genessia | Our universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding/In all of the directions it can whiz

Who: Albus Dumbledore & Ten
What: Ten maybe sort of kind of wants to show Dumbledore the Tardis
Where: Garden Park
When: November 20th

It hadn't been a particular good few weeks for Dumbledore. Gellert was still risking his neck, and, worse, avoiding him while he did, which was impressively bad timing considering that Li's curse was only worsening by the day. All of which felt entirely out of his hands, which was a sensation he desperately disliked but seemed helpless to do much about.

And there was an odd feeling at the back of his mind, a nagging sense that he needed to be elsewhere. Dumbledore had tried pushing it aside, knowing he was needed here, but it felt like it was growing stronger. It was like a voice, whispering in the back of his head that he would need to go to the docks, which -- well, he was hesitant to do that, for reasons both selfish and selfless.

So for the moment, he chose to clear his head in the park, walking along the paths and letting the nature around him settle him. It was enough to quiet his thoughts and let him focus on what to do next, the clockwork of his mind ticking along more regularly as he strolled.

(CW: it may get emotional/sad in here)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Dumbledore knows all too well the tactic of changing a subject as it grows too personal -- he uses it often. So he nods and wears a sympathetic look as he follows along, declining to pry further into what he's sure is a painful subject -- for the moment, at least.]

Of course. I'd love to see the rest of it.

[Ten continues walking as he does - Albus might begin to notice how Earth Ancient the library is becoming and by ancient; less books and more scrolls. Which even causes The Doctor to pause for a moment wondering and trying to remember what is going on. Turning to Albus gently takes the diary and flips though that]

[He hands over the diary as Ten grasps for it, letting himself be enthralled by the space around them. The shift in time periods covered as they walk is extraordinary, and his mind delights in seeing all sorts of material that would have deteriorated and decayed on Earth that still lives on.

With a slightly gleeful tone, he asks:] What subjects do these cover, on these shelves?

[If Albus looks at any of the scrolls he'll notice that some are in Egyptian hieroglyphics and Greek. The Doctor holds his diary tucked under his armpit and carefully pulls out and reads one of the scrolls]

This one is about the radius and circumference of the Earth from Alexandria.

[Dumbledore is certainly a polyglot, but even he isn't entirely familiar with the ancient languages. So seeing the long-abandoned scrawls and symbols is an entirely delightful thrill, and he's all the more pleased that the Doctor is there to explain.]

Are they from the library at Alexandria? [He will nerd out so hard if they are.]

[A simple]

Yes.

[Albus makes no sound, but internally there is a long, happy shriek.]

May I peruse some of these, then? [Which is said with the smile of a small child about to be let loose in a candy store.]

[The Doctor gives a firm head nod; and tries to crack a smile but only comes off with a wary face. It's not about Albus checking out the library it's figuring out how to bring something up]

[He tilts his head in turn at that, catching the change in expression.]

Is there something on your mind, Doctor?

[Ten is glancing among the scrolls; trying to distract himself and sort of eyes Albus at the question]

Do you believe - that an individual ever reaches a point where what they do are completely unforgivable?

[Completely hypothetical]

[Ah, and what a deep question to start with. Wearing a small, melancholy smile, he says:]

I believe that the sort of people that are truly unforgivable are also those that would never worry about seeking forgiveness to begin with.

[Albus's answer is wise and a small spark of hope]

How does one usually go about forgiving one's self? Asking for a friend.

[He wears a small, wry smile.]

When I know, I'll be sure to tell you.

The best answer I can give is to focus on actions that will make sure I do not repeat my mistakes, or any harm they caused.

[What have you done already, Albus? Ten doesn't know what shame you have - outside of having been involved with Gellert.]

Nothing gets past you does it?

[There's soft tone to that; even if someone was ratted out they were ratted out with care and a slight eye wink and gives a firm head nod and looks away.

Don't leave his friends behind.

Ten gets the picture.

That was one of the main fighting points with him and Rose for a year.

Don't push others away - because isolating himself doesn't help The Doctor. Closing up and saying he doesn't need anyone - he does - he's just trying to run away scared and hurt.

A deep inhale and Ten looks around at the Library of Alexandria]

Move on?

[He smiles softly.]

It's one of my less endearing traits.

[He's always had a talent for noticing things that want to go unnoticed. Maybe because he was so used to keeping secrets. His mother had taught him that much, from a young age and very well.

Or perhaps it was noticing someone with kindred spirit, and kindred regrets.

He nods gently at the question.]

If you like. Where next?

[A soft smile back and then a rude and not ginger look with voice]

You don't have endearing traits. No

[Nearly flirting with you, Albus, oops. Ten doesn't mind when others pick up on things that one doesn't usually - but when it comes to The Doctor's own flaws he does mind; just a bit and firm look with a firm head nod and dry remark]

Humans crave immorality or longer life and don't understand the price that comes with that.

[Tongue click]

Astronomy room?

The regular library?

[Ten is curious on why Albus didn't ask why the lost library of Alexandria is in the Tardis]

[That earns Ten a bright laugh.]

You would not be the first person to think so. Many of my students would agree with you completely.

[He may have caught that vague hint of flirting, but he doesn't press it. It's the same as the library -- he does not pressure information, when he can simply accept the unusual without nosing.]

I imagine you are right. I suppose it is a very tempting notion, and we are always very tempted by the things we cannot see the consequences of.

[He brightens again, though, at the mention of the rooms.]

Oh, an astronomy room sounds like it must be rather fascinating. [Especially since Ten has that air of the supernatural about him.]

Our universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding/In all of the directions it can whiz

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