Keen as ever, Albus noted that shifting of papers. He did not so much as try to glimpse what Henry seemed to wish him not to see. An attempt would only heighten the young man's caution. In time, Albus could discover for himself what Henry Winter was after. The serious scholar always confides in his mentor. Who better?

"Ah," he said, speaking to the page more than to Henry. "This requires a command of magical theory. It speaks well you've gotten this far without instruction. What you can do with proper instruction, now, that will be something to see."

It was both flattery and truth.