At the Leaky Cauldron, Professor Dumbledore was sipping violet sparkling water. Beside him sat a freshly opened tin of Cockroach Cluster.
The candy cockroaches inside were scrambling to crawl out, but an invisible barrier across the opening held them fast.
Professor Slughorn, meanwhile, was sprawled in a comfortable wingback armchair, both feet resting on a large velvet cushion he had conjured. He looked thoroughly content.
In his left hand, Professor Slughorn held a small glass of grape juice. With his other, he rummaged through a box of candied pineapple, tossing a piece into his mouth every so often.
"Oh, I have to say, Ambrosius's work just keeps getting better," Professor Slughorn boasted to Dumbledore as he chewed a piece of candied pineapple.
"The best thing I ever did was introduce him to Ciceron Husky, so he could get his first job.
Even now, I still get this delicious candied pineapple for half price at Honeydukes!"
"Yes, you certainly have a good eye, Horace." Dumbledore took a sip of sparkling water, looking delighted. Then he remarked casually, "Especially since you're always willing to teach a little magic to talented students..."
"Ahem!" Professor Slughorn coughed loudly twice, suddenly taking a keen interest in his sugar-coated fingers.
At the same time, he asked as if it had just occurred to him, "Why hasn't Severus brought Harley over yet?
I can't wait to have another chat with that girl from the gifted class. Merlin's beard, she's so talented—more so than her mother.
Her ingenious ideas have given me plenty of inspiration this year! If I were still at Hogwarts, I'd have to get her into my club!"
Dumbledore nodded with a smile. He'd only brought it up offhandedly before.
He certainly couldn't ask about something so important in front of everyone.
They didn't have