I melt a little, giving Holly an appreciative squeeze as I settle us down. It’s hard to be angry if she’s going to say something like that. Safety is precious, and I don’t want to ruin the moment. Instead, I gently tug her head far enough back to make eye contact and begin using legilimency. My control has certainly improved these years, and these days it’s a painless, featherlight touch. Rather than look into Holly’s memories and thoughts, I start pushing some of my own, instead, trying to make her feel the care I have for her. Holly clings to it like a lifeline, and she relaxes further into my grasp.