"I can't believe he actually came to me for a signature."
Unlike Snape, who "voluntarily" donated his spare time to the school's and Ministry of Magic's security concerns, Minerva McGonagall occasionally went to the Three Broomsticks for a drink, venting a little to relieve the pressure.
"Who? What signature?" Pomona asked blankly.
"Who else? Harry Potter! He wants me to sign his permission form to visit Hogsmeade."
Pomona remembered. Third-year students could go to Hogsmeade, but because of a "little accident" at a family gathering, Harry Potter had not received the signature of his guardian, Vernon Dursley.
"He could forge the signature," Pomona urged. "Why not do that?"
Minerva looked at her reproachfully.
Pomona shrugged. In truth, even if Harry Potter got a permission form with a parent's signature, Minerva and Albus would find some reason not to let him leave the school. Many believed that Sirius Black, the descendant of a famous Dark wizarding family, had perhaps gone mad from studying Dark magic and caused an explosion that not only harmed passersby, but also blew Peter Pettigrew apart until only a little finger remained.
That would have been one thing under normal circumstances, but they were dealing with such a dangerous wanted criminal, one who was very likely targeting Harry Potter at Hogwarts. The parents of many "bystanders" were worried about their children's safety. Not long ago, Black had even tried to break into the Gryffindor common room. Yet Harry wanted Minerva to sign the form and help him slip past the rules. How could Minerva bear such a great responsibility?
She had just taken a sip of her drink when she suddenly remembered something.
"I heard a rumor..." Pomona leaned close and whispered into Minerva's ear.
"Your sources are certainly well informed," Minerva said sarcastically.
"Perhaps... Harry Potter