Before he realized it, Harry found himself standing outside the stairwell which led to McGonagall's office. The griffin still stood in its place, but now, next to it on the wall, was a portrait of Phineus Nigellus.
He stared down at Harry and said in a bored voice, "Oh, it's you, is it? Yes, well, hurry up, the Head Mistress is waiting for you."
The griffin leapt aside and Harry stepped onto the moving stairwell.
At the top of the staircase Harry knocked on the door. He suddenly felt nervous. He had not been in this office since the night Dumbledore...
"Come in, Potter," he heard McGonagall say briskly, mercifully interrupting his thoughts.
Not sure what to expect, Harry walked into the office and looked around. Fawkes' perch was gone, as were the small silver instruments. The Sorting Hat and Gryffindor's sword still sat on their proper shelves. McGonagall sat behind a small desk on the far side of the room. Behind her was the frame where he had last seen Dumbledore's portrait sleeping peacefully. He was relieved to see that Dumbledore was missing from the frame, as he was not yet ready to deal with that new aspect of his life.
McGonagall stood up and crossed the room, her hands stretched out to him. She embraced him quickly and motioned for him to sit down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. Harry sat.
She cleared her throat and said, "Well, Harry, I can't say that I am unhappy to see you. If I'm being honest, I'd have to admit that things have been a bit quiet without you."
Harry smiled faintly and responded, "Thank you Professor. I appreciate you taking the time to see me today." He paused for a moment and stared out the window, barely registering the beautiful hues in the sky that welcomed the new day.
"There is a task that Professor Dumbledore and I had begun before...well, before the end of the school year," Harry said quickly.
McGonagall nodded silently and Harry continued.
"Well, the reason I came here this morning was to ask your permission to return to the school if I found there were things here I needed to help me continue that task."
McGonagall was silent for a moment then said, "And you are still convinced not to share the nature of your task with me?"
Harry nodded and said, "Yes, Professor. He quickly added, "And I am sorry about that."
McGonagall was quiet for a moment and then said, "Very well, Potter, you may return to the school if you feel it is necessary. Please forewarn Hagrid so that arrangements may be made."
Harry stood up and stretched out his hand. "Thank you, Professor," he said as he shook her hand. "I appreciate your trust in me."
She nodded curtly and he knew he was dismissed.
As Harry turned to walk out of the office, McGonagall called him back.
"Dumbledore left instructions for me to give this to you," she said, handing him a small package.
"Thank you," Harry said, as he took the package and tucked it into his robes. "I'll be in touch."