Aurora ran her fingers over the brim of her cup, smiling at Padma as she withdrew her hand. "It's been terribly difficult here the past three years," she said softly. "I want you to understand how much I admire you and your classmates. I cannot imagine being mature enough at your age to have made it through. I was very young during the first war, though I remember parts of it. I fear that we're well on our way to a second."
It made her heart wrench for the children. They'd be firmly ensconsed in this hell and she wanted so badly to save them all. "Please understand, Padma, that I am taking a risk by telling you this.... You've been brave, however, and told me where you stand, so I think you deserve the same consideration. If there is anything I can do to help you or others in The DA, you only need ask." She leaned closer to the girl, whispering the whole thing. "Professor McGonnagall would extend the same consideration to you all as well. Do not forget that as you're making your plans, that you can count on us both."