A/N: This chapter takes a dip into the past before progressing ever so slightly forward. I apologize for the longer than planned hiatus but the next update will be much sooner.

July 26, 1995

As she made her way down the winding path and the tiny cottage came into view, Minerva McGonagall girded herself for the slightly humiliating conversation about to happen. The phrases I told you so and took you long enough echoed in her mind.

But as uncomfortable and annoying as the discussion would be she knew it would pale in comparison to the one she'd had a few days prior with the Granger family. Never again, she told herself as she knocked on the slightly smaller than normal door.

"Professor Minnie!" an aged but cheerful elf greeted her before quickly ushering her inside.

"Hello, Ranty. Are you having a nice summer?"

"Oh yes," Ranty replied with a fervent nod as she led her toward a nearby room. "Professor Filly is very quiet and does not make many messes. And he be always listening when Ranty tells him what to do."

"Ahh, Minerva," Filius Flitwick greeted as she entered the room, "normally you schedule your recruiting mission earlier in the summer. I was beginning to worry."

"Albus asked me to speak to you once again before term ended, but I declined," she replied. "Your four previous rejections were enough to chalk you up as a lost cause. I'm actually on a different recruiting mission today. It's to help protect a muggle student and her family."

Filius looked so smug. "Let me guess. It's a matter of grave importance but that's all you can share."

Minerva had no interest in being lectured again. "Several of us have formed a side group of sorts…to protect Hermione Granger and her parents."

Based on his expression it was clear that she'd caught Filius slightly by surprise. "Regardless of whether it is his main group or a side operation I'm not interested in joining anything led by Albus."

"Albus is unaware."

Now she really had his attention.

"You're saying that you have formed a splinter group under Albus' nose? Why?"

"I've already told you why, Filius. It's to protect a student and her family."

"I'm going to need more than that, Minerva," he replied.

This was the point where she would normally begin hemming and hawing and speaking gravely about the need for security and lives being at stake. Based on Filius' disaffected expression it was clearly what he was anticipating.

"Miss Granger has been visiting Mr. Potter over the summer at his muggle home in spite of Albus' instructions not to do so. While Albus is focused on discouraging her visits a few of us are trying to protect Miss Granger and her family should she be detected. Remus Lupin and Bill Weasley have already cast several protective charms on the Granger home and I've volunteered my services as well. I'm hoping you will agree to help with any other protections you think may be helpful."

Filius looked slightly gob smacked and she fought a smirk. He was so used to her obfuscations on behalf of Albus that her forthrightness seemed to be difficult for him to process.

"Who else knows about this?" he eventually asked.

She couldn't wait to tell him the next part. "Remus Lupin and Bill Weasley as I mentioned, two aurors that are also members of the Order, Arthur Weasley, and Harry's godfather, Sirius Black.

Filius let out a mild squeak of surprise and Minerva fought the urge to laugh.

"Sirius never betrayed the Potters…he was framed by Peter Pettigrew," she continued. "He was wrongly convicted and escaped Azkaban in order to track down Pettigrew."

"But he broke into Hogwarts-"

"Pettigrew was at Hogwarts, secretly hiding as a student's pet rat; Ron Weasley's pet rat to be specific."

Minerva decided to take mercy on her colleague and paused, letting him catch up with the information overload she had just barraged him with.

"So Harry's story, about the graveyard…Voldemort's resurrection," he prompted.

"It is all true. Peter Pettigrew escaped from Black near the end of Mr. Potter's third year and aided in Voldemort's resurrection during the third task."

"Where is Black now?" Filius asked.

"That I cannot share," she replied, drawing an annoyed glare from her colleague.

"So you are no different than Albus, trusting others only with enough facts to get what you want."

"Filius," she said, failing to stifle her own frustration, "I literally cannot tell you."

Recognition dawned on the diminutive professor's face. "Fidelius?"

She confirmed his speculation with a nod and slid a parchment across the table.

"This is a list of the spells that have already been cast on the Granger's home as well as those that I plan on adding myself. I'll be adding my enchantments tomorrow evening and would appreciate your input and assistance."

She watched as Filius surveyed the list in consideration. There was so much history…so much frustration…with the headmaster. She'd hoped he would be eager to help but she understood his reluctance.

"As I said, I am not here at Albus' request. I am here asking for your help on behalf of the Grangers. They've risked their own safety to help Harry and I simply want to lend as much assistance as I can."

Filius sat back and steepled his fingers.. "How have they helped Harry?"

This was it. The point where she would be sharing things strictly forbidden by the headmaster. She'd already skirted along the edges of what could and should be shared but from this point on she would be taking a colossal leap over the edge. She'd hoped to avoid it but Filius was too skeptical not to try and glean as much information as possible. And once the dam had been unplugged there would be no end to the torrent of questions from her diminutive colleague.

She thought back to that night at Privet Drive so many years ago, how her instincts had screamed this is not right and how she had ultimately ceded to Albus' instruction despite how very not right it felt. How she'd been suppressing similar feelings off and on for the subsequent fourteen years because it had been the easiest, safest option. She was tired of not acting on what felt right.

"Harry has been forced to stay with his relatives due to the protections in place there meant to ensure his safety. Lily's sister, Harry's Aunt and Uncle, are awful…at best ambivalent to him and at worst purposely cruel. They detest magic and anything associated with it as well. Because of this and other security concerns he has been isolated from his friends and loved ones this summer. Albus has insisted it must be done for his safety."

She could see Filius' anger rising once again. "So you are saying the horrific stories that have been shared about the graveyard are true…and Mr. Potter has been left to deal with it on his own?"

"Not quite," she replied. "Miss Granger disagreed with Albus' advice and has been visiting Harry on a weekly basis with her parents blessing. Despite several of us attempting to dissuade her she has refused. We believe that sort of loyalty and bravery deserves any assistance we can offer."

"Albus knows nothing about this?"

"Correct."

"Because you are opting for the 'better to ask for forgiveness instead of permission' approach?"

"That is a fair assessment," she replied with a smile.

After several moments of consideration Filius muttered something about Gryffindors under his breath as he pulled out a blank piece of parchment and began writing out a list.

"Ranty!" Filius called once he'd finished his work.

"Yes, Professor Filly?"

"When you have a few moments could you go to Hogwarts and retrieve these books from my office?" he asked, handing the parchment to the elf.

Ranty's eyes bulged as she read the list. "Ranty does not want to know what Professor Filly and Professor Minnie is up to, does she?"

Filius chuckled. "Most likely, no. And you definitely should not be interested in why I will be away for several hours tomorrow night."

"Ranty doesn't want to know!" the elf exclaimed as she popped out of sight.

"Thank you, Filius," Minerva replied sincerely.

Filius smiled as he pulled out a bottle and two glasses. "You've taken away all my excuses," he replied. "Can't very well justify sitting on the sidelines by saying I don't know the facts any more now, can I?"

He quickly poured them two drinks and slid one across the table. Minerva couldn't help but chuckle when Filius raised his glass in a toast.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"You've unwittingly sorted out the initiation procedure for all new members of the Granger Initiative Taskforce," she supplied as she raised her glass and tapped it against Filius' drink.

"That is a horrible name," Filius observed after downing his drink. Seconds later it appeared that he sorted out the accompanying acronym and burst out into laughter.

"You can blame Sirius Black for the ridiculous name," she supplied.

"We could use more ridiculous these days," he observed as he refilled their glass. "Let's go over what I have in mind and then you can fill in the blanks about what has been going on in the castle the last few years…"

August 12, 1995

As 12 Thornbrook Lane came into view Minerva girded herself for the terse and skeptical reception she was sure awaited her on the other side. The last time she had visited this home things had not gone well, at all. And the worst part was she had been entirely at fault. Being on the receiving end of a lecture in front of one of her favorite students had been disconcerting and disheartening. She'd done her best over the last few weeks to make up for her poor decisions but knew she had a long way to go, most especially in the minds of the two muggles she would be spending the morning with.

She'd barely had to wait a second after ringing the doorbell before it was opened, revealing Jane Granger. She wasn't smiling but she didn't look particularly angry either. Minerva mused that was the best she could have hoped for all things considered.

"Please come in, Professor," Jane greeted, escorting her to their sitting room where her husband was waiting. He was holding a familiar looking ball.

"Is that a sneakoscope?" she asked.

"Yes," David Granger supplied. "Hermione gave it to us a few Christmases back. She said it would help suss out the untrustworthy sort. Congratulations, it looks like you've passed the test," he complimented as the magical device remained blessedly silent.

So they still didn't trust her despite Bill's assurances. She couldn't blame them she supposed. This was quite an about face from their last discussion less than three weeks prior.

"I would like to apologize for my actions last month, but you can rest assured that we are on the same side. Harry's side," she stated, silently relieved as the sneakoscope sat quietly in David Granger's hand.

"Right," David continued as he stowed the orb in his pocket and stood. "I suppose we should be going," he continued as he placed a nearby carrier on the floor beside her.

"So that's to be my carriage for the morning," she observed.

"Crookshanks has never complained so I reckon it's all right. I hope you don't get car sick," David added as he opened the door and stood back.

"Not at all," she reassured. "But you are right. We should get going. I trust you have the mirror?"

Jane pulled Sirius' gift out of her purse and held it up for her inspection. "I believe we have a thirty minute drive ahead of us?" she asked, drawing two affirming nods.

"Remember, if you sense any danger, just unlatch the cage. It is very unlikely anything will happen but please remain vigilant. If I spot anything suspicious I will do my best to warn you."

She quickly transformed into a cat and sidled into the carrier, unconsciously purring at the blanket they had graciously provided for her to lie down on. All things considered this was not a bad place to relax for a few hours.

After thirty minutes of sitting in the Underground station Minerva was keenly aware that Muggles could be quite loud…and they always seemed to be in such a hurry. She was roused from her musings by the voice of Bill Weasley. "We'll be coming into your stop any moment now. Number Five."

"Here we go," David muttered, "time to look not terrified on Harry's behalf." The train roared into the station and they walked along the platform, quickly finding The Number Five car.

"There he is," Jane mumbled under her breath and they quickly bustled down the aisle. David placed her carrier on the bench beside him and angled it slightly to the right, bringing Harry into view. Despite Harry's best efforts to appear calm, his nervousness was apparent. It was an expression she had seen on his face far too often over the years.

Arthur was doing most of the talking while Harry replied occasionally with short answers and nods. It was clear that Arthur was doing his best to be cheerful and casual in an effort to take Harry's mind off of his hearing and it seemed to be working to some extent. After several moments Arthur spotted them and leaned toward Harry, casually saying something under his breath, drawing a curious look from the boy.

Harry scanned the carriage and finally spotted them, instantly becoming a mixture of pleased and embarrassed. Arthur must have told him not to wave or acknowledge their presence as he quickly looked away before shooting them another surreptitious glance a few moments later.

"I told you he would be embarrassed," Jane supplied.

"Good," David answered, "better embarrassed than panicked or miserable."

She "meowed" her agreement as loud as she could manage, drawing chuckles from the pair.

"Thank you, professor," Jane stated as Minerva kept her eyes on Harry. It was probably her hopeful imagination but he looked a bit more relaxed now. It was amazing how small gestures meant so much to those who'd rarely experienced them.

They sat in companionable silence for a few more minutes until the train screeched to a stop. This was Harry's stop.

She heard Dan Granger say "we promised we wouldn't, Jane" and looked to see his arm now gently resting on her arm. Her guess was Jane wanted to say something to Harry...words of encouragement most likely. It would have been foolish and rash and Jane Granger did not strike her as either of those things, but for Harry it appeared she was willing to make an exception. Harry glanced their way once again as he exited onto the platform and she realized how much better she felt at being a bit foolish and rash.

Several minutes later she was quite confused as they seemed to be carrying her out of the station and back into the streets of London. The plan had been very clear: board a train that would take them back to their starting part and walk back to the Grangers' car.

"Don't worry, professor. David and I haven't forgotten the plan, we've just come up with a different one," Jane stated as they turned into a nearby alley. Once they'd progressed a bit further out of sight her carrier was placed on the ground and the door was quickly unlatched and opened. After exiting and checking that the coast was clear she quickly transformed.

"What is this new plan?" she asked in annoyance. She really disliked when people strayed from the plan.

"We want you to apparate us back to the car," David replied simply.

"This is highly inappropriate," she replied, "and we can't risk being seen."

Jane Granger shot her a look remarkably similar to Hermione and she prepared herself for an explanation. "Bill explained that all you need to do is to visualize where you need to go. We were curious how it worked and Bill assured us you would be happy to show us."

Bill Weasley. She should have known. "Did he explain that some people feel quite unwell afterward?"

"Oh, yes," David answered. "A little vomiting seems a small price to pay to experience instant transportation."

"I'm assuming that is why you parked so far away from everyone else at the station?" she asked, receiving two affirming nods. They were truly Hermione's parents.

"Very well," she acquiesced and the pair quickly grabbed an arm. Bill must have taken them through the entire procedure. She would most definitely be having words with her former student.

"All set?" she asked, waiting on their eager nods before transporting them away. The nearby wood had been very convenient for the pair to quickly relieve the contents of their stomachs upon arrival. They seemed much less embarrassed than the typical magical at not managing apparition well and she chalked it up to a lack of ego about such things.

"I can't wait until Hermione turns seventeen," David enthused.

"You know we frown on such displays around muggles," she reminded.

"Yes, yes, we know," he replied with a casual wave of his hands, "but we've waited years to see Hermione perform magic around us and plan on taking advantage of it."

She chuckled, once again being forcibly reminded that these were Hermione's parents. Before she could say her goodbyes they'd opened the boot of their car and had pulled out several bags.

"We have one more favor to ask," Jane supplied as she handed them over, "we'd like you to give these to Harry the next time you see him."

The bags were filled with assorted muggle clothing as well as several plastic containers that she believed were used to play muggle music.

"If he tries to refuse, don't let him. Hermione said you are good at ordering them around," David joked.

Minerva nodded her agreement and quickly said her goodbyes to the Grangers. The original plan was to apparate directly home but she decided a quick trip to Diagon Alley was in order. She recalled how worn Harry's Quidditch gloves had been in his third year and was fairly positive he hadn't thought to replace them since. A voucher to Quality Quidditch Supplies seemed like it would make a nice, belated birthday present.

She pushed back on the niggling thought that at that very moment Harry may possibly be being expelled from Hogwarts. Harry would be flying for Gryffindor in a few weeks time.

August 18, 1995

Minerva did her best to calm herself as she waited for Albus to emerge from her floo. Based on his actions over the last few months she was fairly positive what this discussion regarding her prefect assignments would entail…what every discussion seemed to center around these days. Harry Potter.

She had been the head of Gryffindor house for several decades and her prefect appointments had never warranted a personal visit to discuss her selections,let alone a discussion within minutes of her submission. She was thoroughly unsurprised.

The last month had truly brought about an odd turn of events. Once she had pulled off the veil she had purposely put on regarding her own decision making as it related to Dumbledore, it had been very difficult to place it back. Her thoughts which in the past had automatically drifted to the headmaster knows best and Harry has always proven to be resilient had reversed course, demanding her to think about how many things had been missed, purposely or otherwise, the last few years. And just because Harry had been magnificently resilient didn't justify sitting by and watching as his resiliency was needlessly tested again.

The floo flared to life and the headmaster emerged just as she was pouring them tea. She fought the urge to throw the kettle at her mentor for what she suspected he was about to do, settling instead for dropping his three customary sugars in his cup and taking a seat.

"I appreciate you having a few moments to see me at this late hour," he greeted warmly before taking a sip of the proffered tea,

"It is fine, Albus," she replied, doing her best to smile pleasantly in return. She wanted to get the formalities over as quickly as possible and dove right in. "I was just planning on doing a bit of reading before turning in. I've got a busy day tomorrow now that the Head and Prefect assignments have been sorted."

Albus' smile grew the tiniest bit congenial and she knew what was coming.

"That is the reason for my visit, actually. I'd like to discuss your fifth year assignments before everything becomes 'official' as they say," he supplied pleasantly.

"Given Miss Granger's performance in the classroom and her and Mr. Potter's services to the school they are clearly the obvious choice. Probably the easiest choice I've had in the last decade. And it goes without saying that they make an excellent team," she added unnecessarily.

Their teamwork over the summer had caused the headmaster myriad headaches, headaches that she was now actively participating in bringing about. She suspected he would have a doozy after this conversation was over.

"Yes, yes, it goes without saying that those two would make an excellent pair. My concerns lie more with Harry's state of mind this upcoming term."

And there it was. She thought he might try to change the wording a bit…to pretend that he wasn't trotting out the same vague excuse…but he'd gone to old reliable. It was for Harry, as was his need to stay at Privet Drive over the summer, and why the original plan was to leave him there for several days after the Dementor attack before GIT had foiled it spectacularly. She'd heard a decades worth of it's for Harry's.

Sometimes she accepted it immediately…sometimes she pushed back for a bit…but she'd always acquiesced. For Harry was the reason she had convinced herself that she was doing the right thing in the past. She had been lying to herself about who it was really for but she was done with that now. It was time to start pushing back, really pushing back, and doing what was right rather than what was easy. For Harry.

"Without more information I'm afraid I don't agree, Albus," she began, causing one of his eyebrows to rise ever so slightly. Normally at this point she would be asking questions for him to volley away, not making declarative statements. It felt good.

"Minerva," he began once again, now in a much graver tone, "there are things regarding Harry's future…things that I cannot share with you…that I believe will be taking a toll on him mentally in the coming months. And we've spoken before of why I must isolate myself from the boy…this connection he has with Voldemort. I fear Harry's reactions over the coming months could be unpredictable."

An interesting pivot, she surmised. In the past he'd waved off concerns for the stress Harry had endured, citing Harry's tremendous resolve, pure heart, and innate ability to do the right thing when it most mattered. But now he had reversed tactics. She ignored it and plowed on.

"The prophecy, it's about Harry then," she stated matter of factly, "and you are thinking he will not take it well once he learns its contents." They'd talked around the topic since Voldemort's resurrection but this was her chance to hopefully get more answers.

Dumbledore nodded gravely. He was quite good at nodding gravely to get his way. Unfortunately for him she knew all of his tricks.

"I'm hoping to avoid forcing Harry to deal with that revelation this year but I fear it is only a matter of time. And I am sure he is still processing the horrible incidents at the end of term. The burden would be too much for even Harry to bear."

Albus kept talking for a bit about the tragedy of it all but she'd tuned him out and waited for her chance to respond, her reply prepared long ago. She loved using his words against him.

"Well, as you've said repeatedly Mr. Potter has amazing resiliency and always seems to make the right decision when it comes to the important things. But I do understand your concern…"

She let her friend have a brief moment of triumph before continuing.

"So I think I will pay a visit to Grimmauld tomorrow and leave it up to him. I will explain the responsibilities that the position entails and your concerns. I think he's earned a bit of honesty and faith at this point, don't you?"

The headmaster appeared to have something to say but stopped himself. Apparently he had decided any further arguments were a lost cause without providing more facts, facts that he was clearly still not willing to share. Minerva fought the urge to frown at Albus' continued hording of secrets.

"Thank you, Minerva," he replied kindly as he stood to leave, "although I believe it will be a lost cause once young Harry finds out that Miss Granger would be his partner."

You have no idea, she mused as Albus disappeared through the fireplace. Based on the GIT's reports on the pair's 'homework sessions' she was positive those two would be spending every patrol together.

August 27, 1995

As she entered Grimmauld Place, Minerva did her best to calm her nerves. She was the matriarch of the group, the one that the others expected to be calm and considered. It would do her (or Harry) no good to turn into an emotional ninny at this point. She'd willingly signed up for GIT and they were on the threshold of something monumental. It was imperative that she kept a level head for her two younger compatriots. Besides, the plan was brilliant in its simplicity and as she gazed at the ethereal beauty in front of her, she realized it was bound to work. The newest initiate into GIT was their secret weapon.

"Miss McGonagall!" Fleur Delacour enthused as she glided toward her, ignoring the now slightly dazed young man she passed along the way. "It is good to see you again!"

"Hello Miss Delacour," she greeted. "Are you enjoying your extended stay in England?"

She nodded happily. "My work at Gringotts has been very interesting and has made up for the horrid English summer weather," she concluded.

Minerva did her best to ignore the thinly veiled insult and focused on the group sitting at the end of the table. Sirius and Hermione were doing their best to not appear nervous. Sirius seemed to be managing it relatively well but Miss Granger was struggling. Mightily.

Harry, however, simply seemed determined…much more confident and calm than his disposition on the tube a couple weeks prior. "We should get going, Harry," she informed, purposely using his first name for a bit of personal reassurance. She had no idea if it would work but Albus seemed to think it was effective. He nodded his head and quickly moved to stand beside her.

"You both know the plan?" She received two fervent nods.

"And you have your cloak?" Harry held up the magical artifact for her inspection.

"Then we best be off!" she intoned with as much confidence as she could muster, drawing nods once again from the pair. Harry nodded to his godfather and girlfriend before quickly following her out of the kitchen.

They'd made it into the Ministry without a hitch and were now walking toward the security desk. Based on the now bulging eyes of the guard on duty, Kingsley's prediction had been correct. She heard Fleur's chuckle of acknowledgement and did her best not to laugh. "This will not be a problem," Fleur commented absently.

"Tap the mirror," Harry" she murmured as they approached Fleur's prey.

"Hello, Malcolm!" Minerva greeted her thoroughly distracted former student. "This is Fleur Delacour. I trust that Miss Delacour is on your schedule?"

"Uh, yes. Hello professor," he managed to spit out eventually. "I'm assuming you are here for your…uh…meeting?"

"Oui…I mean, yes," Fleur replied in false embarrassment as she shyly tucked a bit of hair behind her ear. "I am zorry. I am ztill getting used to zee English language."

Minerva fought the urge to laugh at the sudden thickness of Fleur's accent. Malcolm didn't seem to be about to laugh though. She wasn't sure if it was possible to laugh with his mouth hanging down to the floor. She hadn't done much research into Veela magic but whatever it involved it seemed to be working magnificently on poor Malcolm.

"I, uh, have to inspect you," he managed, bumping his knee rather loudly as he made his way around the security desk. Malcolm let out a rather loud gulp as he began waving his examination rod in front of and behind Fleur. Fleur's posture was excellent and Malcolm seemed to be sweating more and more the longer the inspection lasted.

"Minerva!" Kingsley greeted right on cue from down the hallway. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello Kingsley," she greeted, "Miss Delacour is new to England and I offered to escort her to the Ministry."

"Odd day for a meeting," Kingsley observed as he nodded a greeting. "You were the TriWizard Champion for Beauxbatons, right?"

Everyone was playing their part and following the script expertly in spite of the fact that it most likely was a moot point. Malcolm seemed so flummoxed by his inspection that she wasn't sure he had processed anything being said.

"Would you mind showing me where to go? Zis place is zo confusing!" Fleur asked Malcolm, drawing a grimace. It was clear that Malcolm wanted nothing more than to escort Fleur and was facing a conundrum. "I'm not supposed to leave my desk."

"I've got it, "Malcolm," Kingsley offered. "You help Fleur and I'll watch the desk while I catch up with Minnie. Nothing happens here on Sundays anyways."

The look on Malcolm's face suggested he was now thinking of naming his firstborn son after Kingsley. He was so ecstatic that Minerva wondered if the name 'Kingsley' would still be in play even if he had a daughter.

"Well that worked spectacularly," Minerva observed with a laugh.

"A little too well. I need to study up on Veela," Kingsley mumbled as he shook the cobwebs out of his head. "You two best be going. Arthur is on duty right now so we're all set. I trust you know the way?"

With a quick nod she and her invisible companion set off for the Department of Mysteries.

The tension was palpable as she, Sirius and Hermione huddled around the kitchen table at Grimmauld Place. All eyes were pinned on Harry as he removed the prophecy orb from his pocket and placed it on the table.

Every silencing and locking spell imaginable had been cast and Kreacher had been ordered to keep anyone and everyone out until he received further instructions. Minerva wasn't quite sure why or how she had earned this extraordinary amount of trust from Harry but she vowed never to forget it.

"So I just need to break it, right?" he asked. Not surprisingly Harry's eyes were drawn to Hermione for the answer.

"Now that you've touched it, it can be any of us," she supplied, "but yes. Once it's broken we should all hear the prophecy."

"Remember, Harry," Sirius added nervously, "Minnie and I can listen to it first if you don't think you're ready."

It was the proper and kind thing to do but Minerva knew that Harry would decline. It wasn't in his nature to run away from a fight…a truly magnificent and horrible trait to possess. She felt that she should make one final attempt at her prior suggestion as well.

"If you wish for us to take a vow-"

'"No," he interrupted forcefully, never taking his eyes off of the globe. "No. I trust you."

It was at that point that Minerva's loyalties unequivocally and unreservedly shifted to Harry and Harry alone. This boy who trusted her despite her many prior failures. She would not let him down again.

"I can do it if you'd like, Harry," Sirius offered. Harry nodded his agreement and Sirius reached forward, picking up the orb with slightly trembling hands.

"Whatever it says we'll sort it out," Hermione consoled as she reached for Harry's hand.

"Yeah, what she said," Sirius added as he waited for Harry's signal to proceed.

As she watched Harry's nod she felt a keen sense of pride at his ability to always do what was right over what was easy. The conversation she would be having with Albus informing him of the day's events would surely be difficult but it was the least she could do. For Harry.