Ahh. I do believe that someone has to drink this fine beverage Harry."

"I'll do so." Harry said grasping the shell.

"No Harry!" Dumbledore commanded, "I shall be the one to drink it. Not you."

"Sir it could kill you!"

Dumbledore chuckled, "I am over a hundred years old Harry. A great many things could kill me."

"But, I'm younger and stronger. i could withstand the effects better, I could..."

Dumbledore laid his hand on Harry's arm gently with a fatherly smile, "Harry my son, I appreciate your heroic sense of self-sacrifice. Now is not the time nor the place for such. I am a tired old man whose time draws near no matter what. Grant me this Harry. Help me drink this potion instead of you."

"Even if it kills you?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Even if such occurs. Take the item you find back to the castle and find your lady fair. She will help you figure out from my notes what to do from here."

"My lady fair?" Harry asked in confusion that the headmaster would bring that up at a time like this. "I don't know who you're talking about sir."

"Ah you don't know? I would say the young lady who has spent the journey of your life at your side already is well known to you. If she is not your lady fair already, she should be Harry. Do not allow the ones you love to slip away for you may never get a second chance. Now let us begin to sup Eh?"

Harry reluctantly handed him the shell quivering with the thick dark green syrup. Dumbledore swallowed the first dose before wincing and grimacing, "Ah a not entirely pleasant vintage, the bouquet leaves something to be desired as well."