"They didn't send me a message, intending only to protect their companions and not wanting to make a big issue out of it, but in the end..."
Dumbledore sighed deeply but did not blame anyone else, instead saying, "This is my fault, Vid."
"The entire Order of Phoenix became complacent due to prolonged peace. I should have foreseen this, should have more thoroughly prompted everyone, made them aware of how dangerous and important this matter is..."
"I focused too much on threats far away but did not consider the changes in the people around me enough."
Vid listened quietly, waiting for the old man to finish before he slowly shook his head.
"No one can foresee everything, make no mistakes—even a god cannot."
He looked at Dumbledore and said softly, "Professor, you have already shouldered too much responsibility yourself. Insisting on blaming yourself for all the mistakes—even for others' negligence—won't you be overwhelmed?"
"Don't be so gentle, child." Suddenly a voice rang out sharply from beside him, "You should scold him loudly, grab his kettle and smash it on his head, maybe then he'll put away some of his arrogance!"
Vid initially thought such a sharp remark must have been made by Phineas Black, then realized the voice's position was somewhat low.
He turned his head and smiled, eyes curving into crescents, "Long time no see, Relf."
"Hello, Vid."
Relf said in a slightly hoarse voice, "But I can't say 'long time no see,' because since the day you returned, I can see you every day, it's just that most of the time you kids can't see me."
Standing to Vid's rear side was a house-elf with ears full of white hair, thin and small, resembling a withered stump.
But Vid knew how powerful the strength nestled within this old and diminutive body was.
Back when Vid had not yet mastered Apparition, and needed to return quickly from the United States to London, it was this house-elf who took him by Apparition all the way back.
Even though Relf could not cross several thousand miles at once but used a few small islands on the vast sea between the two countries as stepping stones, this magic power was truly astonishing.
Moreover, as is widely known, a wizard can only Apparate to places they've been to, needing to outline a clear picture in their mind to complete the transfer smoothly, the same is true for house-elves.
So not only does Relf possess strong magic power, but he is also a well-traveled house-elf.
Seeing Relf, Dumbledore smiled bitterly, "Would you call this arrogance?"
"Of course! Whether human or house-elf, we must be responsible for our own mistakes—unless that person is an underage child."
Relf moved to the table, nodding at Vid, then placed the drinks and snacks from his tray on the table, saying to Dumbledore:
"If Dumbledore insists on feeling responsible for others' mistakes, then he's denying that those who err are independent adults, assuming they lack the courage to bear the consequences."
"Besides, does he truly believe he can control everyone's actions and thoughts by his own efforts and avoid all mistakes?"
Relf curled his lips into a mocking expression, speaking slowly:
"I thought only King of Gods Odin would place himself at the center of the universe, believing his every move dictates the course of everything!"
"Thunk!"
With a light sound, Relf placed the last plate of pudding on the table, saying to Vid:
"Please enjoy it slowly, Vid. This was specially made by Maki according to your taste, you'll surely like it."
"Ah... ah, okay." Vid quickly replied, "Thank him for me."
Relf nodded and "pop," disappeared from the room.
After he left, the room suddenly became very silent.
Vid looked at Dumbledore and naturally didn't touch the pudding, instead just stroking one of the cufflinks on his sleeve, as if he suddenly found its luster mesmerizing.
It was a good while before Dumbledore gently sighed, "Alright... Relf is always right... this truly is a form of arrogance."
He spoke softly to Vid, but it was more like an introspection:
"I always think... if I could see further, think more comprehensively, perhaps I could avoid tragedy."
"I took on the responsibility perhaps because... I cannot endure ascribing such helplessness to fate, nor the feeling of loss of control and uncertainty... I hope to bear more responsibilities, to control the outcome."
He looked up, gazing at the fragrant hot cocoa on the table, his voice tinged with clear helplessness:
"But no matter what, we're not gods; we can't solve all problems nor foresee all crises. Some costs seem destined to be paid, regardless of how well prepared."
"Just like Lady Abigail..."
"She was a passionate and upright person. I once saw shadows engulfing her but always thought... I thought we could change her, make her reassess her innermost thoughts and stance... I thought we still had time."
"She was indeed changed, professor."
Vid said in a low voice, "She chose to fight against past deceit and exploitation, so she walked towards death."
Dumbledore's gaze refocused from its distracted state and fell intently on Vid's face, asking warmly, "And what about you, Vid?"
Vid looked at him in confusion, "Me?"
Dumbledore said, "After receiving that message... Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Vid said, "Why ask?"
"Because I'm worried," Dumbledore folded his hands and placed them on the table, looking at Vid said, "when you look back on this matter, do you feel… like there's also a part of you responsible for her death?"
The office again fell into a brief silence, different from earlier awkwardness, now the quiet seemed to thicken the air.
Vid did not answer, his gaze fell, focusing on his hand's back, fingers slightly clenched.
Dumbledore sighed, saying, "Don't be like me in this regard, Vid... Relf is right; we cannot take full responsibility for others' choices, especially since Lady Abigail clearly knew the cost."
"She was in the Scourers for years, knew better than anyone the danger of the Dream Weaver, and knew what fetching memories meant. In such circumstances, her choice was a judgment on her own life; you can only respect it, not decide her life and death."