[V o i c e]

[greatestgood]

If you are informed of your future and it is...unfortunate...do you ignore it or try to change it? [He has more or less made his decision, but he is open to the opinions of others.]

Furthermore, do you believe anyone can change for the better? Are some beyond redemption?

[Also, who decides such things? He wants to argue over that point out of habit, but this is serious and he is trying not to be an ass.]

Comments

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

As am I.

It is...strange to see two of you in such very different circumstances. But it is a great relief to be back with you as you are here.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

I am a complex fellow. You've seen me at my best and my worst. Remarkably, I believe, your feelings remain unchanged?

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

My feelings for you are ever the same. You need not fear my love for you withering.

I admit, it is more complicated for your other self -- but at this point, he almost seems to an entirely other man.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

He needs you more than I do; the man I will become is terribly lost. When he awakens, I pray you are near.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Perhaps you are right. But I admit, I fear he may never awaken, or at least not before it is too late.

You, at least, I have here and now.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Have faith in me, Albus. I do not hate you - I never could - but I am...damaged. Once I have others supporting me, I will take it as far as I can before I am stopped.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Is that still true of you here and now? I know you have made great strides, Gellert, and you are not the same as you were before coming here.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Somewhat. [He has to admit that much.] But I speak mostly of when we return. I need you more than you can realize.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

I want to be there for you to help you when we go back. If you remember me well enough to return to me, I would accept you without regret. Chasing you down if you do not will be trickier.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

No, wait for me to come to you. I know better how to work around those who follow me. If they harmed you, that would be an utter waste.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

If you like. That may be easier, I admit, since I often do not know where you are hiding.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Stay in your castle. I will send you an owl when I am close and we can meet in Hogsmeade.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Very well. If I had to guess, I imagine I will ask you to meet me at the Three Broomsticks so we can speak privately.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Fine by me. I'll find a nice quiet booth if I get there first. Expect me to be in a disguise, of course.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Naturally. Besides, I'd like to think I'd be able to pick you out no matter what face you wore.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Let's make a game of it. If you recognize me immediately, I will follow your exact orders whilst I am explaining my position.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

Very well, though I imagine my exact orders at time will be demanding answers to quite a great many questions.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

Ask me all you wish. It will be nice to hear your voice again.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

As will yours, once my confusions settle.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

I won't push you, love. We will be together soon enough.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

I'll be grateful for that, I think. In truth, I might initially think it is some sort of a trick.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

I understand. I will need to prove myself to you - and I will - as I am doing now.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

You have proven much to me in your time here. I imagine it will be the same there, including all the pleasures along the way.

[voice] [private]

[greatestgood]

I will be taking the risk and that's fine. Even if I end up in the Ministry's hands, I will have gotten to see you again.

[voice] [private]

[chambermusicandtenpins]

I would not send you to the Ministry. I know that much without being there.