Dumbledore's Office

'I want to help, sir.' I whispr, avoiding his eyes. 'can you even imagine what i feel...how hard my life is, with a brother who hates everything i stand for and a husband i love at the same time as hating what he is? I just want to help..'

"Yes, I understand your plight. I wish I could remove your brother's hatred, but I fear it is too vast and all-consuming to be able to do anything."

"What sort of help is it you wish to offer?"

'I want to join the ministry. But...not with anything they have now. I want to have my own office....one that helps everyone, no matter where they stand.'

"Mrs. Dolohov, I must express my astonishment that you alone have the will to do this. Not many these days would seek to aide those of both light and dark."

I shake my head. 'Dont say that yet, sir. You dont know what could happen...I could turn out like...my brother.'

He puts a gentle, calming hand on her shoulder, staring into her soul.

"River, your brother is stuck in the past. He sees no future other than the next person he seeks vengeance against. He is forever consumed by the falsehoods Voldemort has secured in his soul."

"You are a woman of the future, of possibility... you see a future you can help make into one that doesn't allow the past to repeat."

I shake my head. 'I see a future where one of us dies at the other hand. I see a future of terror becuase of him. Thats why i have to do this.'

"I understand, and I shall do what I can to help, however you may find trying times ahead of you. Not only will the Ministry most likely be not receptive to your idea but the thought of a way out for death eaters will not appeal to them either."

'Its not a way out for them. If a death eater comes to me wanting help, i would give it. But not if they dont show they are willing as well.'

"I see... it's a very revolutionary idea, and those are met with fear and awe. I hope you are prepared for both."

'I am. But i want to do this.'

"I shall not try to dissuade you, I can tell when young people are passionate about their dreams."

"Just remember one thing, if an old man can give his student some advice..."

'of course you can, sir'

"When you're offering your help, never use force or coercion. I doubt I have to tell you what becomes of most who enforce their will."

'I could never forse anyone into it. Never.'

"Then, how would you like me to schedule an interview with the minister on your behalf?"

'You would do that?'

"Of course I would. Perhaps it is time in these dark days to have a new perspective on the dichotomy we face every day.."

I smile. 'Your amazing, Sir.'

"Hardly, but the sentiment is appreciated..." The headmaster smiled at his student, "Also... if I may offer one more piece, from an old man's rambling. I still believe you to have the love in you that you had back when your brother hadn't discovered the darkness."

'No. I dont love him. I cant. Hes Evil.'

"Is he evil? Or is that the part the only one to accept him has given him?"

'No. Becaus he...If we were children, if he wasnt evil...He could have stayed like that. For me. And he didnt. So he has to be evil.'

"But he had forgotten you, you were what kept him in the light all those years back."

'then why wont he accept me now?' I put my head into my hands, my hair falling around to shield my face from him. 'I may not like him, but i do not want to fight him. I do not want to have to watch my back becuase he wants to kill me..'