The late-night sea breeze swept howling over the cliff's edge, carrying salt and cold.
Douglas Holmes and Albus Dumbledore stood side by side outside the cave entrance, jagged rocks beneath their feet and a pitch-black sea in the distance that seemed capable of swallowing everything.
Dumbledore held an alchemical telescope.
It was an exquisite magical creation, its barrel engraved with ancient runes. It required no magic to power it, yet could pierce the darkness and fog three miles away.
He slowly lowered the telescope, his gaze settling on the seemingly tranquil waters in the distance.
"This was once where Tom hid a fragment of his soul."
Dumbledore's voice was soft, as though he were speaking to himself.
"Now, we have turned it into the Magical War Hero Memorial Square."
"Those statues, those names, all remind those who come after us of the cost of war."
He paused.
"But I still worry that Tom will lose patience."
"He will return."
"Return here and try to retrieve the Horcrux he hid."
"After all, to a soul desperate for resurrection, any source of power is an enormous temptation."
Douglas did not answer immediately.
He simply gazed quietly into the distance, moonlight and waves reflected in his deep eyes.
Only after a long while did he speak.
"He won't come."
"At least, not for now."
Dumbledore turned his head, a trace of puzzlement flashing in his eyes.
"Why?"
Douglas chuckled.
"Because he has something more important to do now."
"Brewing potions."
"And he has already obtained everything he needs."
Those words made Dumbledore frown.
"Douglas, what do you mean?"
Rather than answer directly, Douglas pointed toward the cave entrance behind them.
"Professor, do you remember what I told you a week ago?"
"About the rat."
Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
"You