Dumbledore's Last Request

Yes,

I'll accept the handshakes

As if those same hands wouldn't have pointed threatening wands

At my chest

And yes,

I'll nod at the exclamations of 'I guessed all along'

As if those same voices wouldn't have chorused my condemnation

Without a second thought

I won't reject the honeyed words

Or shun the lavish praise

From those who had already slipped a noose around my neck

A hundred times or more

Before

And as the medal is pinned below my collar 'For Bravery and Service'

I won't think of it as

Too little,

Too late,

Instead I'll bow graciously

Because,

You asked me to.