At the speed broomsticks could fly now, they could no longer catch up with Muggle jet planes.
Traveling by air had also become increasingly common among Muggles, and from a certain perspective, it showed that wizarding society's progress had nearly stagnated.
Yet some things still retained their traditions. In 1838, after Queen Victoria was formally crowned at Westminster Abbey, she rode in the royal carriage back to Buckingham Palace. The route was packed with spectators, and because she was a young, unmarried queen, her admirers waited by the roadside to toss love letters into her carriage. Some even went to Buckingham Palace bearing declarations of marriage proposals.
The current queen had likewise ridden in the carriage after her coronation. For over two hundred years, from George IV to the present day, every British monarch had ridden in this carriage to their coronation. The wood used for its body came from fragments of Henry VIII's warship, the Mary Rose, and from the apple tree beneath which scientist Newton discovered gravity. The wood on its doors came from famous landmarks across Britain, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Kensington Palace. It was also set with the insignia of World War II ace pilots, bullets from the Battle of Waterloo, silver ornaments from British Arctic expedition sleds, and more.
In short, Pomona and Severus were now inside Buckingham Palace.
"I thought you said we'd go back early after dinner." Pomona lowered her voice, afraid it would echo through the luxurious, empty room.
Severus ignored her. Ever since they had been led inside, they had sat on the sofas in this hall without even being served tea.
"Do you know where Lucius went?" Pomona asked, searching for something to say.
"Did your Auror friends ask you to find out?" Severus asked sarcastically.