Amongst my (quite long;)) list of complaints about who and what got shafted in DH, I lost some of the sense of how much Dumbledore cared about people, particularly Harry, when he was doing his arch manipulating. And I do regret that because it must be very lonely at the top, making the tough decisions with people's lives and unable to trust anyone. Which is where Firenze was ideal, having no agenda, or any particular sympathy or understanding, but is therefore someone Dumbledore could unload a fraction on as there must be so many doubts and regrets.

Thanks for such a lovely comment. This one's been my favourite to write so far so it's great when someone likes it too.:D