The ride on the Hogwarts Express was pleasantly quiet. His arrival in London was much less eventful than last year, with the Peals sweeping him home straightaway. The one thing he couldn't expect, though, was the crushing hug he received from Clareone when he came through the doorway.
It took several minutes before she could let him go. Looking up, Eric was astonished to find that she had been crying. "I thought we lost you!"
Eric looked up sheepishly. "It's been a hard year."
Looking about, Clareone suddenly noted the presence of her husband and son. Quickly wiping her tears, she straightened up. "Yes, well, we'll see if we can't have an easier summer. Goodness knows we all could use some quiet time."
He hated to break the moment, but this was the first time Clareone had softened, and he didn't want to surprise her. "Um, a few of us were planning to get together in a couple weeks to go out."
She looked down at him, then smiled. "I expect you all to be very careful, and there will be a curfew."
It was Eric's turn to hug her. "Don't worry; I'll be good."