She has been doing this - running with this group - far longer than she hunted for Horcruxes with Harry, and it is beginning to feel as hopeless. There is no end beacon in sight, to her knowledge; only a few scattered through each city or country they visit, but they always have to earn it. And every time, Hermione witnesses more reasons for her to stay behind, for people to keep trying to help.

It's very hard to be a hero.

She lets out a quiet exhale, thinking about that loaded question. "In an ideal world, I'd have a vial of veritaserum ready and invite him to a cup of tea. That's a truth potion, it forces someone to speak the truth to every question, and I would have questions."

A bit grimly, as she picks up the cup. "Realistically, I think I would end up provoking a fight."