Authors Forward.
As much as I love all of the Harry Potter books, Half Blood Prince just wasn't my cup of tea. I enjoyed it, I just seriously considered writing angry letters about the ships in it, but decided against that idea when I remembered that J.K. Rowling created this entire world for me to enjoy.
Anyway, I'm H/Hr all the way....mostly. So for this little tale of mine we're just going to pretend Book 6 didn't happen, therefore we're beginning right after Order of the Phoenix and the events at the ministry.
I hope you enjoy this, but if you don't that's okay. Thanks for reading, and to all those authors out there, thanks for writing.
Roman.
Disclaimer.
As much as it bugs me sometimes, the characters that you have met in the books, aren't my toys, I just play with them from time to time. Therefore all my love goes out to J.K. and her brilliant imagination - may you keep making money from these guys, because I most definately ain't.
HARRY POTTER AND THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEGENDS
PROLUGUE
~~~~~July 15th, 1996. Hogwarts.~~~~~
The unknown man paced from side to side in Headmaster Albus Dumbledores office. He had a rather average build for a man, tall and filled-out. He wore plain black robes, much like Professor Snapes, which only made him look paler than he really was. There were bags under his deep brown eyes from many years with little sleep and a few scars could be seen, most prominently one from his right ear to his adams apple. His face showed that he was too young to have the streak of grey through his head of neat black hair, but his dark eyes conveyed that too many years of stress, pain, and battle had made him look older than he really was.
His hands were buried in his pockets, his teeth were biting his lip and there was a deep look of concentration on his face; Professor Dumbledore knew from knowing the man for so long that this was a sign he was either attempting to solve a puzzle or making a decision of some sort. Due to the conversation they'd just had, Dumbledore went with the latter. He simply watched the man over his glasses and waited patiently for him to think.
Finally the man stopped pacing, took his hands out of his pockets and breathed a deep sigh. He slowly turned to Dumbledore, "You know I'll do anything just to be closer to her, to get to know her. And you know I'd do anything to for you, especially when you need help, you're like a father to me old man." He said with a thick accent tinged with British.
"So you will take the position?" Dumbledore inquired, full well knowing the answer already.
"Of course I will."
"The students have a lot to catch up on. Their teacher last year was dismal to say the least and it will be good to have you sulking around the castle once more."
"I don't sulk, Headmaster."
"You must know that you can't tell her who you really are, Byron." Dumbledore told him.
"Yes." The man grumbled, "My head understands it, but it's tearing my heart to shreds just knowing it."
"She doesn't know you exist yet and it will break her heart once she finds out."
"She could handle it. I've watched her from afar for so many years and I know that she is strong enough to cope with it." The man argued.
Dumbledore nodded sadly. "Yes she is quite strong, but this is something that could either make her stronger or destroy her."
"Then when can I tell her?"
"One day, Byron. There are a few things she must realize for herself first. Then when she is ready we will tell her." Dumbledore paused and let a smile grow on his face, "Have you been to see your mother?"
The man smiled also. "Not yet, once Fawkes arrived I apparated to Hogsmeade, and came straight to your office. But I'm sure she'll be ecstatic once I tell her my news."
"I will come with you. It has been a long time since I've seen my old friend as happy as I'm sure this will make her."
Dumbledore stood and walked out from behind his desk. Together they walked to the door, but the man put his hand on Dumbledores arm to stop him. "Do you think I made a mistake Professor?"
"In what, Byron?"
"All those years ago, after Clarice died. Do you think I made a mistake?"
Dumbledore thought over this for a moment then answered, "Did you do what you believed was right, Byron?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did you think long and hard over your decision?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did you do what you thought was best and safest for those you love?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you regret it?"
In a much smaller voice and with his head lowered the man said, "Yes, sir. With all my heart every day."
"Then no, I do not think you made a mistake. Sometimes the decisions we make that affect others we regret, but since they are done with love and thought, then they are often for the best."
The man nodded and glumly followed Dumbledore out of his office and down the stairs into the halls of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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