Dumbledore watched with misplaced pride as his apprentice permanently etched her Mastery project into the floor of the Headmaster's office.

"I have nothing left to teach you."

She looked skeptically at his hand, "you mean you don't have time left to teach me anything else."

"No, I mean that in a different life I'd be presenting you with your Mastery robes, today."

Shocked eyes met twinkling blue.

"Alas, all I can offer is the wisdom of my own Master."

A nod.

"First: question everything. Second: wait before moving, before stepping. Finally: observe everything."

"..."

"You will be magnificent."