Graduand_Esk
May 16th, 2007, 12:39 am
This is a scene that I've been picturing to myself for a while. Devious old Dumbles summons the four Heads of Houses to his study for a seemingly innocuous little chat around his cosy fire, while actually having a more serious purpose in mind...
I wrote most of this on a wobbly train journey to and from Oxford, so it's not exactly polished, but see what you think! The title sentiment was suggested to me by Tia Dalma in Pirates 2, so it's a weird sort of piece.
What Would You?
"Welcome one, and Welcome all
I wish to question you
Tell me, should the worst befall
Whatever would you do?
See the moment in your minds
The worst of things come true
My life, your life,
The life of one too young to die
At stake
What would you do?
The balance is in your control
Three lives or more, all told
Please be calm - it's just a test
A task for you to do
Minerva, I see you wish to speak
Tell me, what would you?"
Minerva, strong and brave
Spoke out, no doubt in her voice
"Albus, if what you mean is decide
Which life to save
To make a deadly choice
Then I must decline
I'd stand or die - never compromise."
"Good Minerva, I thought no less
Always just and true
Still, then I wonder - but I digress
So Filius, what would you?"
"Well you know I'm handy in a duel
Said Filius, quick to reply
But you know we wouldn't be alone
It never could come to this
Assistance surely would be at hand
We'd all fight and none would die."
Albus smiled "Filius, so simple you may say!
I hope I can always count on you
But moving to Pomona now
Tell me, what would you?"
Loyal Pomona then said to him
"You can rely on me
I'd keep two watchful eyes
No-one would ever be at such risk
I'd work night and day to keep all safe
We'd never get so evil a surprise."
"Ah Pomona, may it be that way!
We all hope to see things through
But lastly now to Severus
Tell me, what would you?"
Severus looked at him and answered
A grim look in his eye
"I'd do just what was asked of me
Though that meant someone would die
A deadly choice? I know that well
Still, sometimes one must give their life
For others to survive."
"Severus, my thanks to you
Such a difficult choice to make
And duty a difficult friend
But, when the moment comes
I too will do my duty in the end.
Now thanks to one, and thanks to all
You all have answered well
And now I know
When that hour comes
Just who I have to call.
But please sit - I've no more questions
That's quite enough, I'd say!
You ask what would I do now?
By choice, enjoy this excellent fire
And perhaps a drink for all
To while some time away."
Feedback is much appreciated!
Esk
I wrote most of this on a wobbly train journey to and from Oxford, so it's not exactly polished, but see what you think! The title sentiment was suggested to me by Tia Dalma in Pirates 2, so it's a weird sort of piece.
What Would You?
"Welcome one, and Welcome all
I wish to question you
Tell me, should the worst befall
Whatever would you do?
See the moment in your minds
The worst of things come true
My life, your life,
The life of one too young to die
At stake
What would you do?
The balance is in your control
Three lives or more, all told
Please be calm - it's just a test
A task for you to do
Minerva, I see you wish to speak
Tell me, what would you?"
Minerva, strong and brave
Spoke out, no doubt in her voice
"Albus, if what you mean is decide
Which life to save
To make a deadly choice
Then I must decline
I'd stand or die - never compromise."
"Good Minerva, I thought no less
Always just and true
Still, then I wonder - but I digress
So Filius, what would you?"
"Well you know I'm handy in a duel
Said Filius, quick to reply
But you know we wouldn't be alone
It never could come to this
Assistance surely would be at hand
We'd all fight and none would die."
Albus smiled "Filius, so simple you may say!
I hope I can always count on you
But moving to Pomona now
Tell me, what would you?"
Loyal Pomona then said to him
"You can rely on me
I'd keep two watchful eyes
No-one would ever be at such risk
I'd work night and day to keep all safe
We'd never get so evil a surprise."
"Ah Pomona, may it be that way!
We all hope to see things through
But lastly now to Severus
Tell me, what would you?"
Severus looked at him and answered
A grim look in his eye
"I'd do just what was asked of me
Though that meant someone would die
A deadly choice? I know that well
Still, sometimes one must give their life
For others to survive."
"Severus, my thanks to you
Such a difficult choice to make
And duty a difficult friend
But, when the moment comes
I too will do my duty in the end.
Now thanks to one, and thanks to all
You all have answered well
And now I know
When that hour comes
Just who I have to call.
But please sit - I've no more questions
That's quite enough, I'd say!
You ask what would I do now?
By choice, enjoy this excellent fire
And perhaps a drink for all
To while some time away."
Feedback is much appreciated!
Esk