THE PENSIEVE PAPERS

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[Excerpt from original, from the personal files of Alexis Gage, leaked 2005. Letter from A. Dumbledore, dated 12.7.91, Hogwarts. Content mainly concerned personal matters of mutual interest, irrelevant to current case. Composition by A. Dumbledore confirmed by Pensieve file, 12.7.91.]

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[. . .]

On the note of old friends: our dear Nicholas, rather at the behest of Perenelle I suspect, has become quite fearful in recent days for his safety. Chalk that to old age (and heavens, what old age it is), or perhaps to rumours of happenings in Yugoslavia (of which I daresay you are not a little involved), but the dear man has requested that I of all people take charge of his prized creation. I can’t say why he chose me, apart from my considerable brilliance in the art of concealment. It certainly cannot be for my moral fibre. I as much as anyone am tempted by the Stone, especially by its less explored qualities, those that extend beyond simple elixir and gold. I’ve long spoken to Nicholas of its potential for healing, even reanimation – a creation perhaps not so far from the Peverells’ (what if, my dear Alexis, what if our long quest is needless, what if the answer to our woes has long existed in the apartment of our feeble Monsieur? But I digress, and quite venally, I must add). Anyway, Nicholas has requested I take the Stone at Hogwarts to ensure that I alone am tempted by its most concupiscent powers. I cannot say I agree with the plan, but the man and his lovely bride have grown to a second (or rather, third or fourth) childhood in their extremity. ‘Dotty’, as my brother Aberforth might say. I suggested Gringotts, but Nicholas insisted on Hogwarts. I fear our famed protections are not quite as strong as the legends your country has bestowed upon them. But what have you! What’s done is done, and the Stone shall be transferred soon.

I tell you all this, of course, because alongside this transfer comes the second great decision in Nicholas’ life, that is, the end of it. He and Perenelle will be fading over the course of the next year. They have made their decision, and I believe they accept it peacefully. They have requested not to be reminded of it in visits of memory and consolation (I believe such input would provoke a temptation to revoke their intentions), but do hold at this time these old friends in your thoughts and prayers (heathen or otherwise).

Yours,

Albus

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