" ...little longer..." He murmured.
1997 ***