“See that you do,” Phineas intoned – and perhaps it was thinking on this, and how sensible Sirius and Miss Mulciber (in spite of her mother’s close friendship with his senseless wife) both were, that made him feel a little gratefulness.

For this year might be almost bearable, with his son as Head Boy – but Merlin, next year by comparison would be bleak. Phineas cleared his throat, trying to shake the miserable thought. “You may leave the prefect schedule with me.” He trusted Sirius enough not to nitpick with it.

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