Choices Without Regrets

Chapter IV: Fragile Alliances

I am a man that is aware of the fact that he knows he has done wrong."

Albus stood and eyed the outside of the window, "I have been a leader to this world for far longer than I now believe has been necessary for me. I have been a soldier in two wars from different perspectives; once as a mere foot-soldier, and the other as a general or commander of the others." He said slowly again, "And I am known as both calculative and kind-hearted."

Albus turned and he eyed the fire with emotions barely hidden, "But I neither claim to be those things for myself. It is how others have perceived me. In truth, I am both all of that and yet; none of it. I harbor secrets darker than many will ever believe for me to have, and it is these secrets that have caused me to know love, heart-break, pain, betrayal, and hatred towards dark magic."

"It is these secrets that shaped me to what I am now, and part of the reasons I chose to do things as I have. Forgetting that I am mortal; that my plans are always susceptible to change, even if I don't want them to be.

Both Tom and Harry; they are prime examples of that. At its finest and at its absolute worst."

The room was silent for a moment out of respect for all that was being laid bare.

Albus eyed warily over to where Lucius stood stiffly, "I don't expect you to ever really understand the pain I have harbored for these secrets. Nor do I need you to; I only hope that Tom keeps his word. That this cease-fire is real."

"Because...I do not relish fighting him and Harry while battling the Necromancers. I never wanted to fight with Tom to begin with. I tried to stop him and his descent to madness; but I fear I have long forgotten many things that were important to younger people. Especially those who have not had happy childhoods or been blessed with affection from family."

"I reacted too late to help, and all in the wrong manners. It became the responsibility of Harry when he was born. Something he has taken and grasped with more clarity than I ever have. Perhaps it is time for me to consider my place in the world once again."

Albus walked to the door as he beckoned Alastor, "I truly hope the cease-fire is real; because if Harry spoke true and the Necromancers are mobilizing...Alastor is correct. We will need them to be here to guide the way for those who need to learn, to accept, and to...forgive."

Lucius watched stoically as they left without further words; his mind and his emotions all in a tumultuous turmoil. Wondering on what Albus had said to him. He waited until he knew they had gone from the mansion and then briskly stalked out of his study and down to the area where some of family portraits hung.

He vaguely wondered if his father would even deign to answer him and his queries; especially after so many years of isolation and silence. Lucius crinkled his nose as the musty smell of the room hit his senses; even the elves had avoided this wing of the house.

The lingering feel of someone who suffered from Dragon Pox was not to be taken lightly. Lucius's gaze was softer now as his eyes showed shadows; he still remembered the last few days of his father's life. How his mother looked so heart-broken for her husband. How sickly she looked while knowing his end was close.

How they weren't even allowed to be near in case of being infected.

"So." A voice rasped, "My wayward son has finally deigned me a visit. For what purpose I wonder?"

Lucius walked before the painting and Abraxas eyed his son critically, "You've aged nicely from the last time I spoke to you."

He inclined, "It has been some time and for this I do apologize, but the wing was locked down to allow it time to recede from the lingering effects of your illness." Lucius spoke gently and Abraxas stilled to that as he eyed his son with something Lucius didn't exactly know how to read for, "Father, I heard something...curious. Recently, in fact; though it is in regards to something from your time more than mine. I was wondering if you might be able to elaborate for me?"