Chapter : Albus

disclaimer: I do not own anything from Harry Potter or His Dark Materials.

"I think Athenalia will settle soon."

"Athenalia?"

"Mr. Longbottom's daemon."

"Ahh," Albus responded as he signed his letter with a flourish of his quill, "Perhaps that will bring him some more confidence. It's remarkable how shy that poor boy is."

Kyrillion puffed up her feathers, "It's his grandmother. Augusta has always been a strong-willed woman."

Albus hummed noncommittally as he handed the parchment to a regal looking owl sitting upon his desk, "To Cornelius Fudge, if you will." he requested. The owls feathers bristled slightly as the bird extended its wings and quickly swooped out the window. "And Shayreen?" Albus questioned.

"Soon, perhaps," Kyrillion answered, "It's hard to tell when a person has been effected with as many trauma's as Mr. Potter."

Blue eyes dimmed losing their twinkle and Albus simply hummed.

Kyrillion hopped down to the desk in front of her human, "It's for the best Albus," she stated.

"It is logically sound my dear, but perhaps a little contact-"

"No Albus."

"The poor boy, he has no one. Sirius can hardly be held as a reliable model and-"

"Albus," golden eyes pierced into brilliant blue, "We can't risk it. If Tom finds out about the link the consequences could be drastic. It is better to lose the boys trust than his mind. Shayleen will be with him, along with Caeryn, Miss Granger, Kyrie, and Mr. Weasley. We must trust in Mr. Potter to handle himself otherwise everything will be lost."

Albus solemnly gazed at the Owl perched in front of him, "One hundred and forty seven years Ky. One hundred and forty seven years and I still feel as lost and unsure as the day Arianna died."

Ky's gaze softened and she gently nibbled upon Albus' fingertips, "You're only human Al, you can only do so much."

"Yet I must be a god Ky. I must give more of myself than I can return because they'd be lost without it."

"You're willing to make such a sacrifice?" Ky's feathers bristled out, "A sacrifice for sheep who would sooner classify you as a lunatic than gather their resources and listen to the council of one who has more knowledge and experience over the situation at hand?"

Albus smiled sadly at his daemon. All these years and she still remained so fiery and passionate. "Yes Ky. I'm willing to make such a sacrifice," he stated.

"Why?"

"Because I love them Ky, and they deserve to lead a life without fear and pain."

"And we don't?" Silence greeted her, "we don't deserve peace Albus? We've spent a lifetime trying to make up for our mistakes and-"

Albus stood abruptly. "And we will never make amends for Arianna's death."

"But-"

Albus turned away from his daemon, "It is time for dinner." Neither touched throughout the whole meal, as Albus absently chatted with Minerva about the upcoming Welcoming Feast. But neither could ignore the thrum of pain in their chest that was a welcome distraction of the guilt that had slowly eaten away at their minds for over a century.