Madman Dumbledore by Rockie Huber

He’s gone. He’s been gone for almost two years now, and I still can’t seem to function. He was the last of my family, and I can remember just the way we fell apart. I accused him of murdering our sister, which I knew he didn’t do. He was deranged, and now I can never amend our relationship. Harry brought the diary to me last night, and I cannot bring myself to read it, but I know I must.

October 1900- Ariana killed mother. After she was attacked by Muggles, she could never control herself again, and we were forced to keep her locked away. I hated to see her like this, and yet it was for her own good. Mother went to check on her, she screamed, and Ariana had killed her. Aberforth blames me for keeping her locked away and not teaching her to control her magic, but I see no other way. I am only 18 and cannot do this alone, raise two children and make a name for myself in the magical world. I need his help.

November 1901- I’ve met the love of my life. Gellert Grindelwald moved in two months ago. We became the best of friends, and I have fallen in love with him. He understand me, and truly cares for me. I know he doesn’t see me as just a friend, but I’m too afraid to be rejected. Aberforth has finished his schooling, and is taking care of Ariana. I do hope he can do some good with her, and get her out of that room. I’ve done my best, and Gellert thinks so too. He’s so compassionate.

January 1905-Ariana has been killed. Aberforth heard Gellert and I discussing our plans to rule Muggles and he became very upset. He and I started yelling, and Gellert started to defend me. I’m not sure who threw the first curse, but it escalated quickly. Ariana must have heard us yelling, and she was standing two feet from me. The Avada Kadavra curse hit her, and she was gone. She fell so hard I thought I heard her skull crack, but it must have been Aberforth’s gasp, for he was by her side in an instant. I looked for Gellert, but he had run home. Aberforth and I laid to rest our dear sister, beside our mother and father’s plot. I have not seen or heard from him or Gellert in a month. I feel so guilty and responsible! How could I have been so stupid?! I will never know whose curse it was, but I will never forgive myself.

September 1945- Gellert has been defeated. I found him trying to murder innocent Muggles, and I tried to reason with him. He had come into possession of the Elder Wand, and had gone mad with power. He turned on me, telling me that it was his curse that killed Ariana. How could I listen to a madmad? He tried to curse me, and I retaliated. He fell, and died. The wand was mine…I will use it wisely.

August 1980- I have been headmaster of Hogwarts for 25 years now. These children do not know the burden I have, and can never face something like that. Lord Voldemort is gone, and Lily and James’ son is safe until he comes of age to learn his magic. My mind is starting to wander, and I see Ariana in my dreams. She warns me of something coming. Something big is coming.

September 1991- Harry Potter has arrived at Hogwarts. He is the spitting image of his father, but with his mother’s eyes. He brings out the kid in me, and makes me feel alive again. He reminds me of Gellert with his sense of adventure and gentle nature. He could become someone great, and great things are in store for him. Ariana has appeared more and more in my dreams, and now she is starting to walk around Hogwarts. I see her in the kitchens helping the house elves. I see her in the men’s bathroom, spying on the young men. And mostly she’s in my office. Her company is most welcomed, and I enjoy our talks, but the air of despair around her is sickening.

May 1995- Hogwarts is under attack from Lord Voldamort. His name brings him power when it is uttered, and the students are afraid to leave their homes. Harry is frightened, for he has seen this ghost, and knows what is coming for him. He is brave, and a remarkable boy. If only he were younger, or I older, I would teach him the ways of real magic. The children’s parents are keeping them home for the summer, and the teachers must force themselves to stay here and form a plan for the next year. Ariana warned me of big things to come, but I never imagined it would be like this. She still talks to me, and her air of stink is overwhelming. I think it may be death. I think she is my angel of death.

September 1997- My time has come, and I can feel it. Death is just around the corner, for Ariana is gone, but her stench remains. I tried on the cursed ring of Slytherin, and it has damaged me in ways I cannot fathom. It shocked me to see my own hand turn black, and feel a part of my soul split from my being. Severus couldn’t save my hand, but he contained the curse. He knows my time is coming too, and I’ve asked him to kill me. I don’t want that child Draco ruining his soul for my life. Severus can handle the guilt, and I know his time is coming too. Ariana is around him, hovering in the background. He can smell her, but cannot see her yet. I have to tell Harry about Voldemort’s plan…he MUST understand. And he will.

October 1997- Harry and I have been hunting for the next Horcrux. He’s grown into quite the young man, and I am so very proud of him. We are searching for the locket, and I know where to look. I’m taking Harry there tonight, and then I will die. I will tell Harry that I love him, and I will help him along as far as I can go…but no more do I belong to this earth. Ariana has come calling, and she is bathed in White light. She is ready, and so am I. Save Hogwarts Harry...and save the children.