Dobby's Message

Anton had never expected that, while gathering information about the everyday lives of wizards, he would get stuck on the very first topic: wine.

Wine was a curious thing. Many people hated it, yet it had always accompanied the emergence and development of civilization. Throughout human history, across all times and places, people's lives had never been free of it.

"You want to research magic related to wine?" Madam Pince raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to brew some?"

Anton shook his head. "No, I just want to learn about magic related to wine. Spells or potions, either would do. Ideally, something encyclopedic."

"There is a book just like that." Madam Pince nodded knowingly. "Hall the Drunkard's Secrets, by the modern wizard Hall. It covers practically every common and uncommon bit of magic related to wine. It's perfect for you."

Anton's eyes lit up. "I'd like to borrow it."

"Let me think..." Madam Pince furrowed her brow slightly and turned to search the shelves. After a while, she pulled a rolled-up piece of parchment from the farthest corner of the top shelf.

She gently blew the dust off it, untied the silk ribbon, and carefully unrolled it.

"Borrowed by Professor Sybill Trelawney... six years ago."

Anton sucked in a breath and stared at her in shock. "Does that mean the book's as good as gone?"

"No." Madam Pince rolled the parchment back up and carefully tied it with the ribbon. "According to the book's magical record here, its protective enchantments haven't been damaged, and it hasn't left Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Perhaps Professor Trelawney forgot about it. It's no great matter. Since you need it, you can ask her to return it for me."

The whole thing sounded like a hassle. Anton sighed helplessly. "If I run into