Learning the Spell
Hermione sent me an interdepartmental memo earlier at work inviting me to stop by and pick up an outfit for Lily. So instead of heading straight home from work to Godric's Hollow I've stopped over in Hogsmeade. I Apparated near the Three Broomsticks and stopped in and put in an order with Rosemerta for me to pick up and take home for supper tonight. That done I stroll leisurely up High street and make the turn onto the lane the cottage the three of us shared for six months. I chuckle as I realise that I'm not the only homeowner that could benefit from Neville's expertise.
When I reach the edge of the property I stop, send a Patronus announcing my arrival, and patiently wait. The energy rolling off the cottage is so intense I can feel it. Hermione wasn't kidding when she said they'd beefed up their security. After a couple of minutes Hermione opens the door and greets me. She ambles up the walk and then twirls her wand through a series of motions while muttering under her breath. Suddenly the energy coming off the house feels different, less threatening.
"Follow me Harry, you are just in time for an early supper if you'd like?" She blushes slightly as she says this. "I can't help myself. When Ron works late, like he is tonight, I usually eat something before Ron comes home and then eat with him too."
I shake my head, "Ginny did the same thing once she came home for good, I wouldn't worry about it, although if Ron figures out you are eating more often he might insist on you letting him eat more often."
She leads me into the cottage and I note that the furnishings have changed quite a bit since I moved out. I suppose it's because of the attack on the cottage. I follow her to the dining table and take a seat. "So, you want to join me?"
I hold a hand up. "No thanks, I put in a take-out order with Rosemerta on my way here for Ginny and I."
"Oh." There is a moment where her expression shows disappointment, but then it's gone again. "Oh well, more for me I suppose, you don't mind if I eat do you?"
I smile genially. "Of course not. I suppose I'm not really here to pick up an outfit for Lily am I?"
She sits down at the end of the table where there is a sandwich and bowl of soup. "No, I figured you would want me to show you the spell I found for you and Tonks to use to detect magic. I think you'll love it, not only does it detect magic, but it records the signature so specialists in the Department of Mysteries or Department of Magical Law Enforcement can tell you the source of the magic and what it does."
When I reach the edge of the property I stop, send a Patronus announcing my arrival, and patiently wait. The energy rolling off the cottage is so intense I can feel it. Hermione wasn't kidding when she said they'd beefed up their security. After a couple of minutes Hermione opens the door and greets me. She ambles up the walk and then twirls her wand through a series of motions while muttering under her breath. Suddenly the energy coming off the house feels different, less threatening.
"Follow me Harry, you are just in time for an early supper if you'd like?" She blushes slightly as she says this. "I can't help myself. When Ron works late, like he is tonight, I usually eat something before Ron comes home and then eat with him too."
I shake my head, "Ginny did the same thing once she came home for good, I wouldn't worry about it, although if Ron figures out you are eating more often he might insist on you letting him eat more often."
She leads me into the cottage and I note that the furnishings have changed quite a bit since I moved out. I suppose it's because of the attack on the cottage. I follow her to the dining table and take a seat. "So, you want to join me?"
I hold a hand up. "No thanks, I put in a take-out order with Rosemerta on my way here for Ginny and I."
"Oh." There is a moment where her expression shows disappointment, but then it's gone again. "Oh well, more for me I suppose, you don't mind if I eat do you?"
I smile genially. "Of course not. I suppose I'm not really here to pick up an outfit for Lily am I?"
She sits down at the end of the table where there is a sandwich and bowl of soup. "No, I figured you would want me to show you the spell I found for you and Tonks to use to detect magic. I think you'll love it, not only does it detect magic, but it records the signature so specialists in the Department of Mysteries or Department of Magical Law Enforcement can tell you the source of the magic and what it does."