Vacation and Construction

When vacation finally arrived, all of Hogwarts was swept up in joy, and even the fifth-years with uncertain futures were no exception.

As for the seventh-years, they had already begun leaving school early in dribs and drabs. Even those who remained had either planned graduation trips or had no need to worry about work at all.

"Will you come, Taylor?"

Roger, his face bright with delight, invited Andrew. He was one of the rare few who planned to get married immediately after graduation.

That was not unusual in the Wizarding world. While not quite that extreme, the Weasleys were more or less the same, and so were the Potters.

Andrew hesitated as he looked at the date on the invitation. He and Roger were not especially close, but they spent plenty of time together on the House team. In theory, he should go offer his blessings.

But the date was right when the second round of talks was due to take place. Though it seemed likely to change for now, he could not simply ignore the possibility.

The key was that he could not explain the reason, either. It was a highly classified project.

"Sorry, Roger. I can't be sure whether I'll be free that day, but I'll prepare a signed gift and have it delivered publicly."

He spoke solemnly, with a touch of apology.

A hint of regret appeared on Roger's face. His eyes shifted as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he held it back.

"Then thank you very much, Taylor. I'm really looking forward to that gift."

He thanked him with a smile, then left after a few pleasantries to invite the others. If he did not finish while everyone was still here, quite a few people would be traveling abroad when the