Albus Dumbledore looked at the row of Ministry officials sitting across from him, starring at him harshly as though they regarded him with little respect. It was no matter to him however. It never was. There were always more important things to think about then what other people thought of him.

Professor McGonagall, who sat next to him, ever his faithful companion in these matters with the aloof ministry cleared her throat.

"We understand your concerns, but we feel that the girl will be safer inside the walls of Hogwarts than out." she said authoritatively. After all, she had taught some of the people who now sat across from her, attempting to order her around without out having the faintest clue as to the consequences of their decisions. Didn't they realize that the fate of the world was at stake?

"Patience Minerva, we'll make them see." She heard Albus' voice echo in her head. She glanced at the old wizard whose eyes twinkled back at her. He said nothing out loud.

"The mystic soul is a powerful one and yes she could prove to be dangerous, if taken under the wrong influences, but if she were to go to Hogwarts - "

"And learn the magic necessary to kill us all!? I think Not Professor!" The minister of magic shouted. Professor McGonagall ignored his out burst and continued.

"She would learn how to defend herself against the dark arts, not embrace them. It is of course after years of surveillance that we have become confident that the girl would not willingly follow the black arts if given the chance. She is a good kid, she has morals, and a loving family."

"It would be better to keep her in the muggle world, where she is safe.' Another official piped up. "After all, there are rumors - " Bit this time, Professor Dumbledore interrupted calmly.

"if the rumors are true and that man is looking for the mystic soul, then it is essential that she be under our protection. He is powerful, and in the muggle world, there would be nothing to stand between them if he found her. Ignorance is the rot of all evil gentleman, and if we keep this girl ignorant, than what we fear will most surely come to pass. If we teach her magic, she stands a chance, and we could gain a very valuable ally. Just look at Harry Potter. He was tempted with the dark arts and resisted. He holds immense powers, just like this girl. I can not fathom her acting any differently then he in a time of crisis." Dumbledore said. The officals were silent for a moment, all exchanging glances, as if asking each other whether it was safe to trust this headmaster. In the end, they agreed with him.

"All right, let her go to Hogwarts, but if anything happens Dumbledore, you will be out of a job!" the minister said huffily as he got up from his seat and made a hasty exit. His underlings shortly followed suit, none of them giving any look at at Mcgonagall or Dumbledore that was remotely friendly.

"I suppose they till don't trust you, even though you wound up being right about Voldemort. It's broken pride is all. They can't handle being wrong." McGonagall said.

"Let them feel what they must. I have a message to give to my next assistant. She is to take a permanent post by the mystic. I think our girl will need a friend while entering the world of witchcraft and wizardry." Dumbledore said rising from his seat as well.

His wise eyes twinkled as he and McGonagall left the conference room and apparated back to his office at Hogwarts where the staff was getting ready for yet another magical year at the school.

Evil may be lurking in the shadows, but he was sure that they all would be able to handle whatever came there way.