Finally reading the three in this set. I like this one, it's not as sad as I expected it. The last line reminds me of a short story by Viskii called "An Unprecedented Shift of Perspective". The story is something of a prologue to their incomplete multi-chapter fic "It Falls to the Young". Like your Dumbledore, Viskii's in Shift is also thinking about his role as Leader in the war but that is where the comparison ends. Viskii's is more about his relationship with Severus while yours is more Dumbledore's fatigue and guilt as a result of doing what needs to be done.

As I said, I liked this story so I go on to the next one.

Awesome!*smiles*

I didnt exactly hate Albus for the things he did, but I admit that I was a little angry, when I understood how well he manipulated people.*sighs*
And of course, I hated the fact that Severus died in the end.*sniffs*

Nonetheless, even if I had hated him, I wouldnt hate him anymore after reading this OS.
It shows how hard it is for Albus to plan everything and that he feels responsible for every death, because the people, which died trusted him.*smiles sadly at the headmaster*
The OS could be canon, since I recognize the Dumbledore by JKR in every sentence.*nods at the headmaster*
It became obvious at the end of book six just how much he regrets some decisions he made and its understandable that even Albus needed some private moments to himself every now and then.*gives a lemon drop to him*

Since we never got to know how Albus behaved when he was alone, that OS is very believable and Im looking forward to reading your other OS about our dear headmaster.*thumbs up*

So long!)

Schattengestalt

My god! I nearly teared up when I read the dedication. *gives Ree a big hug*
And I'm grinning madly right now. ;)

This story is so sad and so true. I really love it. :) Poor Albus.
It was wonderful reading this while I listened to 'The Price of Command' and recognizing all the lyrics.
Wow. Fantastic story. I especially loved the parts with the mask. 'Headmaster Dumbledore, defeater of Grindelwald, Leader of the Order of the Phoenix headed for the great hall.' Extraordinary.
And the part with the ghosts. How he mourns for the dead and worries for the living.
He cannot let anyone know about all of his plans because only with him they are safe. Because if he let anyone know and they were captured all would me for naught. Everyone who died, everyone who made sacrifices for the cause.
He knows he has to do it, because no one else is as qualified.
How he can never truly forget and just rest.
I wonder; who looks out for him?

Give Albus a big hug from me.
Love,
Raven x

I am quite shure thid must have been what Dumbeldore sometines felt like. It really fits what Rowling once said in an interview: 'He would much rather not know.'
A great character study!

Albus truly had a heavy burden on his shoulders. He wasn't all pureness and sweetness and light but I could never bash him in my stories and you made me glad I didn't!

That was really moving - I particularly love how y ended it with naming all his titles. It made the responsibility that has been placed on him more heavy
I think Albus is the character that people have the most split opinions over -was he manipulative good or what but I think that this is the impression that I would go with
Thanks for writing an awesome story
AvadaK3

He must be sure of living through the end of the war, then. The other price of command is to always make sure you have a second in command who knows everything, or risk losing all if Death decides to come by without asking if you're ready.

Maybe it's just as well the Resurrection Stone didn't work for him; he might have heard something from the people he sacrificed that he didn't want to hear.

And maybe, just maybe, a shared burden will help him find ways to win that don't end up sacrificing half the Order for the Greater Good.