The snow had stopped. From the Astronomy Tower, the sky was studded with stars, though the winter sky was not as magnificent as the summer one.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Dumbledore said with his hands behind his back. "A quiet night, fresh air—everything here helps us see the true nature of our troubles."
"It certainly is beautiful," Pomona said, rubbing her hands unconsciously. White mist kept spilling from her mouth as she spoke. The air was indeed fresh, but after standing there for only a short while, the cold wind had nearly frozen her stiff.
"When I need to make an important decision, I often come here," Dumbledore said.
"You mean about those children secretly brewing Amortentia?" Pomona asked.
"There are many mysteries in this castle. I usually recommend exploring the ones that do not put lives in danger."
"But?" Pomona asked.
"Handling such situations is the staff's responsibility. At the same time, we are responsible for ensuring that the students can remain safely at Hogwarts, free from permanent harm," Dumbledore said with a smile.
Pomona looked at him gravely.
"They are still too young. They do not understand what the antidote to Amortentia is." Dumbledore looked at the night sky. "Do you?"
"I've forgotten," Pomona said.
Dumbledore said nothing. If not for the white mist puffing from his crooked nose, he might have seemed like a statue.
"Tomorrow... you're going to see Aberforth?" Pomona asked.
"I think that question is too personal, Professor, even if we are traveling together tomorrow," Albus said.
"Where are we going?" Pomona asked.
"I told you. When I need to make an important decision, I often come here," Dumbledore replied.
Pomona felt that she ought to take her leave. After bowing to the headmaster, she left the Astronomy Tower.
As she descended the stone