The Taste of Home

"When are you leaving for Ilvermorny?"

"Tomorrow."

"So soon?"

"Severus and Aegilbert have urged me several times. Better not keep them waiting too long."

"Are you confident?"

"Not for now."

"I see..."

Loren kicked aside a branch at his feet and watched it vanish into the grass. "Then be careful when you go to Ilvermorny... Here, take a Bronze Knut. If you run into Voldemort and can't beat him, remember to contact me. The distance is great, but with my current abilities, I should be able to get there quickly."

"Mm... I will."

Dumbledore smiled gently and accepted the modified coin, turning it over in his hand as he examined it. As an old wizard equally skilled in Alchemy, he could easily understand the Communicator's function. He seemed especially interested in the parts of its design that incorporated Muggle ideas.

Loren explained how to use it while listening to the headmaster's soft questions. Crickets chirped now and then, and he found this summer night exceptionally peaceful.

Headmaster Dumbledore was a good man. His life should not have been confined to Hogwarts' high towers. The past century could no longer be reclaimed. Hopefully, after retirement, he could set out on his travels in peace instead of worrying about where Horcruxes might be hidden.

After walking around the garden paths, they failed to find where the crickets were hiding, but they did spot several Frogs. They lurked in a shallow pool with half their heads above the water, croaking loudly. When Loren and Dumbledore approached, they fell silent. They were not afraid of people, their glossy black eyes staring straight at them.

Loren yawned. "Did you know Harry is staying at school?"

"He told me."

"You agreed?"

"Sirius Black's daughter has been born. He should go see her, but he worries that