The warmth of the Swiss cabin seemed to still be wrapped around them when the Grangers' car drove into London's winter gloom. The gray sky hung low, and a fine, cold rain tapped against the windows. Hermione leaned back in her seat, watching the familiar yet unfamiliar city streets fly past outside. The Starlight Bracelet on her wrist pulsed with steady warmth, dispelling the dreariness of the journey home.
"The holiday went by so fast." Aunt Monica turned around from the passenger seat and handed them two thermoses. "Try this. Mom's special Journey Warm Mist Tea, with ginger and honey to ward off the cold."
Hermione took one, twisting off the lid as warm, sweet steam mixed with the sharp scent of ginger filled the air. She naturally handed the other one to Lynn beside her. "The agreement says we should prevent colds."
Lynn accepted it, the warm cup easing the chill from his fingertips. He took a sip, and warmth slid down his throat, sweet with honey and faintly spicy with ginger. It was comforting. He watched Hermione sip her tea, her cheeks slightly flushed by the steam and her eyes narrowed in contentment, like a satisfied cat.
"The appointment with the Department of Mysteries is at three tomorrow afternoon. The address is written on the note." Uncle Wendell's voice came from the front seat, carrying a trace of barely noticeable worry. "Do you need me to go with you?"
"No need, Dad." Hermione immediately replied, her tone soothing yet firm. "It's just supplementary registration. Lynn and I can handle it. Right?" She turned toward Lynn, seeking an ally.
Lynn nodded. "Yeah." His gaze fell on the increasingly familiar direction of King's Cross Station beyond the window. Beneath his collar, the Star Stone gave off a faint, wary chill.