HP Thirty-Five Owls

Dear Gellert:

You do seem to have realized that you couldn't persuade me to abandon my plans for the sake of that debatable goal, which is delightful.It would be a shame if we actually spent the rest of our lives arguing through owls.

Of course I have felt it, the lure of that power, as you have felt.But old friend, do you realize its danger?Of course, Ilmarinen's long history extends to your far northern corners.Some things must be destroyed.And that thing, Gellert, it's not alive.This is critical.It has no memory, no soul, and no life in it.Destroying it was not murder, but to prevent future generations from drowning again in its blood, as we have.

One of its powers, I am afraid, is to induce obsessive passions, bordering on twisted love, in the wizards it associates with.I'm sad to see you being affected by this ability too.But I'm not going to apologize for what had to be done for - yes, for the greater good.The future will be better without the allure that this stuff brings.Breaking its bloody legacy could open a new chapter in the relationship of powerful wizards steeped in occult power... oh my, a new chapter.I'm afraid it makes me a bit sentimental to write this on New Year's Day.

But still, I'm sorry that I had to put you in this situation.

You're right.It's cruel to say it, but it's true - I'm ashamed to have been your lover, if "lover" is the right word to describe our relationship.It gives me a little pleasure to be able to offer you some comfort through those memories.Although, I guess, you'd probably rather hear Muggle screams?

It is a bad habit of mine to distract others with sweets.What could replace it, perhaps more books?I thought Gertrude's grammatical oddities might entertain you a little.

I admit, Gellert, that I spend too much time thinking about our teenage years together.It's been so long since I've been this close to another human being.I had nothing to fear and nothing to hide.You're right again: I can't change history.And when I think of you and your light, which I thought would save me, it's hard to deny the joy I felt during those months, a time of unbridled joy and ambition.But what about the price?Gellert, the price!You left me to bury my sister, never sure if it was your fault.You left me alone, and I'll always hide a part of me.

Ah, it is dawning, and the sun will rise over the cold misty hills of Scotland.Uncultivated fields surround Hogwarts - I dare say the sight is wild enough even for you.Heavy clouds surround the Forbidden Forest at the edge of the field, and I haven't slept tonight, and I...

Hope you enjoy your book, Gellert.

Albus Dumbledore

[Attachment: "Everybody's Autobiography", Gertrude Stein]

The author has something to say:

I'm curious what's in the ellipsis. . .

Ah, here is the dawn, coming up cold and misty over the Scottishhills. Nopotted fields sherearound Hogwarts--wildenough for you, Idaresay.