Professor Potter, Chapter 9
Harry sat at the kitchen table finishing off the remnants of his third helping of breakfast. It was the Saturday morning after his return from Beauxbaton. It promised to be a busy day. The Tome Study Group, as it had come to be known, was scheduled to arrive around ten o'clock to further discuss the way forward in researching Merlin's book. He was also expecting a visit from Bill and Charlie, as well as Mr. Oglethorpe of QUABBLE and Mr. Pinewood of the Nimbus broomstick company. They were scheduled to arrive around two o'clock to discuss the rapidly developing plans for the public Quidditch pitches. When Bill had talked to him the day before about meeting, he indicated that there was tremendous interest in the project.
Professor McGonagall was going to join the Tome group but indicated she wanted some time with Harry to discuss the proposal he had given her the prior morning. So much for the quiet life of an English country gentleman he thought. Ginny and James were gone for the day, having been gathered up by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for a jaunt out to Shell Cottage to visit with Fleur and Victoire. The increasingly pregnant Fleur was restricting her travel these days and Harry was pretty sure that Ginny would be carrying back a demand for Harry to come out and visit. He thought he'd pop out tomorrow as he wanted to talk about what was going on with Gabrielle and her plans for the future.
He had had a bit of a lie-in as the trip to Beauxbaton had been rather tiring so he didn't have much time from the end of breakfast until the study group arrived. It must have been a coordinated trip from Hogwarts. Harry was sitting in the living room waiting when he heard the front door being opened and Kreacher offering welcomes. The entire group was led in by Professor McGonagall.
"Good morning, Professor Potter," she began with a twinkle in her eye. "Thank you for hosting us this morning."
"It's my pleasure, ma'am," Harry replied evenly, wondering what the Headmistress was on about.
The rest of the group trooped in, offering Harry greetings. Just as the academics were getting comfortable hurried footsteps could be heard coming down the hall way. A head of bushy brown hair peered around the edge of the entrance.
"Sorry I'm a bit late, everyone," Hermione said.
"No need, Mrs. Weasley, we've all only just arrived," offered the Headmistress from her comfortable chair. "Please join us. It's wonderful to see you."
The other instructors offered similar greetings and Hermione took a seat near Professors Vector and Babbling. Harry took his customary seat near the hearth, a low fire burning to ward off the winter morning chill.
"Well, where to begin?" Professor McGonagall started. "Harry, during your absence we had a few conversations about the project. Do you know if Charlie Weasley has had any success with the binding?"
"Yes, ma'am. He was here during the week looking into it and he had a talk with the bookbinders at Willikins and Burbarry's, the publishers. He'll be here this afternoon on another matter but he said he should be able to take it apart and we can start parting out the appropriate sections. Ginny has been busy too and has arranged for some desks and tables to be delivered next week to put in the basement so we should be ready to start work very shortly."
"Excellent," she replied.
"Harry, if I may?" Professor Vector asked.
"Certainly, sir."
"Professor Babbling and I would like to take a look at the first section of the Tome and copy out some of the symbols and pictograms before we leave. We think we can do some research to try and identify their origins that way."
"Of course, you can use the library for as long as you need," Harry replied.
"There is one other thing," Professor Babbling began. "There is a young wizard at Hogwarts, a seventh year. He's an absolute genius where runes and arithmancy are concerned. We'd like to involve him in the project if there are no objections."
"If you and Professor Vector vouch for him I don't see that there should be any problem, ma'am," Harry said. "A seventh year? He would have been in my first year DADA course when I was a seventh year. What's his name?"
"Angus MacAskill."
Harry thought back to his classroom as a seventh year teaching assistant. The name called to mind a tallish, thinly built boy. Harry recalled two details about him. The first was that he never spoke in class and second, his homework was always letter perfect.
"He's a Hufflepuff, yes? Very quiet, very smart as I recall."
"You recall correctly," Professor Vector said. "He's still very much the same. You can barely get a word out of him but his work is some of the most scholarly I've ever seen."
"I don't recall seeing him these last couple of years," Harry said.
"I wouldn't expect you would, Harry. He's concentrating entirely on Runes and Arithmancy and rarely leaves the library between classes," Professor Babbling replied.
"Well, I certainly have no objections. I think we'll need all the brainpower we can muster," Harry said.
The others nodded and the conversation got down to details, arranging for times to visit the house and work on the book as well as confirming who was teaming with whom. Harry provided lunch in the dining room but it was more of a working affair with much conversation and not a little note taking in between bites. After lunch the group retired to the library, where Professors Vector and Babbling began to copy various symbols and pictograms. Professor McGonagall waved Harry aside and said,
"Harry, I had a chance to read through what Madame Maxime proposed and I must say it appears to be an excellent idea. Professor Dumbledore was especially pleased, he always had hopes that we could get away from some of the parochial attitudes of the past and this seems an excellent way to do it. It's apparent they think very highly of Hogwarts and I believe you have the most to do with that."
"Maybe," Harry said, suppressing his instinctive shrug. "I happen to think very highly of them. They have some very highly capable students and the faculty is top notch."
"Well, I realize you have a very full plate these days, Professor, but I would expect you to take an active role in this program. I'd like to establish a committee or board to evaluate candidates and make selections. I'd like you to head that up," the Headmistress said.
"Oh, well, I think I could do that, Professor."
"Marvelous, we'll talk about it more next week," Professor McGonagall said with a smile.
Shortly after this conversation, Kreacher stood in the doorway to the library.
"Master Harry, the other guests have arrived and are waiting in the living room."
"Thank you, Kreacher, I'll be right there," Harry replied.
"Master Harry is most welcome."
Harry excused himself from the library, only Professor McGonagall offering any acknowledgement, the others were lost in their tasks. Harry walked into the living room where the four men were standing in a loose group.
"Harry, good to see you," Bill said with a smile. "I'm sorry to have to tell you but you're in big trouble and the only way to make amends is to take a trip to beg forgiveness tomorrow."
"I thought as much but I figured it would be Ginny who was going to tell me that. I planned on coming out to Shell Cottage tomorrow."
"Well said," Bill replied.
There were handshakes all around and then the five took seats. Dunbar Oglethorpe was the first to speak.
"Harry, since you gave permission we've been very busy. Bill here mentioned to me about a possible building earlier in the week and over all we think we have a brilliant plan. With the room available we propose four open style pitches. Spectators can use blankets or their own chairs to sit on. The idea is to have three of the pitches on a scheduled basis and the fourth one first come first served. We think it will get pretty popular pretty fast and having all four up for grabs might get chaotic. We will of course make use of the appropriate invisibility and diversion spells to keep any muggles from catching on. As to the old barn and it's foundation we think it would make a great multipurpose facility. I popped up there the other day and it could have enough space for changing rooms, an eatery, and several companies have expressed interest in taking space to set up small shops. That's why Mr. Pinewood is here."
"That's right, Harry," the Nimbus executive began. "We think there is a great opportunity here. We wouldn't expect to sell brooms necessarily but to offer small accessories that might be needed during a match or repairs afterwards. I've heard from several firms that have similar ideas."
"Wow," Harry said. "This is really turning into something big."
He sat back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he looked out the big window that looked over the winter browned lawn. The other four men watched him until Charlie said,
"Is there a problem, Harry?"
"Hmm, no, not a problem. But I was thinking. If it turns out that this becomes a profit making opportunity for someone, the food concessionaires, the equipment companies, I think we need to look at sharing some of that. I'm not talking about rent, but maybe set up a fund that can be drawn on to make sure the facilities are kept up and then maybe look at providing equipment for youngsters who can't afford their own. Maybe start a summer youth league, that sort of thing."
He was still looking out the window so he didn't notice the looks and nods that he got. He returned his attention to the others and said,
"Well, I like what I'm hearing, but the first thing we need to do is get a hold of whatever records there might be that establishes the boundaries of the property so we know exactly what we have to work with. Then we need a demolition crew to clean the place up. And so on."
"I believe we can help there, Harry," Dunbar said. "I have some contacts that can get what we need from the muggle county authorities up there. Your brothers and I can work out the issues with the demolition. We think you have enough going on with your work at Hogwarts so we'll try not to burden you with too many of the details."
"And I'll get together with the other firms and work something out about that fund you were discussing. We had been thinking about renting space but I must say your idea is much more in keeping with the spirit of the whole project," Mr. Pinewood offered.
The men spoke for a while longer and then the meeting broke up. Harry escorted Oglethorpe and Pinewood to the door and after shaking hands he turned to his brothers.
"That went pretty well. Now what do you say we go see how the study group is doing. They're really anxious for you to get that book apart, Charlie."
"I can imagine, Harry. I think I've got it all figured out. Let's go see what we can do."
The three entered the library to find the study group divided into two groups. Professors Vector and Babbling had their heads together over some sheets that they must have copied from the tome. Professor Flitwick and Hermione were leafing through a small volume that one or the other must have brought with them. Professors Slughorn and Sprout were occupied with the tome proper, somewhere near the end.
Harry coughed a bit to get their attention. When he had it he said,
"If you can spare a moment or two, why don't we see what Charlie has been able to come up with?"
The Potions and Herbology teachers stepped back from the book and the rest shifted position so they had a view of what was to happen without being in the way. Charlie took out his wand and laid it beside the book and then removed a small phial of clear fluid from an inside pocket of his robe. He looked back at his brother and asked,
"We are pretty certain that there are no curses or traps, right?"
"I've checked it every way I know how and haven't found anything. How about you, Professor Flitwick?" Bill asked.
"To the best of my knowledge it's completely benign," the little wizard replied.
"Alright then, here we go."
Charlie closed the book and turned it over. This exposed the knots that held the leather strips together that bound the book. He took out his wand and tapped each complicated looking knot and muttered a few words. Each knot appeared to slowly shift, but in fact simply showed its true nature as the illusion of the much more complicated one faded away. When this was completed he opened the phial and let one drop of the syrupy liquid drip out onto each knot. The dry leather soaked up the liquid quickly. A faint vapor rose from each one and after a moment the knots began to unravel themselves.
When the leather strips stopped moving Charlie slowly lifted the wooden rear cover of the book and set it aside carefully. As he took his hands away there was a faint hiss and a small cloud of white vapor rose up over the unadorned leather surface. Charlie took a step back while everyone else leaned in a bit. From out of the cloud peered a pair of eyes, at once ancient and youthful, that Harry immediately recognized. In a strong voice 'Merlin' spoke,
"Congratulations, you have solved the first puzzle. You are well begun. You have chosen well, young Harry."
And with that the little cloud evaporated. Charlie looked at Harry with his eyebrows raised.
"Was that really…?" he managed to ask.
"It was the eyes and the voice, that I clearly remember," Harry said. "That the apparition used my name is a bit of a puzzler though."
"Well, at least we know our disassembling the tome isn't an issue," offered Professor McGonagall. "Have we made any provisions for safeguarding the various sections?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry offered.
He went over to the shelves nearest where the tome was kept and took down several plain wooden boxes. He carried them over to the desk and put them beside the tome.
"Each section can go in a separate box. We'll mark the outside and for now leave them here in the library until things are ready in the basement," he said as he opened a drawer in the desk and pulled out several smaller boxes. "Ginny also picked up some things that might help keep everything in order. We can use these to put page numbers on the individual sheets without actually writing on the parchment."
The small boxes apparently came from a stationary store and included clips, tabs and small sequentially numbered labels that could be temporarily affixed to the edges of the sheets.
"Well done, Harry," the Headmistress said. "And to you, too, Charlie. You've got us over our first obstacle quite nicely."
"Thank you, ma'am. Well, if you don't need me I have someone waiting for me. Harry, we'll be in touch next week sometime to keep you up to date on the Quidditch project."
With handshakes, Bill and Charlie left the library. Harry went to the book and with great care turned the tome over so it rested on the now loose back cover. He removed the front cover and placed it aside. Slowly and carefully he worked his way through the book, removing identifiable sections and placing them in one of the boxes. The name of the section was written on the attached label by Hermione in her clear crisp script and then she placed it back on the shelf. Hermione and Professor Flitwick separated the Latin section into two parts. The first appeared to be in living Latin, written during the time of the great empire and the other section appeared to be in a more vernacular form they think was used after the fall of Rome but survived among the few remaining scholars and other learned people. The remainder of the book went into the last box.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen," Professor McGonagall started, "it's been a productive day and I think it's time we left Professor Potter to his business. Thank you, Harry."
"No, thank you all. I know the tome was left to me, but I think only as a custodian. That's a legacy much too big for just one wizard."
"Would that all wizards and witches had your wisdom, Harry," the Headmistress said with a small smile.
With that everyone gathered their materials and personal effects and Harry escorted them to the front door. He and Hermione watched as they Disapparated from the front portico. Hermione was to stay and soon Ron would be arriving to have dinner with Harry and Ginny and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The two friends, and more, walked back into the library. Harry sat down in his favorite chair and Hermione took the one to his left.
"Well, I must say, Professor Potter, that seemed to go very well," she said with an impish grin.
"Well, thank you very much, Mrs. Weasley. It did indeed, although that little cloud was a bit of a surprise."
"More than just a little. Especially the way he mentioned you by name. I wonder what other surprises he has in store for us," Hermione mused.
"I'd imagine one or two, but I'm pretty certain it won't be anything unpleasant. I got the impression he genuinely wanted to share his knowledge with us," Harry said quietly.
They didn't get any further in the conversation as Kreacher ushered Ron into the library. Before Harry could even get out of his chair, Hermione was already moving toward her husband at a run. Their meeting and greeting was intense and Harry could see Ron going red from where he stood. He couldn't help but smile. When his two best friends separated Harry stepped up and offered his hand to Ron.
"Good to see you, mate," Ron said.
"Thanks, Ron. How have things been with you? How's the training coming?" Harry asked.
"We're down for a couple of weeks, Harry. They were giving it to us pretty good there for a while but Chief Maxwell decided to give us a breather and get us back on patrol rotation. He said he didn't want us losing our connection with the public. We have some new recruits as well so we're helping get them on their feet."
"Sounds good."
"It's working great. You did a good job setting everything up and getting it going," Ron said with a grin.
Harry replied with his customary shrug and half smile, getting rolled eyes from both his friends. They had just gotten settled into chairs when Ginny hurried through the door with her arms loaded with James. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley could be heard out in the corridor.
"Hello everybody, it's great to see you," Ginny said as she moved towards Harry who was getting up from his chair.
He took James and hugged him and then looked at him and said,
"Hello young man, I hope you were good for your mother."
"Of course he was, Harry," Ginny said as she exchanged embraces with Hermione and then her brother. "He and little Vee spent most of the day playing or napping. Oh, and by the way. You've been commanded to make an appearance tomorrow."
"I know, Bill already told me," Harry replied.
"Fleur is dying to know what went on at Beauxbaton," Ginny said.
"Well, I have plenty to tell, and I guess it'll start with all of you. Why don't we go into the living room, it will be more comfortable and it's a little while until dinner."
"Great idea," Ginny replied and they all moved toward the door, gathering up Mr. and Mrs. Weasley who had just come in.
Once they were all settled in, Harry began to relate his story about his trip to Beauxbaton and all that had occurred. Mrs. Weasley clucked her tongue in mild disapproval as Harry talked about flying as the dragon.
"And what would have happened if someone had seen you, Harry?" she asked.
"Oh, I imagine it would be chalked up to another strange unidentified flying object sighting. Let's face it, if someone saw a dragon flying overhead and said as much, everyone would just say they were crazy. Besides, it was just too much fun not to do," Harry finished with a grin.
Ron had been listening closely to Harry's description of flying and then laughed loudly at his best mate's last remarks. Ginny just shook her head. Mrs. Weasley gave her youngest son the evil eye but said nothing more. As Harry discussed what had transpired with the students Mr. Weasley commented,
"It's nice to hear they got rid of that pompous buffoon you had to deal with the last time. This Hammerkopf fellow sounds like a solid professional."
"That he is, Dad. I liked him right from the start and he's got his students well trained in technique and execution. The Beauxbaton students are very impressive."
"How is Gabi doing, Harry," Ginny asked.
"She seems to be doing alright, Gin, but I think there may be a bit of an issue there. We were talking about her plans for after graduation. She's going to be staying with Bill and Fleur for the summer to help with the new baby, but she doesn't seem to have anything solid lined up for afterward. She said she could work for her dad or one of his friends but it was very tenuous. I don't think she knows what she wants to do."
"Well, that's not terribly uncommon, Harry," Mrs. Weasley said. "There are many times when a student isn't sure where they want to go or what they'll be doing. Maybe she'll get some ideas being here for the summer, get a fresh perspective."
"Maybe. I told her she was welcome to visit us anytime, I'm sure Ginny and Abagail would love to have her around," Harry said.
"I'm sure Abagail would love having someone her own age around the place. Harry can be such a grumpy old man to have around," Ginny said with a straight face.
"Hey!"
Everyone started to laugh. Then Ginny pursed her lips and squinted a bit.
"Although I'm not sure I like the idea of having such a beauty hanging around the house."
Harry looked at his wife and said,
"What's one more? I've already got you and Abagail, occasionally Fleur, and then there's Angelina, not to mention El and Audrey are pretty attractive as well."
Ginny gave Harry a 'look' and then let the subject drop. The discussion at this point turned to the Quidditch park and the exchange program. Eventually, Nibs appeared to announce dinner was ready in the dining room and they all made their way there. They were perhaps half way through the meal when Harry raised a more serious topic.
"Dad, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course, Harry. What is it?"
"When you go in on Monday, could you stop by Games and Sports and see if anyone knows of a way to locate Viktor Krum?"
At the name of the famous Bulgarian seeker heads turned and everyone was looking at him.
"What's up with him, mate?" Ron asked.
Harry explained what he had be told and seen at Beauxbaton regarding the students who had either transferred or come directly there instead of Durmstrang.
"I thought maybe as one of their most famous recent graduates he might have some idea of what's going on. Ron, I also need you to take a message to Milligan. I'll write it up after dinner."
"Are you worried that something is going on at Durmstrang, Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"I'm sure something is going on, but we don't know what is causing the students to not want to be there. I mean it could be as simple as a new head that no one likes or a change in staff. Or it could be something much more serious. I'd just like to know. Look at what happened before when we ignored the signs."
"Well, no one can accuse you of not learning lessons from the past, Harry. Of course I'll check into Viktor Krum for you," Mr. Weasley said.
"No worries on the message, mate. I'll get it to Mr. Milligan first thing," Ron added.
"Thanks."
The rest of dinner passed with more discussion about the Quidditch park. Harry was looking at Ron when he said,
"You know, Ron, we should probably name the place after you. It grew out of your original idea for the club matches at Hogwarts."
Ron started to blush bright red, which clashed horribly with his orangey red hair.
"That's alright, mate, but once the place is built we should think about getting a team of our own together. Can you imagine what sort of talent we could put in the air?"
"Hmm, a couple of pros, a bunch of Hogwarts standouts, yeah, it would be pretty impressive," Harry said. "And since I'm on such good terms with the management I could probably get us on the playing schedule pretty easily."
This got a laugh from everyone. It had been a long day for everyone so once dinner was concluded it wasn't too long before everyone had said their farewells and headed for their homes or in Ginny and Harry's case, to their room. Sleep was quick in coming and Harry felt he was going to need it for his trip to Shell Cottage.
With that in mind he was up early and ate a full breakfast. As he contemplated the trip to visit Fleur a thought occurred to him, a thought that left him feeling rather ashamed of himself. In all this time and with the several trips to Shell Cottage, he had never taken the time to visit the seaside grave of Dobby. He wasn't sure why he had never done it. Perhaps it was something he needed Dr. Parsons to delve into. Whatever the reason he was going to make sure he visited this time.
He left from the portico and arrived at the far end of the garden where the now grass covered mound and headstone sat just as he had left them. He stood for a time, looking at the words, 'Here lies Dobby, a free elf'. It finally occurred to him that the gravesite was immaculate. The winter browned grass was neatly trimmed and the white headstone practically glowed, it was so clean. He would have to thank Bill and Fleur for taking care of it.
He stood for a few moments more and then walked the short distance to the front door and knocked. It didn't take but a moment for the door to swing wide and a dazzling pair of blue eyes regarded him intently. Fleur stood for a moment and then stepped back and allowed Harry to walk past her into the small sitting room. He saw Bill sitting on a chair, little Victoire perched on his lap. She was the first to say anything.
"Uncle 'arry!" she shouted as she slid off her father's lap and ran the short distance to be swept up by her favorite uncle.
"Hello there, sweetheart. How are you?" Harry asked.
"G'd, Uncle 'arry."
He gave her a last hug and set her down and turned to face Fleur. Her lips slowly turned up and she opened her arms, as much command as invitation, and Harry stepped forward and was caught up in the slender, yet strong arms.
"Ah, mon frere, eet ees so good to see you," she said.
Harry knew not to stint, despite her advanced pregnancy.
"It hasn't been all that long, Fleur. We were all together for Christmas."
"'arry, you 'ave just been to Beauxbaton. I weesh to 'ear all about eet. So come, seet down and tell us."
Harry took a seat on the small couch and was immediately joined by Victoire, who sat next to him and took hold of his hand in both of hers. He began to discuss his trip and just as Mrs. Weasley had, Fleur made sounds of disapproval as he talked about flying as the dragon. The difference was she didn't say anything more. Bill just smiled a bit.
"Any idea how fast you were going, Harry?" he asked.
"Not really, but the whole trip only took a few hours and it was a bit on the round about side. I can say I was moving right along," Harry quipped.
Fleur simply shook her head. Then Harry began to talk about the meeting with the Fan Club and how impressed he was.
"Oui, 'arry. Gabi 'ad written to me about that some time ago. She weeshed eet to be more than just a group of starry eyed children. I theenk she 'ad some sense that maybe you were not too comfortable weeth the idea and she wanted to make eet sometheeng you would approve of."
"I certainly do. They're a sharp bunch of kids, that's for sure," he replied.
Having brought up the idea of the fan club, the issue of Gabrielle's unsettled future came to mind and his expression must have shown it.
"What ees wrong, 'arry?"
"I don't know if I'd say something is wrong, Fleur, but Gabrielle was telling me about the plans for the summer, which are great, it'll be nice having her close by, but after that…" he finished with a shrug.
"Oui, 'arry. Poor Gabi ees very, 'ow you say, unsure of 'er future."
"But why, Fleur? She's such a bright witch, full of confidence and energy. I'd have thought all kinds of options were open to her," Harry said.
"She ees very bright, that ees true, 'arry and she 'as much energy, but I'm afraid the confidence ees more appearance than truth. Eet was not easy growing up my seester at Beauxbaton," Fleur said, a little anxiety showing on her face. "Many times her letters contained words that told me she was feeleeng pression, um, pressure. Professuers would say 'I remember your seester, you 'ave large shoes to feell'."
"I had no idea," Harry said quietly.
"'ow would you know, mon frere? But you cannot 'elp but care, can you?" she said.
"Well, she's family, Fleur."
"I know, 'arry," she said with a smile. "When she ees 'ere thees summer you can per'aps 'elp 'er work 'er way through 'er uncertainty. She greatly respects you."
Harry suppressed a shrug and said,
"I had made that offer to her already. And she'll have the chance to spend some time with Abagail and she has a way of helping people sort through this kind of thing. We'll give her as much help as she wants."
The discussion next fell to the issue of what was happening at Durmstrang. Bill scowled, giving his scarred face a particularly frighten aspect.
"That doesn't sound very promising," he said.
"I dunno yet, Bill. It could be something as simple as the school falling on hard times, or maybe whoever succeeded Karkaroff is unpopular or can't keep good staff. Or," he said with heavy emphasis, "it is something darker and more dangerous. I'm already looking for some more information and then we'll know."
Bill nodded. In the ensuing lull in the conversation Harry thought of something and said,
"I stopped at Dobby's grave when I first got here. You've been doing a great job of keeping it up. Thank you."
Bill shook his head and said,
"It hasn't been us, Harry. In all the time it's been out there, we've never had to pick as much as a blade of loose grass off of it. I don't know who's doing it but it's always spotless and in the warmer weather flowers are often left on it."
Harry frowned, trying to think of who would be doing that, without being seen or heard. He'd like to know so he could thank them. Another mystery. Harry spent the rest of the morning at the cottage, talking and playing with Victoire. He and Bill talked more about the Quidditch park and Fleur asked more questions about how Beauxbaton was. It was obvious she missed seeing the magnificent palace. Harry begged off staying for lunch, saying he didn't want to destroy their food budget for the month. With handshakes and hugs, he left the cottage and Disapparated back to Meadow Crest.
He had lunch with Ginny and James and spent the remainder of the day with them, either playing with James or sharing time in the library, Ginny working on the often sidelined journal. As Harry read, his attention would drift to the boxes that now contained the tome. He thought about the task of translation and dissemination that lay ahead. Then there were the issues of Durmstrang, the exchange program, the Quidditch park, not to mention trying to help Gabrielle and what life held for Abagail once she graduated. He began to wonder if perhaps there was a comfortable cave somewhere that would fit a rather large dragon.
He laughed to himself and went back to his reading.
