Thank you PearlM21, Zeugma412 and BlueWater5!

A5mia: Thank you so much for the sweet comments. I know story-wise things are a little slow at the moment, but several things need to be established and take place. Like the first story, everything is carefully planned and timed. Horace is just nervous because of what happened with Riddle. He still blames himself for what he told him about the Horcruxes. Dawn is fun to write! You'll learn more about her as the chapters go on, and I'm excited to unravel it. She definitely has an interesting past, and an important event that ties into the bigger plot. She has a lot of importance in this story, that of which she has no idea, herself.

Authors Note: Hey guys! Just a little note, here. I know the pacing of chapters and the story is slow at the moment, but there are a few things that need to build and happen before things escalate. I have some really special things planned, and I do hope you like the character development so far!

Slightly shorter chapter this one, but I do hope you like Dawn as much as I enjoy writing her.

"Sometimes it was enough just to listen to voices that weren't your own."
― Claire Lombardo

CHAPTER 13: If These Wings Could Fly

March 30th, 2002

[Harry Potter]

"Oh, this is so exciting!" Hermione grinned, hooking her arm around Ron's as they walked to the entrance of the Easter Fair.

On one side were Ginny and Harry hand in hand and on the other was Andromeda holding Teddy almost awkwardly upon her hip. They had discussed this weekend for several weeks now. Initially, Harry suggested the idea to Ginny to take her to a Muggle Fair. Eventually, that idea involved having Hermione and Ron tag along, as he knew the two Weasley's would have been more than excited about the prospect of seeing what the Muggle world does through Easter. Harry had then later invited Andromeda and Teddy along, so they could join them in the Easter spirit and involve them in the day, seeing as Andy's original plan was to stay indoors.

Harry was determined to see the positive in the day – despite dreaming of Voldemort again in the early hours that morning, he ensured to sneakily add a few drops of the elixir before Ginny discovered it. Taking the elixir was fine, but it was the mere quantity of the drops which had Ginny highly concerned. But he needed something to help him get through his day and if Severus' elixir was going to do that, then nothing was going to stop him from administering it. Despite the guilt he felt for letting his wife down, he honestly felt like he had no other option.

They had a big weekend ahead of them and Harry was going to ensure that he was able to enjoy it as best he could. He just wanted to forget the bad things for a while, and focus on the good things, for as long as it could last.

Passing through the entry gates, Harry bought tickets for the six of them, and together, they entered the festival grounds. The crowd around them was bustling with excitement and the typical sounds of an amusement park erupted all around them. Children's tunes were playing by the rides on one side, and adult games were being competed for to win overstuffed large toys which would likely end up in the corner of someone's garage, collecting dust by Christmas.

The smell of fresh chips and gravy caught Harry's attention and he could see Teddy's eyes in delight at the stall selling large whisps of cotton candy on a stick.

"Well, I never imagined all of this! How the hell is that metal thing moving without magic - " Ron exclaimed, pointing at a small mechanical children's ride, "Dad would have a field day, here."

"Ed took me to a few fairs before, but not quite like this one, " Andromeda's eyes lit up in excitement, "This is quite remarkable!"

"Oh, I smell fresh hot cross buns!" Hermione said as she inhaled the scent of the baked good with a look of utter bliss upon her face, "I'll keep that in mind for later. My parents would love that."

Harry's mouth was indeed watering and they collectively decided to get lunch first before they spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around and seeing what the Fair had to offer.

The London Easter Fair wasn't exactly something they planned to do weeks in advance, but Harry had caught sight of the advertisement on a Muggle newspaper and proposed the idea to his wife. Piquing her interest with a Muggle gathering on the holiday, they decided to ask Hermione and Ron and turn it into a double date. But then upon Andromeda's mention of not doing much that Easter, Harry invited her and Teddy along for the day out.

It was difficult to get most of the family together these days and they were determined to spend whatever time they could find in each other's company. Molly had already volunteered to host a big Easter celebration the following day and he was even surprised Ron was able to take that entire weekend off, along with Hermione.

That was a relief to see – Harry smiled every time he looked over at his best friends locked together and was proud of them for making their relationship work despite both being in such busy careers. Occasionally he would notice Hermione off in her little world and Harry had to wonder if it was the same thing, she had been distracted with for months now. Although Hermione was happy that day, there was something about her that had Harry a little concerned. Appreciatively, he noticed Ron tenderly kiss her forehead throughout the day when they didn't think anyone was watching. He knew Ron was looking after her well and she was in good company.

Suddenly Ginny nudged Harry out of his thoughtful reverie, and he turned to find his wife curiously looking into his face, "You alright, Harry?"

Harry nodded, blinking himself back into the present, "Yeah. I'm fine."

Ginny slowed her walk behind Harry, allowing the other four to approach one of the stalls ahead selling handmade wooden children's toys, "Your mind is wandering again."

Harry's shoulders slumped, "Isn't it always? I just…can't help it. You know that."

Ginny tried to offer him a comforting smile, but Harry could only feel worse about it, "I know. Try to focus on the now, which I know is easier said than done. Hell, we still have to get through tomorrow, yet."

"Nothing a few rounds of firewhiskey won't fix, right?"

Ginny placed both of her warm hands beside Harry's face and tenderly caressed his cheeks. Her concerned, yet brightened gaze was welcoming to Harry's otherwise clouded senses and despite him not feeling much like himself, he could always count on Ginny and her unwavering patience with him to help snap him out of it. His troubled thoughts had been a problem for years now. She leaned forward to give him a soft kiss on his lips, lowering her voice to a whisper, "We'll be alright, Harry. Don't you worry about a thing."

At her comforting words, Harry merely nodded and gave her a smile which took a little extra effort to give, but it was all he could muster in response to her.

He truly did not deserve her love.

"You guys coming? Check these things out – " Ron called out to the pair of them, oblivious to their conversation.

Exchanging glances, the Potters clasped hands and made their way back to the others. They spent a further few hours wandering around, with Harry finally taking Teddy to the Carousel lined with an assortment of animals. Teddy, to Harry's sunken sentimental heart, chose a golden retriever with an elaborate red bowtie under its chin. Holding the child up in place of the ride, the music blared an overly cheery, circus-like tune as the pair of them turned within the Carousel several times. But Harry could not deny the absolute delight upon the child's face as he jiggled to the catchy tune, but during the last turn of the ride, Teddy's hair suddenly turned a bright, unnatural yellow.

Eyes widened in horror, Harry leaned in towards Teddy, "Teddy – no – change your hair back – not here – " In a bid to hide the magical child around from Muggle eyes, Harry quickly re-positioned himself and moved in to hug the child, doing his best to hide the Metamorphagus' new fixation on sudden bright hair colors in public. "Teddy, change your hair back – "

In all Teddy's excitement, the child cocked his head over to one side looking confused, "But why, 'Awwy?"

Trying to be visibly subdued before the child, Harry desperately lowered his voice, "Not here, okay? We can do that at home. Please, Teddy – "

Teddy innocently looked around and then back at Harry, finally reverting his hair back to his usual ash-brown, removing all traces of the mustard yellow within the child's excitement. Feeling terrible for telling the child off, the ride ended, and Harry picked Teddy up and left hastily through the exit, meeting with the others who were waiting.

Andromeda noticed Harry looking sullen, "…What happened?"

Feeling somewhat grateful that they didn't take notice of the sudden colorful display, Harry leaned in closer to the other four who were waiting to hear the reply, "Teddy, erm…He decided that it was a great time to change his hair to bright yellow."

"Oh, dear…" Andromeda's eyes grew wide, as she looked around to see if anyone else had seen it, "Did anyone - ?"

Harry shook his head, still white in shock at what had happened, " – I-I'm not sure, Andy. The kid on the other end gave us a glance, but I didn't notice anything else."

Darting her eyes from Ron to Andromeda, Hermione bit her lip, "Teddy must have been very excited."

"He's never done that in public, before. I've had to educate him on not doing that outside of home, as I don't want the entire magical world to know that he is a Metamorphagus, " Andromeda overwhelmingly placed a hand over her chest and closed her eyes briefly, "I hate this for him, but what other choice is there? I just don't feel safe anyone knowing…"

Harry nodded sadly, "Yeah, I know. It was…It was a frightening few minutes."

Little Teddy however looked at each of them, completely puzzled. Then his face fell with the overwhelming stares the adults around him were giving in unison and he distractedly entwined his fingers, staring at the floor as if he had just received a horrible scolding, "…Sowwy."

"Oh, sweet Teddy – " Andromeda scooped Teddy from Harry's hold and hugged the child desperately close to her, burying her head within his little shoulder, " – It's not your fault, sweetheart. There are some places we cannot do magic and here is one of them."

"It's okay, Teddy. When you visit the Burrow tomorrow, you can do all the magic you want, " Ginny interjected, trying her best to reassure the child with a playful poke on his shoulder.

Andromeda nodded through teary eyes and tried to smile despite the problematic situation they had almost faced. She opened her mouth to speak when her free hand flew to her face, "Oh…"

Harry watched as Andromeda swayed a little on the spot, with Ron preparing to catch her from behind. There was a mild panic between the four of them as Andromeda's face began to whiten, losing all remnants of her natural color. They observed steadily, unsure of what to do.

"Andy?" Ginny asked worriedly.

It took a few minutes for Andromeda to shut her eyes tightly and breathe through some obvious discomfort she was experiencing. Harry carefully took Teddy back from the woman's hold and the rest lead her slowly to the nearest empty bench overlooking a small fountain by the gardens filled with an assortment of Easter decorations. Andromeda leaned forward over her knees and held that position with her head in her hands for a while until she was able to re-compose herself as if her world was spinning. Her face paled like she had done the other day and he wasn't sure whether to find her a sick bucket to use.

Harry looked at the others in concern.

Eventually, Andromeda opened her eyes and took a few deep, controlled breaths, still holding a single hand to her temple. Wearily, she looked at the others who were gathered around her, "I-I'm sorry…I felt dizzy."

Frowning, Hermione sat down beside her and placed a comforting hand on the woman's back, "Has this happened before?"

Managing a weak smile, Andromeda shrugged, "Sometimes, but only when I'm under stress…I just need to rest my head, is all. "

But somehow, Harry did not seem all that convinced, "…Maybe we should head home."

Andromeda nodded sadly, "That would be most wise. I'm sorry to put a damper on your day."

"It's fine, Andy, " Harry responded, "We'll take you home, so you don't have to Apparate in that state."

"Are you sure?" Ginny looked to Andromeda, who had since managed to get back up onto her feet. Even Ginny did not seem convinced, and Harry was relieved he wasn't the only one who noticed. Something did not seem right at all.

"I am, yes. I'm saddened I will miss the fireworks, but I'm afraid that won't bode well for my current headache, " Andromeda responded dismally, "You all don't have to leave on my accord."

"Would you like us to keep Teddy with us for a little longer?" Hermione offered, "He'll be delighted to see the fireworks."

After a small hesitation, Andromeda eventually nodded in agreement, "Yes, that would be alright."

"Andy, would you like to come back to ours?" Ginny offered, "That way we can all go to the Burrow together in the morning."

Adamantly, the woman shook her head, placing a warm hand on Ginny's forearm, "Thank you for the offer, but I'd honestly much rather be at home."

As the sun was beginning to dip lower on the horizon that evening, Harry and Ginny accompanied Andromeda home whilst Teddy stayed with Ron and Hermione to watch the fireworks marking the end of the Easter Fair that night.

Andromeda still looked incredibly pale, but every time Harry and Ginny would attempt to ask her why she has been feeling ill, the woman would always sidestep the conversation and get onto another subject. Sometimes it got to a point when the conversation became incredibly uncomfortable, but Harry knew that something else was wrong. As they journeyed back to Andromeda's home, they stayed a while to ensure that she was feeling well enough to be left alone.

Once Andromeda's color began to return to her gaunt cheeks, Harry waited until Teddy arrived home, with an infectious grin on his face. With absolute glee, Teddy told the others about the fireworks and all the colors that exploded into the sky, and Harry couldn't help but grin at the wonderous tale the child was telling. How things appeared so simply with a child's eyes and perhaps it really was as magical as the child re-telling. But Harry looked over at Andromeda and noticed her eyes drifting away as if she wasn't completely present. Occasionally she would smile at her grandchild's explanation and do her best to be in the moment, but something behind her gaze was deeply unsettling for him.

Eventually, Ron and Hermione left for home, and Harry and Ginny decided to follow suit as well. After all, they all had a big Easter lunch prepared at the Burrow the following day and despite the hesitation in facing the entire rest of the extended family for a social gathering, Harry really wanted the weekend to end.

Although Harry felt uneasy leaving the older woman, she assured them that she would be there at the Burrow, and with the confirmation, the Potters left for home. Harry and Ginny spent the entire evening in conversation, wondering what was truly going on with her. It wasn't the first time Andromeda was having dizzy spells and looked unwell. With the months spent closely with a deathly ill Severus, Harry was well informed and experienced enough to know that she was not in a healthy state. Surely it couldn't have just come down to being under immense stress.

He couldn't begin to fathom the reasons, but he knew it wasn't something that could be the issue.

Harry spent all night in deep worry, that he was grappled by another nightmare yet again. If only he could turn them off as quickly as Teddy could change his hair color.

That would be nice.

March 30th, 2002

[Dawn Rheingold]

Variation of the Disillusionment Charm?

Nope.

A particularly new magical ward, not listed in the Ministry directory?

…Possibly. But we'd have to backtrack through the other sites and do a perimeter check for magical residue. By now, those wards would have dissipated…Bollocks.

A potion that could emit a type of fume to alter perception?

Sounds plausible, but I've heard of no such thing. Horace doesn't seem to have a clue, either.

…It just has to be a new spell…What are we missing?!

"Oh, bugger it – " Dawn leaned back in her chair and rubbed her tired blue eyes. Pages of inked parchment lay in a messy heap before her, along with multiple textbooks stacked up and opened in whatever available space was left. A few of the smaller books were imbued with a levitating charm beside her, floating aimlessly within her reach. She wasn't entirely successful in the research endeavor and there was only so much the Restriction Section could contain within a school. She considered raiding her father's magical bookstore in Cardiff, but she didn't fancy being prodded for answers by nosey familiar members. This had to be as discreet as possible.

The students had since been on Easter holidays and would be due back later in the week. Thus, she did take a well-needed breath of fresh air knowing she didn't have to teach within that time. Granted, there were some students and fellow colleagues who chose to stay, but for the most part, Hogwarts was generally empty.

Glancing at the wooden clock above her ticking just after one in the afternoon, Dawn decided she needed a small break from her work. Gathering up her casual dark magenta robes, she made the quiet walk down the Gryffindor Tower and through the almost empty corridors, until she reached the familiar griffin statue of the Headmaster's office. Calling out the newly changed password 'Docendo discimus', she made her way up the spiral staircase and through the slightly ajar oak door to find Minerva back at her desk and buried within her own paperwork.

Besides the Headmistress, lay the Book of Admittance and the Quill of Acceptance. It was definitely that time of the year again.

Smirking, Dawn walked towards the Headmistress, "Appears to be the running theme on this fine spring Saturday."

Minerva had since raised her eyebrow above her spectacles, "And I see you've just pried yourself away from yours."

Taking a seat adjacent to Minerva on the other side of her desk, she shrugged, "Barely."

Scribbling away at her parchment, Minerva soon paused to eye her colleague with curiosity, "So – How is the case going?"

"…Going, " Dawn slumped her shoulders a little, "Just another roadblock, really."

"If you so need extra time with your own colleagues, I can see if I can allocate some extra time off for you, " Minerva stamped away at a few envelopes, glancing up intermittently between them.

"You and I both know we are even struggling to fill any of our positions here, most of all Defence and even Potions, of all subjects, " Dawn brushed a strand of blonde away from her face, leaning back into her chair, "Besides, that's why I have a team."

"You are correct, but I don't want you to feel trapped upon your other duties, Dawn. I'm appreciative enough of you being present here, " Minerva sighed tiredly, waving her wand so that the completed envelopes stacked themselves on the far end of her desk. Empty rolls of parchment danced and hovered beside her, above the pile of used ones almost tauntingly.

Noticing the tiredness creeping upon the older woman's features, Dawn sat up straighter within her seat, when her features softened, "What say you, Minerva? How are you faring?"

Minerva stopped scribbling and looked at her over her spectacles, "I'm faring as always."

"Yes, still stressed, distracted, and exhausted? Peeves would dance circles around you, and you probably wouldn't care anymore," Dawn teased slightly, but seeing the unchanged look on the other woman's face, caused her to address it more seriously, "I've been meaning to approach you about that. You know…personally. And as a friend."

The old Headmistress sighed deeply, "I'm perfectly alright, Dawn. I have things handled…"

"Take the day off or even the rest of the afternoon, Minerva. It's Easter. Most of the students are home for the holidays, and Merlin forbid, at least take some time for yourself. I know you've been under a copious amount of stress, especially recently."

"That is exceptionally kind of you, Dawn. However, if I don't do my job, who will? Hogwarts would fall apart at the seams if I so took any time off."

"A day, Minerva. Hogwarts can hold its own for the time being, " Dawn studied the woman carefully, "What is truly bothering you?"

Finally, Minerva placed her quill back on its holder and folded her aged hands on the table in front of her. There was a short pause, before she gave a long exhale. Decades added to her already wrinkled features and had seen far too much in her time. But the woman's current demeanour, dare she say it, looked almost defeated, "I'm afraid I'm running Hogwarts off course. We have run into so many problems especially in the last few years, that I'm afraid I cannot seem to manage it as I did before. The Slytherins especially have me worried. As Headmaster, I feel like I've failed them."

Dawn shook her head, not wanting to believe a single word the woman told her, "We knew this would continue to be a problem, so it's hardly a new revelation. I agree that it has escalated to a worrying point. Has Horace spoken to them again?"

A saddened gaze lingered on the Headmistresses' face, eyebrows creased together, "Yes – but I fear I do not see him capable sufficiently to guide them. Almost like he is giving up on them and it's not what the Slytherins need in these difficult days. He doesn't know how to manage their needs."

"If not him, then who will?"

"I have someone in mind, but I am yet to hear the verdict of their return."

Dawn was confused at first, frowning in deep thought. But it took her a few moments to realize who she was referring to, "…Severus Snape? Him?"

Minerva looked stricken, "Yes. However, the return will not be an easy one for him and I understand the difficulties he may face here…But I am all out of options, Dawn. I require someone competent and able, and I know him to be so. His knows his Slytherins better than anyone. He was their Head for seventeen years and through the Second War."

Pausing for a moment, Dawn tilted her head slightly seemingly unconvinced, "Do you think it is actually wise for him to return? I mean…considering everything?"

"I know he is more than capable, however…I think the offer will benefit him too if he allows it to be a blessing and not a curse, " The older woman appeared dismayed, "That seems to be his biggest conundrum."

Dawn lingered on that thought for a few moments, when eventually she gave a small nod, "I don't blame him for not wanting to return, frankly. I can't imagine how difficult of a decision that must be for him."

"Indeed. If anyone would be able to guide the Slytherins to a better path, then it will be him. He'll understand them better than all of us. He's just too cautious to accept the post again."

"I caught another Slytherin around the Astronomy Tower the other night…A Fourth Year, " Dawn mentioned quietly so that the surrounding portraits could not eavesdrop. She felt a deep sadness within her at the thought of her recollection and several times, she couldn't even bear to meet Minerva's regard, "She was alone, and it made me anxious. I gave her detention for being caught after hours; however, it was merely for her safety in which I did it."

Minerva didn't even look surprised. Instead, the woman slowly nodded, "Well handled, Dawn. And the wards?"

"I have enacted extra protective charms upon the last floor, but last I went to re-check them, someone had already brought them down, " Dawn sighed worriedly, "Would you like me to talk to the Slytherins? On behalf of Horace?"

The Headmistress gave an almost miserable chuckle, "You know they will not take kindly to a non-Slytherin, and you'll be lucky to get a single word out of them and believe me, I've tried. They trust only their own right now."

"We can't just do nothing, Minerva. This is horrible…Absolutely horrible, " Dawn protested. She felt such deep sorrow within for such a fragile situation and finding the best way to approach it had been one of the hardest Hogwarts tasks of all. In this situation, she really felt for Minerva and how she must have been feeling with all of this. Minerva was quite obviously blaming herself for the direction the Slytherin house was heading, and it hurt Dawn to know that she was prepared to take full responsibility.

"I won't dispute that – I agree, " Minerva looked extremely troubled, "I'm currently at a loss. Kingsley will be reinstating a Healer specifically for counseling after Easter and I hope that can make a difference. Somehow."

"I hope so, too. I can take extra patrols, in the hope that too, can make a difference, " Dawn soon lowered her voice, frowning deeply in seriousness in the weight of her words, "We won't fail them, Minerva. If we falter now, then they lose hope."

Minerva glanced sadly at Dawn, and it was the first time she had seen her look so overwhelmed, "I have failed them. And I alone will bear that burden."

"You haven't failed them, Minerva, " Dawn shook her head adamantly and leaned forward, "These children are feeling the burdens and failures of the Death Eaters and supporters within their families – this has not been an easy journey for them. They are essentially paying for the sins of their families, and we can only hope to guide them on a better path away from all of that. Please do not think so little of your efforts."

"That is kind of you to say, Dawn, " Minerva spoke quietly, but appeared disheartened by Dawn's attempt at compliments, "Do you have any further suggestions?"

"Nothing additional. However, I will do what I can to ensure their safety, as always. I will always have your back, Minerva."

"I appreciate that, " Minerva nodded appreciatively, "Thank you."

Dawn rose up from her seat and clasped the back of the chair, "I am not far away if ever you feel the need to talk again."

The Headmistress looked up at Dawn and nodded wordlessly. As the older woman turned back to her paperwork, Dawn made her exit out of the office and heard the light snores from some of the portraits above her.

Of all the tasks as an Auror she had been given over the years, keeping Slytherin students from hurting themselves and sinking deeper into despair have been some of the most difficult tasks of all. She knew in all her years of being an Auror, that seeing troubled children and teenagers was not unfamiliar to her. But having to attempt to alleviate their struggles within the confines of a school, was an entirely different territory altogether. And it wasn't just the Slytherins who were having it rough – although they were currently the most worrying – she had noted a few downtrodden Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and even Gryffindors over the years. Some students had lost family members in the War or were subjected directly to some form of trauma as a pawn because of the acts of their parents. Or some students had been forced to do things they didn't want to do, even forced to kill out of survival and to protect others.

Even opposing students.

Adults had the capacity to deal with it a little easier than children. Children never had the proper chance to be children and were instead forced into a war they wanted no part in. Seeing friends and families, colleagues, teachers, and fellow students die before their eyes…The pain is unimaginable.

And now these children had to somehow deal with the fallout, not knowing where to go or how to continue their lives safely and securely. They were in pain - Are still in pain. They show up to class unable to pay attention, eyes, and mind drifting off to whatever their thoughts took them. Dawn had already had a student burst into tears in one of her Second-year classes in the middle of teaching about defensive spells, and another Forth year fled the class in a panic attack whilst she discussed the Full Body-Bind Curse.

There were days Dawn would find a student or two at the base of the Memorial Shrine by the lake, sobbing uncontrollably. She would have to physically pull them away because they refused to leave and if they didn't, they'd be there still in the deep of the night. She couldn't afford distraught students out alone at night so close to the Forest and the dangers that lurk there. She had spent some nights patrolling that area just to prevent students out of school boundaries.

The corridor leading to the entrance of the Clocktower had been renovated to include golden plaques of the fallen during the Battle of Hogwarts upon the school grounds. Often, she would find students lingering there, sitting in silence in all but the pendulum swing of the clock chime. Admittedly, Dawn would find herself there, too. And she was not the only Professor who did.

She rounded the corridor during her journey, passing the Muggle Studies classroom, only to find Gregory Aylesworth packing things away.

Noticing the plethora of familiar Muggle items strewn messily across his desk, Dawn walked through the classroom doors with all but a curious grin, "Greg, you should be home with your family."

The man turned around, pressing up his glasses upon the bridge of his nose as he did so, "I'm procrastinating."

She stopped at the desk and eyed the old dust-covered sewing machine nestled between a toaster and a stack of old books, "My, I haven't seen one of those in years."

Gregory chuckled awkwardly, "One of my students thought it was a fancy modern torture device."

"I suppose it can be if you don't have the delicate precision of skills for sewing like I have. Just don't let Peeves see that."

"He's already snooped around, " Greg frowned, "The little imp nipped one of my tennis rackets the other day."

"I told you I'd fortify your classroom for you, " Dawn instructed, brushing her fingers over an old handle-driven pencil-sharpener, "I'm sure you have better things to do with your time than chase stray Muggle artifacts around the school."

The man gave a barked laugh, "Might make for a good detention chore."

"Now now, Greg, detentions are meant to be punishments of the sort, not a fun scavenger hunt, " She folded her arms across her chest and studied the man a decade older than she was, "Can I help you with anything, here?"

Greg flourished his wand and the large wardrobe of items he was attending to, shut, and locked itself with a gentle click, "No, I'm almost done."

"Good. I don't want you to be the second person I coaxed to leave the school for Easter."

Gregory raised an eyebrow, "I presume the first is Minerva?"

"I wish I could deny it."

"She'll figure it out, " Gregory placed his wand back in his pocket, and leaned on the edge of his mahogany desk, "I wish I knew how to help or offer some words of wisdom. I'm not exactly the right person for social reassurance."

"She'll appreciate the sentiment."

"I'll only be a nuisance. Besides, Filius has informed me that she doesn't accept assistance well, " Greg gave a small chuckle, "Must be a Gryffindor trait."

"Well, she has a lot on her shoulders, " Dawn informed the man, in all her seriousness, "As Professors, we have a duty not only to our students but that of our fellow colleagues. We can't afford for one of us to crumble, especially not our Headmistress. She's relying on us."

"You're right, " Gregory cleared his throat, "As I said, she'll figure it out. As much as she doubts herself of her abilities, she is far more valuable than she perceives herself to be."

Dawn nodded in agreement, "She has Albus' input and guidance, so I hope he'll at least be able to set some of her mind at ease, " She drew in a deep breath, "Anyway, I will not keep you any longer. I promised my parents I'd at least go and see them once over the weekend. My brother at least will be there."

"Send your father my regards."

She smiled, "Oh, I will. And I'll mention the Miltonic sonnet you recommended. He'll love that, if that is, he has already read it. Have a wonderful Easter, Gregory, and I'll see you next week."

Dawn bid the man farewell, and departed the classroom, picking up her stride as she went. She was too busy encouraging others to leave for the Easter weekend, that she barely gave her own a second thought.

Looks like she'd be paying her parents a visit after all.