We all must face the choice between what is right and what is easy -- December circa 1971

Dad wanted to have something to drink on the last trip to Hogsmeade before the Christmas holiday started.  I always stayed at Hogwarts because that was where Dad stayed.  And besides, it was a place that was always safe.  Things were getting darker and darker nowadays and it concerned Dad.  I sighed and pulled my cloak up more around my face as I walked in the brisk wind.  I knew Dad was going to bring up me leaving after the school year was over - for the umpteenth time. 

I found him in The Three Broomsticks already have some mead.  I walked over to him and took off my cloak and draped it over the back of hte chair before sitting down.  "Hey Dad," I said to him, making him jump slightly.

I jumped, startling easier an easier these days.  I looked at Mia and hugged her.  "Mia, my darling, you mustn't come up behidn someone like that," I said to her, pulling out a chair for her before sitting back down.  I waved on another round of drinks.  "How are exams treating you?"  I hated how we had to end up talking of such things.  I knew my daughter was fine in school - she always was.  I just did not want to even think of her deciding to leave the safety of home at the end of her school career.

I sat down and took the drink that the waiter had given me.  I smiled at my dad and shrugged.  "Exams are fine," I said.  "Things are a little bit harder than normal because they are NEWT level, after all.  But I'm really sure I'll be doing alright."

I grinned at my daughter.  "Of course you'll do well," I assured her.  "You are your mother's daughter.  I just hope you excel in potions, of course."  I chuckled heartily at that.  I just wanted to have time wiht Mia that was normal... not laced with my overwhelming worry that she was going to make the biggest mistake of her life and stay out there in a world this terrible.

I rolled my eyes playfully.  "Dad, you know I always do well in Potions," I said to him honestly.  I took a sip of my drink and looked at my dad.  "Stop fretting.  I can see it in your eyes.  I'm safe at Hogwarts."

I sighed and put a hand on my daughter's arm.  "Ah, well, of course you are," I said to her, "but I'm more worried about you once you graduate!  You have such big dreams... and I just don't think it safe!"

I resisted rolling my eyes at him.  "Dad, just stop," I said to him quietly.  "I thought we were no longer going to argue about it anymore."  I hated our arguments.  I knew he wanted what was best for me, but still.

I sighed and looked at my little girl.  "of course we arne't," I assured her.  "It's just... I want to make sure you know what you are doing."

I smiled slightly and nodded at him.  "Dad, I always know what I'm doing," I said to him.  "Am I nervous for going out into the world?  Of course.  Will that stop me?  Never."

At least my daughter had the confidence she would need and hopefully she would retain the proper knowledge in the darker times.  "I would just hate for something to happen because of your gallant attitude," Isaid to her quietly.

I rolled my eyes at my dad.  "My attitude is not gallant... it's just not exactly fearful, either," I pointed out to him gently.

I sighed heavily. "You know I would argue that point until I was blue in the face," I told her quietly. "I just trust that you know what you're doing... and as a father, I will be worried sick." I smiled at her, knowing that she was beyond capable of taking care of herself.

I smirked, glad that my father actually had some faith in me. "I know,"I assured him, "but I can handle myself just fine, Dad." I was at least happy that he was at least agreeing a little bit with me doing my own thing out from under his protection.