By the time Dumbledore returned to the Headmaster's Office, Vaughn had already left. Looking at the teapot on the desk, Dumbledore reached out and poured himself a cup.
He did not add syrup as he usually did, but raised the cup and drained it. The bitterness assailed his taste buds, making him frown.
But the mellow flavor that followed slowly eased his brow. He sighed and set the cup down.
Glancing down at the Gold Chain, Dumbledore gently rubbed it with his fingers. In the end, he still did not take it off.
Of course he knew Vaughn had arranged all of this, and he had to admit that Aberforth's words had brought him to his senses.
I already brought harm to Ariana. What right do I have to disturb her peace?
Dumbledore also understood perfectly well that the Resurrection Stone was meant for the living. It could offer them comfort, but it could not truly bring the dead back to life.
Nor would those who were "resurrected" necessarily be happy. Even if he summoned Ariana's consciousness, she could only dwell on the past. Dumbledore knew better than anyone that there had been little happiness in Ariana's short life.
Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore withdrew his fingers and tucked the Gold Chain beneath his robes. He would not wear that ring on his finger, but neither could he cast it aside like something worthless.
He would leave things as they were, keeping it as a memento.
Meanwhile, back at the Hog's Head, Aberforth sat behind the bar, pouring Butterbeer down his throat. His gaze was somewhat unfocused as he stared at the oil painting, his thoughts drifting far away.
What had happened that day had greatly changed Aberforth's opinion of Vaughn, but it had not dispelled his misgivings.
Although he