Chapter 13

Beast of Burden

Harry's consciousness returned to the sound of a familiar voice. Two of them, for that matter. The most peculiar thing about what he was hearing though, seemed to be the tone of pleasant conversation the two were having.

"I don't see why he brought us here though."

"He probably felt that the powerful artifact that was attached to you was beyond his abilities. Of course, to be fair, it probably was. While he could have taken care of the mask itself, I doubt his ability to remove its curse. It was not something that a simple Maledict drought could reverse."

"Hmph, I think you're doubting him a bit too much, Professor. The real question is why did he apparate us both the whole distance in one go. He knows better than that."

Dumbledore may have been about to answer, but Harry chose this moment to voice his return to consciousness.

"I did it because I didn't want whatever power that artifact may be leaking to be tracked here. So one jump was the best decision. Breaking it up into more would leave a trail."

Harry groaned as he sat up. Opening his eyes, Harry found himself to be seated on a rather opulent couch. As for the room's other two occupants, Albus and Emily were seated at a small table that was illuminated by bright sunlight streaming in from a nearby window.

Emily scoffed at Harry's explanation. "Its not like Grindelwald didn't know where you were headed, Harry. What's the point of hiding it from him?"

Harry looked at the girl mocking him across the room. Raising himself from the couch, Harry stumbled his way towards the two.

"I'm more worried about the various other people who may have an interest in a powerful device that could be a threat to the timeline. Which means anyone who wants to alter the status quo that is currently held right now. Any ministry, dark wizard or even somebody with a hero complex who sees that mask as a useful tool."

Harry bent low to kiss Emily on her forehead. "Where is that damn thing, by the way."

Emily gestured Harry's attention to the man in front of her. Harry looked at Albus for an explanation.

"I've taken care of it, Harry. More importantly, I'm sure you're more worried about Emily's state after she made an attempt to make the mask into a horcrux."

Harry nodded. That was his first priority. As far as he was concerned, Albus could keep that mask under lock and key for the rest of his, hopefully, very long life.

"Well, I'm sure it will please you to know that Emily herself will not face any adverse effects. I was able to remove the mask before it consumed her horcrux. Unfortunately for Emily, her horcrux did not survive the mask's power. It was consumed and, subsequently, destroyed."

Emily grumbled. "All that effort, wasted. What a crock."

"What is concerning is that before the mask consumed Emily's horcrux fully, I was surprised to find it affixed to her face two times after I removed it. Somehow, the horcrux inside of it allowed it to place itself on her face. After the first instance, I placed heavy enchantments on both the mask and Ms. Riddle to make sure a second instance did not happen. However, the mask was not stopped by my spells. I don't fully comprehend its power, but I am eager to study it closely in the future."

Harry nodded, before stipulating, "Sure, just... don't put the fucker on. The stupid one over here," Harry motioned to Emily which pissed her off. "Found out how bad of an idea that was."

Slapping his arm none too gently, she defended herself. "I didn't choose to put that thing on. I was showering and then all of a sudden it was just stuck on my face. I tried tugging it off, but it wouldn't budge. Before I could call out for you, I was already out like a light."

Harry smirked at her, conveying that he was only picking on her. "I know, I know Emily. So, how much have you caught Albus up on?"

"Not much. I haven't been up for long. We've been over the mask and a couple other things. Nothing of interest, right, Professor?"

Albus raised his eyebrows humorously. "I dare say, Harry, that I've been asked to keep certain aspects of Ms. Riddle and mine's conversation private. I hope you'll understand."

Harry's eyes narrowed, knowing that Emily wouldn't share anything too important with Albus. But clearly she'd said something she felt embarrassed about. Deciding to play along, Harry needled Albus for more details.

"I don't know, Albus. As her guardian, I don't think you can keep secrets from me in your position as her professor. I'm going to need you disclose what she's told you."

"Guardians don't fuck their wards Harry. Its a little late for you to pull that card."

At Emily's coarse words, Harry's face reddened in embarrassment. Though, Emily did have a point. Their relationship was certainly not that of guardian and ward.

Albus, who seemed completely unperturbed by their conversation, merely chuckled. "I'm afraid that, during the summer, my legal obligations to student's guardians is greatly reduced, Harry. Ms. Riddle's secrets are safe with me." Patting himself on the chest, as though to reassure Emily he would not break her confidence, Albus changed the subject.

"I'm sorry to press you so soon after your arrival for information, Harry, but I would like to know of what Gellert has been up to lately. Ms. Riddle was about to share, but now that you're awake, I'd like you both to share what you know."

Harry and Emily spent the next half hour informing Dumbledore about everything they knew in regards to Grindelwald's plans. They went through things as well as they remembered, and Dumbledore made sure to get clarification where things didn't quite add up. At the end, Albus sat quietly and gazed out the window. Harry, sitting on a haphazardly conjured chair Emily had been only too eager to make him, stared at the man, wondering what he was thinking.

The silence didn't reign for too long, before Emily interrupted the professor. "So, is there an inn in this tiny village, or are Harry and I stuck here? Because I really don't want to have sex with him in your house, Professor. That's weird, even for me."

Harry groaned. Emily was intent on making this experience as painful for him as she could. It wasn't like the girl cared about her own reputation with the man. She'd already discarded the man as someone to trust. If it weren't for Harry's staunch defense of the man, Harry doubted she'd have stayed long enough for Harry to recover. She'd have slung him over her shoulder and set off long before now. However, after recalling their seemingly pleasant discourse, Harry wondered if some bridges might have a chance at mending.

"There's a few rooms available for rent down Fae Lane. No actual inns, I'm afraid to say. Why don't you run along, Ms. Riddle and see if you can secure a room for yourself and Harry. He and I can discuss a few more points before the two of you may retire for the evening."

Emily nodded, clearly aware that she was being ushered from the room so the 'adults' could speak about important matters. Giving Harry a look that he knew meant she wanted full disclosure, she left. As she did so, Harry took her seat. Though he'd appreciated Emily's gesture, the chair she'd conjured lacked any comfort.

"Real subtle, Albus. You know, you'd think, for an educator, you'd be a bit better at clearing the room of students."

Albus chuckled again. "Well, when they're as clever as Ms. Riddle, you run the risk of them trying to eavesdrop. Therefore its easier to let them know your intentions. She'll expect to hear our words from you, therefore she won't bother listening in."

Harry wasn't too sure about the man's views, but wasn't willing to fight the older wizard on it. "So, what's up. What more do I need to know about that mask?"

"Well, it would seem as though it only works for one person at a time. Meaning that once it establishes a connection to a person, it remains a simple mask for another."

"But you said it consumed the horcrux. Wouldn't that mean its free to bond with another host? Or whatever you call the person that puts it on."

Albus shrugged uncertainly. "I'm not too sure. While the mask made no further attempts to latch onto Emily after destroying her horcrux, we can't be certain it will remain that way."

Harry nodded. "So, what is that thing really?" His curiousity was piqued and information about the mask would certainly be helpful if problems arose in the future.

"I can't be certain. But I do have a theory after hearing from you, its origins. I assume you know the story of Joan of Arc, yes?"

Harry nodded. He, as well as most Europeans, were familiar with the name. "Don't tell me she was a witch, Albus."

Albus shook his head, "No, Joan was certainly a muggle. But she was unusual among her kind. Though she had no magic, and had barely reached physical maturity, she did things that were incredible. She led armies through battles, at a time long before women were immersed in warfare, and was a key person in the eventual victory of France in the Hundred Year war. She was captured, put on trial, then executed. All of this was because of her belief that God had commanded her to do these things. Her faith in that almighty being gave her an iron clad will. A will that I believe is retained in the very mask that you two brought to me."

"I'm fairly certain that, should a muggle put on that mask, they would become a formidable warrior. Just as Joan of Arc was when she wielded the French banner on the battlefield. That would be the strength her incredible will power would bestow upon a non magical being. However, as I am sure you know, magic, is all about intent. Willpower. While I believe the mask would make a muggle formidable, I fear the mask would make a witch or wizard nigh unstoppable. It would perhaps even be greater than the unstoppable tools that you and I wield, Mr. Potter."

The idea that the silver mask could be even more formidable than the elder wand was unnerving to Harry. Even now, when he gripped the elder wand, Harry felt recklessly powerful. It was a tool that he felt was truly unmatched in offensive power, a worthy member of the three Deathly Hallows. But compared to a mask that held the indomitable will of a saint of the church, Harry had honest doubts as to whether the elder wand could measure up.

"Of course, the elder wand does not devour the soul, so its certainly infinitely safer to use. But the mask is still not something we can allow to fall into the hands of others. You were wise to apparate directly to Godric's Hollow, Harry. Its best that we keep the mask's existence as quiet as possible."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Thanks, Albus. This whole thing exploded beyond my abilities very quickly."

"Naturally, as these things tend to do. Of course, when you align yourself with the company of Miss Riddle, there will be bumps in the road."

Harry sighed. To an outsider's perspective, Albus' words may seem to be an admonishment of the company Harry had chosen to keep. But Harry knew this was not the case. Albus was simply stating the truth of Harry's situation.

"Harry, I don't mean to interfere heavily with you and Miss Riddle. But I fear you have not spoken to her about the dire consequences of creating horcruxes."

Harry shrugged. "I mean, we've delved into the topic, a bit. I sort of assumed that she'd be done with the first one. I thought we'd established a no more killing rule. But, while she won't go looking for an opportunity, it seems like when one presents itself, she's willing to take it."

Leaning back in his seat, Harry stared at the ceiling. Albus cleared his throat, however, and called Harry's attention back to him.

"I understand, Harry, but you must tell her. Each horcrux she makes devours an aspect of her humanity. What happens if, the next time she creates one, it is her feeling for you that are taken?"

Turning his gaze sharply, Harry stared down the powerful wizard. "Is that even possible? I mean, I knew horcrux creation eroded at a person's humanity, but... can it take away a person's feelings?"

Albus shook his head. "Not in that manner, no. But it can rob her ability to feel powerful emotions. Its possible that two horcruxes have already damaged her in a way that will affect your relationship. She will know she cares for you, she will feel a connection, but it will be shallow. Far easier to, disregard, if necessary."

Lowering his head, Harry cursed under his breath. He was instantly angry at himself. Of course Emily would still want to create horcruxes. She probably still desired to make seven.

"Remember Harry, the Voldemort of your time. Much of her horrific transformation was the result of splitting her soul over and over. Whatever the case may be, you must not allow Emily Riddle to make a third horcrux. You must tell her of the consequences. Of what she risks every time."

Harry nodded. He was still upset with himself. He knew that Emily wasn't truly aware of the consequences of making horcruxes. He was far more aware. But he'd acted so irresponsibly by not telling her.

"Damn it. What am I doing?"

Albus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Now, now, Harry. A side-effect of youth is a larger propensity to overlook the obvious. You may feel like an old man, but you're still quite young. You can't shoulder every burden of yours and Emily's single handedly. A strong man you may be, but you are not invincible."

Shrugging non commitally, Harry stood. Flexing and rotating his shoulders, he took a deep breath. "My errors aside, what other pressing concerns do we need to speak of?"

"You mentioned in our last correspondence that you had obtained a 'bribe' for Headmaster Dippet. Something to ensure Emily's return to Hogwarts? I'll be honest with you, Harry. Armando claims to have no intention of allowing Miss Riddle back into the school. He considers her a liability of the highest order. While he does have sympathy for her, and understands that what happened was a mistake, you would be hard pressed to get him to agree."

Reaching into his robes, Harry began to pull out several priceless artifacts. Helga Hufflepuff's cup and Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem. These two items were things he was immediately ready to part with. Albus' eyes widened at the two objects.

"Are these what I think they are?"

"Yes, sir. Two priceless founder's relics. Surely, Professor Dippet might be willing to hear me out?"

Dumbledore shuffled his eyes from Harry to the fire several times before nodding. Approaching the fire, Albus took a pinch of floo powder and contacted the headmaster at once.

"What is it, Albus? Whenever you call for me during the summer, its always a bother."

Harry chuckled softly at the older man's words, wondering just how amicable the two wizards were.

"I do apologize, Armando. However, I have come across some Hogwart's relics that I believe you need to come see. Immediately."

"Albus, I really couldn't care less about some ancient toilet seat someone pawned off a couple centuries ago. Is this really important?"

"They are Founder's relics, sir."

Another word need not be said. Not even five seconds passed before Dumbledore had to jerk his head from the flames as they roared blue. Armando Dippet emerged excitedly, but stopped all too quickly at the sight of Harry.

"And here is the bother." Armando sighed as he motioned towards Harry, his mood dampening noticeably. "I know what you want, boy. And depending on what you have, I might be willing to change my mind. But," Armando glared at him, "There will be a leash, Mr. Potter. One I expect you to hold tightly, are we clear?"

Albus had clearly been hard at work on the headmaster. If Dippet had restrictions in mind to place on Emily's return, it meant he'd put a lot of thought into allowing the girl back. Harry had no idea how the man had done it, but he was glad that the possibility was available. Of course, knowing Albus, Emily's return heavily hinged on the Chamber of Secret's destruction. The best way to off set the tragedy of a student's death was the guarantee that it would never happen again.

Albus motioned to the headmaster and the two men gazed at the two ancient items. "Pristine condition, Mr. Potter. Where did you find the diadem?"

"Albania."

Armando nodded. "Impressive. I believe Helena's body was discovered not too far from Albania. Perhaps one of her last acts was protecting it."

Harry nodded, but the older man was too engrossed in the artifacts.

"The cup is a bit worrisome. It was last known to be a part of the Smith's private collection, but went missing, along with many other things, after her murder three years ago." This was news to Harry. Such a deviation from his timeline, happening several years before his disturbance was unexpected. "The Smith family will want the cup back, and, legally speaking, I am required to turn it over to them."

Harry frowned. One of his pieces was already off the board. "Of course, seeing as this item was the prize of their collection, they will gladly offer the school a large sum for its safe return, but I'm afraid the cup is not useful as a bargaining tool. Should you wish, I will make certain the money makes its way to you or Miss Riddle."

Thinking quickly, Harry countered the man's words. "Consider the money a financial donation to the school then." Dippet didn't argue, and Harry knew the man had already expected this response.

"As for the return of the diadem, this is truly magnificent, Mr. Potter. It is, singularly, the most incredible artifact of the time made by the founders. I believe, considering the large financial donation as well as the return of the diadem, Miss Riddle might have a future at Hogwarts in the upcoming term."

Harry nodded, but waited for the man to continue with his stipulations. Dippet did not disappoint.

"However, in regards to that leash I mentioned. Firstly, Miss Riddle will be banned from any and all social gatherings. Balls, Clubs, events, etc. Secondly, she will not be allowed to return to the Slytherin Common Room, nor will she be allowed to room with other students. Her living situation will not be procured by Hogwarts, in other words. It is my hope that these two rules will prevent another tragedy from occurring."

It was understandable. Limiting Emily's time alone with other students would make it harder for another child to end up dead. Or maimed, as Emily had admitted to him, vaguely.

"Thirdly, she is expected to eliminate the beast in the Chamber of Secrets, and either destroy or seal the room permanently. This is non negotiable."

This had been something Harry had expected from the beginning. So far, the first three caveats were not only within expectations, but certainly maintainable.

"Lastly, should another slip up occur, Miss Riddle must come forward about Miss Warren's death, and allow herself to be subjected to the Dementor's kiss."

"That's bullshit!" Harry stood angrily. Rage was an emotion Harry was familiar with. His friends always told him he was hot tempered. But this anger wasn't red hot, it was white hot. His fury at this final condition was nigh overwhelming.

Dippet raised his eyes at Harry's heated glare. "Mr. Gaunt, I'm afraid you don't understand your position here. Emily has killed a student. And she has a history of other, rather grotesque, acts accredited to her as well. Though none have been proven, I was not born yesterday, Mr. Gaunt. Emily has been a problem for Hogwarts for quite some time. Allowing her to return is folly. I'm only willing to be swayed thanks to Dumbledore's insistence and your sincerity."

Harry reined it in. The anger and fury were slowly pulled back and wrapped up tightly around his heart. Armando was right. Of course he was. After all, it wasn't like Azkaban could hold Emily for long. No, in order to keep a rabid dog at heel, a credible threat was needed. Azkaban was not a threat to Emily. The Dementor's kiss was far more effective.

"I understand your point, but this... Emily's not... I can't speak for her." Harry slumped his shoulders and rubbed at his suddenly tired eyes. Making a Patronus, Harry sent it to fetch Emily. Only she could agree to this deal, and frankly, Harry doubted she'd do so. Emily didn't care about returning to Hogwarts. School would only keep her from him. Even if he could find a job on the grounds, with Emily's restrictions, they'd barely see one another. At most, he'd be able to spend the nights with her, but that would require lodging outside the grounds. There was practically no point in looking for employment at the school.

Harry retook his seat. After a few more minutes, the three men heard a faint pop, and the door to the house opened. Emily strode in, giving Harry a large smile. To Albus, she nodded, and to Professor Dippet, she greeted pleasantly. "Good evening, Headmaster."

"Miss Riddle." Dippet nodded in greeting. "Mr. Gaunt, Albus and I were going over the stipulation in regards to your return to Hogwarts. He seems to find one of them impossible. However, he refuses to speak on your behalf, rightly so, and so we'd like to hear your opinion."

Emily looked softly at Harry, before approaching him and kneeling in front of him. "Do you want me to go back to Hogwarts, Harry."

The question stumped him. He took a moment to think. Did Emily really need to return to Hogwarts? Dumbledore wasn't really necessary to keep Emily safe here, though there was always a chance that if they didn't stay close to Albus, Grindlewald might do something to force them together. Just as he'd done so by leaving that mask for Emily to pick up. Gellert knew Harry would run straight to Albus to fix the problem.

"Its better for you to be there, yeah."

Emily nodded her head before turning to Armando Dippet. "Whatever your stipulations are, they are fine."

Armando looked at the girl in surprise. "You haven't even heard them, yet. They are quite severe, Ms. Riddle."

Emily shrugged. "They don't really matter. Harry says being at Hogwarts is best, so I'll go back. But, like you, I have stipulations."

The old man scoffed, but waved his hand, allowing her to continue. "This isn't a negotiation, but I am willing to accommodate reasonable requests."

"Harry comes with me. Provide him a post at the school. Also, I'll be lodging with him, as opposed to staying in the dorms."

"Not possible, Ms. Riddle. Hogwarts will not house you for the rest of your time in her halls. You may enter the school at breakfast and leave after dinner."

Emily scowled. "You're telling me, that rather than having me under lock and key inside a heavily warded room, you'd rather let me loose to do any damage I please on the rest of the wizarding world? That might protect your students, Professor, but that doesn't really muzzle me at large. If I'm really a risk, then it would be better for you to lock me up, would it not? I'm sure you and Albus can cast the magic to keep me secluded outside normal schooling hours."

Dippet glared at the girl shrewdly. "It is not my, nor Hogwart's, responsibility, to act as a warden or prison, Ms. Riddle. I am inherently opposed to locking up a child, hence my leniency in regards to sending you to the Aurors several months ago. I don't plan on breaking that philosophy."

Emily sneered. "Then why are we even speaking? We all can acknowledge that... that..." A pained look passed across Emily's face, and the other occupants of the room looked at her in anticipation.

"I'm sick, Professor. I'm... not well. We all know what I've done. I know you have your suspicions." Emily looked at him coldly. "In regards to my previous deeds, which we will not speak of in present company," Emily took a moment to stare down Albus and Armando. "I admit to those acts. But I also know that I can't do those things anymore."

Emily walked slowly to the window and stared out into the evening. With her back turned to them, she spoke. "I've made mistakes. I've hurt people. And I can't even say that I'm particularly apologetic for those actions." Turning slowly, Emily leaned against the glass and folded her arms.

"But that doesn't mean I don't regret them. It doesn't mean I'm proud of them. And it certainly doesn't mean I ever plan to risk what I have now, to do them again. I won't ask for a clean slate, but I do want a second chance."

Emily remained silent after pleading her case. The headmaster massaged his eyes, but Albus, on the other hand, only held a small smile on his face. Turning to the older man, Albus spoke softly.

"Was it not, just as I told you, Armando?"

The older man scoffed again. "You and your idealistic approach to things. One man slips through time and tells you about your future and now you're so unbearably certain in your approach of things, Albus. Not every sin can be forgiven, and not every man can atone. Something you should be all to aware of, considering your current predicament."

Albus cocked his head in a sideways nod, agreeing with the other man. "No, some people stray too far to ever find their way back. But, we have an opportunity to ensure that, at least for one individual, the path is illuminated for their return."

For a moment, it seemed as though Emily and Harry were merely decorative pieces in the room. It was not for the first time that Harry wondered how deep was the relationship between these two men were. Just how much of Dumbledore's past did the man share with his predecessor.

"I'm too old for all this, Albus. Perhaps... perhaps my age has robbed me of the simplest magic of all."

Albus shook his head. "Nonsense, Armando. Despite how small the ember of hope and faith shrinks, it always remains. Even if its too small for you to see."

Armando sighed. Looking to the founder's relics, he sighed. Gently he reached out to the cup, fingering the gold handle. He stared at the ornate dish, internally contemplating something beyond their knowledge. Suddenly, it seemed as though he'd come to a decision as he stood swiftly.

"As an educator, it is within my purview to not only teach, but also to lead. It may be a poor decision, but Albus is right. A shepherd does not abandon the sheep that strays. He brings it back to the flock. Prepare for term in September, Miss Riddle. However," Turning to glare at the girl, he continued slowly. "We will be keeping a close eye on you."

Motioning for Albus to follow him to another room, he did say one final piece. "Mr. Gaunt, do ensure that Miss Riddle is aware of her responsibilities upon her return. And prepare for term, yourself. Albus really went out of his way to apply for a teaching aide after you left. We'll contact you later with the details of your employment."

With that, Emily and Harry were now alone in the room, the other two men having left to hold a different discourse.

"Professor Dumbledore's too shrewd. He must've known we'd be back." Emily spoke suddenly, as she got up. "Lets go, I've found us a place to stay for the night."

Grasping his hand, Emily tugged him up from his seat. "Hold on, Emily, we haven't even said goodbye, yet. It would be rude to just leave."

"Dumbledore's not gonna really care. And, to be frank, Harry, I think they're going to be in there for a long time. Didn't you notice the headmaster take the relics with them. Those fossils are probably going to be tinkering with them for the rest of the night."

Harry looked back at the table, and was surprised to see she was right. Harry hadn't even seen the old man grab the items after standing abruptly. Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Harry allowed himself to be dragged out of the house.

"Think they'll figure out how the diadem works?" Harry asked.

"Doubt it. But if Dumblerdore puts the damn thing on, his head will probably pop. He's already got too much in his brain, any more expansion will probably prove lethal."

Harry chuckled. "Why do you sound so nonchalant about that?"

Looking at him, she rolled her eyes, turning the two of them down Fae Lane. "No skin off my nose if he bursts like an overripe tomato."

Harry shrugged, "Seemed like you guys were getting along fairly well, when I started coming to, anyway." He kept his voice neutral, trying his best to seem impartial.

Emily mimicked his action, continuing the facade of nonchalance. "I asked him for some advice. He gave it to me. I plan on taking it to heart."

Harry stared at her perplexed. His expression must have look extremely odd to her, because she laughed loudly.

"You don't get it, do you, Harry?"

"Not a clue, help me out here."

Emily sighed, and looked down, before taking a deep breath and suddenly looking to the horizon. Gripping his hand tighter she swung their arms back and forth, just enough for him notice the action.

"You and I are from different worlds, Harry. Literally and figuratively. But, figuratively speaking, you and Albus exist in the same world. And you trust him. While I don't have to like him, I do know that he can give me insight about you that I wouldn't be able to find otherwise. He can help me understand you, explain your thoughts to me."

Harry nodded. "But why not just have me explain my thoughts to you directly?"

Emily paused, to give a small hop and kiss his cheek. "Cuz you don't realize just how much you keep secret from me. You're so willing to share your love, but you balk at the idea of sharing your pain. Despite how I pry, 'you're fine'. 'It's okay'. 'Don't worry about it'." Slowing their steps, Emily stopped in front of a home Harry could only assume was their destination.

Suddenly, Emily pulled him flush against her. Uncomfortable at the public display, Harry wanted to put some space between them, but Emily held him fast until he stilled. Running her hands along his sides, up to his shoulders, she took a deep breath, as though to take a part of him into herself through the air.

"You're beautiful to me for many reasons, Harry. One of those is the knowledge of just how much your shoulder's can carry. The burdens you so easily bear. But despite that beauty, I ache to carry that cross with you. But you guard your burdens so jealously. And... perhaps I now know why."

"I understand better, now. So, I won't push or pull at you. But I want you to take comfort in one thing for me, Harry."

Raising herself to kiss him softly, Emily whispered. "When your burdens cause you to falter, don't be afraid you will be crushed. When you can no longer walk, I will be the one to carry you."