July 13, 1998
Dear Minerva,
I fear that you have been right all along, my dearest colleague and friend. So many plans I had for Harry, so many ways to keep him safe that have failed. I certainly have gone about this all wrong, haven't I?
The latest mistake was taking harry from Hogwarts so soon. His friends, every one of them, have pestered me repeatedly for his whereabouts. Forcing him to be away from them has only taken another part of his childhood away. I have taken enough of that from him, don't you agree? And from Remus' reports, Harry is not at all happy there. I think I will allow the Weasley twins to accompany you at your post, though that can be written in a letter separate from this old man's ramblings.
If Harry didn't possess such a good heart, I might fear from him the same fate that held Tom Riddle. He was also in my council, as you know, and I don't suppose that I did very good with him either. I had the power to stop all this bloodshed, Minerva, had I only been more aware of what power Tom held and what power he thirsted for.
I winder if placing Harry in the heart of the battle was wise? He does need to learn how truly real all of this is, but what will be his loss this time? Remus? Yourself, perhaps? He may never forgive me my meddling, but I believe that keeping his peers from your post was a wise course of action. If any of them were lost there, Harry would never forgive himself, plagued by Sirius' death as I know he still is.
Ah, how I need your council on these precious matters. Severus can only help so much and matters of Harry's future are not his top concern. I only pray that Harry finds his power soon, as we all know how capable he truly can be when tested. I hope you are all well and will soon return to us safely.
Sincerely,
Albus