A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. It ended up a thousand more words than I was anticipating. The next will probably be just as difficult, as it will be more class focused. Hopefully, it was worth the wait. Athena

Disclaimer: As if you didn't already know. J.K. Rowling is the one who makes the money on the characters of Harry Potter. Any you recognize are hers, others are mine, but I still don't make any money. Enjoy!

Chapter 16-Unlikely Confidants

The dungeons were just as cheerful as Harry remembered them. The rank fumes of the mold that grew everywhere were enough to make Harry ill without remembering the promise he made to Hermione to ask Snape for help in Occlumency. 'If Snape behaves that is,' Harry doubtfully thought. Harry entered the potions classroom in a dizzying daze. Hermione noticed that something was wrong as soon as Harry took his seat beside her. Harry's attention was elsewhere and yet not anywhere. Hermione snapped her fingers in front of The-Boy-Who-Lived-To-Take-Advanced-Potions. Harry didn't even acknowledge her. She clapped her hands half a dozen times and still nothing. She was about to chase down Professor Snape when Ron collided with Harry in his mad dash to make it to class on time. Harry might have spent the rest of the class in the nothingness of his trance if Ron hadn't been late. But the collision only briefly brought Harry to attention. Harry didn't even understand Ron when he apologized,

"Sorry, Mate. I just barely got here in time. Thank God Snape isn't here yet."

"Ah, good, a reason to take points from Gryffindor. Twenty points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley, for running in the halls. You never fail to meet my expectations of you, Mr. Weasley." Ron's face matched his hair in fury. Before Ron could get his word in, Snape commented on Harry's gaze to the Slytherin side of the classroom,

"I see Mr. Potter is daydreaming again. Twenty points from Gryffindor for failing to pay attention. I don't suppose that Mr. Potter will be focusing on potions during class. Not that that is unusual. It amazes me that he managed to pass his O.W.L.s considering that his mind is so easily distracted." Then he heartlessly assigned Miss Granger to task, "Miss Granger, escort Potter to Madame Pomfrey. It appears he will not be able to perform today's assignment. Make sure he comes back after class. It seems remedial potions will suit his skill level better." The Slytherins laughed as Hermione's face steamed with her wrath. They were all surprised when she calmly eyed Snape and replied,

"Of course you are right, Professor. Harry would have done much better with remedial potions all along. He may even have been more attentive for today's lesson." Snape's eyes flashed with cruelty,

"Twenty-five points Miss Granger for disrespect of a professor and your impertinence." Hermione scowled at the professor. As she started to walk out of the classroom with her eyes narrowed, she watched him in her peripheral vision to see if her clever hint was comprehended. If she hadn't been watching for it, she would never have noticed the slight decline of his chin. Luckily, Professor Snape didn't make it a habit of his to assume anything and she heard his voice in her mind, 'Yes, Ms. Granger, I will tutor Mr. Potter in Occulmency. Just bring him back in a better state.'

Hermione guided Harry up to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey was administering a headache potion to a first year Slytherin. After Hermione helped Harry to a cot, she turned to Madame Pomfrey and noticed that the boy was staring at Harry in shock. Hermione raised her eyes and gave the boy a questioning look. He had dark auburn hair and green eyes. Hermione remembered seeing him sorted at the feast, and she suddenly believed it was important that she remember who the boy was. 'Why is it important that I remember this boy?' Hermione searched through her memories but came up with nothing. 'I'll have to keep an eye on him.' Madame Pomfrey made her way over to Harry who was still not in a normal state of awareness.

"Thank you, Miss Granger for seeing Mr. Potter here. What happened?"

"Nothing, really Madame Pomfrey. Harry came into potions and sat down. Everything seemed fine for a few minutes but then it was as if he wasn't really there. His body was sitting but his mind or spirit or something wasn't. Then Ron came in and bumped him really hard and it seemed to shake him back for a few seconds, but now he is right back to where he was."

"Oh dear. But he was able to walk up here fine?"

"Not without being lead. He did do what I asked him to on the way, so he can understand direction at least. What's wrong with him Madame?" Madame Pomfrey put a silencing spell around the three of them and answered her as best she could,

"It seems someone has cursed Mr. Potter. I need you to go back to potions and bring Professor Snape back. I think this may be a curse he is more familiar with than me."

"A Dark curse. Of course, Madame Pomfrey. I'll be back straight away." Hermione only heard Madame Pomfrey take the silencing spell off with a quick, "Finite Incantatum" before she was out the hospital wing's doors and on her way back to the dungeons. All the while she was plagued with worry and kept thinking about Harry. 'Oh, Professor Snape, Harry is in a bad way, please don't be a bastard and allow yourself to help him. You must know the curse that was cast. Please, Severus. Where did that come from?' Hermione hastened to the dungeons and even before she entered she heard,

"All of you out! You are pathetic excuses for potions brewers. Get Out!" Apparently, Hermione hadn't missed much. After all the students excluding Ron, had exploded out of the classroom, Hermione entered. Ron, not watching where he was going, bumped into her in very much the same way he did Harry earlier.

"Mr. Weasley, can't you for one moment pretend to not be the klutz you are? Get out of my classroom!" Hermione eyed Ron and he looked at her questioningly, even with the fluster that was on his face. Hermione shook her head and Ron motioned his head out the door. She knew that meant he would wait outside for her. As soon as Hermione got into the classroom, Professor Snape was headed out the door.

"Miss Granger, are you going to accompany me to the hospital wing or stand there staring?"

"Of course, sir, but . . ."

"How did I know Mr. Potter was cursed with a dark spell, Ms. Granger? I just know. I can feel it."

"Oh. But . . ."

"How did I know you were sent to bring me to the hospital ward because Poppy doesn't know the spell? I suppose I could have guessed, but somehow I . . . never mind. I just knew." Something was up but Hermione didn't have time to dissect it because at that moment he began to glide through the dungeon halls with such grace one could not plainly see how fast he was moving. She grabbed Ron and started to run after him. When they reached the hospital wing the professor turned toward her and said, "I see you finally made it here, Miss Granger, even if you did drag Mr. Weasley along." If she hadn't been staring at his face, she wouldn't have noticed the very slight upturn of his lips. He was actually glad she followed him there. Professor Snape headed over to Harry's cot and noticed his Slytherin resting soundlessly in the next cot. "Mr. Evans, I expect your headache is better by now. I think you can stop pretending to sleep. There is nothing of your concern here."

"How did you know I was pretending?" Mark Evans asked him in an even tone.

"Sir."

"How did you know I was pretending, sir?" The professor looked at the boy like he was locked up in St. Mungo's psych ward with Lockhart and answered with distain,

"I just knew. Now get back to class!" With that the scared boy's eyebrows shot up his forehead and even in his shock he was able to zoom past the cots in record time. "That boy will be the end of us." Snape said shaking his head.

"I thought that was supposed to be Harry's job, sir," Miss Granger mocked.

"Ten points for cheek, Granger." Snape looked at Harry, a frown on his face, as he scanned Harry's vitals and looked for any subtle signs that Pomfrey might have missed.

"It's some form of Imperious isn't it, sir?" Snape ignored her and continued to process his patient. His eyes glazed over in thought when he finished his observations. For whatever reason Hermione could hear the process in her head and remarkably it was very much the same way she analyzed a problem. When Hermione was unable to hear any of the processing she turned back toward the professor and saw that he almost seemed in the same trace as Harry had been earlier. Hermione proceeded to snap her fingers in front of the professor in much the same way she did Harry earlier. Snape caught her hand in his in one quick movement. "Please, Miss Granger, quiet." After a few moments, he cast a silencing charm and looked at Hermione and smiled. "Yes, Miss Granger, you are correct. It isn't Imperious but it is a form of it. It seems to be a family variety. But it should be simple enough to disengage, as it isn't very strong. Finite Incantatum." With just that simple spell, Harry's head popped up and he shook it. The three people standing over him let out the same breath they didn't know they were holding, and looked at each other in surprise. It was then that Harry finally realized where he was and who was standing around him.

"How did I end up here this time?"

"You were obviously cursed, Mr. Potter." Snape scowled and shook his head. "Is your brain capable of remembering anything about this morning or are we left to guess the origin of this curse?" Harry bit back the rude comment at the tip of his tongue and instead replied calmly,

"All I remember is running into my cousin after breakfast on my way to the dungeons, sir. We didn't say more than hi and good-bye before I was around the corner."

"You have a cousin here? I thought that bully, Dudley, was your only cousin, Harry. Who at Hogwarts could be your cousin?" Ron asked, finally speaking up.

"Didn't I tell you two? I met Mark Evans on the train. He is my second cousin actually. He is from my Mom's father's side. I guess Mom's dad remarried at some point. Mark is as much relation to me as I know about really."

"Humm. No wonder the boy is going to be the death of us. He's a Slytherin related to a Potter." Snape shook his head and clenched his fists, but calmly spoke, "Interesting, Mr. Potter. I'm not sure the Headmaster is aware of this." Then, with a reluctant sigh and eyes staring at the marble floor, he continued, "It appears you may need more training in Occulmency again." Harry taking this as a good sign decided to toss in his promise to Hermione.

"Yes, that's true, sir. I was meaning to ask you if you would be willing . . ." Snape's eyes snapped up to Harry's and in a short yet accommodating manner Snape answered,

"Under one condition. Miss Granger must come also and learn her share." He looked at the three students, frustration and anger evident in his eyes. He explained with an air of bored apathy, "Professor McGonagall suggested that her presence might keep our anger at bay. How I don't have any idea, but under such circumstances, the Headmaster believes it is worth a try."

'And so do you.' The thought shot quickly from Hermione's mind and she quickly looked to Professor Snape in shock. 'How did she know he actually wanted to help Harry?' He looked at her puzzled, having heard her thought in his mind. He shook his head briefly and looked to her, eyebrow questioning her. They looked at each other transfixed with the thoughts.

"Hermione?" Harry looked to his friend and she nodded vigorously. This was exactly what Professor McGonagall had discussed with her.

"Oh, and one last thing, Mr. Potter. I'm sure Miss Granger has kept you posted on the latest developments in dream analysis, so I won't repeat the findings. You may find you need a brief trip to Hogsmeade to settle your family obligations. I will inform the Headmaster. Miss Granger, you will explain I'm sure." Snape nodded toward her still watching for anything out of the ordinary. She nodded back and they both heard her thought,

'Minus a few embarrassing details. Of course, Professor.' Snape paused at the door, unsure as to what he heard,

"Miss Granger, did you say something just now?" Hermione shook her head and her eyes grew as she replied with apparent shock,

"No, sir. I didn't. Did you hear?"

"Yes. You will meet me in my office after classes tonight. It seems Professor McGonagall is right about you needing Occulmency also."

'Of course, sir,' Hermione thought. Professor Snape's head tilted with wonder. Then, she realized, as the boys stared at her waiting for her response, that she hadn't said anything.

"I mean . . . of course, sir." Hermione rolled her eyes at herself. 'Weird.' Professor Snape's voice echoed in her mind,

'Indeed.'

Hermione spent the rest of what should have been potions class with Harry and Ron in the infirmary. She updated them on the past few days of research and translated what Professor Snape had meant about Harry's family obligations. It was decided that the boys would venture to the cave Sirius used as a hide out to look for the items mentioned in Sirius's will. They would seek out after Hagrid's class that afternoon, and Hermione would proceed to the dungeons for her meeting in Snape's office.

Hermione couldn't help but worry over her friends while she was in Arithmacy at the same time they were in Care of Magical Creatures. Ever since they became friends it was hard for her to be separated from them for any adventure that was to be had. She was a bit jealous for one thing, but mostly it was the worry that something would happen and she wouldn't be there to be the calm and rational force of the trio. The boys had only just recently showed that they had any capacity for quick thinking and planning under pressure. She tried to remember that they handled themselves quite well over the summer without her, well maybe not Ron, but Harry did seem to be able to handle himself without her. She hoped they wouldn't run into any trouble while they were gone. "Maybe they will be alright," she whispered to herself. 'That's not what worries you. You're worried they won't need you anymore,' she shook her head again trying to get that thought out of mind even though she knew it was true.

After Arithmacy, Hermione headed down to see Professor Snape as requested. Before she even turned down towards the stairs leading to the dungeons, the man in question came from behind her and pulled her to a dark corner. "Miss Granger, I think perhaps we should go directly to the Headmaster with this. Please, follow me."

'Of course, Professor.'

"Try to keep your thoughts to yourself, Miss Granger." She quietly followed the professor toward the Headmaster's office only to realize she was humming in her head. Apparently, Professor Snape knew the tune because his voice started to hum it in her mind also. "Ugh. Stop the humming!!! I'll have it stuck in my head all day now. Literally it seems." Hermione looked to her professor in fright.

"What is going on, sir?"

"If I had any idea, do you think I'd be humming along with you?" Snape snapped. "Carmel Hershey Kisses." The stone gargoyle moved the stairs up and they rode them to the top floor of the central tower where the Headmaster's office was located. The door to Dumbledore's office opened before they knocked. Dumbledore waved them both in with tea ready and chairs set up as if he'd been waiting all day for them, even though it was only moments before that Snape had decided to bring their meeting up to him.

"So Professor Snape, Miss Granger. What seems to be the newest development?"

"It appears, Headmaster, that I am able to hear Miss Granger's thoughts in my head without use of Legillimens."

"Is this true, Miss Granger?"

"It seems to be, Professor. And I also am able to hear Professor Snape's thoughts, but only in close proximity."

"And how about you Severus. Can you hear Miss Granger's thoughts when she isn't near you?"

"Yes, and it is getting rather annoying. Of course, it also explains how I knew to dismiss class before Miss Granger came back with information on Potter's condition. But if I have to hear her worrying about the two dunderheads of the Gryffindor trio any longer I might go crazy."

'If I haven't already.'

"I heard that, professor," Hermione teased in a sing song voice.

'Bloody hell,' Snape swore in his mind. "At least I know where a third of the trio is at all times. And I know that the other two are currently on mission in Hogsmeade."

"Good. Good. Harry's will get the chest. I think we should have him set it up in the Room of Requirement. That should work well as a vault for the time being. In the mean time, how do we explain this recent development? Any ideas?"

"Could it have something to do with our past lives, sir? Were Professor Snape and I really Deidre and Naisi?"

"Yes, I believe so. Just as I am Catha reborn. I think your theories in this are accurate, Hermione. I also believe it is within the two of you to help Harry defeat Conner reborn."

"Voldemort."

"Yes, Miss Granger. A friend of mine has seen it and believes the same. She will help guide you to destiny and will be the one who completes the cycle. The Phalanx of Avalon will be used once more. The current problem seems to stem from the same situation. Deidre and Naisi were soul mates, so I'm afraid that means, odd as it seems, you are already bound to each other and so can read each other's minds without the aid of spells. It may prove to be quite helpful in this fight. And honestly it might be nice to have a couple people around that endure a piece of what I do everyday!"

"But . . . but I don't love Professor Snape. I hardly even know him!" Hermione voiced passionately and was affirmed when a stronger, deeper, baritone voice exclaimed,

"Indeed! How are we to believe this nonsense?"

"Oh, come now Severus, you already had the idea before now or you would never have come to me. Yes, strange as it is you two are soul mates. Love is required to break these cycles. I don't know if that means you have to be romantically involved, friends, or just have a healthy respect and admiration for each other, but it appears the wizarding world is in your hands, forever if need be. I suggest you two figure it out. Severus, I think you may need to take Miss Granger to Salazar's floor soon. I understand music is the strengthening factor of emotion in the spell that you will use in the clearing. Might as well start with that." Professor Snape looked down to the floor and Hermione looked at him eyebrows furrowed with puzzlement.

'He's my professor. I can't love him.'

"Maybe not now Miss Granger, but in the past and possibly the future. Probably not soon, and hopefully not while you attend Hogwarts." Hermione shook her head.

'This is crazy.'

"Yes, yes it is, Miss Granger. Headmaster, should I let Mr. Potter in on this fiasco?"

"No, not yet. He may need to find out during the Occulmency lessons though."

"Of course."

"Now I think the two of you need to find a stone witch and stake out the dynamic duo. They should be back shortly." The two nodded at the Headmaster and left the office. As they strode side by side oddly toward Gryffindor Tower, Hermione began to think as in conversation,

'So you do know something about music. We were right.'

'So it would seem, Miss Granger.'

'At least in thought, could you call me Hermione?'

'Since you think of me as Severus, I suppose that would be generous of me. Never out loud though.'

In the meantime, in a cave near Hogsmeade, two young men were trying to find a hidden treasure. They soon found the hidden cavern the chest was supposed to be located in. They tried to walk through the entrance but it would not allow the two of them through. After a few moments of contemplation, Harry saw a pictogram on the wall of the cave near the entrance and realized that he would be the only one allowed in, if indeed he was the true heir of Gryffindor.

"Ron, I think I have to do this alone." Ron nodded and took a seat where Sirius used to wait for them. With a little reluctance, Harry stepped through the threshold to the hidden cavern alone almost expecting a series of booby traps like the Sorcerer's Stone labyrinth had. Luckily, this wasn't a job for Indiana Jones, Harry's favorite muggle movie character. There were no rolling boulders, no leaps of faith, no calices to choose from. The room was just an extension of the cave with some odd furniture made of a wood he'd never seen before and purple and blue cushions. There were tapestries hanging that looked like they were sewn the day before, but judging from the griffins and phoenixes on them must have been rather old. They looked like the flag colors of armies from the days of King Arthur, if one believed he ever existed. One of the flags was particularly interesting because it looked like an ancient version of the Gryffindor seal. Another flag, more mysterious even because Harry had know idea what it represented, was dyed a lovely purple and had a picture of a sword shining in a blue crescent moon. For whatever reason, that last banner made Harry feel protected.

He continued around the room to find two large shelves of books. 'Too bad Hermione isn't here. She'd go crazy just looking at these books.' The books were obviously the most precious of a larger collection of curse breaking, dark charms, defense against the dark arts, and prophecies. A couple of the books laid next to a few boxes and looked more used than the others. These books peeked Harry's interest and he opened the top one covered in blue leather. Inside the front cover the inscription read, "Here lies the words of the Lady of Avalon, Lady of the Lake, 1880-1976, Emilia Anastasia Lefay." After the silver embossed inscription was a word written in blue calligraphy within parentheses—Evans. Harry turned the page to find nothing but slightly yellowed blank pages. 'Interesting. This must have been my Mom's mother's. I wonder if this works the same way as Tom Riddle's Diary.'

"I'll save that one for latter."

Harry continued through the stack of books to find about a dozen similar tomes dressed in red leather. Inside these books Harry discovered actual words within them. They were the journals of Godric Gryffindor and his heirs after him. The last one was engraved with his father's name James Arthur Potter. Harry flipped through it with great care and toward the end of the journal a slip of parchment fell out. Harry set the journal on the top of the book stack and bent down to pick up the slip of paper. He opened the slip labeled HJP. Harry felt tears form in his eyes as he realized the parchment was a letter for him from his father.

'My Dear Harry,

There is no easy way to tell you all that will happen. I know as you read this you will be a young man facing a horrible task, but that you have good friends who will help you on your journey. I also know that I will not be there with you, and neither will your mother. For this I am truly sorry, my son. Know that we love you even as you read this. Death cannot separate us forever.

I know that you have seen very dark things already, Harry, but the darkest are yet to come. Know that Sirius knew he was going to die before he went to the Department of Mysteries, and know also that he would have defended you to the end. Also recognize that your mother and I knew what would happen even as we hid away from Tom Riddle. You may wonder how we knew all this so many years before it happened, but I cannot tell you here in this letter.

I can only tell you that at least one person you never dreamed would want to protect you does and your Aunt Petunia is more than who she appears to be. Seek her out, Son. Dumbledore knows all and will guide you on your journey. I'm sure you know by now he only does so cryptically, but pay attention and you will end a cycle that has reigned over thousands of years.

The artifacts and tomes in this cavern are from the most important of you inheritance, Harry. Study them well. If you keep everything here, you will be the only one who can seek them out. Take what interests you at the moment and let that book-brained friend of yours help you research the problem at hand. Each journal is from each of the heirs since Gryffindor himself. Gryffindor had six journals that I know of. Look to his last few and all of the heirs. The items you find covered in blue or purple were part of your Mother's inheritance. The rest you must seek out the current Lady of Avalon to find. Find her. She is destined to help you.

Be safe my son and don't forget to live and love in the process of all this mystery.

I love you even now, Harry.

Your Dad,

James Arthur Potter

P.S. The chest you seek is behind the bookcase. Pull on the book labeled The Complete Works of William Blake.'

The tears that threatened to fall finally did. Harry brushed the water from the parchment and folded the letter up to put in his chest pocket. He sighed as he got up from the floor where he had fallen to his knees reading his dad's words. Suddenly tired, Harry realized he had been in the hidden cavern for close to an hour. He forced himself to the bookshelf and found William Blake's tome of works and pulled on it. The bookshelf moved to show a metal-gated door. Harry pulled the gate open and walked through the hidden door way. Inside were more books, many strange looking spherical objects, and three chests. Harry opened the three chests looking for what Sirius described would be inside the chest he needed today.

The first chest was blue and had a silver label Harry couldn't read. It contained bottles full of what looked like could be preserved potions ingredients Harry had never seen before. The second was covered in brown leather and held interesting objects much like what Professor Dumbledore had in his office. The objects were neatly packed away in red velvet. By process of elimination, Harry figured the last chest must contain what he needed. He moved to the third chest made of mahogany and seal coated with a clear stain. On the top of this chest, Gryffindor's seal was carved and burned in black. This chest unlike the others was locked with a strange gold medallion, again with Gryffindor's seal on it. Harry raised an eyebrow in curiosity and decided to try to unlock it with a simple Alohomora.

Much to Harry's surprise the chest flew open and the sickle-sized, gold medallion floated in front of Harry. A glow of bright white light passed from the medallion illuminating the whole cavern and a voice shouted out, "Ye who hold a naturally-given core of Gryffindor's phoenix are Gryffindor's true heir. May no one tempt your wrath." The light gradually lessened and the medallion hung itself around Harry's neck. When the medallion made contact with Harry's skin, Harry felt a surge of energy flow through his body. He had been bordering on exhausted moments before, but now he felt like he could play a double game of Quidditch and still be able to run around the Forbidden Forest before dinnertime. Harry kneeled before the chest and looked inside.

On the very top lay the items Harry was to divvy out to Snape, the Weasley twins, and Blanche. Beneath the box holding Sirius's journals and the various spheres, were more objects dressed in red velvet. Harry removed the box and pulled out the first red covered artifact. Beneath the frayed fabric was an old tarnished silver mask. The second he saw it, Harry knew that this was one of Salazar Slytherin's masks. Glad that he hadn't actually touched the mask itself, Harry wrapped it back up in the velvet, placed Sirius's box on top of the chest contents, shut the chest, and proceeded to shrink everything that could be carried back to Hogwarts between he and Ron.

Harry was quiet as he brought the necessary trinkets into the front of the cave. Ron appeared sleepy but kept the peace waiting for Harry to say something. After Ron collected his arms full of Gryffindor relic wares, Harry broke the silence,

"Did you hear anything while you sat in here?" Ron shook his head. Harry sighed, relaxing a bit in the quiet, "Good there must be a silencing charm on the cavern." Ron didn't question his friend more. It was obvious his friend was taking in too much for one day. He followed Harry out the cave entrance and to the hole that lead to the witch statue in Gryffindor Tower. As the statue moved out of the way, Harry whispered the secret that was bothering him the most, "Sirius knew he was going to die." If Ron heard, he didn't say anything, and then they saw the better third of their trio leaning down and looking into the secret passage. Relief passed over Harry's face as he saw Hermione. Harry set down the artifacts on to the floor and hugged her.

"Mia, you should not have waited for us. What would have happened if Professor Snape would have found you here?" Hermione motioned her head to a back corner darkened by the night's light.

"It's okay, Harry. I'd rather have him here than wait alone where anyone could happen upon me and do God knows what. Don't worry, he isn't here to take off points."

"Of course, if you would rather have me do that, Mr. Potter, I could take points off and give detentions just to make things more normal for you."

"No, sir." Then with a brief moment of gratefulness and sudden knowing he said, "Thank you Professor, for more than protecting Hermione tonight." With that Harry went over to the dark man and shook his hand. They looked at each other for a moment and nodded. A truce had been made. Quickly before more words could be said, Professor Snape turned to leave. Harry suddenly remembered the spheres he was to give Snape. "Oh. Wait, Professor. Engorgio." The chest filled back out to its true size and Harry opened it. From Sirius's box he collected a purple velvet bag. Inside were the pensive spheres Harry was to give Snape. Harry handed the soft bag to his professor and said, "I hope you find them useful." Snape nodded to Harry and before he disappeared into the shadows he told Harry that the Room of Requirement might work well as a vault for anything he wished to be more protected.

"Thank you, sir."