Gaia, who had stayed where she was, shook her head, making the blue ribbon newly tied around her single horn sway with it. Somewhat ill at ease, she said to Tina, "I hope Lenn's mate will like our fruit. I've seen Veela. They like throwing fireballs, not eating."
Tina lifted her wings. Two small chains were tied to the tips, each bearing a wolf. "I curled up in his pocket and went to the Ministry of Magic with him. He is far too proper and stiff in front of humans... so I prepared some bright feathers, so he can be a little more cheerful when he dances his courtship dance in front of his mates. Perhaps he'll be able to marry them and bring them home sooner."
"I thought humans didn't do that?" Gaia's horse face was full of confusion.
"Lenn told me Allen did that for that obnoxious phoenix!" Tina's tone suddenly grew low. "I'm just a little worried Lenn will be like Allen. Once he has mates, he won't come play with us anymore..."
Allen instantly felt so awkward it was as if he had plunged headfirst into the low, thorny shrubs in front of him. He simply raised a hand and pretended to tidy the hair on his forehead, hiding the embarrassment and stiffness on his face. Privately planning to bring some gifts over in a few days, he acted as though he had heard nothing and Apparated with the other Harrises to continue following Lenn.
Before a vast Bubble Palace like sea foam, Lenn stopped at the steps leading up to the palace.
Carrying a basket full of gifts, Lenn's nerves began acting up again. He started imagining what it would be like to meet Mrs. Delacour, and began practicing his lines under his breath. In