the_debt_of_time

neither agreeing nor disagreeing with her, which had irked her at the time. Harry's outburst
had been hard to counter, though:
"Look what he asked from me, Hermione! Risk your life, Harry! And again! And again! And
don't expect me to explain everything, just trust me blindly, trust that I know what I'm doing, trust me
even though I don't trust you! Never the whole truth! Never!"
Mia sighed, feeling utterly defeated as she stared at the man. "What do you want me
to do?"
"Learn," Dumbledore replied. "Learn as any other student here would. If you are
indeed the catalyst to help bring about the eventual end of this war, then I would have you
do so under as much protection as possible. Keep the future in the future and focus on the
here and now."
"If I were to discover Death Eaters being recruited inside the school... ?"
"Then you may bring the information to me," Dumbledore agreed. "However, I
would prefer that you not put yourself at any risk. It appears that Potters have a habit of
putting their lives in great danger for the benefit of others."
"For the 'Greater Good'?" Mia challenged bitterly.
"Perhaps, Miss Potter, perhaps."
Tearing her eyes away from the headmaster, Mia looked at her mother, who at least
seemed remorseful over her part in this. She forgave her quickly, believing that
Dumbledore only included Dorea because she had discovered Mia's secret in the first place.
If Dorea Potter had insisted that Dumbledore keep his nose out of Mia's business, she had
a feeling the headmaster would have had no qualms about Obliviating her of the knowledge
she held and then silencing Mia regardless. Dorea, however, was a Slytherin and knew how
to keep her enemies close if needed. She also had not one, but two children to look after—
three or four when Sirius and Remus were included. Keeping on the headmaster's good
side was beneficial to the entire family—for now.
"Can we go home now?"
"Yes." Dorea offered her an apologetic smile. "Let's go get your brother and the
boys." She stood from her chair and smiled politely at Dumbledore, who stood to walk
them to the door.
Mia turned and looked at him. "Professor?"
"Yes?"