The World They Love

Feb 17, 2011 10:40

Title: The World They Love
Rating: PG
Pairing/Characters: Albus Dumbledore
Genre: Gen, Drama
Word Count: 459
Summary: Albus reflects on his love for Hogwarts, his students, and Harry.

Written for Round 2, Week 3 of genhp_ldws. Prompt: "Brief is life, but love is long." Alfred, Lord Tennyson

*~*

After he hears the door close behind him, Albus stays at the window, staring out at the blood red sun dipping down behind the mountains surrounding Hogwarts. Doubt is beginning to creep in. Harry is angry, and by all accounts, he has the right to be, even if he doesn't know the whole truth about the repercussions of that night in the Hog's Head. However, the fact remains that his anger could be a liability, and Albus must keep him safe at all costs. But Harry gave him his word, and ultimately, that is what makes up his mind. He turns away from the window. Time is running short.

For a brief moment, he looks around the cozy office he has enjoyed for decades. The worn leather chair behind his desk looks inviting, but there will be no rest for him tonight. He is exhausted, and as the night wears on, he is sure to only become more drained of energy. He holds his blackened right hand in front of him, inspecting his shriveled fingers. Time is indeed running short.

He glances at the walls, at the portraits of the great (and, in some cases, not so great) witches and wizards who came before him. He loves this school. He loves the students in it. He knows that all too soon, he will fade into the walls of this school, become part of its history. It gives him peace to know that Hogwarts will endure without him; he is certain he has taken all the right measures to ensure this.

Without a backwards glance, Albus strides to the door and makes his way down to the Entrance Hall to wait for Harry. The corridors are empty. By now, all students are tucked away safely in their respective common rooms and dormitories, all except Harry, who he is leading into danger tonight. His reservations resurface. He has watched Harry closer than he has watched any other student to walk through the corridors of this school. He has tried, in every way he knows how, to prepare Harry for what he will soon face, yet he wishes he could have done more. He should have done more.

Albus shakes his head, dismissing his worries. He cannot afford to think of these things. He cannot afford to allow his sentimentality to affect him, not now. No matter what the cost, Harry must succeed if the world if they love is to survive.

As he waits beside the heavy oak doors of the castle, he hears a clamor at the top of the marble staircase. He turns and watches as Harry descends, out of breath from running. His face is a mix of emotions: anxiety, excitement, determination.

Ready or not, it is time.

missing moments, pg, gen, genhp_ldws

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