Hermione shook her head and continued laying down forks as Bill appeared, leading Mr.Ollivander down the stairs. The wandmaker still looked exceptionally frail, and he clung
to Bill's arm as the latter supported him, carrying a large suitcase.
"I'm going to miss you, Mr. Ollivander," said Luna, approaching the old man.
"And I you, my dear," said Ollivander, patting her on the shoulder.
"You were an inexpressible comfort to me in that terrible place."
"So, au revoir, Mr. Ollivander," said Fleur, kissing him on both cheeks. "And I wonder
whezzer you could oblige me by delivering a package to Bill's Auntie Murie!? I never
returned 'er tiara."
"It will be an honor," said Ollivander with a little bow, "the very least I can do in return
for your generous hospitality."
Fleur drew out a worn velvet case, which she opened to show the wandmaker. The tiara
Sat glittering and twinkling in the light from the low-hanging lamp.
"Moonstones and diamonds," said Griphook, who had sidled into the room without Harry
noticing. "Made by goblins, I think?"
"And paid for by wizards," said Bill quietly, and the goblin shot him a look that was both
Furtive and challenging.
A strong wind gusted against the cottage windows as Bill and Ollivander set off into the
Night. The rest of them squeezed in around the table; elbow to elbow and with barely
Enough room to move, they started to eat. The fire crackled and popped in the grate
Beside them. Fleur, Harry noticed, was merely playing with her food; she glanced at the
Window every few minutes; however, Bill returned before they had finished their first
Course, his long hair tangled by the wind.
"Everything's fine," he told Fleur. "Ollivander settled in, Mum and Dad say hello. Ginny
sends you all her love, Fred and George are driving Muriel up the wall, they're still
Operating an Owl-Order business out of her back room. It cheered her up to have her tiara
back, though. She said she thought we'd stolen it."
"Ah, she eez charmant, your aunt," said Fleur crossly, waving her wand and causing the
Dirty plates to rise and form a stack in midair. She caught them and marched out of the
Room.
"Daddy's made a tiara," piped up Luna, "Well, more of a crown, really."
Ron caught Harry's eye and grinned; Harry knew that he was remembering the ludicrous
Headdress they had seen on their visit to Xenophilius.
"Yes, he's trying to re-create the lost diadem of Ravenclaw. He thinks he's identified most
of the main elements now. Adding the billywig wings really made a difference --"
There was a bang on the front door. Everyone's head turned toward it. Fleur came
Running out of the kitchen, looking frightened; Bill jumped to his feed, his wand pointing
At the door; Harry, Ron, and Hermione did the same. Silently Griphook slipped beneath
The table, out of sight.
"Who is it?" Bill called.
"It is I, Remus John Lupin!" called a voice over the howling wind. Harry experienced a
thrill of fear; what had happened? "I am a werewolf, married to Nymphadora Tonks, and
Date: 2015-12-11; view: 587
|