Love Changes Everything

LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING

Love, love changes everything

Hands and faces, earth and sky

His hands were large, the fingers tapered. Strong while he wrung out the wet rag, gentle as he wiped her brow.

Love, love changes everything

How you live and how you die

"Thank you, darling." Her words were soft.

"You are welcome, my love." His words were tender.

Love can make the summer fly

Or the night seem like a lifetime

"Can you tell me what was in the papers today?" she asked, her voice strained.

"Oh my," he chuckled. "There is so much happening."

"Do tell me, love."

"For one thing, the King has abdicated." He stroked her hair as he talked. It was as white and sparkling as snow.

"For love?" she asked.

"Yes," he smiled, "for love."

"He reminds me so of you."

Yes, love, love changes everything

Now I tremble at your name

Nothing in the world will ever be the same

"I'm so tired."

He continued to stroke her hair. "Then you should sleep."

"Yes." As she closed her eyes, she smiled. He wondered what she could see.

"Sleep, my darling Vivian," he said softly.

Love, love changes everything

Days are longer, words mean more

While she slept, he tidied up the room. He needed to get back to work, but he needed to be with her more.

While she slept, he thought back to the vows they had taken, oh so many years ago; 'Til death do us part.

It would not be long now.

Love, love changes everything

Pain is deeper than before

While she slept, he thought of all the times they had said, "I love you." Several times a day, at least. Every day, for sure.

It had not been enough.

Love will turn your world around

And that world will last forever

Love was a risk he had taken. Many had cautioned him, warned him. He chose to live this life through his heart.

"...keep thee only unto her, as long as you both shall live."

She had been worth it.

Yes, love, love changes everything

Brings you glory, brings you shame

Nothing in the world will ever be the same

She was sleeping longer now. Her snow white hair framed her delicate face as she lay on the pillow. She remained the most beautiful thing he had ever beheld.

But, the mirror lied. She was in her 70s, and looking ever day of that. He was in his 80s, and appeared to be half. The mirror betrayed.

His heart did not.

Off into the world we go

Planning futures, shaping years

She was awake again.

"Did I sleep long?" she asked.

"A while," he replied.

"I'm sorry."

"For sleeping?" A smile played across his lips. "Don't be silly."

The tears came. "For having to leave you."

He fought back his own. "Like I said, don't be silly."

He stretched out in the bed next to her, enveloping her frail body in his arms.... in his mind.... in his heart.

"What will you do tomorrow?" she asked from the safety of his hold.

"I shall be right here with you."

Love bursts in and suddenly

All our wisdom disappears

They lay like that throughout the night. Towards dawn, she departed.

He lay like that a while longer, until an owl at the window forced him to rise.

Love makes fools of everyone

All the rules we make are broken

When the end was approaching, she had begged him not to summon the children. This was how she wanted it - the two of them.

The children were inquiring. Now he would tell them.

Yes, love, love changes everyone

Live or perish in it's name

Love will never let you ever feel the same

******************************************************************************

Albus Dumbledore sat up straight in bed. Every year around this time the dream would come.

It was only a dream, he reminded himself. She had felt so real in his arms. He could have sworn she had been there. And, he supposed, she was. Just out of reach.

She had been gone so many years now. All of those from her side of the family were gone. But, that's how it was - how it always had been.

He had championed long and hard for Wizard-Muggle relations. When he lay awake on nights like this, he questioned the wisdom of it all. There was so much heartache.

He gazed at her picture beside his bed. She had been so beautiful - the love of his life. The picture did not move as the others in the room did. She was a Muggle, and he wanted to remember her that way.

He brought the picture close to his face, placing his lips gently over hers. He returned her to her place on his bedside table.

"Goodnight, my darling Vivian."

Albus Dumbledore lay back on his pillows, fell fast asleep, and dreamed no more.

Love will never never let you feel the same