Beta love to the lovely Jasmett
"We could rig it with a small explosive." Fred mused, looking at the envelope thoughtfully.
"Or…or we manipulate a howler so it spits it out!" George locked eyes with Fred, practically radiating excitement. Severus wondered briefly if the rumours about twins being able to communicate telepathically were true. Not that he'd be asking them, the longer they remained in his classroom the greater the likelihood of something blowing up. Perhaps he'd ask them in Minerva's office….or Albus'. Definitely Albus'. Minerva had the whiskey. He could excuse it in the name of research, magical twins were notoriously tight lipped about their abilities. Albus would accept that but Minerva definitely would not, she would insist he should have used his own office. And really, Albus had far too much clutter, he'd be doing him a favour if he helped the twins remove some of it. It was practically an act of service.
Dragging himself out of his thoughts, Severus looked at them thoughtfully. "Experiment, you may have the classroom opposite mine, it is empty, I can ward it to only admit those you wish. Come back to me when you have something."
"Seriously?" Fred gaped. "If you don't mind my asking, Sir…who annoyed you so much you're allowing us to do this?"
"Hermione's mother," he responded without thinking.
"Jean?" George looked instantly nervous.
Severus snorted, privately acknowledging the validity of his fear, "No. Her biological one. Even I am not so brave as to send Jean anything like a bloody glitter bomb, she'd flay me alive!"
Both boys looked more than a little relieved. "Right, one glitter bomb for the evil bitch who gave up our 'Mione, coming up." George grinned.
"You will of course be making glitter that can be vanished for…subsequent ones. I'll be sending Ella the usual stuff."
"Of course, Sir." Fred grinned an evil little grin that should have terrified him before he saluted him and practically bounced out of the room.
Sighing as the door closed behind them, he hoped that he didn't live to regret allowing them to experiment. Annalise would approve. Although that thought wasn't hugely comforting, the woman was questionably sane. Still, hopefully, she'd at least be on his side if it all went tits up. He made a mental note to find out when the next governor's meeting was so he could warn her.
After giving himself five minutes to enjoy a rare moment of peace, he pulled himself up to go and retrieve Hermione from Andromeda. Praying to whatever deity might be listening that she was less emotional this week. He wore wool for Salazar's sake! Not for the first time, he wondered if perhaps he needed to look at using a water repelling charm on his robes.
Harry was waiting outside the room for his own session to begin. "How was quidditch?" Severus inquired lightly, taking in his slightly drowned appearance.
"Wet," he replied succinctly, running a hand absentmindedly through his soaked hair.
Severus hummed. "So I see. How are you feeling about this?"
"The sessions? Ah, they're ok. I feel…less…I dunno. Just less maybe."
He nodded, "You'll come and talk to me if you need to?" he checked.
Harry rolled his eyes at him and hummed in acknowledgement. "I think I've talked more in the last few months than I've ever had to in my entire life," he muttered.
"Tell me about it," Severus murmured under his breath. Given the smirk on Harry's face, he'd heard him.
Both of them jumped slightly as the door opened, Hermione emerged red-eyed but less tense looking than she had after the previous sessions. After greeting Severus, Andromeda beckoned Harry in as she called her goodbyes to Hermione.
"How are you, my girl?" he ventured into the silence as he steered her back towards the dungeons.
She shrugged. "Alright, I suppose"
"Hermione?" He probed with a small frown. That didn't bode well. He should have cast the sodding impervious charm before he left to pick her up. She shrugged again, so he dropped it until he reached his room. "Care to give me an explanation without a shrug?" he asked the moment she'd seated herself on his sofa.
She sighed, "It's…draining."
"Do you think it's at least helping?"
"I don't know. It's not really something that's easily measurable."
"No I suppose not." he mused, before deciding not to push any further. She clearly wasn't ok but perhaps she needed time to work through it inside her own head. He seemed to. And if he was honest, he really didn't want to fight her tonight; he could try again in a few days. "I spoke with Professor Lupin. He has agreed to help with Patronus lessons."
"Did he?" she perked up immensely.
"Yes. Tomorrow after Harry's quidditch training."
"For who?"
"You and Harry," he said firmly. "Grown wizards cannot produce this charm, Hermione, it is difficult. I'll be very surprised if you manage anything at all. The last thing we need is an entire group of you."
"Alright Father." she soothed, "I was only asking."
He could feel her practically vibrating with excitement at the thought, perhaps this was the way to go? Offering to teach her difficult and exhausting magic far above what she should be capable of after every session with Andromeda. It was something to think about. His buttons would be grateful for the reprieve after all. Although Andromeda would likely not approve of his methods. And she was rather tenacious when she put her mind to it. Could he bribe Hermione not to mention it? It might work if the promise was obscure knowledge. Although he'd definitely need to organise Occlumency lessons first. She couldn't hide what she was feeling if her life depended on it, and usually, that was both beneficial to him and endearing. But he liked his balls attached to his body thank you very much and it wasn't a guarantee if Andy found out that instead of talking through Hermione's sessions he was bribing her into a good mood with rare magic. He smothered a sigh. He'd need to write a list, he'd never keep track of all the things he had to do otherwise. It would be disastrous if he suggested them to Hermione in the wrong order. Andy was quicker with her wand than anyone realised.
"The incantation is Expecto Patronum," Remus explained, flicking his wand as a spectral wolf flew out of it.
"Wow." Hermione muttered, "They're so pretty."
Severus snorted, "They're an essential defence against dementors." he corrected.
"And they're pretty." She insisted, staring him down.
"They are quite pretty," Remus acknowledged with a smirk, making Severus roll his eyes.
"Now, I think perhaps we'll try it without any sort of dementor, fictitious or otherwise. It is both draining and incredibly advanced magic so don't worry if nothing happens. You need to focus on your happiest memory, clear your mind of anything else and picture it clearly in your head."
They both nodded looking determined. An hour, several memory changes and more than one bar of chocolate later, Severus called a halt, both of them had eventually managed to produce a non-corporeal white mist.
"That was excellent!" Remus beamed. The look Hermione gave him indicated that she thought he was patronising them. "No, really! Many adults don't even get that far, that you managed to get anything was impressive."
She only looked marginally mollified. "You're too hard on yourself," Severus murmured into her ear as he moved to hug her. "As much as it pains me to say it, Professor Lupin is right."
She sagged against him. "I don't like not getting it right."
"You are getting it right, it just takes time."
"Fine." she sighed.
He shook his head exasperatedly. "I do not want to hear of you practising until next week. Here. With a teacher."
"But…."
"No, Hermione. It is draining and it is difficult. You have a busy enough schedule and I refuse to visit you in the hospital wing because you're impatient."
She sighed. "Fine."
"And you, " Harry startled when Severus' attention suddenly swung to him. "I expect you to tell me if she ignores that directive."
"Yes Sir." he muttered, grinning impishly as Hermione glowered.
Severus eyed them suspiciously, knowing Hermione, he would need to ensure she couldn't exploit a loophole in order to practise. Hiding his sigh he began plotting how he could manage that and everything bloody else he had to do. Could he send an elf to watch her? They would surely? They liked jobs. And she probably wouldn't notice. Of course if she did….Gods he should have confiscated that book of hexes the moment she unwrapped it. Fucking Saul.
He'd seen her face though, she was not impressed with her progress despite their platitudes, overachieving little nightmare that she was. Where the fuck was this section in the parenting books? The one on protecting your perfectionist child from fucking magical exhasution because you appeared to be teaching them charms far above what they should be capable of. He'd almost take having to worry about finding her in fucking alcoves with Theodore fucking Nott over this. At least that would be easier to police. And damn it, he was not dealing with Jean if she ended up in the sodding hospital. He wasn't. She'd blame him and he'd be forced to listen to her lecture. Sighing internally, he gave into the inevitable, he was going to have to actually speak to his colleagues. It was the only loophole he could find. She could bat her eyelashes and ask Minerva or Fillius or Salazar alone knew who else to watch her while she practised, all while sticking to the order he'd given. And they'd all be bloody thrilled wouldn't they, Filius especially. Damn it. He didn't want to speak to them! They'd think it was hilarious that he was warning them not to help Hermione do fucking school work. They'd all have a fucking good laugh and patronise him and then…fuck…what if they ignored him? Minerva might. He'd have to convince them he was serious, which meant he'd have to spend a reasonable amount of time with them all. For fucks sake. Maybe Min could be persuaded to bring some whiskey?
"Now, what hex have you got planned for Alastor tomorrow?" he asked, refusing to spend any more time worrying about having to be….sociable.
"We thought we might give him antlers." Hermione mused. "And maybe that one that makes your hair grow rapidly. They're fun rather than serious and where else are we going to be able to practise them?"
Remus outright laughed, "I almost wish I could see that."
"You could," Harry shrugged, "Another set of eyes might help."
Remus hummed, trying not to look too pleased with the invitation. "Perhaps I will."
Severus shook his head, looking pointedly at Hermione "Away with you now, its glorious sunshine and I don't imagine you've seen any of it beyond what comes in the library windows. I want you outside. Collect that infernal dog on your way past and tire him out."
"You have a dog, Severus?" Remus asked, looking confused.
"Apparently." he said shortly, "He insists on answering to the name of Puppy."
"Puppy." Remus mouthed, looking back at Severus as if he wasn't sure who he was.
"Blame Hermione," he replied for what felt like the hundredth time.
Remus snorted. "I see."
Once he'd ensured Lupin was back in his rooms and therefore not likely to interfere in this next meeting and reassured himself the children were indeed outside, kicking a ball with Theo, Draco and surprisingly, Luna Lovegood as his demented dog chased after it, Severus headed back towards his rooms to wait on Saul.
"Gods I'd forgotten how twisty goblins were." Saul said in lieu of greeting as he stumbled out of the floo. Amelia followed shortly after him.
"Hello you, where's the beast?" she grinned, leaning down to kiss him before sitting at his side.
"Outside with the children. He likes them better than me anyway."
Amelia laughed, "Probably because they treat him like a cross between a cuddly toy and a baby. He must be the most spoiled dog in the whole of Scotland."
"Probably," he acknowledged, wincing as Minerva slammed his door open and strode in, almost throwing herself down on an armchair.
"Is everything alright?" he ventured, trying to gauge what level of shield he needed.
"That…that man is infuriating!"
"What's he done now?" Severus sighed. Albus related rants meant he was safe from her wand as long as he didn't imply she was overreacting or that he agreed with the Headmaster. He could do that. She supplied the whiskey, he'd lie if necessary.
"He wants to bring back the Yule ball. The fucking Yule ball! Not that he wants to organise it, he wants us to do that of course because we have nothing bloody else to do! And he wants to invite important people from the Ministry." she snorted, "It's a blatant bloody attempt to get them back onside after Amelia told them about the bloody basilisk debacle and the time turner fiasco. We're already nearly in October!"
Severus snorted, "Wonderful."
"Aye, it'll be delightful." She said with a suddenly impish grin, "High spirits, fairy lights and alcoves….that girl of yours is still taken with Mr Nott isn't she?"
"Don't you laugh!" he rounded on Amelia when he heard her attempt to stifle it. "Susan and Longbottom are still a thing."
"Oh aye!" Minerva nodded, "I forgot about them, I caught them in the back of the greenhouses the other day. I'd only gone looking for Pomona."
Amelia's face cycled through many different emotions. "You will watch her as you watch Hermione." she eventually snarled at Severus.
"It was just a wee kiss, Amelia." Minerva soothed, looking absurdly pleased with herself as Saul stifled a laugh beside her. "Nevilles a good lad. He's not one to take advantage."
"It's not Neville taking advantage I'm worried about! Susan has a mischievous streak a mile wide, she'll eat the boy for breakfast!"
Saul almost spat out the tea he'd just drunk. "Who knew teaching was so entertaining." he mused, ignoring Amelia's glower.
"Hold on. Does that mean you think I need to worry more about Hermione than I do Mr Nott?"
He didn't like the look that passed between Amelia, Saul and Minerva. What the fuck had he missed? Amelia's mouth opened and then closed again as she obviously thought better of whatever she was going to say.
"I think what Amelia is….suggesting…." Saul began carefully, "Is that young Theo is….wary of you and definitely of Jean. He also has a reasonable inkling of what Lucius and Narcissa are capable of and that's before we consider Annalise's reaction to anything overly improper." Severus nodded slowly, wondering when he'd get to the fucking point. "Hermione is…not scared of any of you. And unfortunately, she's rather determined when she sets her sights on something. I would imagine that as long as Thoros is not pushing Theo, she's the one making the rules."
Severus paled, his mind drifting back to the night he caught them. Theodore had been suggesting she go back to the tower. He had eventually looked properly contrite. Hermione on the other hand... Fuck. Fucking fuck. Fucking fuckity fuck fuck! How had he missed that? For fucks sake! He was supposed to be a fucking spy!
Thoros. He was going to fucking blame Thoros. It was his fault, distracting him with talks of betrothals. He'd taken his eye off the real target. His fucking daughter. Who needed to be more scared of him than she currently was. No…that wasn't right. He didn't want her to be scared of him. He wanted her to not want to kiss random boys in alcoves. He acknowledged that he believed her when she pointed out that she was sensible enough that he wouldn't be made a grandfather any time soon, especially given her plans for multiple masteries. Which was nice. But…but he also didn't want to catch her in any sodding alcoves doing unspeakable things to Theodore bloody Nott. Or any boy. Or girl. It didn't matter. He wasn't biased. Fuck. Fucking fuck. What the fuck had he been thinking before? This wasn't easier to police! He was going to have to ward every single alcove against her. He could do that, couldn't he? She couldn't drag anyone into an alcove if she couldn't fucking get into them in the first place. The elves would help. As he'd already established, they liked jobs. It would be fine. He paused. He'd need to do the empty classrooms too….maybe all the classrooms. He could figure out something that meant she could get in for actual lessons. It couldn't be that challenging, could it?
"Caught on have you?" Amelia said wryly. "Why the hell do you think they got on so well? They're not unalike."
"Yes thank you for that…" he sneered.
"Bloody going to have to build an elf army." he muttered under his breath. Apparently not quietly enough that Amelia didn't catch some of it given the odd look she gave him.
"What was that about elves?" Saul grinned, clearly enjoying the drama.
Minerva intervened before Severus could murder him. "Why exactly have we been summoned?"
"Ah. We got a Horcrux. Helga Hufflepuffs cup in the Lestrange vault."
Minerva's eyebrows rose. "And how did you manage that?"
"Well…we had to promise to return some things the goblins think are theirs. They're currently just lying about so it was fine." Saul waved his hand dismissively. "And then we pointed out that keeping a soul was likely against their terms and conditions. They were a bit annoyed that their protections had not been triggered, truth be told. We paid them half the contents of Lestrange's vault in recompense, alongside any artefacts that were goblin made. The other half will be held until they die. Apparently, they won't close it without talking to them directly. I didn't get the impression that talk was the word they wanted to use."
Severus snorted, "Not likely."
"Anyway, we have it now so…..it's a bit odd though isn't it?"
"What?"
"Well, I can't decide if the man is like a toddler, a teenage girl or a niffler. It's all shiny pretty things oh and a diary. Teenage girl it is then. A tiara, a diary and a pretty cup….I wonder what's next, jewellery? A handbag? Shoes maybe?"
Minerva rolled her eyes. "I dearly hope its heels. It would be amusing to watch him attempt to walk in them if nothing else. Any real ideas of what we're looking for?"
"None." Saul sighed. "Perhaps something else from the Founders?"
Severus hummed, "Possibly. Perhaps it's somewhere to start. Gryffindor's sword is the only one I know of for sure and that's said to not appear unless you're a true Gryffindor. I cannot imagine him having got his hands on that. Any ideas what Slytherins was?"
"Don't you?"
"Not a clue. I've never been much interested in pretty fripperies."
"We'd noticed," Saul replied drily. "How's Hermione getting on with her project?"
"She's started attempting to break down basilisk venom into component parts."
"Has she really? Why?"
"She thinks if they, because of course Harry is helping, can work out what the active ingredients are, they might be able to replicate it either synthetically or with something else entirely. I believe the working theory is some type of acid."
Saul blinked, "That's…rather inspired. I don't think any of my team even thought to consider that."
"They haven't. She wrote and asked before they began. Unspeakable Montgomery is visiting at some point soon to see what she's up to."
"Oh. Gregor. Good man that one!"
"I told you she'd start with basilisk venom," Minerva said smugly.
"Yes, yes. We understand that you are brilliant." Severus remarked, rolling his eyes.
"How kind of you to say so, Severus."
"Back to the bloody Horcruxes," he responded pointedly. "Where are we going next?"
"I have no idea." Saul sighed, "Has anyone any idea of places that were important to him?"
"Did someone check the Gaunt shack?" Minerva asked suddenly, remembering their conversation with Albus.
"Pardon?"
"The Gaunt Shack. He's related to them through his mother's line apparently. Albus thought it was worth checking."
"And when was he going to tell me this?" Saul demanded.
"I have no idea. However, I am telling you now."
Saul nodded sharply, his face clearly showing his displeasure. "You don't happen to know what artefacts the family of Hepizibah Smith said were missing?" Severus asked, recalling the same conversation as Minerva.
Saul frowned. "No." he admitted at the same time Amelia shouted, "Yes!" Severus arched an eyebrow at her. "The case is legend," she said with a shrug. "I had forgotten but all new Aurors are warned about it when they first start. They lost Helga Hufflepuffs cup and Slytherin's Locket."
"Good gods, so Slytherin's locket then?"
"Probably. It's a place to start anyway."
"And the ring," Minerva said thoughtfully.
"What fucking ring!" Saul howled in frustration.
"Albus said he wore a ring. He thought it might be one. Truly I thought you knew."
"Well, I did not!"
"My apologies." Severus inclined his head.
Saul rolled his eyes. "So Slytherin's locket, a ring, and the Gaunt shack." he sighed. "I suppose it's more than we had."
"Indeed."
"I'll put out some discrete feelers for the locket. Perhaps Lucius might help given his previous connections?" Amelia said.
Severus nodded, "I'll ask."
"Gaunt shack?" Saul inquired looking at her with resignation.
"Gaunt shack." She agreed.
"Wonderful. Now that that's sorted, who wants to plan a bloody Yule Ball?" Minerva asked.
"No one," Severus replied succinctly.
"Shame. You have no choice, my boy."
He rolled his eyes but didn't contradict her. It wasn't worth the risks. Vicious harpy that she was.
Two days later, grateful to have escaped more Yule ball planning, Severus and Remus watched with amusement as Moody lectured the group of teens. All of them had at least remembered to have their wand in hand, Ron had forgotten the previous week. Severus would be lying if he said he hadn't enjoyed watching Moody hex him.
"Now. We'll be practising the full body bind."
Neville grinned at Hermione. "Not one you have trouble with 'Mione."
She looked slightly sheepish which intrigued Severus. What had he missed?
"In that case lass, here with me. You can demonstrate, bring that lad of yours." Moody smirked at Hermione's exasperated sigh. She shot a look at Harry that had Severus immediately on edge. Raising her wand she cast at a resigned Theo who fell to the floor with a painful sounding thud. Moody released him with a sinister grin. "Very good. Although given that you're meant to be fond of the lad you could have cast a cushioning charm first, no?"
Hermione winced, sending Theo an apologetic look. "Maybe he'll persuade her to kiss his sore bits better," Fred murmured, yelping when Draco's stinging jinx hit him on the leg.
"My cousin will not be kissing any part of Theo that hit the floor," he muttered.
"Why, Malfoy! I only meant his head." Fred gave his best innocent look. Beside him Remus snorted, muttering a quiet, "Of course you did."
"Right. Malfoy with the Weasley you just hexed." Moody barked. "Nott with the other one. Bones with Granger-Snape, Potter with Longbottom, two youngest Weasleys together. Disarming, stinging jinxes, bodybinds. First to bind wins"
Draco had Fred bound in under ten minutes, Theo following not long after. Ginny had managed to catch Ron unawares and had used it to her advantage. Severus almost laughed out loud at the murderous look in the boy's eyes. Perhaps next time he'd focus. Harry was surprisingly having to work harder than he had anticipated with Neville, the look of concentration on both boy's faces was amusing. Yet despite it being a clear possibility, he almost gasped out loud when Neville caught him in what could only be called a lucky shot.
"Well fuck me. Longbottoms more like Frank than I'd given him credit for." Moody muttered at his side. While loath to agree, Severus couldn't deny it. Who would have guessed that a wand could make such a remarkable difference? Well, Saul clearly…but still.
Hermine and Susan were still duelling, both of them evenly matched. Remus was watching them intently. "Vicious little things aren't they?"
Severus snorted, "You should have seen Hermione jinx Nott. He was too polite to retaliate, she had no such reservations."
Remus snorted, "God help whomever she ends up with then. I do hope you'll buy them armour as a wedding gift."
"Or not," Severus replied with a small twitch of his lips.
"TIme!" Moody called. "Weasley one, you're getting sharper but Malfoy's dodging is getting quicker at a faster pace than your wand work. The same goes for Weasley two. Malfoy, stop playing with your food, finish it quickly, you could have had him down in five. Nott, you're still hesitating before you hex. Don't. You won't hurt them….much. Potter, Longbottom. Interesting match. Potter, you need to not get distracted, however minute. It's how he got you. Well done on exploiting the opportunity, Longbottom. Girl Weasley, well done. Weasley three, stop underestimating your sister and your wand work still needs work. Bones and Granger-Snape. That'll be the last time you two are paired together. Unless its doubles." A wicked smirk came over Moody's face. "Granger Snape and Bones against….Nott and…Longbottom. The rest of you watch."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Susan before taking up their places. Severus wondered idly if Moody had any idea of Susan's relationship with Longbottom. Either way, it made things interesting; he wondered if Longbottom would struggle in the same way Nott did.
Theo was down and bound in less than two minutes, apparently still unwilling to send a hex at Hermione. Longbottom was similarly cautious but at least he was attempting to seem like he wasn't. Still, it lasted all of three minutes all in all with the girls looking smug and…..slightly annoyed?
"What in the name of Merlin's arse was that!" Moody roared as he released the boys. "You can't allow a pretty face to fucking dominate you like that! Nott, I thought I'd already warned you! Longbottom, I expected better!" Both boys mumbled apologies. "Right, Nott and Longbottom against the Weasley twins." Moody sighed.
That duel lasted longer, they were surprisingly well matched once the Weasley twins began taking them seriously. Theo eventually went down after the twins blindsided him by casting across each other, Neville managed to catch George during the move.
"Better," Moody grumbled. "But not great. All of you fucking practice before next week! And Nott….you fail to hex that girl again and you'll be my partner….permanently."
Theo turned pale, swallowing harshly. "Yes, Sir," he muttered.
"Get out of my sight." Moody sighed. Shaking his head as everyone rushed for the door. Just before leaving Harry and Hermione both stopped. "Auror Moody?"
"Aye lass?"
"Anteoculatia." Hermione grinned when antlers immediately began growing, Harry's subsequent Celeri Capillus, distracting him from retaliating as his hair began growing at an alarming rate.
"Constant Vigilance, Auror Moody." They chirruped before bolting from the door before he could gather himself.
"Those little….." he muttered once he'd cancelled their jinxes. "I don't know whether to fucking skin them or be impressed with their nerve."
Remus laughed, "I'm sure you'll make them pay next week."
"Of course, I will. I just don't know whether to congratulate them first!"
"We think we've done it." Fred or George Weasley, he wasn't sure which, announced after his class less than a week later.
"Oh?"
"It was a bit tricky but we've modified a howler to spit out the glitter. You can still record a message…or get someone else to record a message I guess."
Severus nodded, thoughtfully, hiding how impressed he was, "How far on making glitter vanishable."
"Oh, we sorted that, if you put a modified, time delayed, engorgement charm on it you can then see it to vanish the stuff."
Severus blinked. "Not what I had been thinking but I can see how it might work. Have you tested it?"
The boys looked sheepish. "Professor McGonagall didn't mention it?"
"No…" Severus replied slowly.
"Oh well…we tested it. It took a few tries to be honest. I'm pretty certain the whole of Gryffindor tower sparkles."
Severus' jaw dropped. How the fuck had he missed Minerva whinging about that?
How had Hermione not mentioned it?
As if reading his mind one of them snorted, "Ye, 'Mione cast a repelling charm. The stuff doesn't touch her. She helped with the howler though, she seemed to think it was easier because we already had half of the product done."
"She's not wrong. It was much quicker than the stuff we've invented from nothing." The other twin added thoughtfully. "It usually takes months!"
Severus made a strangled little noise in the back of his throat. "Is she aware of who it's for?"
The twins snorted in unison. "Yes. Apparently, you mentioned exploding glitter on her birthday. She figured it out."
"Fucking wonderful." he muttered, "I shall expect a lecture momentarily."
Wisely the twins didn't acknowledge that. "We'll drop off a sample with the vanishable glitter." They announced, "Maybe you should test it with that before sending a real one?" He nodded wondering who he could send it to. "Probably wise." he agreed. Fred and George saluted him before bouncing out of the room.
Deciding that whiskey was required before his daughter found him in full-blown lecture mode, he moved swiftly through to his living room, sinking into the sofa with a groan. Perhaps it was time to invest in earplugs?