It's getting harder every second to stay in this house. To hear from Dumbledore that I may be able to relocate to Hogwarts before the school year begins. That much quiet and solitude... well, quite frankly that sounds like paradise.

Albus opens the floo to accept Isadora's visit, smiling to himself and pouring two cups of strong tea. It has been a...trying... day, to say the least, but it is drawing to a close - and that is something.

 "Albus." I manage a small smile. I don't make a habit of it too often. "Thank you for allowing me to visit. I hope it's not a bad time?"

"Isadora, come! Come in!" He smiles widely at you and gestures to the empty chair and waiting cup as he sits down. "Always welcome, of course."

 I take the seat, gratefully taking the tea. Calming, really. "Thank you. I suppose you gathered why I needed to speak with you?"

"I gathered that you wished to move into the castle sooner than we expected." His eyes twinkle as he holds his beard with one hand and with the other pushes a small candy dish in your direction. "Lemon Drop?"

 One eyebrow arches, but I do take one. "Thank you. And yes, that is exactly what I had in mind. Grimwald Place is very... crowded. I can't help feeling frustrated ninety percent of the time."

Albus nods, almost solemnly, then smiles. "I had anticipated this might happen, of course...." As he takes a candy from the dish and pops it into his mouth.

 "You understand my reasons, of course?" I ask, speaking around the candy in my mouth. He knows how much trouble I can still have with the branches of mental magic.

Albus nods again, but this time the corners of his eyes wrinkle in a smile as he swallows the candy and regards you from across the table - stroking his beard slowly. "I had anticipated this might happen, so I requested that the house elves prepare your quarters first. You could... move in Saturday, if that is acceptable."

 The tension that leaves my face is visible, however my expression is as blank as always. "... Saturday would be perfect. Thank you very much, Albus." Saturday. Just a few days.

"Of course, Isadora, of course." He wraps his long aged fingers around the tea cup and regards you again, almost softly. "I do hope you trust you can come to me, when you have issues like this in the future."

 My chin lifts slightly. "Thank you." My voice, however is quiet. "Now that's out of the way, is there any news?" Of anything? After the end of last year, the Order, needless to say, is bristling a bit.

A weary look creeps into his smiling eyes and he shakes his head. "No news yet. Though, the changes at the Ministry have been in our favour."

 "I understand that Fudge has finally come to terms with the situation?" The eyebrow raises again and I sip at my tea, lemon drop dissolved. And quite good, actually.

"That he has. However, I am afraid he still believes the situation much more innocuous than it is." A small sip of his own tea, and a then an even smaller sigh. "In time, he will realise the extent of it."

 Of course, by then it could be too late. But that goes unsaid. "How is Harry?" The loss of his Godfather on top of learning everything else... well, needless to say that's a lot.

"He is..." And the corners of his lips turn down as he takes another sip. "He is doing as well as we can expect of him, considering. Though I do hope he finds some small happiness over these holidays."

 We could all hope for that much. However... well, sometimes it is not possible. "I've devised what I can for a lesson plan, however I am not sure just how constrained by the Ministry I will be. Especially when they see what I want to teach."

And at that Albus' smile returned - small and wry. Almost devious. "We will have no more of that, Isadora. You will teach what you feel you must. The Ministry will not be interfering."

 I arch a brow, and I almost, almost smirk. "Hm. Well, that is good to know. Defensive spells will naturally be the norm."

"Naturally." And either Albus winked at you - the motion quick and understated - or he had something in his eye. Either way, his message was clear. "I have informed the students that NEWT level Defence will be mandatory..."

 There's a quick nod of the head, but although I noticed the wink I don't respond past a very small liptwitch. "Excellent. There's quite a few spells that I believe the students *must* know before the year is over." For their own sake.

Albus nods and finishes his tea, holding the still warm cup between his hands. "Most certainly. They have hardly have decent instructors, thus far."

"Perhaps before I move to the Castle, I could sit down with Lupin and find out just what he taught them. From what I understand, he was by far the best." I muse a bit, finishing my tea as well. Hm.

"By far." Another small, considering nod, and then a weary smile. "Though, he also may only be doing... as well as can be expected of him."

 I start a little, forgetting his connection to Black. "... yes. Perhaps another time." I sigh a little, although it's almost imperceptible. However, more than likely Albus caught it. "Is it merely yourself in the Castle during the summers, Albus?"

"Time will help us all heal, Isadora." His voice friendly and almost paternal, then his eyes wrinkle in a small smile again. "Professors come and go. You, of course, will be a most welcome addition."

 I give a very small incline of the head and sit thoughtfully for a bit. "Saturday." I repeat. As if to make it come sooner.

"Saturday." He nods. "And I have been hounded by one very appeasing house elf to ask if you needed anything special made up for you."

 There's a ghost of a smile on my face. "... nothing special. Just a soft mattress. With many blankets."

"I have a feeling you will never want for blankets." His eyes twinkling again.

 "Then I suppose I shall be very comfortable." I smile a bit more, but even so it is a small one. I don't smile often. "Well, it is late, and I'd best be off. Goodnight, Albus. Thank you."

Albus stands, his hand extended, and smiles at you. "And you, Isadora. I am exceedingly happy to have you back with us."

 I take his hand, nodding once. "It... it is good to be back, Albus. I shall see you on Saturday."

He covers your hand with his free hand, holding yours between his for a brief moment, and then steps back and nods again. "Saturday. Let up hope it does not come too late."

 A rather wry grin passes my features and I step into the fireplace. "Number 12!" And off I go.